David A. Wittwer becomes president and CEO of TDS Telecommunications Corp.

MADISON, Wis., Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — A new year brings in a new leader for TDS Telecommunications Corp. On Jan. 1, 2007, David A. Wittwer, 45, will become president and chief executive officer (CEO) of TDS Telecommunications Corp., which includes TDS Telecom and subsidiary TDS Metrocom. Wittwer replaces president and CEO James Barr III who retired at the end of 2006 concluding 17 years at the company’s helm.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061229/CGF002 )


“Dave Wittwer will provide outstanding leadership,” said LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr., president and chief executive officer of Telephone and Data Systems Inc. (TDS), TDS Telecom’s parent company. “He has extensive knowledge of the telecommunications industry; impressive experience in all aspects of TDS Telecom and TDS Metrocom businesses. Dave also possesses the strategic and operational skills that are required to move the company to even higher levels of accomplishment.”


In the spring of 2006, TDS announced Wittwer as TDS Telecommunications Corp. incoming CEO. He served as chief operating officer in the interim. In 2005, he became President-ILEC Operations and in 1997 was named the company’s chief financial officer. He joined TDS Telecom in 1983 as an internal auditor.


“This will be a seamless leadership transition,” said Wittwer. “We have a strong management team and exceptionally talented employees who will drive growth for TDS Telecom and TDS Metrocom as we continue charging forward with our broadband strategy.”


According to Wittwer, the future of the telecom business is one that must have voice, broadband and video products available to consumers. “We are transitioning from a traditional phone company to a leading Internet and entertainment provider in our markets to ensure we deliver the top-notch services that our customers want and value — now and in the future,” added Wittwer.


Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS Telecom and TDS Metrocom) brings high-quality, locally based telecommunications services to hundreds of communities across the United States. TDS provides award-winning communications service to more than 1.1 million access line equivalents. For more information about TDS Telecom visit http://www.tdstelecom.com/ or http://www.tdsmetro.com/ .


A photo of Wittwer can be downloaded at http://www.media.tdstelecom.com/ .


TDS Telecom is part of the Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (AMEX:TDS) family of companies. TDS is a diversified telecommunications corporation founded in 1969. Through its business units, U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom, TDS operates primarily by providing wireless, local telephone and broadband services. As of Sept. 30, 2006, the company employed 11,700 people and served 6.9 million customers/units in 36 states.