Dear customers,
New Year´s 2000 will surely be an occasion for celebration. The first day of 2000 could, however, bring some companies, institutions, and businessmen a very unpleasant surprise if they failed with sufficient advanced notice to pay attention to the phenomenon which has been labeled “the year 2000 problem.“

On the following pages we wish specifically to assure you that EuroTel Praha (hereinafter only EuroTel) is undertaking all needed steps in order not to ruin for itself and primarily for its customers the onset of the new millenium with any unpleasantries. We would like to apprise you of the roots of the “year 2000 problem,“ what it affects, what risks it encompasses, and how we plan to ensure that you will not be affected by it in any way regarding our services.

What is the year 2000 problem?
The problem which is sometimes labeled the YEAR 2000, Y2K, the Problem of the Millenium, or in English, the Millenium virus, began in the 60´s and is the result of a widespread programming standard used by computers to save dates at six-digit number in the form of “MM/DD/YY“ instead of the correct eight-digit “MM/DD/YYYY“ form, i.e. 02/05/99 instead of 02/05/1999, etc. Computer software which uses the incorrect convention for recording and saving dates will subsequently not deal with the arrival of the new millenium. Why? Either the succession of two nines (“99“) followed by two zeros (“00“) will be considered as a logically erroneous succession of years, or the computer systems will assume that it is the year 1900. With the onset of the new date, the systems must be able to “read“ and process all the four digits necessary for indicating the year. The absence of these two important digits which designate the millenium could cause problems in all systems which use calendars. Since modern computer equipment uses saved dates for an entire range of calculations and procedures (for example, comparison, categorization and classification of information), imprecise or indefinitely specified dates could cause the immediate collapse of computer systems or long-term damages in the form of incorrect calculations and incorrect results.

What risks does the year 2000 problem entail?
The year 2000 problem potentially jeopardizes all areas, products and institutions which work with modern computer equipment and electronic chips. That is to say, health care, the power industry, industry, transportation and services, telecommunications, financial institutions and state institutions (social and health systems, taxes, etc.). The risks apply to technology, management, administration, accounting, communications and to technical infrastructures (operating systems, security systems, identification cards). Other complications and risks relate to various business supplier relationships and the legal consequences resulting from them.

Some questions and answers

Does the year 2000 problem affect EuroTel as well?

Yes. As a company with a significant share of modern technology, we are not an exception. We are aware of all of the potential risks and are tenaciously working on resolving them. We will do everything in our power to be ready in time and sufficiently!

What are the most pronounced risks facing EuroTel due to the year 2000 problem?

In essence the same or similar risks for other companies active in the field of telecommunications and mobile phones. We know that companies which underestimate the protential problems and risks will loss the ability to compete. We do not underestimate the risks, but we don´t overestimate them either. We are working with the most up-to-date equipment, use the most qualified specialists, and work in cooperation with renowned partners. Our common goal is to resolve this problem on time and successfully

With whom is EuroTel working to resolve the year 2000 problem?

Understandably, mostly with the closest partners and owners as are, for instance, MediaOne International (previously US WEST Int.), Bell Atlantic International Wireless, and renowned consulting agencies. To a large extent, we use foreign expertise and experience, i.e. we have borrowed from MediaOne the entire methodological process used in problem-solving.

What concrete steps has EuroTel taken in resolving the year 2000 problem and what steps is it preparing?

We have been working intensively on solving this problem since the middle of 1997. In the framework of Project 2000, a group of specialists came about in the company which is dedicated to various aspects and contexts in relation to the year 2000 problem. At present, we have defined the extent of the problem, mapped out all the systems by evaluating risks, and singled out the needed resources, including financial ones, and have prepared similar plans for further steps and activities. We have begun cooperating closely with key suppliers and, in cooperation with them, have begun to adapt and verify some systems.

What steps is EuroTel taking in the field of technological infrastructure?

We have tightened standards for purchasing new equipment, facilities, and computer systems. We consistently request suppliers to confirm that their products are year 2000 compliant, and carry out our own testing in key systems.

What will the year 2000 mean for mobile phone customers and owners?

We are doing everything so that both our customers and our employees register New Year´s 2000 only on calendars and on clocks. Despite the fact that specialists claim that there is no 100% certainty, we hope that all potential risks associated with the year 2000 are reduced to the least possible degree in time.

By the way, did you know that January 1, 1900, was a Monday and January 1, 2000 falls on a Saturday and that unlike 1900, the year 2000 will be leap year.
EuroTel, as one of the first in the Czech Republic, is intensively and universally devoted to the year 2000 problem, including analysis of the outer contexts. Along with internal sources, we use information, documents and experiences which our foreign owners, partners and suppliers have gained.

We are aware of the year 2000 problem and are doing everything necessary to be prepared in time and sufficiently.

NOTICE:
If you would like to receive more comprehensive and detailed information, we recommend professional periodicals (Connect, Computer World, CHIP, PC Magazine, PC World, Softwarové noviny) or the respective pages on the Internet.

www.usiscr.cz
www.year2000.com
www.itaa.org/year2000.htm
www.spr.com/html/year_2000_problem.htm
www.kenorrinst.com/year2000.html

EuroTel Praha Sokolovská 855/225 PO Box 49 190 00 Prague 9, Czech Republic Informatation Center: Telephone number: (+42) 02/6701 6666 Green line: (free for calls from a fixed line in the CR) Informational e-mail: info@eurotel.cz Customer Service Department Telephone number: (+42) 02/6701 6701 Green line: (free for calls from a fixed line in the CR) Fax: (+42) 02/ 6701 6733 from a mobile phone: *11