NTELOS Declares and Increases Quarterly Dividend

Source: Ntelos Press Release

The Board of Directors of NTELOS Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ:NTLS) declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock in the amount of $0.28 per share to be paid on January 12, 2010 to stockholders of record on December 14, 2009. This amount represents an 8% increase in the quarterly dividend from the previous rate of $0.26 per share.

ACS Names Chief Operating Officer

Source: Alaska Communications Press Release

Alaska Communications Systems Group (NASDAQ:ALSK), announced the appointment of Anand Vadapalli as coo for Alaska Communications Systems, a new position reporting to ACS president & ceo Liane Pelletier.

Vadapalli will have responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership of ACS' sales and service, product and marketing, technology and operations functions.

Most recently Vadapalli was executive vp of Technology and Operations at ACS, and has been with the company since August 2006.

ACS president and ceo Liane Pelletier said, "This is a natural and effective evolution of our leadership structure. Anand's proven leadership in technology and operations coupled with his focus on creating customer value will serve ACS well."

Vadapalli brings more than 20 years of technology and business expertise as well as proven leadership skills in telecommunications and other industries. His personal hallmarks include customer-focused innovations, high performance standards, a strong work ethic and endless energy. Mr. Vadapalli has held various technology and business executive positions at Valor Telecom, Network Telephone Corporation and Broadwing/Cincinnati Bell.

He holds a BE in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University in Hyderabad, India as well as a PGDM from the Indian Institute of Management in Calcutta, India.

Qwest Announces Change to Management Retirement Benefits

Source: Qwest Press Release

Qwest Communications (NYSE:Q) announced that effective Jan. 1, 2010, the company will no longer provide future pension benefit accruals for active management employees under the Qwest Pension Plan and the Qwest Nonqualified Pension Plan.  Active management employees who participate in the company’s defined benefit pension plan will retain their accrued pension benefit, as earned through Dec. 31, 2009, and are eligible to receive their vested accrued benefit when they leave Qwest.

Additionally, the company announced it will not award a merit increase to management employees in 2010.

NTELOS Announces it will Launch an Android-Powered Smartphone

Source: Ntelos Press Release

NTELOS (Nasdaq:NTLS), a leading provider of wireless communication services to consumers and businesses in Virginia and West Virginia, announced plans to launch its first Android-powered smartphone, the new HTC Hero. The company is among the first U.S. wireless carriers to announce the availability of the highly acclaimed Android-powered device with Google mobile services.

"We are excited to offer this industry-changing platform," said Jim Hyde, coo for NTELOS. "NTELOS is committed to providing our customers a worry-free wireless experience with coverage they can count on, local, best in class service, no surprise billing and a great selection of devices. The HTC Hero is a great handset for people who want to express themselves and stay connected in a truly unique and revolutionary way."

HickoryTech Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend

Source: HickoryTech Press Release

HickoryTech Corporation (Nasdaq:HTCO) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of 13 cents per share of HickoryTech common stock, payable Dec. 5, 2009 to shareholders of record as of Nov. 15, 2009. HickoryTech has a long tradition of paying a cash dividend that spans more than 60 years.