CenturyLink 2009 Annual Report Download - page 2

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Network
We expanded our high-speed
optical network by approxi-
mately 10,000 miles. It now
connects 90 percent of our
service areas, giving us
greater control over operating
costs and creating new reve-
nue opportunities. At year-
end 2009, 89 percent of our
access lines were broadband-
enabled – 53 percent of these
are capable of speeds of
6 Mbps or higher.
Services
Our advanced broadband
solutions include Internet
service for both the value-
conscious and speed-
conscious consumer. In
select markets we now offer
Internet ProtocolTelevision
(IPTV), delivering high-quality
television service over our
broadband connection. We
also provide a full range of
high-bandwidth solutions
for our business and whole-
sale customers.
Balance Sheet
CenturyLink has a low
debt-to-operating-cash-flow
ratio, strong free cash flows
and an investment-grade
credit rating. We are also
vigilant in aligning our cost
structure to changing market
conditions. CenturyLink offers
one of the highest dividend
yields in the S&P 500, yet
we have one of the lowest
dividend payout ratios in
our industry.
Workforce
Our employees are hard-
working, skilled and dedicated.
Thanks to their efforts, we
were able to demonstrate
the value-creating potential
of the Embarq acquisition
with the conversion of almost
400,000 Ohio customers to our
Ensemble billing and customer
care system and the imple-
mentation of our aggressive
broadband strategy in our
newly acquired markets.
Stronger