Oklahoma-based Dobson Communications reports earnings for quarter

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Nov 9, 2007

Dobson Communications Corp. on Thursday reported net income applicable to common stock for the third quarter of $24.9 million, or 14 cents per share, down from $25.9 million, or 15 cents per share, for the third quarter of 2006.

Net income for the third quarter of 2007 included an income tax expense of $29.1 million, compared with an income tax benefit of $7.9 million for the third quarter of 2006.

The Oklahoma City-based provider of wireless telephone services in 17 states reported revenues for the third quarter of $392.2 million, up 16.6 percent from a year earlier.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice approved AT&T Inc.'s $2.8 billion purchase of Dobson but will require the sale of assets in five states to protect competition. The purchase, which still requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission, would add 1.7 million customers to AT&T's 63 million subscribers.

Dobson is the nation's ninth-largest carrier, and does business under the Cellular One brand. The company has provided roaming services to AT&T since 1990. The seven markets of concern are in Kentucky, Oklahoma, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Texas.