OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 28, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Dobson Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DCEL) reported today that net subscriber additions for the third quarter ended September 30, 2002 were approximately 14,300, compared with approximately 26,600 net subscribers for the same period last year. These totals do not include net subscriber additions for American Cellular Corporation, which is jointly owned by Dobson and AT&T Wireless.
Dobson's postpaid customer churn was 2.0 percent for the third quarter of 2002, compared with churn of 1.9 percent for the same period last year. Gross subscriber additions (postpaid) were approximately 58,800 for the third quarter, equal to gross subscriber additions for the same period last year.
American Cellular's total net subscriber additions were approximately 15,200 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2002, compared with approximately 25,500 for the same period last year.
American's postpaid customer churn was 2.0 percent for the third quarter of 2002, compared with churn of 1.8 percent for the same period last year. Gross subscriber additions (postpaid) were approximately 49,900 for the third quarter, compared with 54,300 gross subscriber additions for the same period last year.
Both postpaid and prepaid subscribers are included in net subscriber additions. Gross subscriber additions and churn are reported on a postpaid basis only. The totals above give effect to and thus exclude the results of the five properties that were sold to Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) by Dobson Communications and American Cellular during the first quarter ended March 31, 2002.
Conference call
Dobson plans to report its full third quarter 2002 results after the close of regular market trading on Thursday, November 14, 2002. The Company plans to conduct a conference call to discuss the results the following day, Friday, November 15, beginning at 9 a.m. ET (8 a.m. CT). The call will also be broadcast on the Internet.
Those interested may access the call by dialing:
Conference call (800) 665-0430
Pass code 338308
The call may also be accessed via the Internet through the Investor Relations page of Dobson's web site at www.dobson.net. A replay of the call will be available later in the day via Dobson's web site or by phone.
Replay (888) 203-1112
Pass code 338308
As part of the conference call, the Company expects to discuss its operating outlook and other strategic issues.
Dobson Communications is a leading provider of wireless phone services to rural markets in the United States. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the Company owns or manages wireless operations in 17 states. For additional information on the Company and its operations, please visit its Web site at www.dobson.net.