OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 13, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Dobson Communications Corporation (OTCBB:DCEL) reported today that net subscriber additions for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2002 were approximately 18,900, compared with approximately 30,400 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 (NYSE:AWE).
Dobson's postpaid customer churn was 1.8 percent for the fourth quarter of 2002, compared with churn of 2.1 percent for the same period last year. Gross subscriber additions (postpaid) were approximately 58,200 for the fourth quarter, compared with 65,000 gross subscriber additions for the same period last year.
American Cellular's total net subscriber additions were approximately 17,300 for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2002, compared with approximately 24,400 for the same period last year.
American's postpaid customer churn was 2.0 percent for the fourth quarter of 2002, compared with churn of 1.8 percent for the same period last year. Gross subscriber additions (postpaid) were approximately 53,000 for the fourth quarter, compared with 55,000 gross subscriber additions for the same period last year.
Both postpaid, prepaid and reseller 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.
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.