Back to GetFilings.com

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 10-K

(MARK ONE)

OR

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ____________ TO ____________.

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-29667

T-MOBILE USA, INC.

(425) 378-4000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x

     Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

     This registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure format.

Table of Contents

T-MOBILE USA, INC.

FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

Table of Contents

     CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995.

     Information contained or incorporated by reference herein that is not based on historical fact, including without limitation, statements containing the words “believes,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects” and words of similar import, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those identified under the caption “Risk Factors” below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K, that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business conditions, both nationally and regionally; technology changes; competition; changes in business strategy or development plans; the leverage of T-Mobile USA, Inc. (“T-Mobile”); the availability of funding from Deutsche Telekom AG (“Deutsche Telekom”), its wholly-owned subsidiary, T-Mobile International AG (“T-Mobile International”), or their affiliates; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; existing governmental regulations and changes in, or the failure to comply with, governmental regulations; liability and other claims asserted against T-Mobile; industry consolidation; ability to acquire and cost of acquiring additional spectrum licenses; and other factors referenced in T-Mobile’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). GIVEN THESE UNCERTAINTIES, READERS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. T-Mobile disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments.

     Unless the context requires otherwise, “T-Mobile,” “we,” “our” and “us” includes us, our predecessors and consolidated subsidiaries.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
     (Abbreviated pursuant to General Instruction I.)

INTRODUCTION

     T-Mobile, formerly known as VoiceStream Wireless Corporation (“VoiceStream”), provides personal communications services (“PCS”) primarily in major urban markets in the United States using the Global System for Mobile Communications, or GSM, technology. Our GSM network, including the GSM Facilities, LLC (“GSM Facilities”) networks in the New York City area and California and Nevada as discussed below, covers 198.9 million people with service in 41 of the top 50 United States markets, and we own licenses that cover over 86% of the United States population. Our entire network has been enhanced to provide 2.5G data services with General Packet Radio Service (“GPRS”), an extension of the GSM architecture, which permits wireless Internet access and other non-voice data transmissions through a variety of integrated devices at speeds of up to 40 kilobytes per second (“Kbps”). Additionally, we operate a Wi-Fi or 802.11b broadband wireless local area network (“WLAN”), which delivers broadband at speeds 40 to 50 times faster than the typical 28Kbps dial-up connection. Our Wi-Fi service operates under the name “T-Mobile HotSpot” and is available through over 2,200 Wi-Fi access points in 23 states in the United States.

3

Table of Contents

     On May 31, 2001, Deutsche Telekom acquired 100% of the common shares of VoiceStream in a transaction that qualified as a tax-free reorganization. Following the closing of the merger, Deutsche Telekom transferred all of its VoiceStream shares to T-Mobile International and VoiceStream common shares were deregistered and delisted from NASDAQ and are no longer publicly traded. The merger and related transfer are hereafter referred to as the “T-Mobile merger”. During the third quarter of 2002, as part of Deutsche Telekom’s plan to develop a global brand for its wireless operations, all of the VoiceStream markets were rebranded to T-Mobile. We now operate under the T-Mobile brand name, along with most of Deutsche Telekom’s and T-Mobile International’s wireless subsidiaries. We introduced our new global spokesperson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, as part of the brand change.

     Powertel Inc. (“Powertel”), also a wholly-owned subsidiary of T-Mobile International, provides the same services under the T-Mobile brand in the southeastern United States. While Powertel’s results are not consolidated with ours, we provide management and other services to Powertel. All Powertel employees became employees of T-Mobile following Powertel’s acquisition by T-Mobile International and we are directly reimbursed by Powertel for the compensation and benefit costs of our employees working on Powertel business. We also perform centralized services and functions for Powertel including accounting and other administrative functions and we are reimbursed for these services in a manner that is intended to reflect the relative time and associated costs devoted to Powertel activities. Including the Powertel markets, the national footprint for the T-Mobile brand covers 217.9 million people in 24 of the top 25 markets and 46 of the top 50 markets.

     We are a member of 3G Americas, LLC (“3G Americas”), a group of digital wireless carriers and vendors from North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. 3G Americas helps provide seamless GSM wireless communications for its members. 3G Americas also sponsors working standards groups for GSM North America, which is a regional body of the GSM Association. The members of the GSM Association provide digital GSM wireless services to over 800 million customers in approximately 192 countries. GSM systems account for more than two-thirds of the worldwide digital wireless communications market. We have international roaming agreements with approximately 210 GSM operators worldwide, providing service in approximately 100 countries, and we anticipate that we will enter into roaming agreements with operators in additional countries to increase world coverage and convenience for our customers.

STRATEGY

     Our business strategy continues to be focused on capturing an increasing share of the United States market for wireless services in order to become one of the leading United States providers of such services over the long term, and a key part of T-Mobile International’s operations. To accomplish this we will seek to:

•		Establish the T-Mobile brand in the United States and penetrate the broad consumer market segments: T-Mobile’s strategy is executed around the Get More strategy to provide customers with more minutes, more features and more service so they can enjoy the benefits of mobile communications to Get More From Life. We will seek to continue to build equity in the T-Mobile brand in the United States by seeking to deliver customers the best value in their wireless communications, including more features and services to enhance their wireless communications experience.
•		Establish a leadership position in the mobile data market: We operate the largest all digital, nationwide network in the United States based on the globally dominant GSM technology. Our entire network has been enhanced to provide 2.5G data services with GPRS, providing wireless Internet access and other non-voice data transmissions through a variety of integrated devices at speeds of up to 40Kbps. Additionally, we operate the largest carrier owned Wi-Fi network of its kind in the world with service in over 2,200 locations under the name T-Mobile HotSpot. We will seek to build on the technical advantages of GSM/GPRS and the timing advantage of our early nationwide rollout of 2.5G services and increase adoption of these services by: (1) delivering a range of unique, integrated voice and data devices including handsets, Palm and Windows-based personal digital assistants (“PDAs”) and data cards, (2) providing enhanced content and functionality that is relevant to the general consumer and business consumer, and (3) effectively reaching targeted market segments through our extensive and diverse distribution network.

4

Table of Contents

•		Operate high quality networks with nationwide coverage: We have essentially completed the initial GSM/GPRS network build-out of the major population centers for which we hold licenses, and are now primarily focused on improving network coverage, quality and capacity within and around the urban markets we currently serve. In addition, we plan to deploy Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (“EDGE”) technology in selected areas to increase data transmission rates beyond those available through our existing GPRS network. Still in the early stages of deployment, our Wi-Fi network is the largest of its kind in the United States with over 2,200 T-Mobile HotSpot locations in Starbucks coffeehouses, American Airlines Admirals Clubs and airports, and we plan to continue the rapid expansion of the network. Plans for 2003 include additional Starbucks locations, over 400 Borders Books and Music locations and 100 of the most frequented American Airlines, Inc., Delta Air Lines, Inc. and United Air Lines, Inc. airline clubs and lounges, with expansion to the boarding gates as airport approvals are secured. We will continue to seek opportunities to expand the service into quality locations where people already visit and are prone to want high-speed data services when they are away from their home or office.
•		Expand our distribution network: We plan to continue to expand the distribution network for our services and products as we expand our presence in existing markets. This distribution network features a mix of company-owned stores, exclusive and non-exclusive dealers, national retailers, Internet based retailers, including T-Mobile’s on-line store, value-added resellers, and a direct sales force targeting general business and national and strategic accounts.
•		Increase our spectrum holdings: We will continue to seek opportunities where appropriate to acquire additional spectrum licenses, systems and/or operators, which will add to our current footprint or increase our spectrum capacity in our existing markets.
•		Achieve cost efficiencies through centralization and size: Our centralized key business functions such as marketing and customer care, as well our administrative functions such as accounting and human resources, allow us to realize economies of scale as we continue to grow our customer base. We plan to continue to refine our key processes to realize additional cost efficiencies in the future. Our size and relationship with Deutsche Telekom will enable us to continue to negotiate more favorable pricing and financing terms for the purchase of services, handsets, wireless data devices and network equipment.

SALES, MARKETING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

     Our sales, marketing and customer service strategy is centered around the Get More strategy as the means to capture an increasing share of the United States market for wireless services. We target market segments with the potential to be moderate to high-end users of our voice, data and messaging services. We bundle our features and services in a variety of ways at various price points that we believe represent the best value in meeting the communications needs of these targeted segments.

•

Marketing: In addition to continuing to leverage the success of our Get More strategy in the United States, we are now operating and marketing our services under the international T-Mobile wireless brand and have introduced a new global spokesperson, Catherine Zeta-Jones. We believe all of these factors contributed to the success of our launch of commercial service in California and Nevada during the third quarter of 2002 and the overall high rate of customer growth we experienced in the second half of 2002. We believe these factors will continue to positively affect our customer growth.

Our marketing efforts are focused primarily on the general consumer market. We are expanding these efforts to also target business consumers with an emphasis on our integrated voice and wireless data services. We market the Get More philosophy to both general consumers and businesses by emphasizing that customers get more value for their money from our competitive pricing, enhanced features, functionality and applications, and by promoting the benefits of integrated voice, data and messaging services.

5

Table of Contents

•		Sales: We sell our products and services through an extensive and diverse distribution network featuring company-owned stores, exclusive and non-exclusive dealers, national retailers, on-line retailers including T-Mobile’s on-line store, value-added resellers, and through a direct sales force targeting general business and national and strategic accounts.
		We believe that our local sales offices and retail stores provide the physical presence in local markets necessary to position T-Mobile as a quality wireless services provider, and give us greater control over both our costs and the sales process. Our training programs provide our sales employees with an understanding of our systems, products and services so that they, in turn, can provide information to prospective customers. Sales commissions are generally linked to the type of service, activation levels and customer retention.
		We are both a retail and wholesale distributor of handsets and other wireless data devices, and we maintain inventories of these items. Although customers are generally responsible for purchasing or otherwise obtaining their own handsets or wireless data devices, we generally sell handsets and other devices below cost to respond to competition for new customers and to retain existing customers. We expect these handset subsidies to remain common industry practice for the foreseeable future.

•		Customer service: Quality customer service is a significant element of our operating philosophy. We are committed to attracting and retaining customers by seeking to provide quality customer service. We maintain a customer service and technical assistance system staffed to handle both routine and complex questions as they arise, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customers can also manage their accounts on-line, adding features to their service, and viewing and paying their bills through our web site.
		We continuously monitor customer churn (the rate of customer attrition) as a key indicator of customer satisfaction. We manage our churn rate in part through a program implemented by our sales force and customer service personnel that is intended to enhance customer loyalty and increase add-on sales and customer referrals. The program allows the sales staff to check customer satisfaction, as well as offer additional calling features and incentives to achieve customer satisfaction. We also have an in-depth customer relationship marketing program that reaches customers at critical times during their life-cycle, rewarding them for their loyalty as a T-Mobile customer.

•		Intellectual property: We hold several federal trademark registrations, including the following principal trademarks:
		FAMILYTIME®      GET MORE®      GET MORE FROM LIFE®      GET MORE MAX®      GET MORE PLUS®      THE GET MORE PROMISE®      WHENEVER MINUTES®

We have pending applications to register other trademarks and service marks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Deutsche Telekom holds federal trademark registrations for the mark “T-Mobile” and numerous other trademarks and service marks, which we are licensed to use.

6

Table of Contents

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

     We provide a variety of wireless products and services designed to match a wide range of needs for business and personal use, including wireless voice, data and messaging services. As part of our Get More value proposition, we include an array of features with every voice service plan. These features include voicemail, message alert, caller ID, call waiting, short message service (“SMS”), call hold and conference calling. Our data services provide customers with Internet access enabling them to access a variety of content and other services. Additionally, a hands-free device is included with every T-Mobile handset we package for sale. Through our GSM/GPRS and Wi-Fi networks, we offer a variety of services, features and benefits including:

•		Voice Services: We offer a variety of rate plans and handsets aimed at both the general consumer and business market segments, consistent with the Get More strategy. The devices we offer change continually as new models or devices become available with greater and more refined content and increased functionality, applications and integration options. We will continue to bring a wide range of new integrated voice and data devices to market including handsets, Palm and Windows-based PDA’s and data cards that will allow customers to take advantage of both our nationwide voice and wireless data networks.
•		T-Mobile Internet: We were the first United States carrier to launch 2.5G wireless data services across our entire network. Our data service, called T-Mobile Internet, is based on GPRS technology, an extension of GSM, and provides customers with an ‘always-on’ connection to the Internet at speeds of up to 40Kbps when using appropriate wireless data devices and applications. Available in over 8,000 cities, consistent with our GSM voice network, T-Mobile Internet delivers wide area coverage at speeds comparable to typical dial-up connections, making it a practical solution for data transmission services. Customers are able to have constant access to items such as corporate and personal e-mail, contacts and calendar. With appropriate wireless data devices and applications, the need to log on or dial-up to a data session is eliminated, and customers pay for the amount of data sent and received, not the length of their session. Customers can access the GPRS network through a variety of integrated voice and data devices.
•		T-Mobile HotSpot: Through the acquisition of the assets of MobileStar Service Communications, Inc. (“MobileStar”) in January 2002, we have entered into the Wi-Fi wireless broadband communications business and commercially market these services under the name T-Mobile HotSpot. This service allows customers to access the Internet and their corporate intranet remotely, using Wi-Fi enabled laptops or PDA’s, in public locations such as airports and coffee houses at speeds 40 to 50 times faster than the typical 28Kbps dial-up connection. T-Mobile HotSpots are located where people are likely to spend time away from their home or office and are prone to want high-speed data services. Our Wi-Fi network is fast enough to accommodate the full spectrum of applications from accessing e-mail with large attachments to multi-media video conferencing or Internet surfing. The service is priced based on access to the network, versus the amount of data that is transferred over the network. Pricing plans are based on either a pay-as-you-go or a fixed-fee basis for unlimited nationwide usage.
		In the future, we will seek to offer integrated GPRS and Wi-Fi handheld devices, enabling customers to seamlessly transfer between the two networks. As a national carrier, we intend to utilize our scalable infrastructure such as billing and customer care to offer the dependability of carrier-class equipment, the operational effectiveness of a central national operations center (“NOC”), security protocols and technology, and customer service. With one bill, one service provider and a bundled voice and data plan, we intend to offer customers a comprehensive, seamless experience at a cost-effective price and further deliver on the Get More strategy to offer customers the best value in their wireless service.

7

Table of Contents

•		Messaging Services: Our advanced two-way text messaging service gives customers the ability to send and receive text messages and e-mail to and from their wireless data devices as well as personal computers. Customers can filter, forward and reply to home or office e-mails via their wireless data devices.
•		My T-Mobile: Through a personal portal called “My T-Mobile” we offer a variety of services. The portal was built to fully integrate Internet functionality with wireless service in a manner that complements both technologies and provides a superior customer experience. Services offered through My T-Mobile include but are not limited to:

	•		AOL Instant MessengerTM Service — Customers can sign up for AOL Instant Messenger TM and create Buddy Lists®. With this service customers can see when their buddies are on-line, and have text conversations in real time via their handsets or wireless data devices.
	•		Alerts — Customers can choose from a broad array of Internet news and information services to be delivered to their handsets or wireless data devices. Message alerts can include stock prices, sports scores, daily horoscopes, weather and other news services. Customers personally select what information they want and schedule delivery when they want.
	•		Handset customization — Customers can choose from a large variety of personal ring tones, screen savers, backgrounds, and caller ID pictures to be downloaded to certain models of handsets. Custom faceplates and accessories are also available, allowing personalization of T-Mobile services that can be seen and heard.
	•		On-line account management — Customers can manage their T-Mobile account via the Internet. They can update their phone directory, view their bill, pay online and add features and services to their account.

•		Roaming: Our customers are able to roam in certain areas of the United States and internationally on other GSM systems. GSM communications technology is the dominant world standard for digital wireless communications, which allows T-Mobile customers to enjoy one-handset, one-number worldwide service using a multi-band handset or wireless data device. As part of T-Mobile International, our customers are able to roam internationally in over 90 countries at favorable pricing based on location through our WorldClass Roaming plan, while other T-Mobile International customers can roam on our network on similar terms. We also have international roaming agreements with 210 GSM operators worldwide, providing service in 100 countries. We offer the only trans-Atlantic GPRS wireless data network, with coverage in many European countries. We plan to continue to expand international roaming coverage for our customers through new roaming agreements with additional international GSM providers.
•		Smart Card: We provide a “Smart Card” to each customer that can be used with every T-Mobile handset and wireless data device. Each Smart Card is a microchip programmed with the customer’s billing information, phonebook and personalized service information. This allows customers to obtain PCS connectivity automatically using a variety of devices simply by inserting their Smart Card microchip into compatible PCS devices.

8

Table of Contents

•		Call security and privacy: The T-Mobile Smart Card, in association with GSM technology, provides increased security against fraud and eavesdropping by encoding every voice and data transmission. Each time a T-Mobile handset or wireless data device is turned on, information on the T-Mobile Smart Card is checked to ensure that it is a valid subscription card. A Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) can be stored on the Smart Card to prevent the use of stolen or lost cards. In addition, each transmission is sent using a random code, making eavesdropping and over-the-air theft of phone and identification numbers extremely difficult. Only T-Mobile switches can read the encoded information, and therefore attempts to break into the system are more likely to be detected and eliminated.
•		Over-the-air activation and over-the-air customer profile management: We are able to transmit changes in the customer’s feature package, including mobile number assignment and personal directory numbers, directly to the customer’s handset or wireless data device.
•		Handsets and wireless data devices: We do not manufacture the handsets or wireless data devices used in our operations. While the high degree of compatibility among different manufacturers’ handsets and wireless data devices allows us to operate without being heavily dependent upon any single source of such devices, we are still exposed to the potential impact of a vendor not being able to meet our supply needs. In order to minimize this impact and to provide a wide range of devices to meet customers’ needs and preferences, we purchase handsets and wireless data devices from multiple vendors including, but not limited to, Motorola Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Nokia Mobile Phones, Inc. and Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications. Other suppliers include a growing number of new vendors that manufacture specialized mobile data transmission devices including Palm and Windows-based PDA’s, laptop data cards and other devices.

     We offer the range of services described above to our post pay customers who meet certain credit requirements. We also offer plans to customers with lower credit scores and/or with different payment preferences as follows:

•		We offer plans with the same features and services discussed above to customers with established credit, but who do not have credit sufficient to meet our requirements of our traditional post pay plans. These plans require an up front non-refundable fee, and provide spending limits that the customer cannot exceed without their account being suspended until payment is made. This minimizes our risk of loss with these customers, but allows the customer access to all other features and services under certain of our post pay plans.
•		We also offer prepaid service that requires advance payment for service in specific dollar denominations. We offer prepaid customers discounted calling rates based on a customer’s previous purchases with T-Mobile. The range of services and features we offer to our prepaid customers is not as broad as those offered to our post pay customers. While we offer SMS services, we do not currently offer GPRS services to our prepaid customers. Our prepaid customers’ access to our web-based services is limited and there are certain restrictions over roaming capabilities.

9

Table of Contents

MARKETS AND SYSTEMS

     We currently own or operate spectrum licenses allowing us to provide wireless services in areas of the United States inhabited by 248.3 million people. Together with Powertel, and through joint ventures in which we have non-controlling ownership interests, we have access to licenses in areas inhabited by an additional 29.1 million people for a total of 277.4 million people or 95% of the United States population.

     We are one of the six largest, nationwide providers of wireless voice and data services, currently operating in 23 of the top 25 markets and 41 of the top 50 markets in the United States, and including Powertel, in 24 of the top 25 markets and 46 of the top 50 markets in the United States. Through our ownership of spectrum licenses as noted above, our GSM/GPRS network, including the GSM Facilities’ networks in the New York City area, California and parts of Nevada, we currently market our brand and provide wireless services in markets covering 198.9 million people. Together with Powertel, we market and provide wireless services in markets covering an additional 19.0 million people for a total of 217.9 million people or 75.8% of the United States population. We have essentially completed the initial GSM/GPRS network build-out of the major population centers for which we hold licenses, and are now primarily focused on improving network coverage, quality and capacity within and around the urban markets we currently serve.

     Joint ventures and other entities in which we hold interests

     We have entered into joint venture agreements and made other equity investments in operating companies primarily to obtain coverage for our customers in geographic areas where we ourselves could not otherwise obtain spectrum licenses, to share the cost of building and operating wireless networks and to promote the continued growth and expansion of GSM networks in North America. Entities that are 20 percent to 50 percent owned by us are generally accounted for under the equity method and entities that are less than 20 percent owned are generally accounted for under the cost method. Where control exists through voting rights or other means or where accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) require, we consolidate such entities’ results with our own.

          Network Infrastructure Venture with Cingular (GSM Facilities)

     We entered into an agreement with Cingular Wireless LLC (“Cingular”) in November 2001 to share in the ownership and operation of GSM network infrastructures in specified markets. We contributed our network assets in the New York Basic Trading Area (“BTA”) (the “New York City market”), and Cingular contributed its network assets in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Major Trading Areas (“MTAs”), which cover most of California and parts of Nevada (the “California/Nevada market”), to a newly formed joint venture entity, GSM Facilities. Concurrent with its formation, GSM Facilities entered into operating agreements with T-Mobile and Cingular to manage and maintain the assets previously owned by each company on behalf of the joint venture. In July 2002 we began marketing our commercial service in and around the major population centers of the California/Nevada market, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and Cingular began marketing its commercial service in the New York City market. The monthly cash operating expenses of GSM Facilities are charged to T-Mobile and Cingular based on each party’s proportionate share of spectrum in each market. Through a separate reciprocal home roaming agreement, Cingular and T-Mobile charge each other for usage that differs from the spectrum-based expense allocations in each market. GSM Facilities also incurs non-cash expenses including depreciation on assets in the joint venture and interest charges on certain capitalized tower leases, which are allocated to T-Mobile and Cingular based on their relative economic interests in GSM Facilities.

10

Table of Contents

     The capital expenditure requirements of the joint venture are funded through capital contributions from T-Mobile and Cingular. Pursuant to the operating agreements, T-Mobile and Cingular procure services and network equipment on behalf of GSM Facilities in the respective markets they operate and resell them to GSM Facilities. Capital contributions to fund the expenditures by GSM Facilities are then allocated to each party based on the nature of the expenditures. Contributions to fund network capacity increases are allocated based on each party’s incremental growth in network usage, while contributions to fund technology upgrades and network footprint expansion are generally allocated evenly. Under the terms of the infrastructure sharing agreement, Cingular is obligated to contribute $450.0 million for GSM Facilities’ capital expenditures in addition to their share of capital expenditures over two years from inception.

     Contractual termination provisions provide for an orderly unwind of GSM Facilities over a two year period in the event of a change in control of a member, material breach or at the discretion of either member. In an unwind, the New York City market network assets would be returned to T-Mobile and the California/Nevada market network assets would be returned to Cingular, with a settlement between the members to adjust for contribution differences. Under some circumstances, an unwind would also include the exchange of certain predetermined spectrum licenses between Cingular and T-Mobile, although the spectrum licenses are not held by GSM Facilities. Additionally, an unwind caused by certain actions of either party may result in substantial cash termination payments by that party. In the event of such termination, T-Mobile would incur substantial capital expenditures for the subsequent build-out of a wireless network in the California/Nevada market and to enhance the network in the New York City market.

          Designated Entities

     The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”), which regulates the sale and use of radio spectrum by which PCS service is provided in the United States, has granted a narrow category of entities (“Designated Entities”) the exclusive right to bid for and own certain C and F Block licenses. We do not qualify as a Designated Entity, and so in order to continue expanding service to our customers, we currently hold non-controlling ownership interests in two companies that qualify as Designated Entities, Cook Inlet/VS GSM V PCS Holdings, LLC (“CIVS V”) and Cook Inlet/VS GSM VI PCS Holdings, LLC (“CIVS VI”). These two companies (hereafter referred to as the “CIRI Designated Entities”) are controlled by an affiliate of Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (“CIRI”). Through wholesale reseller and other contractual arrangements, T-Mobile customers can obtain service in territories covered by the C and F Block spectrum licenses that are owned and operated by the CIRI Designated Entities. Under exchange rights agreements, our partners in these entities have the option to put their ownership interest to us in exchange for cash and/or Deutsche Telekom stock provided that certain FCC requirements are met. On December 31, 2002, CIRI’s affiliate formally notified us of its intent to put its ownership interest in CIVS VI to us. The exchange is pending approval by the FCC and is expected to close in the first half of 2003. If approved, the exchange is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

          Other entities in which we hold interests

     We hold non-controlling interests in the following entities that provide PCS service using GSM technology: Iowa Wireless Services, L.P.; NPI-Omnipoint Wireless, LLC; Wireless Alliance, L.L.C.; SBC International Puerto Rico Inc.; and Microcell Telecommunications Inc. (“Microcell”), a publicly traded Canadian wireless service provider. We do not expect these entities to generate income from their operations in the foreseeable future due to the high level of capital expenditures and high costs associated with expansion and operation of their networks. We have not guaranteed the obligations or otherwise committed to provide further financial support for these entities.

11

Table of Contents

THE WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY

     Overview

     Since its introduction in 1983, wireless service in the United States has grown dramatically. The Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (“CTIA”) reports that there were 134.6 million PCS, cellular and enhanced specialized mobile radio (“SMR”) customers in the United States as of June 30, 2002. This represents a nationwide penetration rate of wireless services of more than 46%. The wireless communications industry generally includes one-way radio applications, such as paging or beeper services, and two-way radio applications, such as cellular, PCS and SMR. Wireless communications systems use a variety of radio frequencies to transmit voice and data signals, referred to as spectrum, which is licensed in distinct frequency blocks.

     PCS service was commercially launched in 1996 utilizing the 1900 MHz frequency band specifically set aside for PCS service. PCS uses digital technology, which converts voice or data signals into a stream of digits that are compressed before transmission. A single radio channel may carry multiple simultaneous signal transmissions, enhancing capacity and allowing digital-based wireless carriers to offer new and enhanced wireless services. Such services include data transmission features that allow “mobile office” applications such as facsimile, e-mail, wireless connections to computer/data networks, basic Internet capabilities and improved conversation privacy. Packet-switched digital technology, which underlies GPRS, further provides for substantially higher data transmission rates and continuous connectivity to data networks and more robust Internet capabilities.

     As further discussed below, PCS competes directly with cellular telephone and data services, paging and SMR services. Cellular service was commercially launched in 1983, initially using only analog-based technology on the 824 to 896 MHz frequency band set aside for cellular service. Analog cellular service continues to be more widely deployed geographically than digital service; however, all major carriers with cellular spectrum now provide both digital-based voice and wireless data services utilizing the cellular frequency band. Analog cellular service generally offers a more limited number of voice features and does not offer the data transmission features available with digital technologies. PCS is also increasingly competing with wired local communications services as PCS costs decline and the quality and range of services increases.

     Operation of wireless communications systems

     Wireless communications system service areas, whether cellular or PCS, are divided into multiple “cells”. In both cellular and PCS systems, each cell contains a transmitter, a receiver and signaling equipment (collectively referred to as the “cell site”). The cell site is connected by microwave or landline telephone lines to a switch that uses computers to control the operation of the wireless communications system for the entire service area. The signal strength of a transmission between a handset or wireless data device and a cell site declines as the handset or wireless data device moves away from that cell site. The system coordinates all aspects of call transmission to and from handsets and wireless data devices and ensures the “hand off” of calls to other cell sites, which is designed to prevent calls from being dropped as customers travel between overlapping coverage areas of individual cell sites. Wireless communications providers also establish interconnection agreements with local exchange carriers (“LECs”) and interexchange carriers in order to allow a call to or from a wireless customer to be routed over the facilities of these other carriers.

12

Table of Contents

     Wireless system operators often enter into “roaming” agreements by which the operators will provide service to customers of other wireless service providers with compatible wireless systems who are temporarily located in or traveling through their service areas and where the customer’s provider does not have service. Although PCS and cellular systems utilize similar technologies and hardware, they generally operate on different frequencies and use different technical and network standards. PCS systems operate under one of three principal digital signal transmission standards that have been deployed by various operators and vendors: GSM, Time Division Multiple Access (“TDMA”), or Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”). An additional standard, Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (“iDEN”), is used on enhanced SMR systems. Some, but not all, PCS service providers offer dual-mode handsets, which make it possible for their customers to roam on analog systems, and more recently multi-mode handsets that enable roaming on certain other digital systems, including GSM, outside of their service area. We do not currently sell or support such multi-mode GSM handsets.

     GSM is the most widely used wireless technology in the world, serving over 800 million customers. It offers an open system architecture, is supported by a variety of vendors and allows GSM operators to achieve cost efficiencies in infrastructure and mobile terminal equipment. GSM provides the benefit of a single phone number and transparent services on a global roaming basis. GSM also has high capacity, high voice quality and utilizes industry-leading encryption and authentication technology that provides customers with a high level of conversation privacy and protection against unauthorized subscription usage. GSM has always supported wireless data and currently supports wireless packet-based data transmission through GPRS. This allows GSM operators to provide customers with enhanced Internet and mobile data services.

     CDMA has been widely deployed in North America and parts of Asia and has interoperability with North American analog cellular systems, permitting CDMA customers with dual-mode handsets to roam on analog wireless systems. Because CDMA uses a closed architecture and is dependent upon intellectual property rights owned by a few manufacturers, the cost of network equipment, handsets and wireless data devices is generally higher than GSM. CDMA has limited global deployment, thus limiting the customer’s ability to use services based upon CDMA technology outside of the United States.

     GSM and TDMA are both based upon time-division of spectrum and are currently incompatible with each other and with CDMA. TDMA, like CDMA, has interoperability with analog cellular systems, enabling customers with dual-mode handsets to roam on analog networks. GSM utilizes a digital protocol that is incompatible with CDMA, TDMA, iDEN and analog systems, which historically has made the development of dual-mode handsets impractical. Accordingly, customers utilizing GSM handsets have historically been unable to roam on analog or other digital systems when traveling in an area not served by a GSM operator. During 2002, multi-mode handsets offering interoperability among GSM, TDMA and analog systems became commercially available and are being sold by some wireless service providers.

     Competition

     We operate in highly competitive markets. Competition for customers among wireless spectrum licensees is principally based upon the selection of services and features offered, the technical quality of the wireless systems, customer service, system coverage, capacity and price. The FCC’s allocation of spectrum currently provides for at least six PCS spectrum licenses in each geographic area and two cellular spectrum licenses in each market. There was formerly a spectrum cap that limited the amount of PCS, cellular and covered SMR spectrum that a licensee could hold in overlapping markets to 55 MHz. There was also a cross-interest restriction that limited the ability of an entity to have ownership or other attributable interests in cellular licensees on different channel blocks in overlapping markets. These regulations combined to limit the minimum number of licensees in a given geographic area to five, three PCS and two unaffiliated cellular licensees in each market. The spectrum cap was removed effective January 1, 2003, as was the cellular cross-interest restriction in the larger, urban cellular markets, known as Metropolitan Statistical Areas (“MSAs”). The FCC retained the cross-interest restriction in the smaller, rural cellular markets, known as Rural Service Areas. The FCC indicated that it would engage in a case-by-case review of any anticompetitive effects of spectrum acquisitions. Although it is not clear what criteria the FCC will use in reviewing spectrum acquisitions, the elimination of the spectrum cap and the cross-interest restriction in MSAs may lead to further consolidation among PCS and cellular service providers.

13

Table of Contents

     Our principal competitors are the national PCS and cellular providers, and the national specialized radio licensee in our markets, many of which have been operational for a number of years. Earlier market entry by these competitors often provided them the opportunity to gain greater coverage within individual markets, larger customer bases and the ability to offer no or low cost roaming and toll calls in wider areas. Many of our competitors in the national market provide services comparable to our PCS services and continue to have the advantages of greater geographical coverage and more customers. These competitors include Verizon Wireless, Inc. (“Verizon”); Cingular; AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (“AT&T Wireless”); Sprint Spectrum L.P. (“Sprint PCS”); and Nextel Communications, Inc. (“Nextel”). We also compete with local or regional PCS providers, paging, dispatch, cellular, wireless service resellers and landline telephone service providers. We also face increased competition from entities providing similar services in particular situations using other currently operational technologies such as WLANs or other unlicensed applications or developing new technologies for use in the future.

     GSM technology has not historically been widely deployed by North American wireless operators. Our principal PCS competitors generally have used standards other than GSM. For example, Verizon and Sprint PCS use the CDMA standard. AT&T Wireless, until it began the rollout of the GSM standard in 2001, has used the TDMA standard exclusively and Cingular has used TDMA in most of its service areas and GSM in other limited service areas. The different PCS technologies utilized by our principal competitors combined with the historical absence of practical multi-mode handsets supporting the GSM standard have precluded our customers from roaming on other carriers’ digital and analog networks, in most cases, when they are traveling in North America outside our service areas.

     AT&T Wireless and Cingular have begun overlaying their TDMA networks with GSM networks in many markets, while continuing to provide services on their TDMA networks. AT&T Wireless recently indicated that its total combined TDMA and GSM footprint would cover 221.0 million people by the end of 2003. Cingular and AT&T Wireless also entered into a joint venture in 2002 to further expand their GSM networks. The expansion of the GSM networks by these competitors may make it possible for our customers to have expanded roaming capabilities. At the same time, however, multi-mode handsets offered by our competitors using the CDMA, TDMA and GSM standards will allow their customers to roam onto systems of other carriers operating on other standards, effectively increasing areas of coverage available to their customers.

     The FCC formerly required all cellular and PCS spectrum licensees to provide service to resellers. A reseller of wireless service is allocated blocks of telephone numbers and capacity from licensed wireless carriers and then resells those services to its own customers. Thus, a reseller is both a customer of a wireless spectrum licensee’s services and also a competitor of that spectrum licensee. Several small resellers currently operate in competition with us. The obligation of spectrum licensees to provide service to resellers terminated on November 24, 2002.

14

Table of Contents

     Competition may increase as a result of several recent federal government actions that will increase the amount of available spectrum for the provision of commercial mobile radio service (“CMRS”), which includes PCS, cellular and enhanced SMR services. In 2002, the federal government reallocated 90 MHz of spectrum in the 1.7 and 2.1 GHz bands for advanced wireless (2.5G+) services. In January 2003, the FCC reallocated 30 MHz of mobile satellite service (“MSS”) spectrum in the 1.9 and 2.1 GHz bands for fixed and mobile uses. The FCC also plans to auction spectrum in the 700 MHz band for CMRS and other uses that has become available as a result of the migration from analog to digital television broadcasting. Additionally, the Supreme Court recently ruled that the FCC improperly cancelled PCS spectrum licenses previously won at auction by NextWave Personal Communications Inc., NextWave Power Partners Inc. and Urban-Comm North Carolina, Inc. (“NextWave-Urban Comm”). This ruling is expected to result in commercial operation of this spectrum by NextWave-Urban Comm or other carriers to whom this spectrum or portions thereof may be transferred. These developments may increase competition and therefore negatively impact our business.

     Competition in the emerging Wi-Fi market is extremely fragmented due to the nature of Wi-Fi technology and its use of unlicensed spectrum. The initial competitors in this market such as Boingo Wireless, Inc., iPASS Inc. and GRIC Communications, Inc. have elected to purchase and resell access on existing Wi-Fi systems of smaller third parties, thus creating aggregated networks. We intend to continue expanding our HotSpot Wi-Fi service through the build-out of additional access points of our own and integrating Wi-Fi into broader wireless voice and data service offerings. Other CMRS carriers have recently announced plans to enter the Wi-Fi market. These other carriers and other Wi-Fi service providers are bidding to construct access points at airports and other venues in competition with our service.

GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION

     Our telecommunications systems and operations are regulated by the FCC pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934 (the “Communications Act”) and the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “Telecommunications Act”) (collectively, the “Acts”) and by various other federal, state and local government bodies.

     The FCC allocates spectrum licenses for radio frequency spectrum through competitive bidding, or auctions. The FCC generally allows all qualified applicants to bid on spectrum licenses, with the exception of certain spectrum licenses that are reserved for Designated Entities. The FCC has divided the United States into separate PCS geographic markets, with six or more spectrum licenses on separate frequencies in each market. Spectrum licensees are generally allowed to divide their licenses further, either spectrally (“disaggregation”), geographically (“partitioning”), or both, in private transactions after an auction, subject to certain restrictions. Spectrum licensees are also subject to other FCC and other regulatory rules and various recent industry developments that may affect our business operations as follows:

•

Renewal and construction requirements of spectrum licenses: Spectrum licenses have a ten-year term, after which they must be renewed with the FCC. The renewal generally will be granted to a spectrum licensee that has: (1) provided substantial service during its past spectrum license term and (2) substantially complied with applicable FCC rules and policies and the Acts. The FCC also mandates that spectrum licensees construct facilities that provide adequate service to a certain percentage of the population of their spectrum licensed service areas within five, and in some cases, ten years of the initial spectrum license grant. Failure to meet these construction deadlines may result in forfeiture of the spectrum license.

15

Table of Contents

•		Compliance with antenna structure and other technical requirements: PCS systems are subject to certain Federal Aviation Administration regulations with respect to location, lighting and construction of transmitter towers and antennas and are subject to regulation under the National Environmental Policy Act and environmental regulations of the FCC. The FCC also mandates various technical parameters, and state or local zoning and land use regulations also apply to wireless systems.
•		Transfers and assignments of spectrum licenses: Subject to certain exceptions, the FCC’s approval must be obtained prior to assigning or transferring control of a spectrum license. Any acquisition or sale of spectrum licenses may also require prior review by the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice if the transaction is over a certain size, as well as state or local regulatory authorities having jurisdiction.
		FCC rules restrict the voluntary assignment or transfer of control of Designated Entity spectrum licenses. During the first five years of the spectrum license term, assignments or transfers affecting control are permitted only to assignees or transferees that meet the FCC’s Designated Entity eligibility criteria for holding such spectrum licenses. However, a spectrum licensee may assign or transfer control of a Designated Entity spectrum license to a non-Designated Entity within the five year restricted period if it has satisfied the first construction benchmark for the spectrum license, although such transfers may be subject to unjust enrichment payments. Upon transfer or assignment of a Designated Entity spectrum license to a non-Designated Entity during the initial spectrum license term, any installment payment plans are accelerated, and during the first five years of the initial spectrum license term, all or a portion of any bidding credits received by the Designated Entity must be forfeited. The FCC has authority to conduct random audits to ensure that spectrum licensees are in compliance with the FCC’s Designated Entity eligibility rules, and any violations could result in spectrum license revocations, forfeitures or fines.

•		FCC wireless spectrum cap: As discussed above, previously a single person or entity (or related group) could hold an attributable interest in PCS, cellular and covered SMR spectrum licenses totaling no more than 55 MHz in all markets where there was a significant overlap in a particular geographic area. The FCC eliminated the restriction effective January 1, 2003. However, the FCC indicated that it would engage in a case-by-case review of any anticompetitive effects of spectrum acquisitions. It is not clear at this time what criteria the FCC will use in reviewing spectrum acquisitions.
•		Relocation of microwave incumbents: The spectrum acquired by a spectrum licensee may be encumbered by the fixed microwave systems of existing spectrum licensees. In order for the spectrum licensees to operate their PCS systems, they may need to relocate these incumbent microwave spectrum licensees to other spectrum. The FCC has adopted transition and cost sharing plans to facilitate the relocation of incumbents and to ensure that subsequent spectrum licensees that benefit from the earlier relocation by another carrier share the cost of the relocation. The transition and cost sharing plans expire in April 2005, after which any remaining incumbents in the spectrum band will be responsible for their own relocation costs.
•		Foreign ownership: The Communications Act limits direct foreign ownership in an FCC spectrum license to 20 percent. The Communications Act also mandates that no more than 25 percent of a FCC spectrum licensee’s capital stock may be indirectly owned or voted by non-United States citizens or their representatives, by a foreign government, or by a foreign corporation, absent an FCC finding that a higher level of foreign ownership is not inconsistent with the public interest. Indirect ownership in excess of 25 percent by persons or entities from countries that are signatories to the World Trade Basic Telecom Organization Agreement are presumed to be in the public interest. However, the FCC has the right to attach additional conditions to a grant of authority, and, in the exceptional case in which an application poses a very high risk to competition, to deny an application. In connection with the T-Mobile merger, the FCC authorized T-Mobile to have 100 percent indirect foreign ownership of spectrum licenses.

16

Table of Contents

•		Enhanced 911: The FCC has established timetables for making emergency 911 services available by cellular, PCS, and other CMRS providers, including enhanced 911 (“E911”) services that provide the caller’s telephone number, location and other useful information. Fundamentally, such carriers have an ongoing obligation to comply with various implementation standards and deadlines imposed by the FCC relating to E911. Although we have various requests and petitions pending at the FCC to modify and clarify our E911 obligations, we are partially out of compliance with certain current E911 requirements. The FCC has proposed a $1.25 million penalty against us for alleged non-compliance, and we may be subject to additional fines in the future. Any such monetary penalties are not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
•		LEC/CMRS interconnection: FCC rules require LECs to provide CMRS carriers interconnection within a reasonable time after it is requested, unless such interconnection is not technically feasible or not economically reasonable. Interconnection allows the completion of calls between wireless and wireline phones. CMRS providers are entitled to reciprocal compensation arrangements with LECs, in which CMRS providers can collect the same charges for terminating wireline-to-wireless traffic on their systems that the LECs charge for terminating wireless-to-wireline calls, and prohibits LECs from charging CMRS providers for terminating LEC-originated traffic. There is an on-going FCC rulemaking proceeding to reexamine all of its currently regulated forms of intercarrier compensation, including the existing reciprocal compensation mechanism for LEC-CMRS interconnection, which may result in substantial modification of the FCC’s interconnection rules. We do not believe the impact of any such modifications to be determined by the FCC in this proceeding will have a material impact on our business.
•		Universal service: The goal of universal service is to ensure the provision of basic and enhanced telecommunications services to all areas in the United States, including schools, libraries, rural health care, high-cost and low-income areas. The Federal government, along with all 50 states, have created such programs although the goals of such programs vary by jurisdiction. Wireless service providers are eligible to receive universal service subsidies, but are also required to contribute to the federal universal service fund and to certain state programs. Contributions to the Federal program are based primarily on a percentage of interstate end-user revenues as determined on a quarterly basis by the FCC. Contributions to the state programs vary, but are generally based on intrastate revenues.
•		Wireless local number portability: CMRS carriers are required under FCC rules to provide local number portability (“LNP”), which enables customers to migrate their landline telephone numbers to a CMRS carrier and vice versa, and to migrate their CMRS telephone numbers from one CMRS carrier to another CMRS carrier. CMRS carriers are required to implement LNP in the top 100 MSAs by November 24, 2003. Legislation has recently been introduced in the United States House of Representatives, which if enacted into law, may require LNP in all markets by an earlier date. Verizon and CTIA currently have pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit a challenge to the FCC’s LNP rules which, if successful, would indefinitely delay implementation of the FCC’s LNP rules. We may incur substantial costs in complying with this requirement and we are unable to determine the impact on our business of the increased ability of customers to change their wireless service providers.
•		CALEA: The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (“CALEA”) requires telecommunications carriers to ensure that their facilities are technically capable of assisting law enforcement officials’ use of wiretaps and like devices to intercept or isolate customer communications. All CMRS carriers must comply with CALEA. In addition, T-Mobile is subject to an agreement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice, which imposes on us certain operational and other requirements designed to ensure that we can effectively respond to, and implement, such wiretap and other information requests by law enforcement agencies.

17

Table of Contents

•		CMRS automatic roaming: The FCC is currently considering whether it should adopt “automatic” roaming rules for CMRS carriers and phase out the current “manual” roaming requirement. Manual roaming requires the customer to take additional action to establish a contractual relationship with a host carrier to carry a call that is placed outside the customer’s home area. The FCC has not yet issued a decision on this matter. Even though there is not a current requirement that carriers enter into agreements with one another to enable automatic roaming, most wireless carriers have already entered into voluntary automatic roaming agreements with other carriers so that their customers do not have to take such additional steps relating to manual roaming.
•		Health effects of wireless handsets, wireless data devices and cell sites: A number of studies have been conducted to examine the health effects of wireless phone use, and some of the studies have been construed as indicating that wireless phone use causes adverse health effects. Media reports have suggested that radio frequency emissions from handsets, wireless data devices and cell sites may raise various health concerns, including cancer, and may interfere with various electronic medical devices, including hearing aids and pacemakers. We are subject to current and potential future litigation relating to these health concerns. Several lawsuits have been filed against us, other wireless carriers and other participants in the wireless industry, asserting product liability, breach of warranty, adverse health effects and other claims relating to radio frequency transmissions to and from handsets and wireless data devices. Some of these lawsuits allege other related claims, including negligence, strict liability, conspiracy and the misrepresentation of or failure to disclose these alleged health risks. The complaints seek substantial monetary damages as well as injunctive relief. The defense of these lawsuits may divert our management’s attention, we may incur significant expenses in defending these lawsuits, and we may be required to pay significant awards or settlements.
		Additional studies of health effects of wireless services are ongoing and new studies are anticipated. If such further research establishes any link between the use of handsets and health problems, such as brain cancer, then usage of and demand for our services may be significantly reduced, and we could be required to pay significant expenses in defending lawsuits and significant awards or settlements, any or all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition.
		We may be subject to potential litigation relating to the use of handsets and wireless data devices while driving. Some studies have indicated that using these devices while driving may impair drivers’ attention. Legislation has been proposed in the United States Congress and many state and local legislative bodies to restrict or prohibit the use of wireless phones while driving motor vehicles. To date, New York State and some localities in the United States have passed laws restricting the use of handsets, and similar laws have been enacted in other countries. Additionally, some jurisdictions have passed laws restricting the use of handsets by persons such as school bus drivers and novice drivers. These laws or, if passed, other laws prohibiting or restricting the use of handsets while driving, could reduce sales, usage and revenues, any or all of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

•

Regulation on the state and local level: Some states, through their public service or utility commissions, or through other means, have taken, or are seeking to take actions to regulate various aspects of wireless operations, including customer billing, termination of service arrangements, advertising, the filing of “informational” tariffs and certification of operations. For example, the California Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) has proposed extensive consumer protection and privacy regulations for all telecommunications carriers. If adopted, the rules will significantly alter our business practices in California with respect to nearly every aspect of the carrier-customer relationship, including solicitations, marketing, activations, billing and customer care. The California PUC is also contemplating rules to address other service quality issues, including service repair, service outages and toll operator answering time that could apply to CMRS providers. Such regulations, if approved, could expose carriers to increased risk of litigation and may materially impact our operating costs. At the local level, wireless facilities typically are also subject to zoning and land use regulation, and may be subject to fees for use of public rights-of-way.

18

Table of Contents

•

Leasing of spectrum: The FCC initiated a proceeding in late 2000 examining whether it should allow the leasing of spectrum to third parties either on a temporary or long-term basis to ease the current spectrum shortage faced by many carriers. The FCC’s proposal on leasing of spectrum would allow certain wireless spectrum licensees to enter into a variety of arrangements with third parties that would not require the FCC’s prior approval for assigning or transferring control of a spectrum license. The FCC has not yet issued a decision on this matter.

EMPLOYEES AND LABOR RELATIONS

     We consider our labor relations to be good. None of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. At December 31, 2002, we had 20,185 employees. This includes former employees of Powertel who became T-Mobile employees in 2001. Of these employees, approximately 2,600 perform services exclusively for Powertel, and their compensation and benefits costs are being charged directly to Powertel. Our employees are working in the following areas:

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     T-Mobile is a reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and files reports and other information with the SEC. The public may read and copy any of our filings at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Because we make filings to the SEC electronically, access to this information is available at the SEC’s Internet website (www.sec.gov). This site contains reports and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. We make available, free of charge through our website, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we have electronically filed such material with, or furnished such material to, the SEC. Our Internet website is www.t-mobile.com.

19

Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

WE HAVE SUBSTANTIAL NET LOSSES AND NEGATIVE CASH FLOW AND WE MAY NOT BECOME PROFITABLE IN THE FUTURE.

     We sustained net losses of approximately $16.6 billion in fiscal 2002 ($15.2 billion of which were non-cash charges associated with the adoption of SFAS No. 142 and subsequent impairment of goodwill and spectrum licenses during the year), $2.6 billion in 2001 and $2.1 billion in 2000. At December 31, 2002, we had an accumulated deficit of $18.1 billion and shareholder’s equity, net of accumulated deficit, of $8.7 billion. We expect to incur significant operating losses and to generate negative cash flows during the next several years while we continue to develop our systems and grow our customer base. We might not be able to achieve profitability or positive cash flow.

AS A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF DEUTSCHE TELEKOM, WE RELY ON T-MOBILE INTERNATIONAL, DEUTSCHE TELEKOM, OR ITS AFFILIATES FOR OUR FUTURE FUNDING REQUIREMENTS. UNAVAILABILITY OF SUCH FUNDING COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

     Since the T-Mobile Merger, we have relied on funding from T-Mobile International, Deutsche Telekom, or its affiliates to meet our working capital, capital expenditure, debt service and other obligations. The continued growth and operation of our business will require substantial additional funding for working capital, debt service, the enhancement and upgrade of our network, the build-out of infrastructure to expand our coverage (including the need to provide funding to our infrastructure venture with Cingular) and possible acquisitions of spectrum licenses. Additionally, competitive factors, unforeseen construction delays, cost overruns, regulatory changes, engineering and technological changes and other factors may result in funding requirements in excess of current estimates. If such funding is not available from these sources in the future, there can be no assurance that such funding would be available on reasonable terms, if at all, from other sources. The unavailability of such funding on reasonable terms from any sources would have a material adverse effect on our business, strategy, operations and financial condition. At December 31, 2002, our aggregate indebtedness, including that of our consolidated subsidiaries, was $8.3 billion, of which $7.1 billion was owed to T-Mobile International, Deutsche Telekom, or its affiliates.

     Deutsche Telekom is an international telecommunications operator and an SEC registrant. As such, Deutsche Telekom makes periodic filings with the SEC which include its financial condition, operating results and disclosures regarding the specific risks it faces on a global basis, including, among other risks, certain risks similar to those described in this Risk Factor section.

WE FACE SUBSTANTIAL COMPETITION IN ALL ASPECTS OF OUR BUSINESS.

     We operate in highly competitive markets and there is substantial and increasing competition in all aspects of the wireless communications business. Our principal competitors are the national PCS and cellular providers (Verizon, Sprint PCS, AT&T Wireless and Cingular), and the national specialized radio licensee in our markets (Nextel). Many of these competitors have been operational for a number of years and some have substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution and other resources than we do. Additionally, several operate in multiple segments of the industry. We currently have the smallest customer base of the six national wireless carriers. Many of our competitors in the national market provide services comparable to our PCS services and continue to have the advantages of greater geographical coverage, more customers and the ability to offer no or low cost roaming and toll calls in wider areas. We also compete with local or regional PCS providers, paging, dispatch, cellular, wireless service resellers and landline telephone service providers. With so many companies targeting many of the same customers, we may not be able to successfully attract and retain customers and grow our customer base and revenues, and as a result, our operating results may decrease.

20

Table of Contents

     GSM technology has not historically been widely deployed by North American wireless operators. Our principal PCS competitors generally have used standards other than GSM. In many cases our customers are not able to roam conveniently or at all on other carriers’ systems while traveling in areas of North America outside our service area given that our customers’ handsets currently operate on a single technology (GSM) and a single frequency band (1900 MHz) in the United States. At the same time, however, dual and multi-mode handsets allow many of our competitors’ customers to roam onto systems of other carriers operating on other standards, effectively increasing the areas of available coverage. Our ability to expand coverage is limited to those markets where we have obtained or can obtain licenses with sufficient spectrum to provide voice, data and other services, or where we economically can become resellers of these services or enter into roaming arrangements with other GSM carriers.

     Competition in the emerging Wi-Fi market is extremely fragmented due to the nature of Wi-Fi technology and its use of unlicensed spectrum. The initial competitors in this market such as Boingo, iPASS, and GRIC have elected to purchase and resell access on existing Wi-Fi systems of smaller third parties, thus creating aggregated networks. We intend to continue expanding our HotSpot Wi-Fi service through the build-out of additional access points of our own and integrating Wi-Fi into broader wireless voice and data service offerings. Other CMRS carriers have recently announced plans to enter the Wi-Fi market. These other carriers and other Wi-Fi service providers are bidding to construct access points at airports and other venues in competition with our service.

A HIGH RATE OF CHURN WOULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR BUSINESS.

     Wireless communications services providers, including us, experience varying rates of customer attrition, referred to as “churn”. We believe that customers change wireless providers for the following principal reasons: service offerings, price, call quality, coverage area and customer service. We also expect churn to increase generally for the industry as a result of the introduction of LNP. A high rate of churn would adversely affect our operating results because of the potential revenue loss and the cost of adding new customers to replace those lost, which generally includes commissions and handset subsidies. We intend to incur significant expenses to improve customer retention and minimize churn. We may also be required to subsidize product upgrades and/or reduce pricing to match competitors’ initiatives in order to retain customers.

WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE NETWORK COVERAGE, QUALITY AND CAPACITY WITHIN AND AROUND THE URBAN MARKETS THAT WE CURRENTLY SERVE AND THE FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE IMPROVEMENTS IN NETWORK COVERAGE, QUALITY AND CAPACITY ON A TIMELY BASIS AND AT THE COST WE EXPECT COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

     We have essentially completed the initial GSM/GPRS network build-out of the major population centers for which we hold licenses, and are now primarily focused on improving network coverage, quality and capacity within and around the urban markets we currently serve. Although, including Powertel, we have access to licenses covering 95% of the United States population, our network currently only covers roughly 75.8% of the population. Our network does not currently cover many of the less populated areas; however, we will continue to seek roaming agreements, enter into joint ventures or build infrastructure to expand our network coverage in these areas as appropriate. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so in a time frame that will permit us to remain competitive at the cost we expect, or at all. Failure or delay in improving network coverage, quality and capacity on a timely basis or at all, or increased costs to accomplish such improvements could have a material adverse effect on our business, strategy, operations and financial condition.

21

Table of Contents

     In addition, we plan to deploy EDGE technology in selected areas to increase data transmission rates beyond those available through our existing GPRS network. A number of factors beyond our control could disrupt a timely and cost-effective transition to EDGE technology. We depend on suppliers to deliver the required hardware, software and terminal devices (handsets or wireless data devices) on schedule and in accordance with our specifications, and on the availability of skilled personnel to assist us in the installation of the hardware and software. Furthermore, significant components, such as EDGE software and certain required hardware components, are not yet commercially available and may delay our ability to deploy EDGE technology on our anticipated schedule. Supplier delays and the failure of the necessary equipment to be commercially available on a timely basis, could have a material adverse effect on our business, strategy, operations and financial condition.

SYSTEM FAILURES COULD RESULT IN REDUCED USER TRAFFIC AND REDUCED REVENUE AND COULD HARM OUR REPUTATION.

     Our technical infrastructure (including our network infrastructure for mobile telecommunications services and our internal network infrastructure supporting functions such as billing and customer care) is vulnerable to damage or interruption from information and telecommunication technology failures, power loss, floods, windstorms, fires, terrorism, intentional wrongdoing and similar events. Unanticipated problems at our facilities, system failures, hardware or software failures, computer viruses or hacker attacks could affect the quality of our services and cause service interruptions. Any of these occurrences could result in reduced user traffic, higher churn, reduced revenues, and increased costs, and could harm our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business.

OUR ABILITY TO EXPAND AND PROVIDE SERVICE IS LIMITED BY OUR ABILITY TO OBTAIN FCC LICENSES, WHICH ARE LIMITED IN NUMBER.

     We do not have licenses covering the entire United States and in many cases our customers are not able to roam conveniently or at all on other PCS or cellular systems while traveling in areas of North America outside our service area given that our customers’ handsets and wireless data devices currently operate on a single technology (GSM) and a single frequency band (1900 MHz) in the United States. At the same time, however, dual and multi-mode handsets allow many of our competitors’ customers to roam onto systems of other carriers operating on other standards, effectively increasing the areas of available coverage. Our ability to expand coverage and provide additional capacity to handle our growing customer base and new service offerings is limited to those markets where we have obtained or can obtain licenses with sufficient spectrum to provide voice, data and other services, or where we economically can become resellers of these services or enter into roaming arrangements with other GSM carriers. We could fail to obtain sufficient spectrum capacity through FCC auctions or other transactions required to meet the expanded demands for our existing services in both new and existing markets, as well as to enable development of next generation services. The failure of having sufficient spectrum would have a material adverse impact on the quality of our services or our ability to roll out such future services in some markets.

     We will continue to seek opportunities where appropriate to acquire additional spectrum licenses, systems and/or operators, or enter into joint ventures, which will add to our current footprint or increase the spectrum capacity available to us. The FCC periodically allocates spectrum licenses for radio frequency spectrum through competitive bidding, or auctions available to qualified applicants. The decision to conduct auctions, and the determination of what spectrum frequencies will be made available for auction, are provided for by la