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Dr. Mark von Lillienskiold,
acting President/CEO
of Slovenské telekomunikácie, a.s. |
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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.
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Dr. Mark von Lillienskiold,
acting President/CEO
of Slovenské telekomunikácie, a.s.
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