In a freewheeling interview with Andrew Moreau, Media Director, Alltel, we find out the core focus area of this leader in the Communications and Information Services industries, which provides wireless, local telephone, long distance, Internet and paging services to more than 10 million Communications customers in 24 states and Information Services to telecommunications, financial and mortgage clients in 55 countries and territories, worldwide. 

1. Could you give us an overview about Alltel and its service offerings? Who are your target customers?

ALLTEL offers wireless, wireline, long-distance, Internet (including DSL) and paging services to more than 12 million customers in 26 states. The company has competitive offerings that target all customer segments. 

2. Was your decision to discontinue the Information Services joint venture started along with Bradford & Bingley Group of West Yorkshire a logical conclusion or a mere business strategy in the increasingly competitive market?

Both ALLTEL and Bradford & Bingley agreed it was appropriate to discontinue funding for the joint venture because the business climate for outsourcing in the UK was limiting the entity's ability to leverage the business across a broad customer base. 

3. What was the core focus area of the Salomon Smith Barney 13th Annual Global Entertainment, Media & Telecommunications Conference held in California earlier this month? What was the outcome of the event?

ALLTEL, as is typical for such conferences, was asked to give a presentation highlighting company operations.

4. How do the company's fourth-quarter earnings rate this year, as compared to last quarter's earnings? Where would you position yourself next quarter?

For current businesses, EPS for the quarter was up 12 percent; revenues were up 13 percent; and net income was up 12 percent. The company will continue to focus on growth opportunities in the communications industry. 

5. What came of the decision to expand Alltel's Operations to Mississippi? How far have you progressed as far as 'national calling plans' and 'wireless data services' are concerned?

ALLTEL anticipates closing on the property this quarter. The company then will move quickly to offer expanded calling plans and other advanced services to our new customers in Mississippi. 

6. ALLTEL had announced strong third-quarter results where the company achieved double-digit earnings growth fueled by strong communications revenue growth from current businesses coupled with a strong 4th quarter, what will be your strategic focus areas for the year 2003.

In 2003, ALLTEL will focus exclusively on the communications industry. The company will continue to maintain its financial flexibility and its strong balance sheet while pursuing balanced growth opportunities. 

7. What are the solutions that Alltel has for enhancing business critical decisions for enterprises especially in the core area of technology products?


ALLTEL has multiple products available and the company prides itself on the ability of our sales force to work intimately with customers to build solutions that address their needs. 

About ALLTEL

ALLTEL, with more than 12 million communications customers, and more than $7.5 billion in annual revenues, is a leader in the communications and information services industries. ALLTEL has communications customers in 26 states and provides information services to telecommunications, financial and mortgage clients in more than 50 countries. They are in the business of applying our vast range of technological expertise and capabilities for the competitive advantage and convenience of our customers. 

For more information visit www.alltel.com 

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