8410 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago 60631, 312-399-8900
– Founded: 1983
– Fiscal year-end: Dec. 31
– Chief executive
H. Donald Nelson, 58, since 1986
1991 cash compensation: $226,413
Shares owned: 1,914 of 48.8 million common shares
– Employees: 859 worldwide; 187 in Illinois
– Foreign sales: none of $354 million total
– May 1, 1992, value of $1,000 in companny stock:
Purchased May 1, 1991: $922
Purchased May 1, 1987: Not applicable
– Bringing cellular telephone service to places like Dubuque, Peoria and Joplin is U.S. Cellular`s strategy. By concentrating on medium and small communities as well as serving rural areas with cellular technology, the company seeks to fill a niche with cordless telephone service similar to the one held by No. 43 Telephone and Data Systems, which owns 84 percent of U.S. Cellular.
– Since its founding, U.S. Cellular has sought to expand into new markets and get its systems operational. The goal was to maximize market share rather than to make a profit. Its business plan calls for large operating losses while it adds to its customer base and builds new systems, and in 1991, it lost $24.3 million ($34.6 million after an accounting change).
– During 1991, the company signed agreements to acquire controlling interests in 27 markets, and service was initiated in 46 new markets, bringing to 91 the number of systems in operation. The company enjoyed a 67 percent jump in revenues last year. Executives say they expect to turn in a similar performance in 1992.
