1 Proposed CenturyLink Employees’ Amateur Radio Club Overview November 14, 2011

22 Forward By strict definition: Amateur Radio (also called Ham Radio) is the use of designated radio frequency spectrum for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self- training, and emergency communication. The term "amateur" is used to specify persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest, and to differentiate it from commercial broadcasting, public safety (such as police and fire) or professional two-way radio services (such as taxis, etc). An estimated two million people throughout the world are regularly involved with amateur radio.

Forward 3 Local Amateur Radio Clubs have been established to enhance the enjoyment and understanding of Amateur Radio. These clubs not only provide a venue for the gathering of like minded individuals, they also provide a means of sharing ideas, resources, and focus for the many diverse activities available from Amateur Radio, such as technical, or public service projects. Many corporations, such as Boeing, RCA, General Electric, and IBM sponsor Amateur Radio Clubs for their employees as a means of promoting better camaraderie and morale for their employees, while also a means of improving technical skills, channeling business continuity efforts and promoting public service activities in the communities served by these corporations.

CenturyLink Employees’ Amateur Radio Club It is proposed that CenturyLink establish a Nationwide Amateur Radio Club for CenturyLink Employees. There are several benefits and aspects to be considered for an employees’ amateur radio club. These aspects can serve the company, the employees, and our communities. 4

For the Employees: 5 Build fellowship and camaraderie among the employees Let’s get the Legacy CTL and Legacy Q Employees socializing. Allow a venue to hone the technical skills of employees involved. Many of the technical skills learned through Amateur Radio might be useful to a telecommunications company.

66 For the Company: Allow another means to help stop the “Us and Them” attitude among the rank and file, by helping make employees all across the nation become “Us”. There is no “Us and Them,” there is only “Us.” Such a radio club could help substantiate that. Benefit derived to the company by creating a cadre of motivated employees, learning and utilizing technical communications skills that could be used by CenturyLink. Many modern technical skills, such as Electronics, Computing, Programming, and Spectrum Allocation, can be learned and honed through Amateur Radio. These skills might be useful to a telecommunications company. An additional means of communications between points in the country during incidents of National, Regional, or Local Disaster or Emergency. We are a telecommunications company, so we strive to keep the phones working, but when all else fails, there’s Amateur Radio. Amateur Radio has been recognized by the Baldridge Organization as one of the essential items necessary to achieve Business Continuity.

77 The ability to lend aid to the communities we serve though recognized means of emergency communications services and activities. Amateur Radio has always been recognized for the positive support it provides to communities during disasters and emergencies. For the Communities: Community involvement develops communication and leadership skills. It also provides positive exposure to our customers and partners.

What is asked from the Company: 8 Be allowed to meet (non work time) in company offices and locations. Be allowed to use company voice conferencing, , and intranet as a means to help facilitate meetings that all CenturyLink Employees from across the county can participate in. Recognition and communication from the Company that this is an activity supported or “endorsed” by our Management as a positive activity.