ENTERTAINMENT CLOSE-UP-3 July 2008-AT&T Exec to Chair Family Online Safety Institute(C)2008 - CloseUpMedia - newsdesk@closeupmedia.com

AT&T announced that Brent Olson, assistant vice president of Public Policy, Emerging Services and Technologies at AT&T, will become the next chairman of

Dedicated to the issue of cyber safety, AT&T has been a member of the international, nonprofit organization for three years.

"It is an honor to lead FOSI's board as our members work together to educate the public and policymakers about online safety and promote innovative and effective solutions for families," Olson said. "Consistent with FOSI's core mission, AT&T is committed to providing our customers with a safe and secure online experience while respecting free expression. In this leadership role, I look forward to representing a membership of responsible companies that seek to advance this mission."

Stephen Balkam, chief executive of FOSI, said, "Brent's depth and experience with the nation's largest broadband and wireless provider will be a tremendous asset to FOSI and its mission to make the online world safer for kids and families. Once limited to desktop or laptop computers, we are confronted with new challenges every day as kids access the Web through cell phones and other wireless devices. As a leader in the industry, AT&T recognizes that online safety applies to the entire Internet spectrum, and its innovative tools and best practices will strengthen FOSI's commitment to make the online world a safer place."

Earlier this month, in recognition of National Internet Safety Month, AT&T announced a new partnership with nonprofit advocacy organizations, including FOSI, to promote online safety for all Internet users. As the nation's largest broadband provider, AT&T has a long-standing commitment to protect consumers online and safeguard their Internet experience, including by providing parental controls such as Surf Smart (Internet at home), Wireless Smart (mobile phone), Watch Smart (TV viewing) and Talk Smart (traditional home phone).

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