TDS launches internet service upgrades in Texas, Colorado cable markets

Network investments in communities will keep users happy with faster internet speeds.

TDS Telecom is now offering Ultra 300 and Ultra 600 internet service in the three Texas cable markets of Fort Stockton, Alpine and Seminole (includes Denver City and Seagraves) and in the Colorado market of Cortez. Ultra 300 is now being offered in Woodland Park, Colorado. The new internet services are cutting-edge fast.

The launch of 300Mbps and 600Mbps (megabits per second) will keep active internet users happy.

Ultra 300 is perfect for households who want fast, reliable connections. It’s great for multi-player video gaming, several users, devices, and for video chatting.

Ultra 600 is super-fast and provides reliable service for households with the most extreme internet demands driven by multiple users and multiple devices connected simultaneously.  TDS customers can download movies and television shows with a 4K quality TV, surf the internet, listen to music and play video games on multiple devices all at the same time.

“TDS has made significant investments in  our cable markets in Colorado, Texas, New Mexico and Utah and we will continue to make those investments to ensure we’re bringing customers the service and speed they need for today and tomorrow,” says Julie Maiers, vice president of Marketing and Product Development at TDS. “Users can game, stream, and upload concurrently, without slowdown.”

The average person in the United States has 13 network connected devices in their home, including phones, tablets, TVs, gaming consoles, household appliances and more. Live video is set to be the fastest growing segment of the internet. Thanks to higher-quality video and the growth in live broadcast of sports, bandwidth needs will continue to grow.

“Ultra 600 is great for streaming multiple HD movies in a flash,” says Maiers. “With more people using video conferencing, Skype and Facetime, Ultra 600 will provide improved video quality and is a real timesaver for TDS customers.”

Ultra 300 and Ultra 600 not only allows for faster speeds, but improved capacity for all internet customers.

TDS is delivering this new service via DOCSIS 3.0 technology over Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) and Radio Frequency over Glass (RFoG) plants. Customers can learn more about Ultra 300 and Ultra 600 at HelloTDS.com/600 or calling 1-855-771-3961.

Previously, TDS has announced 300Mbps and 600Mbps service in the six New Mexico communities of Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Eunice, Hobbs, Lovington and Ruidoso; the two Utah communities of St. George and Cedar City; its Mesquite, Nevada market and in the four Colorado markets of Arvada, Estes Park, Fort Carson and Fort Collins.

Business Customers
300Mbps and 600Mbps is also available for business customers. “When running a business, we know the importance of fast, affordable, and reliable technology,” says Maiers. “Business 600, with 30 Mbps upload, enables faster connections, which means improved workplace efficiency. Business 600 also supports higher-quality video for improved video-conferencing experiences.”

Businesses can learn more at hellotds.com/business or by calling 1-855-771-3961.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cheryl McCollum | Associate Manager – Public Relations | TDS | 608-664-2388 | cheryl.mccollum@tdstelecom.com

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom/TDS®), a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., is the seventh largest local exchange telephone company in the U.S. and a growing force in the cable industry. TDS provides 1.2 million connections to high-speed internet, phone, and TV entertainment services in nearly 900 rural, suburban, and metropolitan communities. For residential customers, TDS deploys 1Gig internet access, IPTV service, cable TV options, and traditional wireline services. The company offers businesses advanced solutions, including: VoIP (managedIP Hosted voice), high-speed internet, fiber optics, data networking, and hosted-managed services. Visit tdstelecom.com or tdsbusiness.com.

Headquartered in Madison, Wis., TDS Telecom operates OneNeck IT Solutions LLC and BendBroadband, which is part of TDS Broadband Service LLC. Combined, the company employs more than 3,300 people.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS], a Fortune 1000® company, provides wireless; cable and wireline broadband, TV and voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately six million customers nationwide through its businesses U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom, OneNeck IT Solutions, and TDS Broadband Service. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. employs more than 9,900 people. Visit tdsinc.com.

CenturyLink selected as an authorized internet service provider by national coalition of research and education networks

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) announced today that it has been selected as an authorized commercial internet service provider by The Quilt, a national coalition of non-profit U.S. regional research and education networks representing 40 networks and more than 900 educational institutions across the country.

"I'm pleased to announce that we've again been selected as an approved ISP by a national coalition of research and education networks, which acknowledges our place as a leading provider of secure, best-in-class network solutions to large educational institutions and public consortiums," said David Young, CenturyLink senior vice president, strategic government, whose responsibilities include the research and education market.

In order to be named an approved provider on the two-year Quilt contract, CenturyLink participated in a competitive RFP process that focused on IP transit providers that are at the forefront of technology and offer the best value to Quilt members.

"I'm proud that CenturyLink has been an authorized Quilt provider since 2002," said Craig Cupach, CenturyLink director of research and education sales. "CenturyLink has a history of providing research and education networks with advanced technology solutions that meet Quilt members' increasing bandwidth needs, including providing 100 gigabit service."

"Through its commodity internet services RFP, The Quilt seeks out partners who provide a network capable of supporting the advanced requirements of our members with reliable, scalable and flexible solutions. We are pleased to include CenturyLink among these key providers that participate in our Quilt program," said Jen Leasure, president and CEO of The Quilt.   

By supplying cybersecurity, cloud, managed hosting and IT services over its carrier-class network, CenturyLink provides research and education institutions with the security and reliability they need.

Additional Resources
Learn more about The Quilt's rigorous RFP process: https://www.thequilt.net/quilt-news/quilt-releases-rfp-2018-commodity-internet-services/

About CenturyLink
CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is the second largest U.S. communications provider to global enterprise customers. With customers in more than 60 countries and an intense focus on the customer experience, CenturyLink strives to be the world's best networking company by solving customers' increased demand for reliable and secure connections. The company also serves as its customers' trusted partner, helping them manage increased network and IT complexity and providing managed network and cyber security solutions that help protect their business.

About The Quilt
The Quilt provides advanced network services and applications to over 900 universities and thousands of other educational and community anchor institutions. Its goal is to promote consistent, reliable, inter-operable and efficient advanced networking services that extend to the broadest possible community; and to represent common interests in the development and delivery of advanced cyberinfrastructure that enables innovation through our education and research mission. Through The Quilt, non-profit regional research and education networks collaborate to develop, deploy and operate advanced cyberinfrastructure that enables innovation in research and education.

SOURCE CenturyLink, Inc.

For further information: Linda M. Johnson, CenturyLink, 202-429-3130, linda.m.johnson@centurylink.com

CENTURYLINK COMPLETES ITS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED SALE OF FORMER LEVEL 3 METRO NETWORK ASSETS IN ALBUQUERQUE TO UNITE PRIVATE NETWORKS

MONROE, La., June 1, 2018 — CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) announced today that it has completed the sale of certain former Level 3 metro network assets in the Albuquerque, N.M., area to Unite Private Networks (UPN), a leading provider of high-capacity, fiber-based communication networks headquartered in Kansas City, Mo.

As previously announced, CenturyLink entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice to divest, among other assets, former Level 3 metro fiber network assets in the metro areas of Albuquerque, N.M.; Boise, Idaho; and Tucson, Ariz., in connection with CenturyLink’s acquisition of Level 3. The closing of the sale of the Level 3 Albuquerque area network assets to UPN fulfills that part of the commitment.

CenturyLink will continue to serve all former Level 3 customers in Albuquerque unless they choose to be served by UPN. Where needed to provide uninterrupted service to its customers in Albuquerque, CenturyLink will purchase network connectivity and services from UPN.

The sale to UPN does not include or affect the Albuquerque area networks and business assets CenturyLink operated prior to the Level 3 acquisition. CenturyLink retains those assets and will continue providing a full suite of leading edge telecommunications services to residential and business customers in Albuquerque.

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Additional Resources
• Department of Justice approves CenturyLink’s proposed sale of former Level 3 metro network assets in Albuquerque area to Unite Private Networks: http://news.centurylink.com/Department-of-Justice-approves-CenturyLinks-proposed-sale-of-former-Level-3-metro-network-assets-in-Albuquerque-to-Unite-Private-Networks
• U.S. Department of Justice clears CenturyLink’s acquisition of Level 3: http://news.centurylink.com/U-S-Department-of-Justice-clears-CenturyLinks-acquisition-of-Level-3

About CenturyLink

CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is the second largest U.S. communications provider to global enterprise customers. With customers in more than 60 countries and an intense focus on
the customer experience, CenturyLink strives to be the world’s best networking company by solving customers’ increased demand for reliable and secure connections. The company also serves as its customers’ trusted partner, helping them manage increased network and IT complexity and providing managed network and cyber security solutions that help protect their business.

Forward Looking Statements

Except for the historical and factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this release, including statements regarding the expected timing and benefits of the proposed transaction, and other statements identified by words such as “will,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond our control. Actual events and results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected if one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect. Factors that could affect actual results include but are not limited to: potential changes in market conditions, business plans, regulation, competition or technology. You should be aware that new factors may emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to identify all such factors nor can we predict the impact of each such factor on the proposed transaction. You should not place undue reliance on these forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this document. Unless legally required, CenturyLink and Unite Private Networks undertake no obligation and each expressly disclaim any such obligation, to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Contact:
Linda M. Johnson
CenturyLink
202-429-3130
linda.m.johnson@centurylink.com

Brandi Tubb
Unite Private Networks
816-903-9400
brandi.tubb@upnfiber.com

Liberty Puerto Rico received the 2017 Speedtest Award as the fastest Internet network in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - May 25, 2018 - Liberty Puerto Rico received the 2017 Speedtest Award as the fastest Internet network in Puerto Rico. Liberty won the title with a Speed ​​Score of 29.98, well above other Internet service providers on the Island. Liberty also achieved maximum speeds to download and upload data of 62.80 Mbps and 9.31 Mbps respectively. The award is based on an Ookla® analysis of 1,343,980 speed tests that consumers did during the last six months of 2017.

"Even with the challenges we face from hurricanes Irma and Maria, our company has always been at the forefront in terms of speed and stability of the Internet," said Naji Khoury, president and chief executive officer of Liberty Puerto Rico. “We have been investing in our infrastructure and updating it to be able to provide a greater range of speeds and more advanced products that will improve the digital experience of our customers. This distinction is proof that these efforts have paid off. ” 

The winners of the Speedtest Awards are determined using a score that incorporates a measure of the speeds to upload and download information from each provider to classify the performance of network speeds. Since most information transfers involve downloading data, 90 percent of the final speed score is attributed to the speed to go down and the remaining 10 percent to the speed to go up.

The Speed ​​Score uses modified trimedia to demonstrate the speeds for downloading and uploading information that are available on a provider's network. Ookla takes velocity of the tenth, fifty (used as the median) and ninety percentile, and combines them on an average using a ratio of 1: 2: 1, respectively. Ookla puts more emphasis on the median since this is the speed that most customers experience daily. 

“When it comes to the Internet offer, Liberty is the provider that offers the most innovative and most valuable products in Puerto Rico,” said Waldo Hooker, Vice President of Customer Experience at Liberty Puerto Rico. "Providing a fast and reliable Internet connection has always been crucial for us and we cannot be more proud to have this recognition of Ookla."

“We are very pleased to present Liberty Puerto Rico with the prize as the fastest Internet Network in Puerto Rico. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional performance in the third and fourth quarters, based on Ookla's rigorous analysis of consumer-initiated tests through Speedtest, ”said Jamie Steven , executive vice president of operations at Ookla . 

Speedtest users by Ookla do speed tests of fixed and mobile Internet service providers, and then the results are analyzed and reported by Ookla. Prizes are awarded only to suppliers with the highest score in the country. To see the results of Puerto Rico, visit http://www.speedtest.net/awards/pr/isp/2017 . 

Speedtest by Ookla is considered the global leader in Internet performance tests and metrics. The technology allows you to provide accurate and unbiased readings of Internet performance, which empowers consumers around the world to verify and fix their Internet speeds. Ookla is a global leader in applications, data and analysis to test speeds in the fixed and mobile Internet networks. Every day over 10 million tests are done across all Speedtest platforms, with almost 20 billion completed to date. This gives Ookla the most complete analysis on the performance and accessibility of the Internet in the world. 

About Liberty Puerto Rico:

Liberty Puerto Rico is a subsidiary of Liberty Latin America Ltd. and has approximately 723,000 service units subscribed as of March 31, 2018 in 76 municipalities in the east, center, north, south and west of Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.libertypr.com .

About Liberty Latin America:

Liberty Latin America Ltd. (“Liberty Latin America”) is a leading telecommunications company with operations in over 20 countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean under the VTR, Flow, Liberty, Más Móvil and BTC brands. The communications and entertainment services we offer to our residential and business clients in the region increasingly include combinations of digital video services, broadband Internet, telephony and mobile services. Our business products and services include connectivity for companies, data centers, hosting, and managed solutions, as well as information technology solutions with clients ranging from small and medium enterprises to international companies and government agencies. Further, 

Liberty Latin America has three separate classes of common shares that are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbols "LILA" (Class A) and "LILAK" (Class C), and on the OTC Link under the symbol "LILAB" (Class B). 

For more information, visit www.lla.com . 

IFC, GOLDMAN SACHS INITIATIVE INVESTS $1 BILLION IN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN EMERGING MARKETS

New York, May 18, 2018—The Women Entrepreneurs Opportunity Facility (“WEOF”), a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has now invested more than $1 billion in women entrepreneurs in emerging markets, delivering much-needed capital to small businesses and far surpassing the facility’s original goal of $600 million.

Women own or run more than a third of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets, key providers of jobs and essential services. Yet a disproportionate number can’t access the capital they need to grow. The financing gap for women entrepreneurs is estimated to be nearly $1.5 trillion.

WEOF provides lines of credit that allow financial institutions in developing countries to reach more women-owned businesses. The facility also helps these institutions better understand the commercial viability of loans to underserved women entrepreneurs—and the role small businesses can play in their own growth strategies.

Designed to address the barriers that prevent financial institutions from deploying capital and women entrepreneurs from accessing it, WEOF was launched in 2014 with a $43 million investment from the Goldman Sachs Foundation and $100 million from IFC. The facility just exceeded $1 billion in investments in 26 financial intermediaries in 26 countries, including some of the world’s poorest and conflict-affected states. It has also funded 10 advisory projects in nine countries with total project value of $4.3 million. WEOF has already reached 50,000 women entrepreneurs through the financial institutions it invested in, with a goal of reaching 100,000 over 10 years.

“This partnership and creation of the WEOF was a natural extension of our 10,000 Women initiative, and directly informed by the feedback of our alumni who indicated a need to increase access to credit,” said Lloyd C. Blankfein, Chairman and CEO of The Goldman Sachs Group. “We want to disrupt the traditions of the local banking system by providing financial incentives for these banks to put more energy into evaluating female owned businesses.”

“Women entrepreneurs are a powerful force for prosperity. Empowering them in developing countries unleashes economic growth and creates jobs in places where both are desperately needed,” said IFC CEO Philippe Le Houérou. “This partnership is helping tens of thousands of women-owned enterprises to thrive – and is making the case that investing in women is good business.”

One of WEOF’s significant achievements was mobilizing other investors to invest in women entrepreneurs with the goal of demonstrating their commercial viability as an asset class. In 2015, the US Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. government’s development finance institution, joined the WEOF partnership with a commitment of up to US$100 million in co-investments. 

WEOF builds on the IFC Banking on Women and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiatives. 10,000 Women was launched in 2008 to foster economic growth by providing women entrepreneurs with business education and access to capital. IFC’s Banking on Women was established in 2010 to provide financing and expertise to emerging market financial institutions to expand financial services and opportunities for women customers and business owners.

About IFC
IFC—a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in the toughest areas of the world. In FY17, we delivered a record $19.3 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to help end poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org

About Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative was launched in 2008 to foster greater shared economic growth by providing underserved women entrepreneurs around the world with a business and management education and access to capital, mentoring, and networking. The initiative has reached women from across 56 countries through a network of 100 academic, nonprofit, and bank partners. Globally, graduates report immediate and sustained business growth. Eighteen months after completing the program, nearly 70% of surveyed graduates increased their revenue and nearly 60% added new jobs. On average, graduates doubled the size of their workforces and revenues increased nearly fivefold, and nine out of ten participants pay it forward by mentoring other women. For more information, visit http://www.goldmansachs.com/citizenship/10000women/

Media Contacts:

IFC:
John McNally
Phone: +1 202 458 0723
E-mail: jmcnally@ifc.org

Goldman Sachs:
Goldman Sachs Media Relations
+ 212 902 5400

Liberty Global to Sell Operations in Germany, Hungary, Romania and the Czech Republic to Vodafone

• Enterprise value of €19.0 billion ($22.7 billion) on a U.S. GAAP basis1 (€18.4 billion on an EU-IFRS basis)

• Represents 28% of Liberty Global’s 2017 consolidated OCF2

• Values all four businesses combined at 11.5x3 2017 adjusted Segment OCF and implies a 12.0x multiple for Germany

• Cash proceeds expected to be €10.6 billion4 ($12.7 billion), plus Liberty to retain all cash generated from the four businesses through closing

• Customers in each market to benefit from stronger converged competitor focused on fixed and mobile investment and innovation

Denver, Colorado – May 9, 2018: Liberty Global plc (“Liberty Global”) (NASDAQ: LBTYA, LBTYB and LBTYK) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its operations in Germany, Hungary, Romania and the Czech Republic to Vodafone Group plc (“Vodafone”) for a total enterprise value of approximately €19.0 billion ($22.7 billion) on a U.S. GAAP basis, as compared to €18.4 billion ($22 billion) on an EU-IFRS basis.

These four businesses represented approximately 28% of Liberty Global’s consolidated 2017 operating cash flow (“OCF”), which does not include its 50% share of OCF from the VodafoneZiggo joint venture in the Netherlands.

The sale price represents a total enterprise value for all four businesses combined of 11.5 times 2017 adjusted Segment OCF, or approximately 24.0 times 2017 operating free cash flow (“OFCF”)5 , with an implied adjusted Segment OCF multiple for Liberty Global’s German operation of 12.0 times.

The transaction will be notifiable to the European Commission for regulatory approval, which is expected to occur mid-2019.

After completion of the transaction, Liberty Global will continue to be Europe’s leading cable television and broadband provider, with consolidated operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland and Slovakia. Together, these country operations reach 24 million homes, account for 26 million video, broadband and fixed-line telephony subscribers and 6 million mobile services. In addition, Liberty Global owns 50% of VodafoneZiggo, a joint venture in the Netherlands with 4 million customers subscribing to 10 million fixedline and 5 million mobile services.

Mike Fries, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Global, commented: “We have a rich history at Liberty Global of successfully developing and reshaping our business to drive innovation, advance customer services and create significant value for shareholders. This is one of those moments. The transaction appropriately values our core cable operations at a double digit OCF multiple and will deliver €10.6 billion ($12.7 billion) of estimated cash proceeds to Liberty Global. Plus, we will retain all cash generated from the four businesses through closing. In Germany alone, which we value at 12 times 2017 adjusted Segment OCF, we will have generated over six times6 our original investment, supported by exceptional operating performance over the last seven years during which we grew revenue 60% and OCF 82%7.

“This is also an important and exciting transaction for our customers and employees. In each of these markets, the combination of Liberty Global and Vodafone’s businesses will transform the competitive landscape and bring a new level of convergence to customers. Now more than ever, Europe needs strong competition from scaled national challengers willing and able to invest in next-generation wireless, video and broadband services.

“Germany, for example, is dominated by one provider that controls over half the broadband market8 . As a result, innovation and investment lag other countries in Europe, impacting customer service, next-generation product deployment and broadband speeds. Even together, Liberty Global and Vodafone, whose cable networks don’t compete or overlap, will be half the size of the incumbent operator. It’s time to alter market dynamics by unleashing greater investment and competition.”

Given the time between signing and closing, the use of proceeds from the sale will be determined in due course and are expected to provide significant additional flexibility to optimize growth and shareholder returns. Of note, Vodafone will be acquiring the German business inclusive of its debt. As currently structured, upon closing, a change of control will be triggered with respect to Unitymedia’s debt, and lenders and bondholders will have an option to put their debt to Vodafone.

Liberty Global has agreed to provide certain transitional services for a period of up to four years. These services principally comprise network and information technology-related functions. The annual charges will depend on the actual level of services required by Vodafone.

Beginning with our Q2 2018 reporting, we expect to treat the assets being sold to Vodafone, as well as our Austrian business that is being sold to Deutsche Telekom, as discontinued operations for accounting purposes.

LionTree and Goldman Sachs are acting as financial advisers to Liberty Global on the transaction.

Forward-Looking Statements and Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our strategic outlook, the anticipated timing of regulatory approvals and closing of the transaction, the expected benefits of the transaction, the expected use of net proceeds, expectations with respect to our continuing operations and other information and statements that are not historical fact. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. These risks and uncertainties include the ability to obtain regulatory approvals for the transaction, as well as achieve other customary closing conditions, the ability of Vodafone to successfully integrate the combined businesses impacted by the transaction and achieve the anticipated benefits thereof, as well as other factors detailed from time to time 3 in Liberty Global’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including our most recently filed Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. Liberty Global expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Liberty Global’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

About Liberty Global

Liberty Global is the world’s largest international TV and broadband company, with operations in 11 European countries under the consumer brands Virgin Media, Unitymedia, Telenet and UPC. We invest in the infrastructure and digital platforms that empower our customers to make the most of the video, internet and communications revolution. Our substantial scale and commitment to innovation enable us to develop market-leading products delivered through next-generation networks that connect 22 million customers subscribing to 46 million TV, broadband internet and telephony services. We also serve over 7 million mobile subscribers and offer WiFi service through 12 million access points across our footprint.

In addition, Liberty Global owns 50% of VodafoneZiggo, a joint venture in the Netherlands with 4 million customers subscribing to 10 million fixed-line and 5 million mobile services, as well as significant investments in ITV, All3Media, ITI Neovision, Casa Systems, LionsGate, the Formula E racing series and several regional sports networks.

For more information, please visit www.libertyglobal.com or contact:

Investor Relations: Matt Coates +44 20 8483 6333 John Rea +1 303 220 4238 Stefan Halters +1 303 784 4528

Corporate Communications: Bill Myers +1 303 437 5880 Matt Beake +44 20 8483 6428

Appendix

Adjusted Segment EBITDA is the primary measure used by Unitymedia’s management to evaluate Unitymedia’s performance. Adjusted Segment EBITDA is also a key factor that is used by Unitymedia’s internal decision makers to evaluate the effectiveness of Unitymedia’s management for purposes of annual and other incentive compensation plans. Unitymedia defines EBITDA as earnings before net finance expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. As Unitymedia uses the term, Adjusted Segment EBITDA is defined as EBITDA before share-based compensation, provisions and provision releases related to significant litigation, impairment, restructuring and other operating items and related-party fees and allocations. Other operating items include (i) gains and losses on the disposition of long-lived assets, (ii) third-party costs directly associated with successful and unsuccessful acquisitions and dispositions, including legal, advisory and due diligence fees, as applicable, and (iii) other acquisition-related items, such as gains and losses on the settlement of contingent consideration. Unitymedia’s internal decision makers believe Adjusted Segment EBITDA is a meaningful measure because it represents a transparent view of Unitymedia’s recurring operating performance that is unaffected by Unitymedia’s capital structure and allows management to readily view operating trends and identify strategies to improve operating performance. Unitymedia believes the Adjusted Segment EBITDA measure is useful to investors because it is one of the bases for comparing its performance with the performance of other companies in the 4 same or similar industries, although its measure may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Adjusted Segment EBITDA should be viewed as a measure of operating performance that is a supplement to, and not a substitute for EBIT, net earnings (loss), cash flow from operating activities and other EU-IFRS or IASB-IFRS measures of income or cash flows.

A reconciliation of Germany’s net loss to Adjusted Segment EBITDA under EU-IFRS is as follows:

Eastlink continues NB wireless expansion into Fredericton

Consumers can expect:

• great value for money with simple pricing/plans

• ease of switching through contract buyout

• Worry-Free Data eliminating unexpected data overages

• Canada-wide coverage included in every plan at no additional charge

FREDERICTON, April 19, 2018 /CNW/ - Following its most recent launch in Saint John, Eastlink (part of the Bragg Group of Companies) continues to bring choice and competition to more New Brunswickers with the introduction of its highly-anticipated wireless service in Fredericton.

Deputy Premier of New Brunswick, Stephen Horsman, joins Eastlink CEO, Lee Bragg at Eastlink’s official launch of wireless in Fredericton, NB. (CNW Group/Eastlink)

"We are so pleased to continue the expansion of our wireless service further into New Brunswick," says Lee Bragg, Eastlink CEO.  "Our goal has been to deliver the best possible experience for our customers by investing in the latest network technology, providing great value for money, and delivering customer service that exceeds our customers' expectations."

The company's "customer-first" approach is what Eastlink says makes it different from its competitors.

"We're incredibly proud of what we've accomplished so far having launched and expanded our wireless service into five provinces over the last five years," continues Mr. Bragg. "We listen to what customers tell us they want and work hard to deliver more of what is important to them; simple plans, lower prices, fast network speed, extensive and reliable coverage, and better overall customer service."

Grand opening celebrations begin today and will continue throughout the week at the brand new Eastlink location at the Regent Mall.  Customers can make the switch to Eastlink in-store, through online chat at www.eastlink.ca, or by calling Eastlink Customer Care at 1-888-345-1111. 

About Eastlink
Headquartered in Halifax, NS, Eastlink is a family-owned and operated telecommunications provider, delivering world-class video entertainment and communications services to residential, business and public sector customers across the country.

Powered by state-of-the-art fibre optic and wireless networks, Eastlink's advanced services include Eastlink Stream, TV Channel Exchange, high speed Internet, wireless, competitive local and long distance telephone, security and automation, data communications and exclusive, locally-produced programming on Eastlink TV.

Eastlink is one of Canada's Best Managed Companies with operations in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia as well as Bermuda.

The Eastlink Wireless Difference

Better value with Simple Plans

• Nationwide Talk & Text included in every plan.

• Families can add additional lines and share data from just $25/month per family member.

• Use your plan in the US for only $6/day.

Ease of switching with Contract Buyout – only from Eastlink

• Eastlink will buy out your contract (up to $200 per cell phone), making switching easier than ever.

• Up to five family members per household.

No surprises with Worry-Free Data – only from Eastlink

• We notify you when you reach 75% and 100% of your Data limit.

• We pause your Data when you reach 100%, then you choose the best option for you.

Complete flexibility with easyTab® – only from Eastlink

• Choose any phone and match it with any plan.

• Switch plans without penalty or upgrade at any time.

• After your tab is paid off, your monthly bill actually goes down.

Get the device you want with the most popular phones available

• Leading-edge, VoLTE-enabled Smartphones.

• Extensive device selection.

• Every phone is $0 down.

www.facebook.com/eastlink  
www.twitter.com/eastlink

For further information: Media Contact: Jill Laing, 902-446-1939, Jill.laing@corp.eastlink.ca

TDS begins construction of fiber-to-the-home project in Mesquite, Nevada

TDS Telecom (TDS®) has kicked off construction of a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Mesquite, Nevada  Construction on the network started in March and will reach at least 2,500 homes this year.

TDS is investing millions with this FTTH project. TDS contractors are now in the process of installing conduit and burying fiber lines in 21 neighborhoods.  More than 27 miles of fiber, including new transport fiber, will be installed during this project.

Depending on the number of homes, most neighborhoods can take up to six weeks.

Here’s what customers can expect with TDS’ FTTH project:

1. A few days before construction starts in your neighborhood, TDS fiber contractors will alert customers via a door hanger with start dates.

2. After work begins, contractors will run the fiber line from a TDS fiber cabinet into below ground vaults within the neighborhood. This work should take six weeks on average.

3. Once we have the technology installed and tested, we will begin marketing to residents and taking pre-orders. We will then contact customers once we are ready to start scheduling installations. At install, TDS contractors will return to connect the fiber line to homes, and set up the equipment. Speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps/Gig) will be available.

“TDS is thrilled to offer superior internet speeds to Mesquite, said Jim Butman, TDS president and CEO. “TDS has brought fiber-optic technology to multiple communities throughout the country and our customers have found that fiber-to-the-home provides a powerful connection that is noticeably and measurably faster.”

Fiber lines can carry thousands of times more information than conventional cable technology. “Fiber is faster, more reliable and more secure,” said Butman. “With fiber, customers should not notice any slowdowns during peak times of internet usage.”

For more information about this project, go to HelloTDS.com/fiber where customers can sign up to receive updates and get more information.

Mesquite FTTH neighborhoods include: Falcon Crest, Hawk Ridge, Saint Andrews, Sunset Greens and Sierra Ridge; Coyote Willows and River Bend; Desert Rose and Calistoga Ranch; Spanish Bay, Tuscans, Fox Hollow and Portobello; Stone Haven, Cambria and Desert Ridge; Turtleback Canyon and Palm Cove; and The Masters, SpyGlass Hill and Sorrento.

Buckeye Broadband Broadens Relationship with Espial

Operator licenses vendor’s 'Elevate' SaaS video platform to pave way for OTT, voice navigation

Espial said Buckeye Broadband, an operator that serves parts of northwest and Ohio and southeast Michigan, has inked a deal to license Espial’s “Elevate” software-as-a service video platform.

The move will enable Buckeye Broadband to provide integrated access to OTT services such as Netflix and YouTube, as well as new voice-based navigation features.

The agreement expands on the video relationship between Buckeye Broadband and Espial. Part of that stems from Buckeye’s deployment of a multi-room DVR centered on Arris’s Whole Home Solution offering. Espial acquired Arris's Whole Home Solution business in 2016.

“Elevate enhances the experience of our video customers, while giving us flexibility in how we deliver those experiences in the future,” Jeff Abbas, president and GM of Buckeye Broadband, aid in a statement. “The continuous innovation being driven on Elevate helps us increase customer engagement and satisfaction while mindfully controlling our expenses.”

The agreement was announced amid this week’s NCTC Winter Educational Conference in San Antonio.

Espial struck a similar deal last fall with MCTV for services supporting live TV, whole home DVR and OTT apps.

Buckeye Broadband also markets a TiVo-based offering under the “Express TV” brand.

Liberty Global Teams to Provide Free WiFi in Puerto Rico

Using mobile WiFi units to provide connectivity in communities severely impacted by storms

Liberty Global said it has teamed up with the government of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Telecommunications Regulatory Board on a “mobile WiFi Tour” that is providing free internet connections to communities there that were most severely impacted by Hurricane Maria.

Headed up by Liberty Cablevision Puerto Rico, the free WiFi Tour includes three mobile units specifically designed for first aid communications after a natural disaster, the operator said. Kymeta, a company that includes Liberty Global Ventures as a financial backer, supplied the satellite antennas, while Intelsat is delivering the Internet connectivity.

Each mobile unit is equipped with satellite antennas that provide internet to the municipalities which the PRTRB determined have the greatest telecommunications needs. Those mobile WiFi vehicles are also leading a caravan of locally provided goodwill and services such as FEMA, banking, insurance, food, water, medical supplies and doctors to 29 remote towns that do not currently have internet connectivity, Liberty Global added.

“Liberty Global’s free WiFi Tour represents our steadfast commitment to aiding the people of Puerto Rico at their greatest time of need with services that have an immediate impact,” Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries said in a statement. “I can attest first-hand to the bravery of Puerto Ricans, and to the fierce determination of our Liberty employees in helping restore services to our customers. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Puerto Rico Telecommunications Regulatory Board, the Government of Puerto Rico and our collaborating partners for coming together to bring this private enterprise and public agency partnership to life.”

Liberty Global has already committed $1 million of funding to the Liberty Foundation in Puerto Rico and the Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation, which were established to assist victims of the recent hurricanes in the region.

Last week, Liberty Global noted in its Q3 results that the effects of the recent storms negatively impacted Liberty Puerto Rico’s and C&W's revenue by an estimated $19 million and $3 million, respectively.