Dr. Mark von Lillienskiold, acting President/CEO of Slovenské telekomunikácie, a.s. |
At the beginning of 2002 we knew that the period ahead of us would be demanding, and at the same time, also very dynamic. It was the last year before full liberalisation of the telecommunications market. We had experience with liberalisation in the field of data and online services, which had already been liberalised. Compared with other European countries we had a relatively short period of time to thoroughly prepare for liberalisation of the fixed telephone lines' market. In addition to these preparations, we continued with the conversion of the classic telecommunications company into a modern customer-oriented company. Our most important projects were the tools necessary for this change. These projects included a focus on core business and the corresponding restructuring and reorganisation of the company, product innovation, implementation of new customer care tools, as well as improvement of sales channels. At the same time we managed to implement the eSlovakia Project, which was aimed at the "informatisation" of society. I regard last year as an extraordinary one, especially from the perspective of major product innovations. Slovenské telekomunikácie, a.s. is one of the first fixed line telecommunications operators in Europe to introduce second based billing after the first minute of a call. The implementation of such a system was an essential prerequisite for the development of a modern portfolio of telecommunications products. We improved customer care by means of new sales channels, Infotels, and modern Call Centres. We were able to carry out these changes and achieve our successes only thanks to the team of experienced and qualified employees, to whom we are constantly devoting our attention. The fact that we truly live by our company values helps us become even better. The year 2002 proved that Slovenské telekomunikácie, a.s. possesses the potential to be a modern telecommunications company of great importance not only to its customers and employees, but in particular to the Slovak economy. For that to function well, it is crucial that it includes as many financially stable companies offering competitive products and services, as possible. Slovenské telekomunikácie, a.s. definitely ranks among such companies. The strategy of Slovenské telekomunikácie, a.s. has already reaped its first rewards, as the EBITDA margin has progressively improved thanks to steps improving productivity and the efficiency of our company; in 2002 the EBITDA margin reached 49.8%, while in 2001 it was 47.4% and in 2000, 41.0%. As in previous years, Slovenské telekomunikácie, a.s. continued to be one of the largest employers and tax payers also in 2002. Slovenské telekomunikácie, a.s. has a clear goal in its sights - to be the leading telecommunications company providing its customers with modern services and competitive products.
| Dr. Mark von Lillienskiold, acting President/CEO of Slovenské telekomunikácie, a.s.