2003 was marked by the successful accomplishments of our
strategies throughout the company. For 2004, we are focused
on the following strategies and goals:
U.S.
Cellular
 |
| • |
|
Drive growth and
profitability in new and established markets |
| • |
Continue
improving the network coverage and service quality,
with particular emphasis on completing the build-out
of several markets U.S. Cellular acquired in the
AT&T Wireless asset exchange |
|
| • |
Complete
the deployment of CDMA 1X |
|
| • |
Continue
to develop U.S. Cellular’s line of data services,
including launching its picture messaging service |
|
TDS Telecom
|
| • |
|
Strengthen existing
ILEC
markets by maintaining customer satisfaction
and developing new revenue streams |
| • |
Continue
to grow its CLEC operations, with a focus on profitable
growth |
|
| • |
Create
efficiencies and productivity improvements by optimizing
cross-functional processes in the ILEC and CLEC
operations |
|
| • |
Expand
operating-cluster service areas where existing assets
can best be leveraged |
|
| • |
Champion
public-policy positions that are in customers’
best interests |
|
Telephone and Data Systems,
Inc.
|
| • |
|
Maintain TDS’s
strong investment-grade credit ratings |
| • |
Further
improve the resource-allocation processes to enhance
the long-term value of the company and shareholder
returns |
|
| • |
Maintain
sufficient liquidity to allow the business units
to pursue strategic opportunities |
|
| • |
Continue
the common stock repurchase program, as market conditions
warrant |
|
Going forward, TDS is well positioned for future growth
and success. The company is a full-service provider with
established wireless and wireline operations. It has disciplined,
targeted strategies and is executing them. It is focused
on profitable growth and long-term valuation creation,
and it has a strong balance sheet. And, TDS has committed
employees and associates dedicated to excellence in service
and operating results.
We’d like to take
this opportunity to thank all TDS employees and associates
for the outstanding work they do. And, on behalf of all
10,900 of us at TDS, we thank you, our shareholders, for
your continued support. We remain totally committed to
fulfilling our mission at TDS, which is to provide outstanding
communications services to our customers and meet the
needs of our shareholders, our people and our communities.
Cordially yours,
LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Walter C.D. Carlson
Chairman of the Board |
