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Patrick Gordon, Mayor of Oak Forest, Ill., U.S. Cellular customer
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Growing
profitably. While everything we undertake at U.S.
Cellular works toward our goal of satisfied customers,
we are also committed to growing profitably. Profitable
growth doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why
our strategy is integrated, and why everything we do is
designed to keep U.S. Cellular financially strong and
well positioned for the future.
Over the last few years,
we have been investing in U.S. Cellular’s future
by allocating our resources to longer-term initiatives,
such as strengthening our footprint
and our network. Capital expenditures in 2003 totaled
$633 million in support of these efforts.
And while our expenses were
higher this year than last, we made progress trimming
our costs. For example, we negotiated with other carriers
to save the company more than $25 million in roaming expenses.
We also simplified pricing schedules, streamlined processes
and consolidated operations, including our billing systems.
Our billing system conversion, which eliminated the dual
billing system in Chicago, has lowered general and administrative
expenses considerably.
Driving standards of excellence.
Smart planning, disciplined execution and a clear sense
of purpose are key to achieving our twin goals of customer
satisfaction and profitable growth. Having the right people
is essential to our success. That’s the essence
behind our Dynamic Organization, which
is based on the five key values of ethics, pride, empowerment,
respect for one another and a total focus on the customer.
These values are embedded in all we do at U.S. Cellular.
Our
focus in 2004. Our focus in 2004 remains on satisfying
our customers and growing
profitably. We aim to:
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Drive growth and
profitability in our new and established markets; |
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Continue
improving our network coverage and service quality,
with particular emphasis on completing the build-out
of several of the markets we acquired in 2003; |
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Complete
the deployment of CDMA 1X; and |
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Continue
to develop U.S. Cellular’s line of data services,
including launching our picture messaging service. |
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We are committed to delivering the results our customers—and
shareholders—expect. We’re enthusiastic about
our prospects for 2004. With the dedication and commitment
of our associates, guided by our strategy and empowered
by our Dynamic Organization, we are confident that 2004
will be another great year for U.S. Cellular. 1
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