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U.S. Cellular(USM) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-02 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a year-over-year increase in free cash flow of $79 million for Q1 2025, an increase of $18 million compared to the same quarter last year [14] - Total operating revenues decreased by 3% compared to the prior year, impacted by divestitures and declines in commercial and wholesale revenue [47] - Cash expenses increased by 6% or $11 million in the quarter compared to the prior year, with part of the increase attributed to stock-based compensation adjustments [47] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company saw a 6% increase in third-party tower revenues due to new co-locations and escalators on renewed leases [13] - Fiber service addresses grew by 6% year-over-year, with 14,000 new addresses delivered in the quarter [19][36] - Residential broadband net additions were 2,800, with 8,300 coming from fiber markets, lower than prior quarters due to timing of service address delivery [37][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to face competitive pressures in the wireless market, with aggressive promotions from competitors impacting service revenues [15] - The fiber strategy is expected to drive growth, with a target of achieving 40% average penetration in steady state within five years after launch [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on completing the transaction with T-Mobile, which is expected to close in mid-2025, and is preparing for a smooth transition [9][10] - Post-transaction, the company plans to declare a special dividend to shareholders, with proceeds expected to be used to repay outstanding bank debt [11][19] - The company is also investing in its fiber program, aiming to expand its footprint and improve operational efficiency [39][100] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged increased uncertainties in the broader economy and markets but remains optimistic about the long-term potential of the tower business [13][18] - The company expects to continue facing competitive pressures but believes the T-Mobile transaction will provide better competitive choices and connectivity experiences for customers [16][17] - Management is confident in achieving $100 million in annual cost savings by 2028 through transformation efforts [39][78] Other Important Information - The company does not plan to redeem its Series UU and Series BV preferred stock, viewing them as foundational capital for future operations [11][73] - The company is actively evaluating its portfolio for potential divestitures, particularly in copper markets without an economic path to fiber [99] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing of designated entity spectrum approval - The timing is uncertain and dependent on regulatory approval by the FCC, but there is optimism for a positive outcome [58] Question: Free cash flow run rate - The reported free cash flow of $79 million is not necessarily a run rate, but capital expenditures are expected to be down in 2025, which is positive for free cash flow [60][61] Question: Debt exchange offer impact - The debt exchange offer will be launched about 50 days before the anticipated close, and the amount of debt exchanged will impact the purchase price [62][111] Question: Fiber net adds and sales efforts - Fiber net adds were lower due to timing of address delivery, but as construction ramps up, net adds are expected to improve [66] Question: Rationale for remaining a public entity - The incremental cost to operate as a public company is minimal, and there are no immediate incentives to collapse the structure [107][108]
ITTI(TDS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-02 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a free cash flow of $79 million in Q1 2025, an increase of $18 million compared to the same quarter last year [16] - Total operating revenues decreased by 3% year over year, impacted by divestitures and declines in commercial and wholesale revenue [49] - Cash expenses increased by 6% or $11 million in the quarter compared to the prior year, with part of this increase attributed to a non-cash adjustment to stock-based compensation [49] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company saw a 6% increase in third-party tower revenue due to new co-locations and escalators on renewed leases [15] - Fiber service addresses grew by 6% year over year, with 14,000 new addresses delivered in the quarter [39] - Residential broadband net additions were 2,800, with 8,300 coming from fiber markets, lower than prior quarters due to timing of service address delivery [40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing competitive pressures in the broadband market, with aggressive pricing and promotional offers from competitors [17] - The demand for higher broadband speeds remains strong, with 82% of residential broadband customers taking 100 meg or higher [47] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on completing the transaction with T-Mobile and repositioning the remaining business for future success [12] - There is an ongoing effort to expand the fiber program, which has increased the footprint by over 30% in the last three years [13] - The company plans to declare a special dividend to shareholders following the closing of the T-Mobile transaction, subject to board approval [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged increased uncertainties in the broader economy and markets but remains optimistic about the long-term potential of the tower business [15] - The company is focused on cost optimization and expects capital expenditures to decline in 2025 as planned 5G coverage builds are largely completed [16] - Management expressed confidence in achieving $100 million in annual cost savings by the end of 2028 through transformation efforts [41] Other Important Information - The company does not plan to redeem Series UU and Series BV preferred stock, viewing them as foundational capital [74] - The expected cash outflow related to severance obligations for employees not retained by T-Mobile is estimated to be between $60 million to $80 million [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the timeline for the designated entity spectrum approval? - The timing is uncertain and dependent on regulatory approval by the FCC, but there is optimism for a positive outcome [60] Question: How should free cash flow be viewed going forward? - The reported free cash flow of $79 million is not necessarily a run rate, but capital expenditures are expected to be down in 2025, which is positive for free cash flow [62] Question: What are the expectations for the tower company reporting post-closing? - The company anticipates providing tower company reporting including AFFO and related metrics in the first quarter after the close [65] Question: How is the door-to-door sales effort performing? - The company has strengthened its sales teams and expects net adds to improve as fiber address delivery ramps up [68] Question: Why does US Cellular need to remain a public entity? - The incremental cost to operate as a public company is minimal, and there are no significant incentives to collapse the structure at this time [112]
U.S. Cellular(USM) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-02 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenues decreased by 3% year over year, impacted by divestitures and declines in commercial and wholesale revenue, as well as decreases in residential video and voice connections [44] - Free cash flow for Q1 2025 was $79 million, an increase of $18 million compared to the same quarter last year [13][19] - Cash expenses increased by 6% or $11 million compared to the prior year, with $4 million of this increase attributed to a cumulative non-cash adjustment to stock-based compensation [44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Postpaid handset results showed year-over-year improvements, while third-party tower revenues increased by 6% due to new co-locations and escalators on renewed leases [12] - Fiber service addresses grew by 6% year over year, with 14,000 new addresses delivered in the quarter [33][42] - Residential broadband net additions were 2,800, with 8,300 coming from fiber markets, lower than prior quarters due to timing of service address delivery [34][38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to face aggressive promotional competition in the wireless industry, with competitors offering multi-year price locks and aggressive pricing [14] - Demand for higher broadband speeds remains strong, with 82% of residential broadband customers taking 100 megabits or higher and 24% taking one gig or higher at the end of the quarter [42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on completing the proposed transaction with T-Mobile, which is expected to close in mid-2025, and is preparing for a smooth transition [9][16] - A special dividend to shareholders is anticipated following the closing of the T-Mobile transaction, with proceeds expected to be used to repay outstanding bank debt [10][18] - The fiber program has expanded the company's footprint by over 30% in the last three years, with further growth opportunities identified [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged increased uncertainties in the broader economy and markets but remains optimistic about the long-term potential of the tower business and fiber expansion [7][12] - The company is focused on cost optimization and expects capital expenditures to decline in 2025 as planned 5G coverage builds are largely completed [13][46] - Management expressed confidence in achieving $100 million in annual cost savings by the end of 2028 through transformation efforts [35][72] Other Important Information - The company does not plan to redeem Series UU and Series BV preferred stock, viewing them as foundational capital for future operations [10][68] - The expected cash income tax obligations related to the T-Mobile transaction are estimated to be between $225 million and $325 million [28][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for designated entity spectrum approval - The timing is uncertain and dependent on regulatory approval by the FCC, but there is optimism for a positive outcome [52][54] Question: Free cash flow run rate - The $79 million in free cash flow is not necessarily a run rate, but capital expenditures are expected to be down in 2025, which is positive for free cash flow [55] Question: Debt exchange offer impact - The debt exchange offer will be launched about 50 days before the anticipated close, and the amount of debt exchanged will impact transaction proceeds [56][110] Question: Fiber net adds and sales efforts - Fiber net additions were lower due to timing of address delivery, but management expects improvements as construction activity ramps up [60][62] Question: Divestiture strategy and criteria - The company is focused on divesting non-core assets, particularly isolated copper markets without an economic path to fiber, ensuring that net proceeds exceed the present value of cash flows from continued operations [95][96]
ITTI(TDS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-02 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenues decreased by 3% year over year, impacted by divestitures and declines in commercial and wholesale revenue, as well as decreases in residential video and voice connections [47] - Cash expenses increased by 6% or $11 million compared to the prior year, with $4 million of this increase attributed to a cumulative non-cash adjustment to stock-based compensation [47] - Free cash flow for the first quarter was $79 million, an increase of $18 million over the same quarter last year [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Postpaid handset results showed year-over-year improvements, while third-party tower revenue increased by 6% due to new co-locations and escalators on renewed leases [13] - Fiber service addresses grew by 6% year over year, with 14,000 new addresses delivered in the quarter [45] - Residential broadband net additions were 2,800, with 8,300 coming from fiber markets, lower than prior quarters due to timing of service address delivery [36][62] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to face aggressive promotional competition in the wireless market, with competitors offering multi-year price locks and aggressive pricing [15] - Demand for higher broadband speeds remains strong, with 82% of residential broadband customers taking 100 megabits or higher and 24% taking one gig or higher at the end of the quarter [45] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on closing the proposed transaction with T-Mobile and repositioning the remaining business for future success, including a potential special dividend to shareholders [10][18] - The fiber program has expanded the company's footprint by over 30% in the last three years, with further opportunities for growth [11] - The company is evaluating its portfolio to minimize exposure to copper markets without an economic path to fiber [97] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged increased uncertainties in the broader economy and markets but remains optimistic about the long-term potential of the tower business [13][17] - The anticipated closing of the T-Mobile transaction is expected to provide better competitive choices and connectivity experiences for customers [16] - Management expects to incur cash income tax obligations related to the gain on the sale of spectrum in the Verizon and AT&T transactions, estimated between $325 million to $375 million [33] Other Important Information - The company does not plan to redeem Series UU and Series BV preferred stock, viewing them as foundational capital going forward [69] - The company expects to incur severance obligations for employees not retained by T-Mobile, estimated between $60 million to $80 million [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for designated entity spectrum approval - The timing is uncertain and dependent on regulatory approval by the FCC, but there is optimism for a successful outcome [56] Question: Free cash flow run rate - The $79 million in free cash flow is not necessarily a run rate, but capital expenditures are expected to be down in 2025, which is positive for free cash flow [58] Question: Debt exchange offer impact - The impact of the debt exchange offer on the purchase price is uncertain, but there is interest in retaining attractive debt [60] Question: Fiber net adds and sales efforts - Fiber net adds were lower due to timing of address delivery, but as construction ramps up, net adds are expected to follow [62] Question: Divestiture strategy for wireline and cable portfolio - The company is focused on divesting non-core assets, particularly isolated copper markets without an economic path to fiber [97]
Crown Castle Reports First Quarter 2025 Results and Maintains Outlook for Full Year 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-04-30 20:15
Core Insights - Crown Castle Inc. reported solid operational and financial results for Q1 2025, with a focus on organic growth in its tower business, achieving 5% growth excluding Sprint Cancellations [3][10] - The company maintains its full-year 2025 Outlook, emphasizing a strategic shift towards maximizing shareholder value through the sale of its small cells and fiber solutions businesses [3][11] - The anticipated reduction in annualized dividend per share to $4.25 reflects a revised capital allocation framework aimed at balancing returns to shareholders with financial flexibility [3][10] Financial Performance - Site rental revenues for Q1 2025 were $1,011 million, a decrease of $57 million or 5.3% from Q1 2024 [6][51] - Net income for Q1 2025 was a loss of $464 million, compared to a profit of $311 million in Q1 2024, largely due to an $830 million loss related to the Fiber Business sale [6][10] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $722 million, down from $754 million in Q1 2024, reflecting lower site rental revenue contributions [6][10] Outlook and Strategic Focus - The full-year 2025 Outlook for site rental revenues is projected between $3,987 million and $4,032 million, with site rental billings growth expected to be 4.5% excluding Sprint Cancellations [12][13] - The company aims to enhance operational excellence and customer service in its tower business to drive long-term shareholder value [3][10] - Crown Castle's capital expenditures for Q1 2025 were $40 million, indicating a $7 million decrease from the previous year, with a focus on sustaining capital expenditures [10][51] Market Position and Business Strategy - Following the sale of the Fiber Business, Crown Castle will be positioned as the only public pure-play tower company in the U.S., which is viewed as a prime market for tower ownership [3][10] - The company ended Q1 2025 with approximately 89% fixed-rate debt and a weighted average debt maturity of over 6 years, indicating a strong balance sheet [10][11] - The strategic focus on maximizing top- and bottom-line results in the tower business is expected to create unique value opportunities post-sale [3][10]
INVESTOR ALERT: Pomerantz Law Firm Investigates Claims On Behalf of Investors of T-Mobile US, Inc. - TMUS
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-04-29 20:43
NEW YORK, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of T-Mobile US, Inc. (“T-Mobile” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: TMUS). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether T-Mobile and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On April 24 ...
T-Mobile's Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates on Solid Customer Growth
ZACKS· 2025-04-25 15:55
Core Insights - T-Mobile, US, Inc. reported strong first-quarter 2025 results, with both net income and revenues exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates, driven by significant postpaid customer growth [1][2]. Financial Performance - Net income for Q1 2025 was $2.95 billion, or $2.58 per share, reflecting a 24.4% year-over-year increase from $2.37 billion or $2 per share [2]. - Total revenues reached $20.88 billion, up from $19.59 billion in the same quarter last year, surpassing the consensus estimate of $20.57 billion [2]. Segment Results - Total service revenues were $16.92 billion, a 5.2% increase from $16.09 billion year-over-year, primarily driven by demand for postpaid services [3]. - Postpaid services generated $13.59 billion in revenues, marking a 7.6% year-over-year growth [3]. - Prepaid services revenues increased to $2.64 billion from $2.4 billion in the previous year [5]. - Equipment revenues rose to $3.7 billion, up from $3.25 billion, attributed to a higher average revenue per device sold [6]. Customer Growth - T-Mobile added 1.3 million postpaid net customers and 205,000 postpaid net accounts, both leading the industry [4]. - The postpaid phone churn rate was recorded at 0.91%, with postpaid average revenues per account increasing to $146.22 from $140.88 year-over-year [4]. Operating Metrics - Total operating expenses increased to $16.08 billion from $15.59 billion, while operating income rose to $4.8 billion from $3.99 billion [7]. - Core adjusted EBITDA was $8.3 billion, up from $7.65 billion year-over-year [7]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash generated from operating activities was $6.84 billion, compared to $5.08 billion in the prior year [8]. - Adjusted free cash flow increased to $4.39 billion from $3.34 billion year-over-year [8]. - As of March 31, 2025, T-Mobile had $12 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $76 billion in long-term debt [8]. Outlook - For 2025, T-Mobile anticipates postpaid net customer additions between 5.5 million and 6 million, with core adjusted EBITDA estimated at $33.2-$33.7 billion [9]. - Expected cash from operating activities is projected to be within $27-$27.5 billion, with adjusted free cash flow anticipated in the range of $17.5-$18 billion [9].
T-Mobile(TMUS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-25 02:36
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - T-Mobile US reported a strong quarter with postpaid service revenues growing 8% year over year and overall service revenues increasing by 5%, which is more than triple the growth rate of the next closest competitor [29][30] - Core adjusted EBITDA also grew 8% year over year, double the average of the wireless peer group [29] - Adjusted free cash flow reached $4.4 billion, a new Q1 record, translating to an industry-leading adjusted free cash flow conversion from service revenues of 26% [30][36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a record for total postpaid net additions in Q1, with 1.3 million total postpaid net additions and leading in overall gross adds across every postpaid category [11][67] - Postpaid ARPA grew nearly 4%, marking the highest Q1 growth in eight years, with 60% of lines on new accounts loading onto premium plans [14][29] - In broadband, T-Mobile US led the industry with 424,000 net additions in 5G broadband, achieving the lowest churn ever and the highest Q1 ARPU growth [16][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - T-Mobile US continued to grow its share of households across the top 100 markets, not just in smaller markets and rural areas [12] - The company reported strong momentum in the T-Mobile US for Business segment, leading the industry in both total postpaid and postpaid phone net additions [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering thoughtful, profitable, and durable growth, leveraging its best network and digital capabilities to enhance customer experience [31][48] - T-Mobile US is set to officially launch T Fiber later this quarter, following the completion of the Lumos transaction, aiming to expand broadband choices for more Americans [18][19] - The company is also innovating with T Satellite, which aims to provide seamless connectivity for users, and is priced competitively to attract customers from competitors [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to maintain growth despite macroeconomic uncertainties, noting that customer acceptance of price increases has been strong [61][62] - The management team emphasized that the competitive landscape remains intense but highlighted that overall industry cash flows are significantly higher than in previous years, indicating a healthy market [64][65] - The company expects to deliver total postpaid net customer additions of between 5.5 million and 6 million for the year, with an increase in postpaid ARPA growth expectations to at least 3.5% [34][35] Other Important Information - The company is actively monitoring the impact of potential tariffs on handsets, indicating that customers may bear the cost, which could affect upgrade rates [128][129] - T-Mobile US is seeing stability in its prepaid business, with nearly 25.5 million prepaid customers and a reduction in churn year over year [103][104] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the biggest opportunity ahead for T-Mobile US? - Management highlighted the opportunity to combine the company's strong culture with its best network and digital capabilities to enhance customer service [48] Question: Can you provide more details on T Fiber and its go-to-market strategy? - The company plans to leverage its existing customer base and retail distribution to drive T Fiber's growth, especially targeting customers on the fixed wireless waitlist [52] Question: How is the company managing churn in light of price increases? - Management noted that the price increases have been well-received, and churn is expected to be temporary as customers adjust to new pricing [62] Question: What is the outlook for broadband additions and fiber growth? - Management expressed confidence in maintaining high-speed Internet fixed wireless additions above 400,000 and anticipates strong growth from fiber once the MetroNet transaction closes [112][119] Question: How is the company addressing potential tariffs on handsets? - Management indicated that any tariff impacts would likely be passed on to customers, potentially slowing upgrade rates, but currently, no material impact is anticipated [128][130]
T-Mobile(TMUS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-24 21:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - T-Mobile reported a strong Q1 2025, with postpaid service revenues growing 8% year over year and overall service revenues increasing by 5% [21][22] - Core adjusted EBITDA also grew 8% year over year, which is double the average of its wireless peer group [22] - Adjusted free cash flow reached $4.4 billion, marking a new Q1 record and translating to an industry-leading adjusted free cash flow conversion from service revenues of 26% [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - T-Mobile achieved a record of 1.3 million total postpaid net additions in Q1, leading the industry in both total postpaid and postpaid phone net additions [10][21] - The company added 424,000 net customers in its 5G broadband segment, marking the thirteenth consecutive quarter of leading the broadband industry in customer growth [13] - Postpaid average revenue per account (ARPA) grew nearly 4%, the highest Q1 growth in eight years [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - T-Mobile continued to grow its share of households across the top 100 markets, not just in smaller markets and rural areas [10] - The company reported that 60% of lines on new accounts are opting for premium plans, which is about double the current base [11] - The broadband business saw its highest ever Q1 ARPU growth, indicating strong customer demand [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - T-Mobile is focused on delivering thoughtful, profitable, and durable growth, leveraging its best network and digital capabilities to enhance customer experience [23] - The company is set to officially launch T Fiber later in Q2, following the completion of its acquisition of Lumos, aiming to expand broadband choices for more Americans [14] - T-Mobile is also innovating with its T Satellite service, which aims to keep customers connected automatically, with commercial service starting in July [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to maintain growth despite macroeconomic changes, emphasizing a strong focus on execution and customer service [8][23] - The management team highlighted that the competitive landscape remains intense, but T-Mobile's differentiated value proposition continues to resonate with customers [60] - The company expects to deliver total postpaid net customer additions of between 5.5 million and 6 million for the full year, with an increase in postpaid ARPA growth expectations to at least 3.5% [26] Other Important Information - T-Mobile's digital platform, TLIFE, has seen significant adoption, with over half of postpaid phone upgrades completed digitally by the end of Q1 [20] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities, including the recent acquisition of Lumos and plans for MetroNet, which are expected to contribute positively to service revenues [29][75] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the biggest opportunity ahead for T-Mobile? - Management highlighted the combination of a strong customer-focused culture, the best network, and advanced digital capabilities as key opportunities for growth [36][38] Question: Can you provide more details on T Fiber and its market approach? - T-Mobile plans to leverage its existing customer base and retail distribution to drive T Fiber's growth, particularly targeting customers on the fixed wireless waitlist [40][41] Question: How is T-Mobile managing pricing and churn? - Management indicated that recent price increases have been well-received, and churn rates are expected to be temporary as customers adjust [52][53] Question: What is the outlook for broadband contributions to postpaid net additions? - While specific guidance was not provided, management expressed confidence in maintaining strong growth in broadband and fiber segments [102] Question: How is T-Mobile addressing potential tariff impacts on handsets? - Management noted that any significant tariffs would likely be passed on to customers, potentially affecting upgrade rates, but currently, no material impact is anticipated [110][111] Question: What is the current state of the prepaid market? - T-Mobile's prepaid segment remains stable, with continued growth and reduced churn year over year, indicating resilience in this market [88][90]
AT&T leans on bundled plans to beat estimates for subscriber additions
Fox Business· 2025-04-23 16:16
Group 1 - AT&T exceeded Wall Street estimates for wireless subscriber additions in Q1, gaining 324,000 net monthly bill-paying wireless phone subscribers compared to the expected 258,300 [1] - The company's strategy of bundling high-speed fiber services with 5G mobile offerings and aggressive trade-in promotions contributed to this growth [1][3] - AT&T's total revenue increased by 2% to $30.6 billion, surpassing analysts' expectations of $30.35 billion [6] Group 2 - The company has seen a higher-than-expected trend in device upgrades since the announcement of reciprocal tariffs in early April, which may lead to increased demand in the second half of the year [3] - More than 40% of AT&T customers using fiber also opted for wireless plans, indicating a strong cross-selling opportunity [6] - AT&T plans to commence share repurchases in Q2 and has reaffirmed its free cash flow and adjusted profit forecasts for the year [7] Group 3 - In contrast, rival Verizon reported higher subscriber losses in Q1 due to recent price hikes and increased industry-wide promotions [8] - T-Mobile is expected to report its results after the market closes on Thursday, indicating ongoing competitive dynamics in the telecom sector [8]