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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
(Mark One)
[ ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934.
OR
[X] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 31, 1998 TO
SEPTEMBER 30, 1999.
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 027455
AIRGATE PCS, INC.
-------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as
specified in its charter)
Delaware 58-2422929
- ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
organization)
Harris Tower, 233 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 1700,
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
- ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(404) 525-7272
- -----------------------------------------------------
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.
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 and 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 ______ No X
---
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. [_]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant (based upon the closing sale price on the Nasdaq Stock Market) on
December 7, 1999 was approximately $433,621,547. As of December 7, 1999, there
were 11,969,734 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the registrant's proxy
statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held
January 21, 2000 are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.
AIRGATE PCS, INC.
TRANSITION REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
- ----------- --------
PART I............................................................................................ 3
ITEM 1. BUSINESS............................................................................. 3
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES........................................................................... 24
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.................................................................... 24
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.................................. 24
PART II........................................................................................... 26
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS................ 26
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.............................................................. 26
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 28
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK............................ 32
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................................................................. 32
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. 32
PART III.......................................................................................... 33
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT................................... 33
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION............................................................... 33
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT....................... 33
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS....................................... 33
PART IV........................................................................................... 33
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K................... 33
2
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
We have entered into a management agreement with Sprint PCS whereby we have the
exclusive right to provide 100% digital, 100% PCS products and services under
the Sprint and Sprint PCS brand names in our territory in the southeastern
United States. Based upon the population of our territory, we are one of the
largest Sprint PCS affiliates in the United States. Our territory, which covers
almost the entire state of South Carolina, parts of North Carolina, and the
eastern Georgia cities of Augusta and Savannah, has a resident population of
more than 6.8 million and covers 21 contiguous markets in one of the fastest
growing regions in the United States, based on population.
Sprint PCS
Sprint is a diversified telecommunications service provider whose principal
activities include long distance service, local service, wireless telephony
products and services, product distribution and directory publishing activities,
and other telecommunications activities, investments and alliances. Sprint PCS,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sprint, operates the only 100% digital, 100% PCS
wireless network in the United States with licenses to provide service
nationwide using a single frequency and a single technology. The Sprint PCS
network uses CDMA technology nationwide.
Sprint launched its first commercial PCS service in the United States in
November 1995. Since then, Sprint PCS has experienced rapid customer growth,
providing service to approximately 4.7 million customers as of September 30,
1999. In the fourth quarter of 1998, Sprint PCS added approximately 830,000 net
new subscribers, the largest single quarter of customer growth ever reported by
a wireless provider in the United States. In the first quarter of 1999, Sprint
PCS added approximately 763,000 net new wireless subscribers, the second largest
quarter ever recorded by a wireless carrier in the United States. As of
September 30, 1999, Sprint PCS, together with its affiliates, operated PCS
systems in 4,000 cities and communities within the United States, including all
of the 50 largest metropolitan areas. The following table, showing the quarterly
end-of-period subscriber data for Sprint PCS, illustrates Sprint PCS' subscriber
growth from the beginning of 1997 to the end of the third quarter of 1999.
1997 1998 1999
-------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3
-------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------
(In thousands)
Total subscribers........................ 192 347 570 887 1,114 1,370 1,750 2,586 3,350 3,967 4,690
Sprint PCS currently provides nationwide PCS service through a combination of:
. operating its own digital network in major metropolitan areas;
. strategic affiliations with other companies, primarily in and around
smaller metropolitan areas;
. roaming on analog cellular networks of other providers using dual-band,
dual-mode handsets; and
. roaming on digital PCS networks of other CDMA-based providers.
We are one of the largest affiliates of Sprint PCS and will provide Sprint PCS
services in key cities contiguous to current and future Sprint PCS markets. Our
territory connects to Sprint PCS markets including Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte
and Raleigh, North Carolina; Norfolk, Virginia; and Knoxville, Tennessee. The
build-out of our territory will significantly extend Sprint PCS' coverage in the
Southeast and we believe is important to its nationwide strategy.
Competitive Strengths
Benefits of the Sprint PCS Affiliation
Our strategic affiliation with Sprint PCS provides us with many business,
operational and marketing advantages including the following:
3
Exclusive provider of Sprint PCS products and services. We are the
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exclusive provider of Sprint PCS' 100% digital, 100% PCS products and services
in our territory. We will provide these products and services exclusively under
the Sprint and Sprint PCS brand names.
Strong brand recognition and national advertising support. We will benefit
---------------------------------------------------------
from the strength and the reputation of the Sprint and Sprint PCS brands. Sprint
PCS' national advertising campaigns and developed marketing programs will be
provided to us at no additional cost under our agreements with Sprint PCS. We
will offer the same strategic pricing plans, promotional campaigns and handset
and accessory promotions that we believe have made Sprint PCS the fastest
growing wireless service provider in the United States.
Established and available distribution channels. We will have use of all
-----------------------------------------------
the national distribution channels used by Sprint PCS. These channels include:
. RadioShack stores on an exclusive basis for PCS;
. other major national third-party retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit
City and Office Depot;
. Sprint PCS' national inbound telemarketing sales force;
. Sprint PCS' national accounts sales team; and
. Sprint PCS' electronic commerce sales platform.
Nationwide coverage. We plan to operate our PCS network seamlessly with
-------------------
the Sprint PCS national network. This will provide customers in our territory
with immediate nationwide roaming using Sprint PCS' network and other wireless
networks with which Sprint PCS has roaming agreements. As of September 30, 1999,
Sprint PCS, together with its affiliates, operated PCS systems in 4,000 cities
and communities in the United States. Sprint PCS is still constructing its PCS
network. Accordingly, the areas currently served by Sprint PCS, together with
the areas covered by Sprint PCS' roaming agreements, do not cover every area in
the United States. We will receive roaming revenue from the use of our PCS
network by Sprint PCS customers traveling in or visiting our territory.
Ability to purchase back office services from Sprint PCS. Our affiliation
--------------------------------------------------------
with Sprint PCS provides us with the option to use Sprint PCS' established back
office services, including customer activation, billing and customer care. Using
this option, we can accelerate the launch of our commercial PCS operations and
reduce our capital expenditures and operating costs rather than establishing and
operating our own systems. Sprint PCS has indicated that it intends to provide
these services to us at costs reflecting Sprint PCS' economies of scale. We may
elect to develop our own internal capabilities to handle these functions or
outsource them to a third party in the event that doing so proves to be more
cost effective.
Sprint PCS network design. Sprint PCS developed the initial build-out plan
-------------------------
for our PCS network. We have based our network build-out on this design and have
further enhanced it to better provide coverage for our territory.
Economies of scale of a nationwide network. We will purchase our network
------------------------------------------
and subscriber equipment under Sprint PCS' vendor contracts that provide for
volume discounts. These discounts will reduce the overall capital required to
build our PCS network and will lower the cost of subscriber equipment.
Sprint PCS licenses and long-term commitment. Sprint PCS has funded the
--------------------------------------------
purchase of the licenses covering our territory at a cost of $44.6 million and
incurred additional expenses for microwave clearing. As a Sprint PCS affiliate,
we did not have to fund the acquisition of the licenses thereby reducing our
start-up costs. Sprint PCS has entered into a consent and agreement with Lucent
that limits Sprint PCS' rights or remedies under its agreements with us,
including Sprint PCS' right to terminate the agreements and withhold payments,
until our financing from Lucent is satisfied in full pursuant to the terms of
the consent and agreement.
Other Competitive Strengths
In addition to the advantages provided by our strategic affiliation with Sprint
PCS, we have the following competitive strengths:
4
Attractive market footprint. Our territory has favorable demographic
---------------------------
characteristics for wireless communications services which we believe are
important to Sprint PCS' national footprint. The 21 contiguous markets in our
territory:
. include approximately 6.8 million residents;
. include key southeastern cities and vacation destinations such as
Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; Savannah,
Georgia; and the Outer Banks of North Carolina;
. have strong population growth and attractive traffic patterns;
. connect important Sprint PCS markets which are already operational,
including Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina;
Norfolk, Virginia; and Knoxville, Tennessee; and
. are serviced by Sprint local telephone companies that we expect will
provide local telephone service to approximately 30% of the
population in our territory by the end of the year 2000, contributing
to the market awareness of Sprint's telecommunications services and
providing us with an additional distribution channel.
Experienced management team. We have attracted an experienced senior
---------------------------
management team with an average of more than 15 years of experience in building
and operating telecommunications networks in the southeastern United States.
. Thomas M. Dougherty, our president and chief executive officer, has
more than 16 years of telecommunications experience, and is a former
senior executive of Sprint PCS. As the president of a major Sprint
PCS region, Mr. Dougherty was responsible for Sprint PCS market
launches in eighteen major metropolitan areas with a resident
population of approximately 75 million, including Chicago, Illinois;
Houston, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; and Charlotte, North Carolina.
. Thomas D. Body III, our vice president of strategic planning, has
over 20 years of telecommunications experience in the Southeast. Mr.
Body co- founded and operated several successful paging and cellular
companies and also served as chief executive officer of MFS-Atlanta,
a major fiber- optic systems provider.
. W. Chris Blane, our vice president of new business development, has
over 20 years of experience in telecommunications in the Southeast.
Mr. Blane co-founded and operated several successful paging and
cellular companies including serving as a chief operating officer of
American Mobilphone Paging and CellularOne of Birmingham and
Montgomery, Alabama.
. Robert E. Gourlay, our vice president of marketing, has 22 years of
wireless telecommunications experience including 18 years with
Motorola, Inc. Mr. Gourlay served as the southeastern manager of
sales and operations for Motorola, Inc.'s Cellular Infrastructure
Division for four years.
. David C. Roberts, our vice president of engineering and network
operations, has 15 years of wireless telecommunications experience,
having served in various engineering and management positions with
Motorola, Inc. in the Southeast.
. Shelley L. Spencer, our vice president of law and secretary, has 12
years of legal experience, six of which were spent in the private
practice of law specializing in telecommunications. Ms. Spencer
joined AirGate in 1995.
. Alan B. Catherall, our chief financial officer, has served in senior
financial capacities in the telecommunications industry for
approximately 17 years.
. Mark A. Roth, our vice president of sales, interior region, has more
than 10 years of wireless communications experience. Mr. Roth has
served as a divisional head for Arch Communications, responsible for
5
managing over $80 million in revenue. More recently, Mr. Roth was
Senior Vice President of Sales and Distribution for Conxus
Communications.
Fully financed plan. The net proceeds received from our concurrent
-------------------
offerings of common stock and units, which consisted of senior subordinated
discount notes and warrants, together with the amount of borrowings available
under the Lucent financing, total approximately $408.9 million. We believe this
capital will provide us with sufficient funds to complete our PCS network build-
out and to fund anticipated operating losses and working capital requirements
through 2002, at which point we expect to have achieved break-even operating
cash flow.
Business Strategy
Upon the completion of our 100% digital, 100% PCS network, we intend to become a
leading provider of wireless PCS services in the Southeast. We believe that the
following elements of our business strategy will enable us to rapidly launch our
network, distinguish our wireless service offerings from those of our
competitors and compete successfully in the wireless communications marketplace.
Leverage our affiliation with Sprint PCS. The benefits of our affiliation
----------------------------------------
with Sprint PCS include:
. Sprint PCS brand awareness and national marketing programs;
. access to established Sprint PCS distribution channels and outlets;
. Sprint PCS nationwide coverage;
. use of Sprint PCS' back office services including customer activation,
billing and customer care;
. roaming revenue from Sprint PCS customers traveling onto our PCS
network;
. availability of discount prices for network and subscriber equipment
under Sprint PCS' vendor contracts; and
. use of Sprint PCS' national network control center which is responsible
for continually monitoring the performance of our PCS network and
providing rapid response for systems maintenance needs.
Execute optimal build-out plan. We are constructing a state-of-the-art,
------------------------------
high quality, all digital PCS network. Our radio frequency design has a high
density of cell sites. We believe that this cell density, together with the use
of digital technology, will allow our system to handle more customers with fewer
dropped calls and better clarity than our competitors. By leasing cell sites on
facilities shared with one or more other wireless providers, we will be able to
build our PCS network quickly. More than 85% of our leases for cell sites will
be collocation leases. Our strategy is to provide service to major urban and
suburban areas and the interstates and primary roads connecting these areas. We
plan to initiate service only in areas where we are capable of providing
population coverage comparable to or more extensive than that of our wireless
competitors.
Implement efficient operating structure. We intend to maximize operating
---------------------------------------
efficiency by minimizing staffing and reducing costs through the purchase and
use of Sprint PCS' existing back office services. For example, we will purchase
billing and customer care from Sprint PCS on a per subscriber basis thereby
avoiding the costly and time-consuming tasks of building our own systems. In
addition, we will limit marketing costs by using Sprint PCS' national marketing
concepts and programs. As the customer base in our territory grows, we may elect
to develop internal systems for certain back office functions such as customer
activation, billing and customer care, or outsource such functions directly to
third party vendors if it is more cost-effective.
Explore strategic opportunities to expand our territory in the future.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Upon the successful build-out of our current territory and subject to the
availability of financing, we may strategically expand our territory with a
focus on the southeastern United States.
6
Markets
Our territory covers almost the entire state of South Carolina including
Charleston, Columbia and Greenville-Spartanburg; portions of North Carolina
including Asheville, Wilmington and Hickory; and the eastern Georgia cities of
Augusta and Savannah. Sprint PCS has launched service in the major southeastern
cities of Atlanta, Georgia; Knoxville, Tennessee; Norfolk, Virginia; and
Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina. We will be the exclusive provider of
Sprint PCS products and services in the markets connecting these major cities.
The build-out of the network in our territory will bridge existing Sprint PCS
markets. We believe connecting existing Sprint PCS markets is important to
Sprint PCS' strategy to provide seamless, nationwide PCS service.
Our contiguous markets, with a population of 6.8 million, have attractive
demographic characteristics.
. According to the Charleston metropolitan area Chamber of Commerce,
South Carolina beaches are a major national tourism destination.
Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Savannah and Hilton Head Island have over
27 million visitors annually. In addition, the Outer Banks of North
Carolina is a popular vacation spot for Virginia and Washington, D.C.
residents.
. Our territory includes over 2,750 highway miles. Over 36 million
vehicle miles are traveled daily on the 1,320 interstate miles of
highway.
. It is estimated that our markets will have a population growth rate
16% higher than that of the United States as a whole over the 5 years
ending December 31, 2000.
. There are at least 27 colleges and universities located in our
territory, including the University of South Carolina and Clemson
University.
7
The following table lists the location and population of each of the markets
that comprise our territory under our agreements with Sprint PCS:
Territory (BTAs)* State Population(1)
- ------------------------------------------ --------------------------------- ----------------------
Greenville-Spartanburg South Carolina 853,000
Savannah Georgia 715,000
Charleston South Carolina 638,000
Columbia South Carolina 628,000
Augusta Georgia 568,000
Asheville-Hendersonville North Carolina 568,000
Anderson South Carolina 329,000
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton North Carolina 320,000
Wilmington North Carolina 304,000
Florence South Carolina 257,000
Greenville-Washington North Carolina 241,000
Goldsboro-Kinston North Carolina 233,000
Rocky Mount-Wilson North Carolina 213,000
New Bern North Carolina 167,000
Myrtle Beach South Carolina 157,000
Sumter South Carolina 154,000
Jacksonville North Carolina 150,000
Orangeburg South Carolina 119,000
The Outer Banks(2) North Carolina 80,000
Roanoke Rapids North Carolina 80,000
Greenwood South Carolina 73,000
---------
Total 6,847,000
=========
* Basic Trading Areas
(1) Based on estimates compiled by Paul Kagan Associates, Inc. in
1997, except with respect to the Outer Banks.
(2) The Outer Banks territory covered by our agreements with Sprint
PCS does not comprise a complete BTA. The population information
related to the Outer Banks territory is based on estimates by
AirGate.
Network Build-Out Plan
In November 1999, we began offering roaming coverage along the Interstate 85
corridor in South Carolina, between Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North
Carolina. We expect to commence commercial operations in the first quarter of
2000, covering approximately 1.5 million people, or 22% of the population in our
territory. By the end of the fourth quarter of 2000, we expect to be capable of
providing service to more than 5.0 million residents, or 74% of the population
in our territory. Our strategy is to provide service to major urban and suburban
areas and to cover interstates and primary roads connecting these areas. We plan
to initiate service only in areas where we are capable of providing population
coverage comparable to or more extensive than that of our wireless competitors.
8
In order to complete our network build-out, we will need to acquire leasehold
interests in or purchase and construct approximately 566 cell sites. The table
below indicates the expected launch dates and network coverage that we expect
will be operational and the population covered by those cell sites through the
fourth quarter of 2000.
Expected Commercial Launch Percentage of Cumulative Covered
Date by Quarter Covered Residents Market Included Residents as a Total
- ------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------- ---------------- --------------------
First quarter 2000 Anderson and Greenville-Spartanburg 22% 1,535,986
South Carolina; Asheville and Hickory, North
Carolina
Second and third quarters 2000 Augusta and Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, 63% 4,363,458
Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Orangeburg, South
Carolina; Goldsboro, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount
and Wilmington, North Carolina
Fourth quarter 2000 Florence, Greenwood and Sumter, South Carolina; 74% 5,003,320
Greenville-Washington, Jacksonville, New Bern,
and the Outer Banks, North Carolina
This build-out plan exceeds the network build-out requirements under our
management agreement with Sprint PCS. We believe that the above schedule is
achievable based on our management's prior experience in network build-outs, the
proven digital PCS technology we will use to build our PCS network and the
established standards of Sprint PCS. As of September 30, 1999, we had signed or
negotiated master or generic lease agreements covering over 400 sites in our
territory. We expect more than 85% of our cell sites to be collocated on
facilities shared with one or more wireless providers. For sites where
collocation leases are utilized, zoning, permitting and surveying approvals and
licenses have already been secured thereby minimizing our start-up costs and
accelerating access to the markets.
Sprint PCS developed the initial build-out plan for our PCS network. We have
based our network build-out on this design and have further enhanced it to
better provide coverage for our territory. We have completed the radio frequency
design for the entire build-out of our digital PCS network. This process
includes cell site design, frequency planning and network optimization for our
market. Radio frequency engineering also allocates voice channels and assigns
frequencies to cell sites taking into consideration both PCS and microwave
interference issues. Under the management agreement, Sprint PCS is responsible
for the microwave clearing efforts and costs in our territory. All relevant
microwave paths have been cleared by Sprint PCS to allow us to provide service
in our territory.
Lucent and Compass Telecom Services LLC will oversee the deployment of our
digital PCS network. Lucent will provide the installation and optimization
services for their equipment and Compass will provide project and construction
services and employ local construction firms to build the cell sites. We may
also hire firms to identify and obtain the required property for our PCS
network. These firms will secure all zoning, permitting and surveying approvals
and licenses.
Products and Services
We will offer established Sprint PCS products and services throughout our
territory. Our products and services are designed to mirror the service
offerings of Sprint PCS and to integrate seamlessly with the Sprint PCS
nationwide network. The wireless services that Sprint PCS offers in over 4,000
cities and communities in the United States as of September 30, 1999, provide
customers with affordable, reliable 100% digital, 100% PCS services. The Sprint
PCS service package we will offer includes the following:
100% digital wireless mobility. Our primary service is wireless mobility
------------------------------
coverage. Our PCS network will be part of the largest 100% digital, 100% PCS
network in the nation. We will offer customers in our territory enhanced voice
clarity, advanced features, and simple, affordable Sprint PCS Free and Clear
pricing plans. These plans include free long distance and wireless airtime
minutes for use throughout the Sprint PCS network at no additional charge. Our
basic wireless service includes voice mail, caller ID, enhanced call waiting,
three-way calling, call forwarding, distinctive ringing and call blocking.
Nationwide service. Sprint PCS customers in our territory will be able to
------------------
use Sprint PCS services throughout our contiguous markets and seamlessly
throughout the Sprint PCS network. Dual-band/dual-mode handsets allow roaming on
wireless networks where Sprint PCS is not available and with which Sprint PCS
has roaming agreements.
9
Advanced handsets. CDMA handsets weighing approximately eight ounces will
-----------------
offer two days of standby time and approximately four hours of talk time. We
will also offer dual-band/dual-mode handsets that allow customers to make and
receive calls on both PCS and cellular frequency bands and both digital or
analog technology. These handsets allow roaming on cellular networks where
Sprint PCS digital service is not available. All handsets will be equipped with
preprogrammed features such as speed dial and last number redial, and will be
sold under the Sprint and Sprint PCS brand names.
Extended battery life. CDMA handsets offer significantly extended battery
---------------------
life relative to earlier technologies, providing two days of standby battery
life. Handsets operating on a digital system are capable of saving battery life
while turned on but not in use, improving efficiency and extending the handset's
use.
Improved voice quality. We believe the Sprint PCS CDMA technology offers
----------------------
significantly improved voice quality, compared to existing analog and TDMA
networks, more powerful error correction, less susceptibility to call fading and
enhanced interference rejection, all of which result in fewer dropped calls. See
"--CDMA Technology" for a discussion of the reasons CDMA technology offers
improved voice quality.
Privacy and security. Sprint PCS provides secure voice transmissions
--------------------
encoded into a digital format to prevent eavesdropping and unauthorized cloning
of subscriber identification numbers.
Easy activation. Customers can purchase a shrink-wrapped Sprint PCS
---------------
handset off the shelf at a retail location and activate their service by calling
customer service, which can program the handset over the air. We believe over-
the-air activation will reduce the training requirements for salespersons at the
retail locations.
Customer care. Sprint PCS will provide customer care services to customers
-------------
in our territory under our services agreement. Sprint PCS offers customer care
24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers can call the Sprint PCS toll-free
customer care number from anywhere on the national Sprint PCS network. All
Sprint PCS phones are preprogrammed with a speed dial feature that allows
customers to easily reach customer care at any time.
In addition to these services, we may also offer wireless local loop services in
our territory. Wireless local loop is a wireless substitute for the landline-
based telephones in homes and businesses. We also believe that new features and
services will be developed on the Sprint PCS nationwide network to take
advantage of CDMA technology. As a leading wireless provider, Sprint PCS
conducts ongoing research and development to produce innovative services that
give Sprint PCS a competitive advantage. We intend to offer a portfolio of
products and services developed by Sprint PCS to accommodate the growth in, and
the unique requirements of, high speed data traffic and demand for video
services. We plan to provide, when available, a number of applications for
wireless data services including facsimile, Internet access, wireless local area
networks and point-of-sale terminal connections.
Marketing Strategy
Our marketing and sales strategy will use Sprint PCS' proven strategies and
developed national distribution channels. We plan to enhance Sprint PCS' proven
strategies with strategies tailored to our specific territory.
Use Sprint PCS' brand equity and marketing. We will feature exclusively
------------------------------------------
and prominently the nationally recognized Sprint and Sprint PCS brand names in
our marketing effort. From the customers' point of view, they will use our PCS
network and the Sprint PCS national network seamlessly as a unified national
network. We will build on Sprint PCS' national distribution channels and
advertising programs.
Pricing. Our use of the Sprint PCS pricing strategy will offer customers
-------
in our territory simple, easy-to-understand service plans. Sprint PCS' consumer
pricing plans are typically structured with competitive monthly recurring
charges, large local calling areas, service features such as voicemail, enhanced
caller ID, call waiting and three-way calling, and competitive per-minute rates.
Lower per-minute rates relative to analog cellular providers are possible in
part because the CDMA system that both we and Sprint PCS employ has greater
capacity than current analog cellular systems, enabling us to market high usage
customer plans at lower prices. All of Sprint PCS' current national plans:
. include minutes in any Sprint PCS market with no roaming charges;
. are feature-rich and generally require no annual contracts or hidden
charges;
10
. offer a wide selection of phones to meet the needs of consumers and
businesses;
. provide a limited-time money back guarantee on Sprint PCS phones; and
. provide the first incoming minute free.
In addition, Sprint PCS' national Free and Clear plans, which offer simple,
affordable plans for every consumer and business customer, include free long
distance calling from anywhere on its nationwide network.
Local focus. Our local focus will enable us to supplement Sprint PCS'
-----------
marketing strategies with our own strategies tailored to each of our specific
markets. This will include attracting local businesses to enhance our
distribution and drawing on our management team's experience in the southeastern
United States. We will use local radio, television and newspaper advertising to
sell our products and services in each of our markets. We intend to establish a
large local sales force to execute our marketing strategy through 12 company-
owned Sprint PCS stores and to employ a direct sales force targeted to business
sales. In addition, Sprint PCS' existing agreements with national retailers
provide us with access to over 250 retail locations in our territory. We expect
that Sprint-owned local exchange carriers will provide local telephone service
to approximately 30% of the population in our territory by the end of the year
2000 which will provide us with an additional distribution channel through which
we can market to an established base of Sprint customers. Many of these local
exchange carriers have store fronts for Sprint customers to pay their bills,
which we can use to sell Sprint PCS products and services.
Advertising and promotions. Sprint PCS uses national as well as regional
--------------------------
television, radio, print, outdoor and other advertising campaigns to promote its
products. We benefit from this national advertising in our territory at no
additional cost to us. Sprint PCS also runs numerous promotional campaigns which
provide customers with benefits such as additional features at the same rate or
free minutes of use for limited time periods. We are able to purchase
promotional materials related to these programs from Sprint PCS at their cost.
Sponsorships. Sprint PCS is a sponsor of numerous selective, broad-based
------------
national, regional and local events. These sponsorships provide Sprint PCS with
brand name and product recognition in high profile events, provide a forum for
sales and promotional events and enhance our promotional efforts in our
territory.
Bundling of services. We intend to take advantage of the complete array of
--------------------
communications services offered by bundling Sprint PCS services with other
Sprint products, such as long distance and Internet access.
Sales and Distribution
Our sales and distribution plan mirrors Sprint PCS' proven multiple channel
sales and distribution plan. Key elements of our sales and distribution plan
consist of the following:
Sprint store within a RadioShack store. Sprint has an exclusive
--------------------------------------
arrangement with RadioShack to install a "store within a store," making Sprint
PCS the exclusive brand of PCS sold through RadioShack stores. RadioShack has
175 stores in our territory.
Other national third party retail stores. In addition to RadioShack, we
----------------------------------------
will benefit from the distribution agreements established by Sprint PCS with
other national retailers which currently include Best Buy, Circuit City, Office
Depot, The Good Guys, Dillard's, The Sharper Image, Montgomery Ward, OfficeMax,
Ritz Camera and certain May Company department stores. These retailers provide
an additional 75 retail stores in our territory.
Sprint PCS stores. We intend to own and operate 12 Sprint PCS stores.
-----------------
These stores will be located in major metropolitan markets within our territory,
providing us with the strong local presence and a high degree of visibility. We
will train our sales representatives to be informed and persuasive advocates for
Sprint PCS' services. Following the Sprint PCS model, these stores will be
designed to facilitate retail sales, bill collection and customer service.
National accounts and direct selling. We will participate in Sprint PCS'
------------------------------------
national accounts program. Sprint PCS has a national accounts team which
focuses on the corporate headquarters of Fortune 500 companies. Once a
representative reaches an agreement with the corporate headquarters, we service
the offices of that corporation located in our territory. Our direct sales
11
force will target the employees of these corporations in our territory and
cultivate other local business clients.
Inbound telemarketing. Sprint PCS will provide inbound telemarketing sales
---------------------
when customers call from our territory. As the exclusive provider of Sprint PCS
products and services in our market, we will use the national Sprint 1-800-480-
4PCS number campaigns that generate call-in leads. These leads are then handled
by Sprint PCS' inbound telemarketing group.
Electronic commerce. Sprint PCS launched an Internet site in December 1998
-------------------
which contains information on Sprint PCS products and services. A visitor to
Sprint PCS' Internet site can order and pay for a handset and select a rate
plan. Customers visiting the site can review the status of their account,
including the number of minutes used in the current billing cycle. Customers in
our territory who purchase products and services over the Sprint PCS Internet
site will be customers of our PCS network.
CDMA Technology
Sprint PCS' nationwide network and its affiliates' networks all use digital CDMA
technology. CDMA technology is fundamental to accomplishing our business
objective of providing high volume, high quality airtime at a low cost. We
believe that CDMA provides important system performance benefits.
Voice quality. CDMA systems offer more powerful error correction, less
-------------
susceptibility to fading and reduced interference than analog systems. Using
enhanced voice coding techniques, CDMA systems achieve voice quality that is
comparable to that of the typical wireline telephone. This CDMA vocoder
technology also employs adaptive equalization which filters out annoying
background noise more effectively than existing wireline, analog cellular or
other digital PCS phones.
Greater capacity. CDMA technology allows a greater number of calls within
----------------
one allocated frequency and reuses the entire frequency spectrum in each cell.
CDMA systems are expected to provide capacity gains of up to seven times over
the current analog system and up to three times greater than TDMA and GSM
systems. We believe that, by the end of 1999, a new voice coding technology will
be available for CDMA networks which is expected to increase the capacity of the
system by approximately 40%. This new voice coding standard, referred to as
Enhanced Variable Rate Coding, or EVRC, will allow the network to support
additional capacity while maintaining the high level of voice quality associated
with digital networks. We will utilize the EVRC technology throughout our PCS
network to gain the capacity increases. Additional capacity improvements are
expected for CDMA networks over the next two years as new third generation
standards are approved and implemented that will allow for high-speed data and
an even greater increase in the voice traffic capacity.
CDMA technology is designed to provide flexible or "soft" capacity that
permits a system operator to temporarily increase the number of telephone calls
that can be handled within a cell. When capacity limitations in analog, TDMA
and GSM systems are reached, additional callers in a given cell must be given a
busy signal. Using CDMA technology, the system operator can allow a small
degradation in voice quality to provide temporary increases in capacity. This
reduces blocked calls and increase the probability of a successful cell-to-cell
hand-off.
Soft hand-off. CDMA systems transfer calls throughout the network using a
-------------
technique referred to as a soft hand-off, which connects a mobile customer's
call with a new cell site while maintaining a connection with the cell site
currently in use. CDMA networks monitor the quality of the transmission
received by both cell sites simultaneously to select a better transmission path
and to ensure that the network does not disconnect the call in one cell until it
is clearly established in a new one. As a result, fewer calls are dropped
compared to analog, TDMA and GSM networks which use a "hard hand-off" and
disconnect the call from the current cell site as it connects with a new one.
Integrated services. CDMA systems permit us to offer advanced features,
-------------------
including voice mail, caller ID, enhanced call waiting, three-way calling, call
forwarding and paging and text-messaging. These advanced features may also be
offered by companies utilizing competing technologies.
Privacy and security. One of the benefits of CDMA technology is that it
--------------------
combines a constantly changing coding scheme with a low power signal to enhance
security and privacy. Vendors are currently developing additional encryption
capabilities which will further enhance overall network security.
12
Simplified frequency planning. Frequency planning is the process used to
-----------------------------
analyze and test alternative patterns of frequency use within a wireless network
to minimize interference and maximize capacity. Currently, cellular service
providers spend considerable money and time on frequency planning. Because TDMA
and GSM based systems have frequency reuse constraints similar to present analog
systems, frequency reuse planning for TDMA and GSM based systems is expected to
be comparable to planning for the current analog systems. With CDMA technology,
however, the same subset of allocated frequencies can be reused in every cell,
substantially reducing the need for costly frequency reuse patterning and
constant frequency plan management.
Longer battery life. Due to their greater efficiency in power consumption,
-------------------
CDMA handsets will provide two days of standby time and approximately four hours
of talk time availability. This generally exceeds the battery life of handsets
using alternative digital or analog technologies.
Benefits of other technologies. While CDMA has the inherent benefits
------------------------------
discussed above, TDMA networks are generally less expensive when overlaying
existing analog systems since the TDMA spectrum usage is more compatible with
analog spectrum planning. In addition, the GSM technology standard, unlike
CDMA, supports a more robust interoperability standard which allows multi-vendor
equipment to be used in the same network. This, along with the fact that the
GSM technology is currently more widely deployed throughout the world than CDMA,
provides economies of scale for handset and equipment purchases. A standards
process is also underway which will allow wireless handsets to support analog,
TDMA and GSM technologies in a single unit. Currently, there are no plans to
have CDMA handsets that support either the TDMA or GSM technologies.
Competition
We will compete in our territory with the incumbent cellular providers and new
PCS providers. The cellular providers in our territory serve different
geographic segments of our territory, with no cellular carrier providing
complete coverage throughout our territory. Of the PCS providers, only two will
provide service comparable to ours in our territory. These are BellSouth
Mobility DCS and Triton PCS. BellSouth Mobility DCS has deployed a PCS network
that uses GSM technology. This competitor is dependent on its roaming
agreements with other wireless carriers to provide service beyond its licensed
areas. Triton PCS is deploying a PCS network that uses TDMA technology. Triton
PCS markets its PCS services under the SunCom name and as a member of the AT&T
wireless network. In addition, we compete with wireless providers using ESMR
technology such as Nextel and Southern LINC, a subsidiary of The Southern
Company. Our ability to compete effectively with these other providers will
depend on a number of factors, including the continued success of CDMA
technology in providing better call quality and clarity as compared to analog
and digital cellular systems, our competitive pricing with various options
suiting individual customer's calling needs, and the continued expansion and
improvement of the Sprint PCS nationwide network, customer care system, and
handset options.
Most of our competitors are current cellular providers and joint ventures of
current and potential wireless communications service providers, many of which
have financial resources and customer bases greater than ours. Many of our
competitors have access to more licensed spectrum than the 10 MHz licensed to
Sprint PCS in our territory. Cellular service providers have licenses covering
25 MHz of spectrum, and two competing PCS providers have licenses to use 30 MHz
in our territory. Some of our competitors also have established infrastructures,
marketing programs, and brand names. In addition, certain competitors may be
able to offer coverage in areas not served by our PCS network, or, because of
their calling volumes or their affiliations with, or ownership of, wireless
providers, may be able to offer roaming rates that are lower than those we
offer. PCS operators will likely compete with us in providing some or all of the
services available through the Sprint PCS network and may provide services that
we do not. Additionally, we expect that existing cellular providers, some of
whom have been operational for a number of years and have significantly greater
financial and technical resources and customer bases than us, will continue to
upgrade their systems to provide digital wireless communication services
competitive with Sprint PCS.
We also face competition from "resellers" which provide wireless service to
customers but do not hold FCC licenses or own facilities. Instead, the reseller
buys blocks of wireless telephone numbers and capacity from a licensed carrier
and resells service through its own distribution network to the public. Thus, a
reseller is both a customer of a wireless licensee's services and also a
competitor of that and other licensees. The FCC requires all cellular and PCS
licensees to permit resale of carrier service to a reseller.
In addition, we will compete with paging, dispatch and conventional mobile
telephone companies in our markets. Potential users of PCS systems may find
13
their communications needs satisfied by other current and developing
technologies. One or two-way paging or beeper services that feature voice
messaging and data display as well as tone-only service may be adequate for
potential customers who do not need to speak to the caller.
In the future, we expect to face increased competition from entities providing
similar services using other communications technologies, including satellite-
based telecommunications and wireless cable systems. While some of these
technologies and services are currently operational, others are being developed
or may be developed in the future.
Over the past several years the FCC has auctioned and will continue to auction
large amounts of wireless spectrum that could be used to compete with PCS.
Based upon increased competition, we anticipate that market prices for two-way
wireless services generally will decline in the future. We will compete to
attract and retain customers principally on the basis of services and features,
the size and location of our service areas, network coverage and reliability,
customer care and pricing. Our ability to compete successfully will also
depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and respond to various competitive
factors affecting the industry, including new services that may be introduced,
changes in consumer preferences, demographic trends, economic conditions and
discount pricing strategies by competitors.
Intellectual Property
The Sprint diamond design logo is a service mark registered with the United
States Patent and Trademark Office. The service mark is owned by Sprint. We
expect, pursuant to the trademark and service mark license agreements, to use,
royalty-free, the Sprint and Sprint PCS brand names and the Sprint diamond
design logo and certain other service marks of Sprint in connection with
marketing, offering and providing licensed services to end-users and resellers,
solely within our territory.
Except in certain instances, Sprint PCS has agreed not to grant to any other
person a right or license to provide or resell, or act as agent for any person
offering, licensed services under the licensed marks. In all other instances,
Sprint PCS reserves for itself and its affiliates the right to use the licensed
marks in providing its services, subject to its exclusivity obligations
described above, whether within or without our territory.
The trademark license agreements contain numerous restrictions with respect to
the use and modification of any of the licensed marks.
Employees
As of December 2, 1999, we employed 81 full-time employees. None of our
employees are represented by a labor union. We believe that our relations with
our employees are good.
Regulation of the Wireless Telecommunications Industry
The FCC regulates the licensing, construction, operation, acquisition and
interconnection arrangements of wireless telecommunications systems in the
United States.
The FCC has promulgated, and is in the process of promulgating, a series of
rules, regulations and policies to, among other things:
. grant or deny licenses for PCS frequencies;
. grant or deny PCS license renewals;
. rule on assignments and/or transfers of control of PCS licenses;
. govern the interconnection of PCS networks with other wireless and
wireline carriers;
. establish access and universal service funding provisions;
. impose fines and forfeitures for violations of any of the FCC's
rules; and
14
. regulate the technical standards of PCS networks.
The FCC currently prohibits a single entity from having a combined attributable
interest, of 20% or greater interest in any license, in broadband PCS, cellular
and SMR licenses totaling more than 45 MHz in any geographic area.
Transfers and Assignments of PCS Licenses
The FCC must give prior approval to the assignment of, or transfers involving,
substantial changes in ownership or control of a PCS license. Non-controlling
interests in an entity that holds a PCS license or operates PCS networks
generally may be bought or sold without prior FCC approval. In addition, a
recent FCC order requires only post-consummation notification of certain pro
forma assignments or transfers of control.
Conditions of PCS Licenses
All PCS licenses are granted for 10-year terms conditioned upon timely
compliance with the FCC's build-out requirements. Pursuant to the FCC's build-
out requirements, all 30 MHz broadband PCS licensees must construct facilities
that offer coverage to one-third of the population within 5 years and to two-
thirds of the population within 10 years, and all 10 MHz broadband PCS licensees
must construct facilities that offer coverage to at least one-quarter of the
population within 5 years or make a showing of ''substantial service'' within
that 5 year period. Rule violations could result in license revocations. The FCC
also requires licensees to maintain a certain degree of control over their
licenses. The Sprint PCS agreements reflect an alliance that the parties believe
meets the FCC requirements for licensee control of licensed spectrum. If the FCC
were to determine that our agreements with Sprint PCS need to be modified to
increase the level of licensee control, the Sprint PCS agreements may be
modified to cure any purported deficiency regarding licensee control of the
licensed spectrum.
PCS License Renewal
PCS licensees can renew their licenses for additional 10 year terms. PCS renewal
applications are not subject to auctions. However, under the FCC's rules, third
parties may oppose renewal applications and/or file competing applications. If
one or more competing applications are filed, a renewal application will be
subject to a comparative renewal hearing. The FCC's rules afford PCS renewal
applicants involved in comparative renewal hearings with a "renewal
expectancy." The renewal expectancy is the most important comparative factor in
a comparative renewal hearing and is applicable if the PCS renewal applicant
has: (1) provided "substantial service" during its license term; and (2)
substantially complied with all applicable laws and FCC rules and policies. The
FCC's rules define "substantial service" in this context as service that is
sound, favorable and substantially above the level of mediocre service that
might minimally warrant renewal.
Interconnection
The FCC has the authority to order interconnection between CMRS providers and
any other common carrier. The FCC has ordered local exchange carriers to provide
reciprocal compensation to CMRS providers for the termination of traffic. Using
these new rules, we will negotiate interconnection agreements for the Sprint PCS
network in our market area with all of the major regional Bell operating
companies, GTE and several smaller independent local exchange carriers.
Interconnection agreements are negotiated on a state-wide basis. If an agreement
cannot be reached, parties to interconnection negotiations can submit
outstanding disputes to state authorities for arbitration. Negotiated
interconnection agreements are subject to state approval.
Other FCC Requirements
In June 1996, the FCC adopted rules that prohibit broadband PCS providers from
unreasonably restricting or disallowing resale of their services or unreasonably
discriminating against resellers. Resale obligations will automatically expire
on November 24, 2002. The FCC is also considering whether wireless providers
should be required to offer unbundled communications capacity to resellers who
intend to operate their own switching facilities.
The FCC also adopted rules in June 1996 that require local exchange and most
CMRS carriers, to program their networks to allow customers to change service
providers without changing telephone numbers, which is referred to as service
provider number portability. The FCC requires most CMRS carriers to implement
15
wireless service provider number portability where requested in the top 100
metropolitan areas by November 24, 2002. Most CMRS carriers are required to
implement nationwide roaming by November 24, 2002 as well. The FCC currently
requires most CMRS providers to be able to deliver calls from their networks to
ported numbers anywhere in the country, and to contribute to the Local Number
Portability Fund.
The FCC has adopted rules permitting broadband PCS and other CMRS providers to
provide wireless local loop and other fixed services that would directly compete
with the wireline services of LECs. In June 1996, the FCC adopted rules
requiring broadband PCS and other CMRS providers to implement enhanced emergency
911 capabilities within 18 months after the effective date of the FCC's rules.
In December 1997, the FCC revised these rules to extend the compliance deadline
for phase 1 until October 1, 1998 and for phase II until October 1, 2001 for
digital CMRS carriers to ensure access for customers using devices for the
hearing-impaired. The FCC recently extended the phase 1 compliance deadline to
January 1, 1999. Further waivers of the enhanced emergency 911 capability
requirements may be obtained by individual carriers by filing a waiver request.
On June 10, 1999, the FCC initiated a regulatory proceeding seeking comment from
the public on a number of issues related to competitive access to multiple-
tenant buildings, including the following:
. the FCC's tentative conclusion that the Communications Act of 1934,
as amended, requires utilities to permit telecommunications carriers
access to rooftop and other rights-of-way in multiple tenant
buildings under just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory rates, terms
and conditions; and
. whether building owners that make access available to a
telecommunications carrier should be required to make access
available to all other telecommunications carriers on a
nondiscriminatory basis, and whether the FCC has the authority to
impose such a requirement.
This proceeding could affect the availability and pricing of sites for our
antennae and those of our competitors.
Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act
The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, enacted in 1994 to
preserve electronic surveillance capabilities authorized by Federal and state
law, requires telecommunications carriers to meet certain ''assistance
capability requirements'' by October 25, 1998. However, the FCC recently granted
a blanket extension of that deadline until June 30, 2000, because CALEA
compliant equipment is not yet available. CALEA provides that a
telecommunications carrier meeting industry CALEA standards shall have safe
harbor for purposes of compliance with CALEA. Toward the end of 1997
telecommunications industry standard-setting organizations agreed to a joint
standard to implement CALEA's capability requirements, known as J-STD-025.
Although we will be able to offer traditional electronic surveillance
capabilities to law enforcement, it, as well as the other participants in the
wireless industry, may not meet the requirements of J-STD-025 by June 30, 2000,
given hardware changes that are yet to be developed and implemented by switch
manufacturers.
In addition, the FCC is considering petitions from numerous parties to establish
and implement technical compliance standards pursuant to CALEA requirements.
Other Federal Regulations
Wireless systems must comply with certain FCC and FAA regulations regarding the
siting, lighting and construction of transmitter towers and antennas. In
addition, certain FCC environmental regulations may cause certain cell site
locations to become subject to regulation under the National Environmental
Policy Act. The FCC is required to implement the Act by requiring carriers to
meet certain land use and radio frequency standards.
Review of Universal Service Requirements
The FCC and the states are required to establish a "universal service" program
to ensure that affordable, quality telecommunications services are available to
all Americans. Sprint PCS is required to contribute to the federal universal
service program as well as existing state programs. The FCC has determined that
the Sprint PCS' "contribution" to the federal universal service program is a
variable percentage of "end-user telecommunications revenues." Although many
states are likely to adopt a similar assessment methodology, the states are free
16
to calculate telecommunications service provider contributions in any manner
they choose as long as the process is not inconsistent with the FCC's rules. At
the present time it is not possible to predict the extent of the Sprint PCS
total federal and state universal service assessments or its ability to recover
from the universal service fund.
Partitioning; Disaggregation
The FCC has modified its rules to allow broadband PCS licensees to partition
their market areas and/or to disaggregate their assigned spectrum and to
transfer partial market areas or spectrum assignments to eligible third parties.
Wireless Facilities Siting
States and localities are not permitted to regulate the placement of wireless
facilities so as to "prohibit" the provision of wireless services or to
"discriminate" among providers of such services. In addition, so long as a
wireless system complies with the FCC's rules, states and localities are
prohibited from using radio frequency health effects as a basis to regulate the
placement, construction or operation of wireless facilities. The FCC is
considering numerous requests for preemption of local actions affecting wireless
facilities siting.
Equal Access
Wireless providers are not required to provide equal access to common carriers
for toll services. However, the FCC is authorized to require unblocked access to
toll carriers subject to certain conditions.
State Regulation of Wireless Service
Section 332 of the Communications Act preempts states from regulating the rates
and entry of commercial mobile radio service providers. However, states may
petition the FCC to regulate such providers and the FCC may grant such petition
if the state demonstrates that (1) market conditions fail to protect subscribers
from unjust and unreasonable rates or rates that are unjustly or unreasonably
discriminatory, or (2) when commercial mobile radio service is a replacement for
landline telephone service within the state. To date, the FCC has granted no
such petition. To the extent we provide fixed wireless service, we may be
subject to additional state regulation.
17
RISK FACTORS
Risks Particular to AirGate
The termination of our affiliation with Sprint PCS or Sprint PCS' failure to
perform its obligations under our agreements would severely restrict our ability
to conduct our business
Our ability to offer Sprint PCS products and services and our PCS network's
operation are dependent on our agreements with Sprint PCS being renewed and not
terminated. Each of these agreements can be terminated for breach of any
material terms. We are dependent on Sprint PCS' ability to perform its
obligations under the Sprint PCS agreements. The non-renewal or termination of
any Sprint PCS agreement or the failure of Sprint PCS to perform its obligations
under the Sprint PCS agreements would severely restrict our ability to conduct
our business.
If Sprint PCS does not complete the construction of its nationwide PCS network,
we may not be able to attract and retain customers
Sprint PCS' network may not provide nationwide coverage to the same extent as
its competitors which could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain
customers. Sprint PCS is creating a nationwide PCS network through its own
construction efforts and those of its affiliates. Today, Sprint PCS is still
constructing its nationwide network and does not offer PCS services, either on
its own network or through its roaming agreements, in every city in the United
States. Sprint PCS has entered into, and anticipates entering into, affiliation
agreements similar to ours with companies in other territories pursuant to its
nationwide PCS build-out strategy. Our results of operations are dependent on
Sprint PCS' national network and, to a lesser extent, on the networks of its
other affiliates. Sprint PCS and its affiliate program are subject, to varying
degrees, to the economic, administrative, logistical, regulatory and other risks
described in this prospectus. Sprint PCS' and its other affiliates' PCS
operations may not be successful.
We do not have an operating history and if we do not successfully manage our
anticipated rapid growth, we may not be able to complete our PCS network by our
target date, if at all
Our performance as a PCS provider will depend on our ability to manage
successfully the network build-out process, implement operational and
administrative systems, expand our base of 23 employees as of September 30, 1999
and train and manage our employees, including engineering, marketing and sales
personnel. We have completed our radio frequency design, network design and
substantial site acquisition and cell site engineering, and commenced
construction of our PCS network in November 1998. Based on our build-out plan,
we do not expect to launch commercial PCS operations, other than roaming
coverage which commenced in November 1999, until the first quarter of 2000. We
will require expenditures of significant funds for the development,
construction, testing and deployment of our PCS network before commencement of
commercial PCS operations. These activities are expected to place significant
demands on our managerial, operational and financial resources.
The inability to use Sprint PCS' back office services and third party vendors'
back office systems could disrupt our business
Our operations could be disrupted if Sprint PCS is unable to maintain and expand
its back office services such as customer activation, billing and customer care,
or to efficiently outsource those services and systems through third party
vendors. The rapid expansion of Sprint PCS' business is expected to continue to
pose a significant challenge to its internal support systems. Additionally,
Sprint PCS has relied on third-party vendors for a significant number of
important functions and components of its internal support systems and may
continue to rely on these vendors in the future. We depend on Sprint PCS'
willingness to continue to offer such services to us and to provide these
services at competitive costs. Our services agreement with Sprint PCS provides
that, upon nine months' prior written notice, Sprint PCS may elect to terminate
any such service beginning January 1, 2002. If Sprint PCS terminates a service
for which we have not developed a cost-effective alternative, our operating
costs may increase beyond our expectations and restrict our ability to operate
successfully.
If we fail to complete the build-out of our PCS network, Sprint PCS may
terminate our management agreement, and we would no longer be able to offer
Sprint PCS services
A failure to meet our build-out requirements for any one of the individual
markets in our territory, or to meet Sprint PCS' technical requirements, would
constitute a breach of our management agreement with Sprint PCS that could lead
18
to its termination. If the management agreement is terminated, we will no
longer be able to offer Sprint PCS products and services. Our agreements with
Sprint PCS require us to build our PCS network in accordance with Sprint PCS'
technical and coverage requirements. These agreements also require that we
provide network coverage to a specified percentage, ranging from 39% to 86%, of
the population within each of the 21 markets which make up our territory by
specified dates.
We have substantial debt which we may not be able to service and which may
result in our lenders controlling our assets in an event of default
Our substantial debt will have a number of important consequences for our
operations and our investors, including the following:
. we will have to dedicate a substantial portion of any cash flow from
operations to the payment of interest on, and principal of, our debt,
which will reduce funds available for other purposes;
. we may not have sufficient funds to pay interest on, and principal
of, our debt;
. we may not be able to obtain additional financing for currently
unanticipated capital requirements, capital expenditures, working
capital requirements and other corporate purposes;
. some of our debt, including borrowings under our financing from
Lucent Technologies Inc., will be at variable rates of interest,
which could result in higher interest expense in the event of
increases in market interest rates; and
. due to the liens on substantially all of our assets and the pledges
of stock of our subsidiary and future subsidiaries that secure our
senior debt and our senior subordinated discount notes, lenders or
holders of our senior subordinated discount notes may control our
assets or our subsidiaries' assets upon a default.
As of September 30, 1999, our outstanding long-term debt totaled $165.7 million.
Under our current business plan, we expect to incur substantial additional debt
before achieving break-even operating cash flow, including $140.0 million of
additional borrowings under our financing from Lucent.
If we do not meet all of the conditions required under our Lucent financing
documents, we may not be able to draw down all of the funds we anticipate
receiving from Lucent and may not be able to complete the build-out of our
network
We have borrowed $13.5 million to date from Lucent. The remaining $140.0
million which we expect to borrow in the future is subject to our meeting all of
the conditions specified in the financing documents and, in addition, is subject
at each funding date to the following conditions:
. that the representations and warranties in the loan documents are
true and correct; and
. the absence of a default under our loan documents.
If we do not meet these conditions at each funding date, the lenders may not
lend any or all of the remaining amounts, and if other sources of funds are not
available, we may not be in a position to complete the build-out of our PCS
network. If we do not have sufficient funds to complete our network build-out,
we may be in breach of our management agreement with Sprint PCS and in default
under our financing from Lucent and under our senior subordinated discount
notes.
If we lose the right to install our equipment on wireless towers owned by other
carriers or fail to obtain zoning approval for our cell sites, we may have to
rebuild our network
We expect more than 85% of our cell sites to be collocated on facilities shared
with one or more wireless providers. We will collocate over 150 of these sites
on facilities owned by one tower company. If our master collocation agreement
with that tower company were to terminate, we would have to find new sites, and
19
if the equipment had already been installed we might have to rebuild that
portion of our network. Some of the cell sites are likely to require us to
obtain zoning variances or other local governmental or third party approvals or
permits. We may also have to make changes to our radio frequency design as a
result of difficulties in the site acquisition process.
We may have difficulty in obtaining infrastructure equipment required in order
to meet our network construction deadlines required under our management
agreement
If we are not able to acquire the equipment required to build our PCS network in
a timely manner, we may be unable to provide wireless communications services
comparable to those of our competitors or to meet the requirements of our
agreements with Sprint PCS. The demand for the equipment that we require to
construct our PCS network is considerable, and manufacturers of this equipment
could have substantial order backlogs. Accordingly, the lead time for the
delivery of this equipment may be long. Some of our competitors purchase large
quantities of communications equipment and may have established relationships
with the manufacturers of this equipment. Consequently, they may receive
priority in the delivery of this equipment.
Sprint PCS' vendor discounts may be discontinued, which could increase our
equipment costs
We intend to purchase our infrastructure equipment under Sprint PCS' vendor
agreements that include volume discounts. If Sprint PCS were unable to continue
to obtain vendor discounts for its affiliates, the loss of vendor discounts
could increase our equipment costs.
The failure of our consultants and contractors to perform their obligations may
delay construction of our network which may lead to a breach of our management
agreement
The failure by any of our vendors, consultants or contractors to fulfill their
contractual obligations to us could materially delay construction of our PCS
network. We have retained Lucent and other consultants and contractors to assist
in the design and engineering of our systems, construct cell sites, switch
facilities and towers, lease cell sites and deploy our PCS network systems and
we will be significantly dependent upon them in order to fulfill our build-out
obligations.
Conflicts with Sprint PCS may not be resolved in our favor which could restrict
our ability to manage our business and provide Sprint PCS products and services
Conflicts between us and Sprint PCS may arise and as Sprint PCS owes us no
duties except as set forth in the management agreement, these conflicts may not
be resolved in our favor. The conflicts and their resolution may harm our
business. For example, Sprint PCS prices its national plans based on its own
objectives and could set price levels that may not be economically sufficient
for our business. In addition, upon expiration, Sprint PCS could decide to not
renew the management agreement which would not be in our best interest or the
interest of our stockholders. There may be other conflicts such as the setting
of the price we pay for back office services and the focus of Sprint PCS'
management and resources.
If we fail to pay our debt, our lenders may sell our loans to Sprint PCS giving
Sprint PCS certain rights of a creditor to foreclose on our assets
Sprint PCS has contractual rights, triggered by an acceleration of the maturity
of the Lucent Financing, pursuant to which Sprint PCS may purchase our
obligations under the Lucent financing and obtain the rights of a senior lender.
To the extent Sprint PCS purchases these obligations, Sprint PCS' interests as a
creditor could conflict with ours. Sprint PCS' rights as a senior lender would
enable it to exercise rights with respect to our assets and continuing
relationship with Sprint PCS in a manner not otherwise permitted under our
agreements with Sprint PCS.
Certain provisions of our agreements with Sprint PCS may diminish the valuation
of our company
Provisions of our agreements with Sprint PCS could effect the valuation of our
company, thereby, among other things reducing the market prices of our
securities and decreasing our ability to raise additional capital necessary to
complete our network build-out. Under our agreements with Sprint PCS, subject to
the requirements of applicable law, there are circumstances under which Sprint
PCS may purchase our operating assets or capital stock for 72% or 80% of the
"entire business value" of our company, as defined in our management agreement
with Sprint PCS. In addition, Sprint PCS must approve any change of control of
our ownership and consent to any assignment of our agreements with Sprint PCS.
20
Sprint PCS also has been granted a right of first refusal if we decide to sell
our operating assets. We are also subject to a number of restrictions on the
transfer of our business including the prohibition on selling our company or our
operating assets to a number of identified and as yet to be identified
competitors of Sprint PCS or Sprint. These and other restrictions in our
agreements with Sprint PCS may limit the saleability and/or reduce the value a
buyer may be willing to pay for our business and may operate to reduce the
"entire business value" of our company.
We may not be able to compete with larger, more established businesses offering
similar products and services
Our ability to compete will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and
respond to various competitive factors affecting the telecommunications
industry, including new services that may be introduced, changes in consumer
preferences, demographic trends, economic conditions and discount pricing
strategies by competitors. We will compete in our territory with two cellular
providers, both of which have an infrastructure in place and have been
operational for a number of years. They have significantly greater financial and
technical resources than we do, could offer attractive pricing options and may
have a wider variety of handset options. We expect that existing cellular
providers will upgrade their systems and provide expanded, digital services to
compete with the Sprint PCS products and services that we intend to offer. These
wireless providers require their customers to enter into long-term contracts,
which may make it more difficult for us to attract customers away from them.
Sprint PCS generally does not require its customers to enter into long-term
contracts, which may make it easier for other wireless providers to attract
Sprint PCS customers away from Sprint PCS. We will also compete with several PCS
providers and other existing communications companies in our territory. A number
of our cellular and PCS competitors will have access to more licensed spectrum
than the 10 MHz licensed to Sprint PCS in our territory. In addition, any
competitive difficulties that Sprint PCS may experience could also harm our
competitive position and success.
Our services may not be broadly used and accepted by consumers
PCS systems have a limited operating history in the United States. The extent of
potential demand for PCS in our markets cannot be estimated with any degree of
certainty. If we are unable to establish and successfully market PCS services we
may not be able to attract customers in sufficient numbers to operate our
business successfully.
The technology we use has limitations and could become obsolete
We intend to employ digital wireless communications technology selected by
Sprint PCS for its network. Code division multiple access, known as CDMA,
technology is a relatively new technology. CDMA may not provide the advantages
expected by Sprint PCS. If another technology becomes the preferred industry
standard, we may be at a competitive disadvantage and competitive pressures may
require Sprint PCS to change its digital technology which, in turn, may require
us to make changes at substantially increased costs. We may not be able to
respond to such pressures and implement new technology on a timely basis, or at
an acceptable cost.
If Sprint PCS customers are not able to roam instantaneously or efficiently onto
other wireless networks, prospective customers could be deterred from
subscribing for our Sprint PCS services
The Sprint PCS network operates at a different frequency and uses or may use a
different technology than many analog cellular and other digital systems. To
access another provider's analog cellular or digital system outside of the
Sprint PCS network, a Sprint PCS customer is required to utilize a dual-
band/dual-mode handset compatible with that provider's system. Generally,
because dual-band/dual-mode handsets incorporate two radios rather than one,
they are more expensive and are larger and heavier than single-band/single-mode
handsets. The Sprint PCS network does not allow for call hand-off between the
Sprint PCS network and another wireless network, thus requiring a customer to
end a call in progress and initiate a new call when leaving the Sprint PCS
network and entering another wireless network. In addition, the quality of the
service provided by a network provider during a roaming call may not approximate
the quality of the service provided by Sprint PCS. The price of a roaming call
may not be competitive with prices of other wireless companies for roaming
calls, and Sprint PCS customers may not be able to use Sprint PCS advanced
features, such as voicemail notification, while roaming.
21
Non-renewal or revocation by the Federal Communications Commission of the Sprint
PCS licenses would significantly harm our business
PCS licenses are subject to renewal and revocation. Sprint PCS' licenses in our
territory will expire in 2007 but may be renewed for additional ten year terms.
There may be opposition to renewal of Sprint PCS' licenses upon their expiration
and the Sprint PCS licenses may not be renewed. The Federal Communications
Commission, generally referred to as the FCC, has adopted specific standards to
apply to PCS license renewals. Failure by Sprint PCS to comply with these
standards in our territory could cause revocation or forfeiture of the Sprint
PCS licenses for our territory or the imposition of fines on Sprint PCS by the
FCC.
The loss of our officers and skilled employees that we depend upon to operate
our business could reduce our ability to offer Sprint PCS products and services
The loss of one or more key officers could impair our ability to offer Sprint
PCS products and services. Our business is managed by a small number of
executive officers. We believe that our future success will also depend in large
part on our continued ability to attract and retain highly qualified technical
and management personnel. We believe that there is and will continue to be
intense competition for qualified personnel in the PCS equipment and services
industry as the PCS market continues to develop. We may not be successful in
retaining our key personnel or in attracting and retaining other highly
qualified technical and management personnel. We currently have "key man" life
insurance for our chief executive officer.
We may not achieve or sustain operating profitability or positive cash flow from
operating activities
We expect to incur significant operating losses and to generate significant
negative cash flow from operating activities until 2002 while we develop and
construct our PCS network and build our customer base. If and when we start to
provide services to customers, our operating profitability will depend upon many
factors, including, among others, our ability to market our services, achieve
our projected market penetration and manage customer turnover rates. If we do
not achieve and maintain operating profitability and positive cash flow from
operating activities on a timely basis, we may not be able to meet our debt
service requirements.
We may need more capital than we currently project to build out our PCS network
The build-out of our PCS network will require substantial capital. Additional
funds would be required in the event of significant departures from the current
business plan, unforeseen delays, cost overruns, unanticipated expenses,
regulatory changes, engineering design changes and other technological risks.
Due to our highly leveraged capital structure, additional financing may not be
available or, if available, may not be obtained on a timely basis and on terms
acceptable to us or within limitations permitted under our existing debt
covenants. Failure to obtain additional financing, should the need for it
develop, could result in the delay or abandonment of our development and
expansion plans.
Unauthorized use of our PCS network could disrupt our business
We will likely incur costs associated with the unauthorized use of our PCS
network, including administrative and capital costs associated with detecting,
monitoring and reducing the incidence of fraud. Fraud impacts interconnection
costs, capacity costs, administrative costs, fraud prevention costs and payments
to other carriers for unbillable fraudulent roaming.
Our agreements with Sprint PCS, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws
include provisions that may discourage, delay and/or restrict any sale of our
operating assets or common stock to the possible detriment of our stockholders
Our agreements with Sprint PCS restrict our ability to sell our operating assets
and common stock. Generally, Sprint PCS must approve a change of control of our
ownership and consent to any assignment of our agreements with Sprint PCS. The
agreements also give Sprint PCS a right of first refusal if we decide to sell
our operating assets to a third party. These restrictions, among other things,
could discourage, delay or make more difficult any sale of our operating assets
or common stock. This could have a material adverse effect on the value of our
common stock and could reduce the price of our company in the event of a sale.
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could also operate to
discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of our company. Our
22
certificate of incorporation, which contains a provision acknowledging the terms
under the management agreement and a consent and agreement pursuant to which
Sprint PCS may buy our operating assets, has been duly authorized and approved
by our board of directors and our stockholders. This provision is intended to
permit the sale of our operating assets pursuant to the terms of the management
agreement or a consent and agreement with our lenders without further
stockholder approval. See "Description of Capital Stock."
We face risks relating to the year 2000 issue
If our systems, the systems of our vendors, consultants and contractors, or the
systems of Sprint and Sprint PCS and their vendors, consultants and contractors,
are not year 2000 compliant or are unable to recover from system interruptions
which may result from the year 2000 date change, our business could be
materially adversely affected. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Impact of Year 2000 Issue on the
Operations and Financial Condition of AirGate."
Industry Risks
We may experience a high rate of customer turnover which would increase our
costs of operations and reduce our revenue
Our strategy to reduce customer turnover may not be successful. The PCS industry
has experienced a higher rate of customer turnover as compared to cellular
industry averages. The rate of customer turnover may be the result of several
factors, including network coverage; reliability issues such as blocked calls,
dropped calls and handset problems; non-use of phones; change of employment;
non-use of customer contracts, affordability; customer care concerns and other
competitive factors. Price competition and other competitive factors could also
cause increased customer turnover.
Wireless providers offering services based on alternative technologies may
reduce demand for PCS
The wireless telecommunications industry is experiencing significant
technological change, as evidenced by the increasing pace of digital upgrades in
existing analog wireless systems, evolving industry standards, ongoing
improvements in the capacity and quality of digital technology, shorter
development cycles for new products and enhancements and changes in end-user
requirements and preferences. There is also uncertainty as to the extent of
customer demand as well as the extent to which airtime and monthly recurring
charges may continue to decline. As a result, our future prospects and those of
the industry, and the success of PCS and other competitive services, remain
uncertain.
Regulation by government agencies may increase our costs of providing service or
require us to change our services
The licensing, construction, use, operation, sale and interconnection
arrangements of wireless telecommunications systems are regulated to varying
degrees by the FCC, the Federal Aviation Administration, generally referred to
as the FAA, and, depending on the jurisdiction, state and local regulatory
agencies and legislative bodies. Adverse decisions regarding these regulatory
requirements could negatively impact our operations and our cost of doing
business. The Sprint PCS agreements reflect an affiliation that the parties
believe meets the FCC requirements for licensee control of licensed spectrum.
If the FCC were to determine that our agreements with Sprint PCS need to be
modified to increase the level of licensee control, we have agreed with Sprint
PCS to use our best efforts to modify the agreements as necessary to cause the
agreements to comply with applicable law and to preserve to the extent possible
the economic arrangements set forth in the agreements. If the agreements cannot
be modified, the agreements may be terminated pursuant to their terms.
Use of hand-held phones may pose health risks
Media reports have suggested that certain radio frequency emissions from
wireless handsets may be linked to various health problems, including cancer,
and may interfere with various electronic medical devices, including hearing
aids and pacemakers. Concerns over radio frequency emissions may discourage use
of wireless handsets or expose us to potential litigation.
23
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our principal executive offices consist of a 10,052 square foot leased office
space located at Harris Tower, 233 Peachtree Street, N.E., Suite 1700, Atlanta,
Georgia 30303. We also lease a 40,000 square foot office located at Pelham 85
Business Center, Greenville, South Carolina, and lease a 24,000 square foot
office located at 411 Huger Street, Columbia, South Carolina. We believe our
properties are in good operating condition and are currently suitable and
adequate for our business operations.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not aware of any pending legal proceedings against us which, individually
or in the aggregate, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
By unanimous consent on July 28, 1999, the security holders of the Company
approved: (1) an Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company;
and (2) the 1999 Company Stock Option Plan.
24
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following table presents information with respect to our executive officers.
Name Age Position
- ---- --- --------
Thomas M. Dougherty........................... 55 President and Chief Executive Officer
W. Chris Blane................................ 46 Vice President of New Business Development
Thomas D. Body III............................ 61 Vice President of Strategic Planning
Robert E. Gourlay............................. 45 Vice President of Marketing
David C. Roberts.............................. 37 Vice President of Engineering and Network Operations
Shelley L. Spencer............................ 36 Vice President of Law and Secretary
Alan B. Catherall............................. 46 Chief Financial Officer
Mark A. Roth.................................. 43 Vice President of Sales, Interior Region
Thomas M. Dougherty has been our president and chief executive officer since
April 1999. Prior to joining us, Mr. Dougherty was a senior executive of Sprint
PCS. Before that, Mr. Dougherty served as executive vice president and chief
operating officer of Chase Telecommunications, a personal communications
services company, from 1996 to 1997. Mr. Dougherty served as president and
chief operating officer of Cook Inlet BellSouth PCS, L.P., a start-up wireless
communications company, from 1995 to 1996. Prior to October 1995, Mr. Dougherty
was vice president and chief operating officer of BellSouth Mobility DCS
Corporation, a PCS company.
Thomas D. Body III has been our vice president of strategic planning since
November 1998. Prior to that, Mr. Body served as our chief executive officer
from January 1998 to October 1998. In 1995, Mr. Body joined AirLink II LLC as a
vice president for business development as it prepared for the C block PCS
auction. Prior thereto, Mr. Body was the chairman and chief executive officer
of Metrex Corporation, which constructed the first fiber optic competitive
access network in Atlanta and which ultimately merged with MFS Communications
Co., now MCI WorldCom, Inc.
W. Chris Blane has been our vice president of new business development since
1998. In 1995, Mr. Blane joined AirLink II LLC as a vice president for business
development as it prepared for the C block PCS auction. Prior thereto, Mr.
Blane was the president of Metrex Corporation, which constructed the first fiber
optic competitive access network in Atlanta and which ultimately merged with MFS
Communications Co., now MCI WorldCom, Inc.
Robert E. Gourlay has been our vice president of marketing since 1998. In 1995,
Mr. Gourlay joined AirLink II LLC as vice president-marketing as it prepared for
the C block PCS auction.
David C. Roberts has been our vice president of engineering and network
operations since 1998. In 1995, Mr. Roberts joined AirLink II LLC as vice
president-engineering as it prepared for the C block PCS auction.
Shelley L. Spencer has been our vice president of law and secretary since 1998.
In 1995, Ms. Spencer joined AirLink II LLC as general counsel as it prepared for
the C block PCS auction.
Alan B. Catherall has been our chief financial officer since March 1998. Prior
to joining us, Mr. Catherall was a partner in Tatum CFO Partners, a financial
consulting firm, since 1996. Before that, Mr. Catherall was chief financial
officer of Syncordia Services, a joint venture of MCI and British Telecom, from
1994 to 1996.
Mark A. Roth has been our vice president of sales, interior region since July
1999. Prior to joining us, Mr. Roth was senior vice present of sales and
distribution for Conxus Communications. Before that, Mr. Roth held various
positions with Arch Communications, most recently as a divisional head, from
1992 to July 1998.
25
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol PCSA.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and
low bid prices for our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market.
Price Range of
Common Stock
--------------------
High Low
--------- -------
Year Ended September 30, 1999:
Fourth Quarter (From September 28, 1999) $28.00 $23.00
On December 7, 1999, there were 82 holders of record of the common stock.
We intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to fund the development and
growth of our business and, therefore, do not anticipate paying any cash
dividends in the foreseeable future. Our future decisions concerning the
payment of dividends on the common stock will depend upon our results of
operations, financial condition and capital expenditure plans, as well as such
other factors as the board of directors, in its sole discretion, may consider
relevant. In addition, our existing indebtedness restricts, and we anticipate
our future indebtedness may restrict, our ability to pay dividends.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial data presented below under the captions "Statement of
Operations Data," "Other Data," and "Balance Sheet Data" for, and as of the
end of, the period from inception, June 15, 1995, to December 31, 1995 is
derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of AirGate PCS,
Inc. and subsidiaries and predecessors. The selected financial data presented
below under the captions "Statement of Operations Data," "Other Data," and
"Balance Sheet Data" for, and as of the end of, each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1998 and for the nine month periods ended
September 30, 1998 and 1999, are derived from the consolidated financial
statements of AirGate PCS, Inc. and subsidiaries and predecessors, which
consolidated financial statements have been audited by KPMG LLP, independent
certified public accountants. The selected financial data should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included herein.
26
Period From
For the Nine Month Inception, June 15,
Periods Ended September 30, For the Years Ended December 31, 1995, to December 31,
--------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------
1999 1998 1998 1997 1996 1995
(In thousands except per share data)
Statement of Operations Data:
Operating expenses:
General and administrative.............. $ (5,619) $(1,552) $(2,597) $(1,101) $(1,252) $(1,458)
Depreciation and amortization........... (622) (1,028) (1,204) (998) (19) (18)
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Operating loss.......................... (6,241) (2,580) (3,801) (2,099) (1,271) (1,476)
Interest expense........................ (9,358) (1,015) (1,392) (817) (582) (217)
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net loss................................ $(15,599) $(3,595) $(5,193) $(2,916) $(1,853) $(1,693)
======== ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Other Data:
Operating loss before fixed $ (6,241) $(2,580) $(3,801) $(2,099) $(1,271) $(1,476)
charges........................... ======== ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Basic and diluted net loss $ (4.57) $(1.06) $(1.54) $(0.86) $(0.55) $(0.50)
per share of common stock (1)...... ======== ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
___________________________
As of September 30, As of December 31,
--------------------------- ---------------------------
1999 1998 1998 1997 1996 1995
(In thousands)
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents............... $258,900 $ 1,926 $ 2,296 $ 147 $ 6 $ 256
Total assets............................ 317,320 12,120 15,450 13,871 2,196 21,643
Long-term debt(2)....................... 165,667 7,700 7,700 11,745 -- --
Stockholders' equity (deficit).......... 127,846 (3,753) (5,350) (1,750) (3,025) (1,272)
___________________________
(1) Basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock is computed by
dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding.
(2) Includes current maturities.
27
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in
this transition report on Form 10-K. The discussion contains forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could
differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking
statements as a result of factors including, but not limited to, those under
"Risk Factors."
Overview
On July 22, 1998, we entered into a management agreement with Sprint PCS whereby
we became the Sprint PCS affiliate with the exclusive right to provide 100%
digital, 100% PCS services under the Sprint and Sprint PCS brand names in our
territory in the southeastern United States. We are a development stage company
and have not generated any significant revenues. We have completed our radio
frequency design, network design and substantial site acquisition and cell site
engineering, and commenced construction of our PCS network in November 1998.
Sprint PCS has invested $44.6 million to purchase the PCS licenses in our
territory and incurred additional expenses for microwave clearing. Under our
long term agreements with Sprint PCS, we will manage the network on Sprint PCS'
licensed spectrum as well as the use of Sprint and Sprint PCS brand names
royalty-free during our affiliation with Sprint PCS. We also have access to
Sprint PCS' national marketing support and distribution programs and are
entitled to buy network and subscriber equipment and handsets at the same
discounted rates offered by vendors to Sprint PCS based on its large volume
purchases. In exchange for these benefits, we are entitled to receive 92%, and
Sprint PCS is entitled to retain 8%, of collected service revenues from
customers in our territory. We are entitled to 100% of revenues collected from
the sale of handsets and accessories, on revenues received when Sprint PCS
customers from a different territory make a wireless call on our PCS network,
and on roaming revenues from non-Sprint PCS customers.
In addition, for specified fees, we may purchase certain back office services,
including customer activation, billing and customer care, directly from Sprint
PCS. We will purchase these services from Sprint PCS at a cost which reflects
Sprint PCS' economies of scale. We expect that the outsourcing of these
services will enable us to reduce capital expenditures for administrative
purposes and to operate with fewer employees than other wireless providers.
Through September 30, 1999, we have incurred $45.0 million of capital
expenditures related to the build-out of our PCS network. As a result of the
progress made on our PCS network build-out, we expect to be able to launch
commercial PCS operations in the first quarter of 2000. We expect to extend our
coverage during the balance of 2000 and to substantially complete the build-out
of our PCS network by the end of 2000, covering approximately 74% of the
population in our territory. We expect to continue to fill in coverage in 2001.
From our inception in June 1995 through August 1998, our operating activities
were focused on developing a PCS business in the southeastern United States,
including the purchase of four PCS licenses from the FCC. During this period we
did not generate any revenues and, as a result, have incurred operating losses
since inception.
Results of Operations
For the nine month period ended September 30, 1999:
On October 21, 1999, the Company changed its fiscal year from a calendar
year ending on December 31 to a fiscal year ending on September 30, effective
September 30, 1999. From January 1, 1999 through September 30, 1999, we were
focused on raising capital to continue our PCS network build-out.
Revenues
As a development stage enterprise, we had no commercial operations for any
period, resulting in no revenues or costs of service being recorded.
28
General and Administrative Expenses
From January 1, 1999 through September 30, 1999, we were focused on raising
capital to continue our PCS network build-out. We incurred expenses of $5.6
million during the nine month period ended September 30, 1999, compared to $1.6
million for the nine month period ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $4.0
million. The increase was primarily comprised of cell site lease payments
related to our PCS network build-out, additional salaries, employee bonus
accruals, relocation liabilities and non-cash compensation of vested stock
options.
Depreciation and Amortization
For the nine months ended September 30, 1999, depreciation and amortization
expense was $622,000, compared to $1.0 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1998. Through August 1998, we were amortizing the purchase price
of FCC licenses held by our predecessor. We made capital expenditures of $31.9
million in the nine months ended September 30, 1999 related to the continued
build-out of our PCS network, which included approximately $1.1 million of
capitalized interest, compared to capital expenditures of $2.4 million in the
nine months ended September 30, 1998, of which no interest was capitalized as
the network build-out commenced in August 1998. Depreciation and amortization
of our network build-out will begin as the network becomes operational and will
continue to increase as our network is placed into service.
Interest Expense, net
For the nine months ended September 30, 1999, interest expense was $9.4
million, net of capitalized interest of $1.1 million, an increase $8.4 million
over the $1.0 million in interest expense for the nine months ended September
30, 1998. Interest expense for the 1999 period included an $8.7 million charge
to record the fair value of warrants and the beneficial conversion feature
related to the convertible promissory notes issued to the affiliates of Weiss,
Peck, Greer Venture Partners and the affiliates of JAFCO America Ventures Inc.
Capitalized interest of $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1999 was higher due to increased capital expenditures, compared to no
capitalized interest for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Future
interest expense will increase as a result of the issuance in September 1999 of
the units offering and as outstanding balances under the Lucent Financing
increase.
Net Loss
For the nine months ended September 30, 1999, our net loss was $15.6
million, compared to $3.6 million for the same period in 1998. The net loss
increased $12.0 million, resulting primarily from the items discussed above.
Net losses will continue to increase as we build-out our PCS network.
For the year ended December 31, 1998:
In July 1998, we signed a series of agreements with Sprint PCS to operate
as the exclusive affiliate of Sprint PCS in certain markets in the southeastern
United States. As a part of these agreements, we were given the right to market
Sprint PCS' products and services in exchange for building, constructing and
managing a PCS network that will support the wireless service offerings of
Sprint PCS in our territory. In October 1998, AirGate PCS, Inc. was formed and
all operations related to the affiliation with Sprint PCS were transferred to it
and its subsidiaries. The FCC PCS licenses will not be used in our continuing
operations as a Sprint PCS affiliate and, therefore, have been excluded from the
consolidated financial statements of AirGate PCS, Inc. and subsidiaries and
predecessors. During 1998, we focused on consummating our affiliation with
Sprint PCS. Expenses incurred for these purposes totaled $5.2 million for
salaries and benefits, professional fees, interest expense and depreciation and
amortization. Capital outlays in 1998 amounted to $12.9 million. Included in
this amount were $7.7 million of network assets which we purchased from Sprint
PCS, which include radio frequency and engineering design data, site acquisition
materials and construction equipment. We also made $5.2 million of capital
expenditures related to the build-out of our PCS network.
From June 15, 1995 (inception) to December 31, 1997:
From inception, June 15, 1995, through December 31, 1997, our operating
activities were focused on developing a PCS business which included the purchase
of four FCC PCS licenses. During this period, we incurred total cumulative
expenses of $6.5 million. These expenses related to salaries and benefits,
29
professional fees, interest expense and depreciation and amortization of the FCC
PCS licenses. All costs of start-up and organizational activities have been
expensed in accordance with AICPA Statement of Position 98-5.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 1999, we had $258.9 million in cash and cash
equivalents, compared to $2.3 million in cash and cash equivalents at December
31, 1998. Our net working capital was $229.7 million at September 30, 1999,
compared to negative working capital of $13.7 million at December 31, 1998.
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
The $2.5 million in cash used in operating activities was the result of our
net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 1999, which was partially
offset by increases in current liabilities and non-cash interest expense.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
The $15.7 million in cash used by investing activities represents capital
expenditures related to our network build-out. We made an additional $16.2
million in capital expenditures through accounts payable, for a total of $31.9
million of capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 1999.
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
The $274.8 million in cash provided by financing activities consisted
primarily of $131.0 million in gross proceeds from our initial public offering
of common stock, $156.1 million in gross proceeds from our units offering, as
described below, and increased borrowings pursuant to the Lucent financing,
partially offset by equity and debt issuance costs.
Liquidity
We closed our offerings of equity and debt funding on September 30, 1999.
The total equity amount raised was $131.0 million, or $120.5 million in net
proceeds. Concurrently, we closed our units offering consisting of $300 million
principal amount at maturity 13.5% senior subordinated discount notes due 2009
and warrants to purchase 644,000 shares of our common stock at $0.01 per share.
The gross proceeds from the units offering was $156.1 million, or $149.4 million
in net proceeds. The senior subordinated discount notes will require cash
payments of interest beginning on April 1, 2005.
In addition, on August 16, 1999, we entered into a $153.5 million credit
agreement with Lucent. The credit agreement provides for a $13.5 million senior
secured term loan which matures on June 6, 2007, which is the first installment
of the loan, or Tranche 1. The second installment, or Tranche 2, under the
credit agreement is for a $140.0 million senior secured term loan that matures
on September 30, 2008. Mandatory quarterly payments of principal are required
beginning December 31, 2002 for Tranche 1 and March 21, 2004 for Tranche 2
initially in the amount of 3.75% of the loan balance then outstanding and
increasing th