CenturyLink 2007 Annual Report Download - page 6

Over the next several years – as
certain regulatory issues are resolved,
technologies mature and we gain further
clarity on competitive dynamics – we
will be able to more clearly identify those
opportunities with the greatest potential for
growth. In the meantime, we are focused
on positioning CenturyTel to meet our
customers’ needs today and in the
foreseeable future, while remaining pre-
pared to take advantage of high-potential
growth opportunities as they arise.
Being the Broadband
Provider of Choice
We see the broadband connection as a
key to CenturyTel’s future. Broadband will
enable the development of new products
and services that should allow us to both
acquire new and retain existing customers.
We will continue investing in our people,
our networks and our systems to ensure
that we maintain the broadband leadership
position in our markets.
We believe we are well-positioned to
succeed in the evolution to a broadband-
enabled, IP-driven marketplace. We have
high-quality, broadband networks capable
of meeting growing bandwidth demand
and delivering new broadband services as
they emerge. We support each customer
experience with quality back-office and
customer support systems, as well as the
efforts of our dedicated, knowledgeable
employees. We have a history of stable
cash flows and reasonable levels of lever-
age, which gives us the ability to invest in
and acquire assets required to meet the
needs of our customers. Finally, we believe
our history of consistently executing busi-
ness plans, adapting to industry changes
and driving shareholder value provides
confidence that we will successfully take
advantage of the opportunities we expect
to see in the coming years.
In 2008, we will continue to focus on
our goal to remain the premier broadband
communications provider in the small-to-
mid-size cities we serve. We’re confident
we have the network and technologies,
the products and services, and, most
importantly, the people and commitment
to reach our vision even as market
demands, technologies and competitive
dynamics continue to change.
Glen F. Post, III
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
4 CENTURYTEL PERSONAL TOUCH | ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS
• Westrivetogrowcustomerloyalty
by delivering a consistently positive
and convenient service experience.
In 2008, we will further leverage our
local presence by converting more
than sixty customer payment centers
to service customer locations and
expanding our door-to-door sales
efforts in key markets.
• Wewillcontinuetobalanceour
investments between our circuit-based
and IP-enabled networks. We are
providing digital television services in
La Crosse, Wisconsin and Columbia,
Missouri, monitoring both the econom-
ics and technology development for
this service. We’re also implementing
next-generation optical technology in
our core fiber network to support mar-
ket-driven, ultra-broadband services.
• Wewillcontinuetoseekfurtherregula-
tory clarity by remaining active in key
regulatory and legislative agendas.
We see ourselves as the voice of
rural areas and small cities in ongoing
dialogue with Congress, the Federal
Communications Commission and
others in the regulatory community.
2007 REVIEW AND CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Net Cash Provided by
Operating Activities
in millions
1,069
03
964
04
967
05
841
06
1,030
07
400
800
1200