Equifax And Magnum Communications To Deliver Fast Access To Consumer Credit Risk Information For Wireless Industry

ATLANTA, March 30, 1998 -- Equifax Inc. and Magnum Communications, Limited, have teamed up to offer wireless carriers instant access to current on-line credit data needed when processing new service applications.

Magnum will provide a direct link to the Equifax Telecommunications & Utilities Solutions MultiVisionSM platform through its CREDICHECK(r) IV software. CREDICHECK IV can be used on a variety of operating platforms for application processing, collections, customer service, or purchasing. The link between the carrier's site and Equifax is seamless, transmitting the needed information within seconds. This ensures that accurate, non-biased decisions are made at the point-of-sale.

Val Perry, senior vice president and general manager of Equifax Telecommunications & Utilities Solutions said, "This alliance provides the solution carriers need to accurately and efficiently assess the risk of serving each customer. It enables carriers to combine the benefits of up-front risk management and initial customer service contact, starting the service off on a solid footing."

Magnum's CREDICHECK IV formats the application inquiry data, retrieves the report from Equifax and rates the applicant using Equifax's proprietary scoring methodology. The returned data is presented in a user-friendly format. Depending upon the carrier's requirements, a deposit, pre-payment or additional information may be required before an applicant can open an account.

All of the Equifax Telecommunications & Utilities Solutions' products can be accessed via CREDICHECK IV, including:

• POSITIVE ID(SM) -- Identification verification
• D.L. Advantage(SM) -- Identification verification through Driver's License information
• Safescan(r) -- Fraud alert
• Wireless Risk Assessment Model(SM) -- Credit score designed specifically for the wireless industry
• Exchange(SM) --Payment history with other telecommunications vendors and skip tracing information

Magnum Communications, Limited, has been actively involved in providing customer acquisition and risk management solutions since it was founded in 1976. Carl Eikhoff, president and chief executive officer, first recognized the need for direct computer-to-computer access to the credit reporting agencies. Since then, Magnum has continued to develop information systems for credit management and data communication. Magnum currently serves clients in the telecommunications, banking, finance, retail, credit card, utilities, and many other industries. Says Eikhoff, "Working with Equifax to provide this service will greatly enhance the process of acquiring and growing customers in the wireless service industry. Just as wireless is a dynamic industry facing enormous growth, this alliance will facilitate that growth with ease and efficiency."

Equifax's worldwide knowledge-based information, transaction processing, consulting and software businesses are designed to bring buyers and sellers together, thus changing the shape of global commerce. Equifax serves the banking, financial, retail, credit card, telecommunications/utilities, automotive, government and health care industries. It is a leading supplier of business information solutions in Canada, the UK and Latin America. Equifax operates in 17 countries with sales in more than 40 countries. Founded in 1899 in Atlanta, Equifax (NYSE: EFX) today has 10,000 employees around the world. Revenues for the 12 months ended December 31, 1997, were $1.4 billion. Visit the company's Internet web site at http://www.equifax.com.