## In 2003, we strengthened our footprint. 

During the year, we exchanged assets with AT&T Wireless, divesting our propertiesin Georgia and north Florida and adding presence in our strategic mark ets. 

We launched eight markets in our strategic footprint – specifically, in Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana and Oklahoma. 

Later in the year, we announced the divestiture of our south Texas assets to AT&T Wireless – a transaction that closed Feb. 18, 2004. A smaller mar- ket, South Texas was not contiguous to any of our other, more established markets. Proceeds fr om the sale will free up resources to support the 

build-out of several of the new markets we acquired during 2003 and help fund our network improvements. 

In addition, we made substantial progress in our Chicago market. After operating in our hometown for a little more than a year, we have significantly grown our market presence through our advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns, stores and agents. Our efforts have resulted in strong name recognition, and most importantly, growth in our customer base and market share. Chicago is an important market for us, because it’s the hub of the Midwest and a popular, vibrant destination for many of our Midwest customers. 

Dana Dorcas Director of Sales U.S. Cellular 

