Unassociated Document
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2010

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
 
  o
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
OR
  x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
 
OR
  o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
OR
  o
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ________________ to ________________
 
Commission file number:  ________________
______________________
TELECOMUNICAÇÕES DE SÃO PAULO S.A. – TELESP
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Telecommunications of São Paulo – Telesp
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
 
Federative Republic of Brazil
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
Rua Martiniano de Carvalho, 851
01321-001 São Paulo, SP, Brasil
(Address of principal executive offices)
______________________
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Preferred Shares, without par value
New York Stock Exchange*
American Depositary Shares (as evidenced by American Depositary Receipts), each representing 1 share of Preferred Stock
New York Stock Exchange
 
*
Not for trading purposes, but only in connection with the registration on the New York Stock Exchange of American Depositary Shares representing those Preferred Shares.
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:  None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
The number of outstanding shares as of December 31, 2009 was:
 
Title of Class
Number of Shares Outstanding
Shares of Common Stock
168,609,291
Shares of Preferred Stock
337,232,189
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
o  Yes   x  No
 
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
o  Yes     x   No
 
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those sections.
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
x  Yes     o   No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer   x   Accelerated Filer  o    Non-accelerated Filer  o
 
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP  o
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board  o
Other  x
 
 
 
 

 
 
The financial statements included in this filing were prepared in accordance with the accounting practices adopted in Brazil, as prescribed by Brazilian Corporate Law (Brazilian GAAP).
 
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
o  Item 17   x   Item 18
 
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
o  Yes   x  No
 
 
 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INTRODUCTION
 
References in this annual report to “Telesp,” “we,” “our,” “us” and “the company” are to Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP and its consolidated subsidiaries (unless the context otherwise requires). In addition, all references in this annual report to:
 
 
·
“ADSs” are to our American Depositary Shares, each representing one share of our non-voting preferred shares;
 
 
·
“ANATEL” are to Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações ANATEL, the National Telecommunications Agency of Brazil;
 
 
·
“BM&FBOVESPA” are to the Bolsa de Valores, Mercadorias e Futuros;
 
 
·
“Brazilian Central Bank” or “Central Bank” are to the Banco Central do Brasil, the Central Bank of Brazil;
 
 
·
“Brazilian Corporate Law” are to the Lei das Sociedades por Ações, Law No. 6,404 of December 1976, as amended;
 
 
·
“Brazilian government” are to the federal government of the Federative Republic of Brazil;
 
 
·
“CADE” are to Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica, the Brazilian competition authority;
 
 
·
“Ceterp” are to Centrais Telefônicas de Ribeirão Preto;
 
 
·
“CDI” are to Certificado de Depósito Interbancário, the Certificate for Interbank Deposits;
 
 
·
“CMN” are to the Conselho Monetário Nacional, the Monetary Council of Brazil;
 
 
·
“Commission” or “SEC” are to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission;
 
 
·
“Corporate Law Method” is the accounting practice to be followed in the preparation of our financial statements for regulatory and statutory purposes prescribed by the Brazilian Corporate Law and accounting standards issued by the CVM;
 
 
·
“CTBC Telecom” are to Companhia de Telecomunicações do Brasil Central;
 
 
·
“CTBC Borda” are to Companhia Brasileira Borda do Campo – CTBC;
 
 
·
“CVM” are to the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários, the Securities Commission of Brazil;
 
 
·
“General Telecommunications Law” are to Lei Geral de Telecomunicações, as amended, which regulates the telecommunications industry in Brazil;
 
 
·
“IPCA” are to Índice de Preços ao Consumidor, the consumer price index;
 
 
·
·“IST” are to Índice Setorial de Telecomunicações, the inflation index of the telecom sector;
 
 
·
“JPY” are to Japanese Yen;
 
 
·
“Number Portability” are to “Portabilidade Numerica,” the service mandated by ANATEL that provides customers with the option of keeping the same telephone number when switching telephone service providers;
 
 
·
“PTAX rate” are to the weighted average daily buy and sell exchange rates between the real and U.S. dollar that is calculated by the Central Bank;
 
 
 
1

 
 
·
real,” “reais” or “R$” are to Brazilian reais, the official currency of Brazil;
 
 
·
“Speedy” are to broadband services provided by Telesp through asymmetric digital subscriber lines, or ADSL;
 
 
·
“TJLP” are to Taxa de Juros de Longo Prazo, or long term interest rate; and
 
 
·
“US$,” “dollars” or “U.S. dollars” are to United States dollars.
 
Unless otherwise specified, data relating to the Brazilian telecommunications industry included in this annual report were obtained from ANATEL.
 
The “Glossary of Telecommunications Terms” that begins on page 110 provides the definition of certain technical terms used in this annual report.
 
 
2

 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. Certain statements included in this annual report, principally in “Item 3.D—Risk Factors,” “Item 4—Information on the Company” and “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” contain information that is forward looking, including, but not limited to:
 
 
·
statements concerning our operations and prospects;
 
 
·
the size of the Brazilian telecommunications market;
 
 
·
estimated demand forecasts;
 
 
·
our ability to secure and maintain telecommunications infrastructure licenses, rights-of-way and other regulatory approvals;
 
 
·
our strategic initiatives and plans for business growth;
 
 
·
industry conditions;
 
 
·
our funding needs and financing sources;
 
 
·
network completion and product development schedules;
 
 
·
expected characteristics of competing networks, products and services; and
 
 
·
other statements of management’s expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated developments and other matters that are not historical facts.
 
Forward-looking statements may also be identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “intend,” “should,” “seek,” “estimate,” “future” or similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
 
 
·
the short history of our operations as an independent, private-sector entity and the ongoing introduction of greater competition to the Brazilian telecommunications sector;
 
 
·
the cost and availability of financing;
 
 
·
uncertainties relating to political and economic conditions in Brazil as well as those of other emerging markets;
 
 
·
inflation and exchange rate risks;
 
 
·
the Brazilian government’s telecommunications policy;
 
 
·
the Brazilian government’s tax policy;
 
 
·
the Brazilian government’s political instability; and
 
 
·
the adverse determination of disputes under litigation.
 
We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking information, events and circumstances discussed in this annual report might not occur. Our actual results and performance could differ substantially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements.
 
 
3

 
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 have been prepared in accordance with the accounting practices adopted in Brazil, as prescribed by Brazilian Corporate Law, or the Brazilian GAAP, which differs in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. Note 34 to our financial statements appearing elsewhere in this annual report describe the principal differences between the Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate to us, and provide a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income and shareholders’ equity. These consolidated financial statements have been audited by Ernst & Young Auditores Independentes S.S. (“E&Y” or “Ernst & Young”).
 
As a result of a change in Brazilian corporate law with respect to financial reporting (Law 11,638), certain changes in accounting criteria became effective for fiscal year 2008.  A CVM rule allows companies to adopt these changes for fiscal year 2008 only, without making changes to comparative 2007 financial information, with disclosure in the notes to the financial statements explaining such accounting treatment.  Based on this CVM rule, we have elected not to restate our 2007 financial statements. Any changes that would have resulted to our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 as a result of applying the new accounting criteria would not be material, and the application of these changes to our financial statements as of and for the year ended 2008 does not have a material effect on the comparability of our 2008 financial statements with our 2007 financial statements. However, some amounts for 2006 and 2007 presented throughout this Form 20-F have been reclassified to conform with the presentation of the 2009 amounts prepared in accordance with the new accounting criteria. Please see Note 3 and 4 to our 2009 financial statements for a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the changes resulting from this new accounting criteria.
 
We have made rounding adjustments to reach some of the figures included in this annual report. Accordingly, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that preceded them.
 

 
4

 
PART I
 
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
 
A. Selected Financial Data
 
Our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 20-F and the selected financial data presented for the periods described below have been prepared in accordance with the Corporate Law Method, which is the same basis of accounting used in our annual financial statements published in Brazil, audited by Ernst & Young Auditores Independentes for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005. Although we adopted law 11,638 effective as of January 1, 2008 (see “Presentation of Financial Information”), certain previously reported amounts for 2005, 2006 and 2007 presented below have been reclassified to conform with the presentation of the 2008 and 2009 amounts prepared in accordance with the new accounting criteria.  See Notes 3 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
The following tables present a summary of our selected financial data at the dates and for each of the periods indicated. You should read the following information together with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report and with “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(in millions of reais, except for share and per share data)
 
Income Statement Data:
                             
Brazilian Corporate Law
                             
Net operating revenue
    15,796       15,979       14,727       14,643       14,395  
Cost of goods and services
    (8,956 )     (8,726 )     (8,029 )     (7,781 )     (7,717 )
Gross profit
    6,840       7,253       6,698       6,862       6,678  
Operating expenses, net
    (3,483 )     (3,523 )     (3,051 )     (2,607 )     (2,805 )
Operating income before financial expense, net
    3,357       3,730       3,647       4,255       3,873  
Financial expense, net
    (195 )     (228 )     (307 )     (331 )     (460 )
Income before tax and social contribution
    3,162       3,502       3,340       3,924       3,413  
Income tax and social contribution
    (989 )     (1,082 )     (977 )     (1,108 )     (871 )
Net Income
    2,173       2,420       2,363       2,816       2,542  
Earnings per share in reais
    4.30       4.78       4.67       5.57       5.17  
Cash Dividends per share in reais, net of withholding tax:
                                       
Common Shares
    2.56       4.54       5.25       5.58       6.89  
Preferred Shares
    2.81       4.99       5.77       6.14       7.58  
U.S. GAAP
                                       
Net operating revenue
    21,624       22,017       20,472       20,293       19,870  
Operating income
    3,305       3,803       3,635       4,305       4,026  
Net income
    2,185       2,500       2,370       2,930       2,638  
Net income per share:
                                       
Earnings per share—Common shares—basic
    4.05       4.63       4.39       5.48       5.02  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding—basic
    168,609,291       168,609,291       168,609,292       167,242,724       164,734,052  
      Weighted average number of common shares
          outstanding—diluted……………………………….
    168,744,596       168,638,238       168,609,292       167,242,724       164,734,052  
Earnings per share—Preferred shares—basic
    4.45       5.10       4.83       6.02       5.52  
Weighted average number of preferred shares outstanding—basic
    337,232,189       337,232,189       337,232,189       334,342,809       328,130,540  
Weighted average number of preferred shares outstanding—diluted
    337,469,679       337,276,489       337,232,189       334,342,809       328,130,540  
 
 
 
5


 
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(in millions of reais, except per share data)
 
Balance Sheet Data:
                             
Brazilian Corporate Law
                             
Property, plant and equipment, net
    9,672       9,869       10,260       11,651       12,358  
Total assets
    20,461       19,992       18,950       18,146       17,760  
Loans and financing—current portion
    1,768       519       806       1,829       247  
Loans and financing—non-current portion
    1,752       3,217       2,503       510       2,151  
Shareholders’ equity
    10,057       10,046       9,905       10,610       10,204  
Capital stock
    6,575       6,575       6,575       6,575       5,978  
Number of shares outstanding (in thousands) (1)
    505,841       505,841       505,841       505,841       492,030  
U.S. GAAP
                                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
    9,673       9,909       11,280       12,018       12,726  
Total assets
    20,965       20,878       20,203       18,825       18,140  
Loans and financing—current portion
    1,768       519       808       1,828       256  
Loans and financing—non-current portion
    1,753       3,221       2,503       510       2,151  
Shareholders’ equity
    11,520       10,624       10,478       10,823       10,265  

(1)
On May 11, 2005, the shareholders approved a reverse stock split in the proportion of 1,000 (one thousand) shares to 1 (one) share of the same class.
 

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(in millions of reais except when indicated)
 
Cash Flow Data:
                             
Brazilian Corporate Law
                             
Operating activities:
                             
Cash provided by operations
    4,413       5,130       4,778       5,007       5,538  
Investing activities:
                                       
Net cash used in investing activities
    (2,296 )     (2,075 )     (2,318 )     (1,885 )     (1,667 )
Financing activities:
                                       
Cash used in financing activities
    (1,581 )     (2,247 )     (1,740 )     (3,372 )     (3,647 )
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    536       808       720       (250 )     224  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    1,741       933       213       463       239  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
    2,277       1,741       933       213       463  

Exchange Rates
 
The Brazilian Central Bank allows the real/dollar exchange rate to float freely. The real/dollar exchange rate has been established mainly by the Brazilian interbank market and has fluctuated considerably. The Brazilian Central Bank has intervened occasionally to control unstable movements in the exchange rate. However, the exchange market may continue to be volatile, and the real may depreciate or appreciate substantially in relation to the U.S. dollar in the future. It is not possible to predict whether the Brazilian Central Bank or the Brazilian government will continue to let the real float freely or will intervene in the exchange rate market.
 
The Brazilian government has been introducing significant changes aimed at simplifying the Brazilian foreign exchange market. Prior to March 4, 2005, there were two principal legal foreign exchange markets in Brazil:
 
 
 
6

 
 
·
the commercial rate exchange market; and
 
 
·
the floating rate exchange market.
 
On August 4, 2006, the Brazilian National Monetary Council, through Resolution No. 3,389, relaxed the exchange coverage for exports, allowing Brazilian exporters to keep up to 30% of their income generated from exports of goods and/or services outside of Brazil. The remaining 70% of such income continued to be subject to compulsory repatriation to Brazil.
 
On September 27, 2006, Resolution No. 3,412 absolved existing restrictions on investments in foreign financial and derivative markets by individuals and legal entities. On October 27, 2006, Resolution No. 3,417 increased the liquidation period permitted for exchange transactions from 360 to 750 days.
 
Since March 17, 2008, Brazilian exporters are allowed to keep 100% of income from exports outside of Brazil. In addition, the foreign exchange mechanism was simplified to provide for the simultaneous purchase and sale of foreign currency through the same financial institution and using the same exchange rate.
 
Since October 2009, in accordance with Decree No. 6,983/09, the IOF tax is levied at 2% over exchange transactions for the inflow of funds to invest in the financial and capital markets. The IOF rate is zero over exchange transactions for outflow for these funds as well as over proceeds received as a result of initial public offerings. The conversion of Brazilian currency into foreign currency for purposes of paying dividends for ADS programs is currently not taxed.
 
The following tables set forth the exchange rate (rounded to the nearest tenth of a cent), expressed in reais per U.S. dollar (R$/US$) for the periods indicated, as reported by the Central Bank.
 
   
Exchange Rate of R$ per US$
 
   
Low
   
High
   
Average(1)
   
Year-End
 
Year ended December 31,
                       
2005
    2.163       2.762       2.413       2.341  
2006
    2.059       2.371       2.168       2.138  
2007
    1.732       2.156       1.929       1.771  
2008
    1.559       2.500       1.833       2.337  
2009
    1.741       2.378       1.990       1.741  
 

Source:
Central Bank of Brazil, PTAX.
 
(1)
Represents the average of the exchange rates (PTAX) on the last day of each month during the relevant period.
 

   
Exchange Rate of R$ per US$
 
   
Low
   
High
 
Month Ended
           
October 31, 2009
    1.703       1.784  
November 30, 2009
    1.702       1.756  
December 31, 2009
    1.709       1.788  
January 31, 2010
    1.722       1.874  
February 28, 2010
    1.804       1.877  
March 2010 (through March 24th)
 
1.764
   
1.803
 


Source:
Central Bank of Brazil, PTAX.
 
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
 
Not applicable.
 
 
7

 
 
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
 
Not applicable.
 
D. Risk Factors
 
This section is intended to be a summary of more detailed discussions contained elsewhere in this annual report. The risks described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks that we do not presently consider material, or of which we are not currently aware, may also affect us. Our business, results of operations or financial condition could be impacted if any of these risks materializes and, as a result, the market price of our preferred shares and our ADSs could be affected.
 
Risks Relating to Brazil
 
The Brazilian government has exercised, and continues to exercise, influence over the Brazilian economy. This influence, as well as Brazilian political and economic conditions, could adversely affect us and the trading price of our preferred shares and ADSs.
 
In the past, the Brazilian government has intervened in the Brazilian economy and occasionally made changes in policy and regulations. The Brazilian government’s actions to control inflation and affect other policies have often involved wage and price controls, currency devaluations, capital controls, and limits on imports, among other things. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and the market price of our preferred shares and ADSs may be adversely affected by changes in government policies, especially those related to our sector, such as changes in telephone fees and competitive conditions, as well as general economic factors, including:
 
 
·
currency fluctuations;
 
 
·
exchange control policies;
 
 
·
internal economic growth;
 
 
·
inflation;
 
 
·
energy policy;
 
 
·
interest rates;
 
 
·
liquidity of domestic capital and lending markets;
 
 
·
tax policies (including reforms currently under discussion in the Brazilian Congress); and
 
 
·
other political, diplomatic, social and economic developments in or affecting Brazil.
 
Uncertainty over the possibility of the Brazilian government implementing changes in policy or regulation affecting these or other factors in the future may contribute to economic uncertainty in Brazil and heightened volatility in the Brazilian securities markets and securities issued abroad by Brazilian companies. These uncertainties are heightened during presidential elections. In addition, possible political crises may affect the confidence of investors and the public in general, which may result in economic deceleration and affect the trading prices of shares issued by companies listed on the stock exchange, such as us.
 
Our business may be vulnerable to the current disruptions and volatility in the global financial markets.
 
The global financial system has experienced difficult credit and liquidity conditions and disruptions leading to greater volatility. Since the fall of 2008, global financial markets deteriorated sharply and a number of major foreign financial institutions, including some of the largest global commercial banks, investment banks, mortgage lenders, mortgage guarantors and insurance companies, were experiencing significant difficulties including runs on their deposits and inadequate liquidity.
 
 
8

 
 
In an attempt to increase liquidity in the financial markets and prevent the failure of the financial system, various  governments have intervened on an unprecedented scale, but there is no assurance that these measures will successfully alleviate the current financial crisis.
 
Despite the extent of the above-mentioned intervention, global investor confidence remains low and credit remains relatively lacking. Hence, additional volatility in the global financial markets may occur. Continued or worsening disruption and volatility in the global financial markets could have a material adverse effect on our ability to access capital and liquidity on acceptable financial terms, and consequently on our operations. Furthermore, an economic downturn could negatively affect the financial stability of our customers, which could result in a general reduction in business activity and a consequent loss of income for us.
 
Political instability may have an adverse impact on the Brazilian economy and on our business.
 
Political crises in Brazil in the past have affected the trust of investors and the public in general, as well as the development of the economy. Political crises may have an adverse impact on the Brazilian economy, our business, financial condition and results of operations and the market price of our preferred shares and ADSs.
 
Inflation and government efforts to curb inflation may contribute to economic uncertainty in Brazil, adversely affecting our business and results of operations.
 
Brazil has historically experienced high rates of inflation. Inflation and certain of the government’s measures taken in the attempt to curb inflation have had significant negative effects on the Brazilian economy. The Consumer Prices Index (Índice de Preços ao Consumidor), or the IPCA, published by the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica (IBGE), rose 4.3% in 2009, reaching the target fixed by the National Monetary Council. The inflation rate was 5.9 % in 2008, 4.5 % in 2007, 3.1% in 2006 and 5.7% in 2005.
 
Since 2006, telephone fees for fixed-line services have been indexed to the Índice de Serviços de Telecomunicações (Telecommunications Service Index or IST), reduced by a productivity factor. The IST is a basket of national indexes that reflect our industry’s operating costs. As a result, this index serves to reduce the apparent incongruity between our industry’s revenues and costs, and thus reduce the apparent adverse effects of inflation upon our operations. In contrast, Brazilian monetary policy has been using the IPCA as an inflation targeting system. The inflation target for 2010 is 4.5% and if inflation increases beyond this target, basic interest rates may rise, causing direct effects on the cost of debt and indirect effects on the demand for telecommunication goods and services.
 
Our results of operations have been negatively affected by a decrease in our customer base growth and could also be affected if our rate of customer turnover increases.
 
Our rate of acquisition of new customers can be negatively affected by market penetration. For example, our fixed-line customer base decreased 1.2% from December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2007, 2.5% from December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2008 and 3.5% from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009. The decrease was mostly due to an increase in competition in the fixed telephony industry from cable and fixed-wireless operators, and an increase in substitution of fixed lines with mobiles. This decrease in customer acquisition has negatively affected our results of operations and could continue to do so in the future. In addition, if our rate of customer turnover were to increase significantly, our results of operations and or competitive position could be adversely affected. Several factors could influence our rate of acquisition of new customers and our rate of customer turnover, including competitive pressures from mobile telecommunication service providers and other fixed-line telecommunications providers, and economic conditions in Brazil.
 
Fluctuations in the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate may adversely affect our ability to pay U.S. dollar-denominated or U.S. dollar–linked obligations and could lower the market value of our preferred shares and ADSs.
 
The Brazilian currency has experienced devaluations in the past. The real was devalued against the U.S. dollar by 18.7% in 2001 and 52.3% in 2002. Over the next few years, in contrast, the real began appreciating against the U.S. dollar, increasing 18.2%, 8.1%, 11.8%, 8.7% and 17.2%, respectively, in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
 
 
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However, the real depreciated against the U.S. dollar by 31.9% in 2008. In 2009, the real appreciated against the U.S. Dollar by 25.5%.  It should be noted that the IST, the current index applicable to telecommunication fees for fixed-line services, does not adequately reflect the true effect of exchange rate fluctuations as compared to the previously applicable index, the IGP-DI. Thus, since 2006, telecommunication revenues, when converted to U.S. dollars, do not adequately reflect the true effect of exchange rate fluctuations, so that our results of operations could be adversely affected. See “—Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rates” for more information on exchange rates.
 
As of December 31, 2009, 0.7% of our R$3.52 billion total indebtedness was denominated in foreign currencies, primarily in U.S. dollars.  As of December 31, 2008, we had currency hedges in place to cover virtually all of our foreign currency-denominated bank debt.  Part of the costs relating to our network infrastructure is payable or linked to payment by us in U.S. dollars. However, other than income derived from hedging transactions and international long distance interconnection, all of our revenues are generated in reais. To the extent that the value of the real decreases relative to the U.S. dollar, our debt becomes more expensive to service and it becomes more costly for us to acquire technology and goods necessary to operate our business that have their prices linked to exchange rate fluctuations. The additional costs from our debt, however, are offset by revenues from corresponding hedging transactions and the exposure of our capital expenditures is constantly monitored so that it does not reach a material amount. Nevertheless, currency fluctuations are expected to continue and they can affect our financial income and expenses.
 
Political, economic and social developments, and the perception of risk in other countries, especially emerging market countries, may adversely affect the Brazilian economy, our business, and the market price of Brazilian securities, including our preferred shares and ADSs.
 
The market for securities issued by Brazilian companies may be influenced, in varying degrees, by economic and international market conditions, especially by those in Latin American and other emerging markets. The reaction of investors to developments in other countries may have an adverse impact on the market value of securities of Brazilian companies. Crises in other emerging countries or the economic policies of other countries, in particular those of the United States, may reduce investor demand for securities of Brazilian companies, including our preferred shares. Any of the foregoing developments may adversely affect the market value of our preferred shares and hinder our ability to access the capital markets and finance our operations in the future on acceptable terms and costs, or at all.
 
Exchange controls and restrictions on remittances abroad may adversely affect holders of our preferred shares and ADSs.
 
Brazilian law allows that, whenever there is a significant imbalance in Brazil’s balance of payments or a significant possibility that such imbalance will exist, the Brazilian government may impose temporary restrictions on capital outflows. Such restrictions could hinder or prevent the holders of our preferred shares or the depositary for the ADSs from remitting dividends abroad. The Brazilian government imposed restrictions on capital outflows for a six-month period at the end of 1989. If similar restrictions are introduced in the future, they would likely have an adverse effect on the market price of our preferred shares and ADSs.
 
Increases in interest rates may have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
The Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (Comitê de Política Monetária do Banco Central – COPOM), establishes the basic interest rate target for the Brazilian financial system by reference to the level of economic growth of the Brazilian economy, the level of inflation and other economic indicators. As of December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, the basic interest rate was 17.8%, 18.0%, 13.3%, 11.3% and 13.8%, respectively, and as of December 31, 2009, was 8.75%. Increases in interest rates may have a material adverse effect on us.
 
 
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Risks Relating to the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry and Us
 
Extensive government regulation of the telecommunications industry and our concession may limit our flexibility in responding to market conditions, competition and changes in our cost structure or impact our fees.
 
Our business is subject to extensive government regulation. ANATEL, which is the primary telecommunications industry regulator in Brazil, is responsible for, among other things:
 
 
·
industry policies and regulations;
 
 
·
licensing;
 
 
·
fees and tariffs;
 
 
·
competition;
 
 
·
telecommunications resource allocation;
 
 
·
service standards;
 
 
·
technical standards;
 
 
·
quality standards;
 
 
·
interconnection and settlement arrangements; and
 
 
·
supervision of universal service obligations.
 
For further information concerning specific regulations or resolutions issued by ANATEL, refer to section “Item 5.A −Operating and Financial Review and Prospects−Operating Results−Regulatory and Competitive Factors.”

Our concession may be terminated by the Brazilian government under certain circumstances.
 
We operate our business under a concession granted by the Brazilian government. According to the terms of the concession, we are obligated to meet certain universal service requirements and to maintain minimum quality and service standards. For example, ANATEL requires that we satisfy certain conditions with respect to, among other things, expansion of our network to provide public pay-phone service for all areas with populations in excess of 100, expansion of our network to provide private individual telephone service for all areas with populations in excess of 300, and, with respect to quality of service, targets for the number of call completions. Our ability to satisfy these terms and conditions, as well as others, may be affected by factors beyond our control. Our failure to comply with the requirements of our concession may result in the imposition of fines up to R$50.0 million or other government actions, including the termination of our concession. Any partial or total revocation of our concession would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, the concession agreements establish that all assets owned by the Company and which are indispensable to the provision of the services described in such agreements are considered reversible assets and are deemed to be part of the concession assets. The assets will be automatically returned to ANATEL upon expiration of the concession agreements, according to the regulation in force at that time. On December 31, 2009, the net book value of reversible assets is estimated at R$7.0 billion, which is comprised of switching and transmission equipment and public use terminals, external network equipment, energy equipment and system and operation support equipment.
 
The expiration date of the original concession agreements was December 31, 2005, but it has since been renewed as of December 22, 2005 for an additional 20-year term. The current concession agreements contain a provision allowing ANATEL to review the concession terms in 2010, 2015 and 2020. This provision permits ANATEL to update the renewed concession agreements with respect to network expansion, modernization and quality of service targets in response to changes in technology, competition in the marketplace and domestic and international economic conditions. A Public Notice (consulta pública) was published on March 31, 2009 with the
 
 
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proposed revisions to the concession agreements and public meetings (audiências públicas) were held in Manaus, Salvador, São Paulo, Brasília, Florianópolis and Rio de Janeiro in May 2009.
 
ANATEL is currently analyzing the suggestions made to the Public Notice and it may vote on the final version of the concession agreements over 2010. The revised concession agreements will become effective as of January 1, 2011.
 
We face substantial competition from other fixed-line providers that may reduce our market share.
 
We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, market adjustments in which providers take actions in order to compete for clients, especially corporate and premium residential clients.  Such actions result in pressure on market prices and shifts in market share.
 
At the end of 2008, ANATEL approved a change to the General Plan of Grants or Plano Geral de Outorgas, allowing fixed-line providers to hold concession licenses within the same business group in more than one region.  This change allowed for the merger between Oi and Brasil Telecom, operators in Regions I and II, respectively, thus redefining the competitive landscape in Brazil.
 
Number Portability was introduced in 2008. Number Portability allows clients within a limited geographic locale to relocate or change their telephone operator without the need to change their telephone number (for either a fixed or mobile line). Number Portability was introduced for certain of our clients in September of 2008 and as of December 31, 2008, approximately 18% of our clients had Number Portability rights. The year 2009 was the first full fiscal year impacted by the effects of Number Portability. Number Portability rights for all of our clients became effective in March 2009. As a result of Number Portability, we had a small increase in the churn of our fixed-line customers.  Mobile operators were more impacted by the effects of Number Portability. However, despite the impact being lower than expected thus far, an attack with an aggressive positioning of GVT can accelerate the demand for portability.
 
Any loss of market share as a result of competition from fixed-line providers could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We face increasing competition from cellular service providers.
 
Rapid growth of the cellular telecommunications industry and intense competition among cellular service providers have resulted in lower prices for cellular services. Cellular services are increasingly becoming an alternative to fixed-line services, primarily for residential customers. We expect this to negatively impact the use of fixed telecommunications services and, therefore, mobile services are still the main competitive product to our services. Certain fixed-line services operating on mobile platforms are already common in the market, wherein a user will have two numbers, a mobile number and a fixed number, the latter functioning only in the user’s area of residence or “home zone.” Additionally, with Oi and AEIOU now operating in the State of São Paulo beginning in the second half of 2008, competition in the mobile telecommunications market has intensified, putting further pressure on the fixed-line telecommunications market. Any loss of market share as a result of competition from cellular service providers could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
The industry in which we conduct our business is subject to rapid technological changes that could have a material adverse effect on our ability to provide competitive services.
 
The telecommunications industry is subject to rapid and significant technological changes. Our future success depends on our ability to anticipate and adapt in a timely manner to technological changes. We expect that new products and technologies will emerge and that existing products and technologies will be further developed.
 
The advent of new products and technologies could have a variety of consequences. New products and technologies may reduce the price of our services by providing lower-cost alternatives, or they may also be superior to, and render obsolete, the products and services we offer and the technologies we use, thus requiring investment in new technology.
 
 
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As an example of the alternative technology, in December 2007, ANATEL auctioned frequencies for 3G services (third generation cellular telephone services) at premiums of almost 80% over minimum bid prices, for which all current operators as well as other new entrants into the market submitted bids. The 3G networks allow mobile broadband access at speeds and prices competitive with currently offered fixed broadband services, which could have an adverse effect on Speedy’s growth and our results.  Currently, all current mobile operators in the State of São Paulo (except AEIOU) provide 3G services at prices competitive with those of the fixed technology players in the market.
 
We seek to invest in new technology to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.  If we do not make sufficient investments in new technology or if our networks and technologies otherwise become outdated or obsolete, we may not be able to compete effectively against new, alternative technologies, which could have an adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Risks Relating to the Preferred Shares and the ADSs
 
Holders of our ADSs may face difficulties in serving process on or enforcing judgments against us and other persons.
 
We are organized under the laws of Brazil, and most of our directors and executive officers and our independent public accountants reside or are based in Brazil. Substantially all of our assets and those of these other persons are located in Brazil. As a result, it may not be possible for holders of the ADSs to effect service of process upon us or these other persons within the United States or other jurisdictions outside Brazil or to enforce against us or these other persons judgments obtained in the United States or other jurisdictions outside Brazil. Because judgments of U.S. courts for civil liabilities based upon the U.S. federal securities laws may only be enforced in Brazil if certain conditions are met, holders may face greater difficulties in protecting their interests due to actions by us, our directors or executive officers than would shareholders of a U.S. corporation.
 
Holders of Our Preferred Shares and ADSs generally do not have voting rights.
 
In accordance with Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws, holders of our preferred shares, and therefore of our ADSs, are not entitled to vote at meetings of our shareholders, except in limited circumstances set forth in “Item 10.B—Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association.”
 
Holders of Our Preferred Shares might be unable to exercise preemptive rights with respect to the preferred shares unless there is a current registration statement in effect which covers those rights or unless an exemption from registration applies.
 
Holders of our preferred shares will not be able to exercise the preemptive rights relating to the preferred shares underlying your ADSs unless a registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, is effective with respect to those rights, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. We are not obligated to file a registration statement. Unless we file a registration statement or an exemption from registration applies, you may receive only the net proceeds from the sale of your preemptive rights by the depositary, or if the preemptive rights cannot be sold, they will lapse and you will not receive any value for them. For more information on the exercise of your rights, see “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Preemptive Rights.”
 
An exchange of ADSs for preferred shares risks the loss of certain foreign currency remittance and Brazilian tax advantages.
 
The ADSs benefit from the certificate of foreign capital registration, which permits The Bank of New York, as depositary, to convert dividends and other distributions with respect to preferred shares into foreign currency, and to remit the proceeds abroad. Holders of ADSs who exchange their ADSs for preferred shares will then be entitled to rely on the depositary’s certificate of foreign capital registration for five business days from the date of exchange. Thereafter, they will not be able to remit non-Brazilian currency abroad unless they obtain their own certificate of foreign capital registration, or unless they qualify under Resolution 2,689 of the Central Bank of Brazil, dated
 
 
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January 26, 2000 and issued by BACEN, which entitles certain investors to buy and sell shares on Brazilian stock exchanges without obtaining separate certificates of registration.
 
If holders of ADSs do not qualify under Resolution 2,689, they will generally be subject to less favorable tax treatment on distributions with respect to our preferred shares. There can be no assurance that the depositary’s certificate of registration or any certificate of foreign capital registration obtained by holders of ADSs will not be affected by future legislative or regulatory changes, or that additional Brazilian law restrictions applicable to their investment in the ADSs may not be imposed in the future.
 
Holders of our preferred shares will be subject to, and holders of our ADSs could be subject to, Brazilian income tax on capital gains from sales of preferred shares or ADSs.
 
Brazilian Law No. 10,833 provides that gains on the disposition of assets located in Brazil by non-residents of Brazil, whether to other non-residents or to Brazilian residents, will be subject to Brazilian taxation. The preferred shares are expected to be treated as assets located in Brazil for purposes of the law, and gains on the disposition of preferred shares, even by non-residents of Brazil, are expected to be subject to Brazilian taxation. In addition, the ADSs may be treated as assets located in Brazil for purposes of the law, and therefore gains on the disposition of ADSs by non-residents of Brazil may also be subject to Brazilian taxation. Although the holders of ADSs outside Brazil may have grounds to assert that Law No. 10,833 does not apply to sales or other dispositions of ADSs, it is not possible to predict whether that understanding will ultimately prevail in the courts of Brazil, given the general and unclear scope of Law No. 10,833 and the absence of judicial court rulings in respect thereto. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”
 
Certain Factors Relating to Our Controlling Shareholder
 
Our controlling shareholder has strong influence over our business.
 
Telefónica Internacional S.A., or Telefónica Internacional, our principal shareholder, currently owns directly and indirectly approximately 85.57% of our voting shares and 87.95% of our total capital. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—A. Major Shareholders” and “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions —B. Related Party Transactions.” As a result of its share ownership, Telefónica Internacional has the power to control us and our subsidiaries, including the power to elect our directors and officers and to determine the outcome of any action requiring shareholder approval, including transactions with related parties, corporate reorganizations and the timing and payment of our dividends. Given this degree of control over our company, circumstances could arise under which the interests of Telefónica Internacional could be deemed to be in conflict with the interests of our other shareholders.
 
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
 
A. History and Development of the Company
 
General
 
Following the restructuring and privatization of Telebrás, discussed below, we were incorporated on May 22, 1998, as a corporation (sociedade anônima) organized under the laws of the Federative Republic of Brazil. We are registered with the CVM, as a publicly held company and our stock is traded on BM&FBOVESPA. We are also registered with the SEC in the United States and our ADSs are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE. Our headquarters are located at Rua Martiniano de Carvalho, 851, 01321-001, São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Our telephone number is 55-11-3549-7200.
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had 168,609,291 outstanding common shares, with no par value per share, and 337,232,189 preferred shares, with no par value per share. Our shareholders’ equity was in the amount of R$10.1 billion as presented under the Brazilian Corporate Law Method.
 
We provide fixed-line telecommunications services in the State of São Paulo under concession agreements granted in 1998 by the Brazilian government in connection with the restructuring and privatization of the Telebrás
 
 
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System, as described below. The concession, which was renewed in December 2005, authorizes us to provide fixed-line telecommunications services in a specific region, which includes all of the State of São Paulo except for a small area (Sector 33), where a previously existing fixed-line service provider, CTBC Telecom, which was not part of the Telebrás System, continues to operate independently.
 
In addition to the services we provide under the concession agreements of 1998, we also provide international and interregional long-distance services, as permitted under Act No. 23,395 of March 1, 2002, under which ANATEL also acknowledged the accomplishment of our network expansion and universal service targets as of September 30, 2001.
 
We also provide multimedia communication services (“serviços de comunicação multimídia” or “SCM”) such as audio, data, voice and other sounds, images, texts and other information. ANATEL granted the SCM license with Act No. 33,791 of February 14, 2003. Telesp possesses one license, for Sectors 31 (our predecessor company’s area prior to the reorganization), 32 (the area corresponding to Ceterp prior to our acquisition) and 34 (CTBC Borda’s area prior to the reorganization).
 
In March 14, 2007, ANATEL conceded to A.Telecom S.A., one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, the license to offer Pay TV services through DTH (“Direct to the Home” - a special type of service that uses satellites for the direct distribution of television and audio signals for subscribers). We began offering Pay TV services on August 12, 2007.
 
On October 31, 2007, the board of ANATEL approved, from a regulatory perspective, the association between Grupo Abril and the Company, which involved, among other transactions, the acquisition of all of the operations of Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS), a special license that allows us to offer Pay TV and broadband services through our subsidiary Telefonica Sistemas de Televisão S.A. The transaction continues to be analyzed by ANATEL, solely with respect to antitrust matters, and will be finally reviewed by CADE.
 
In 2008, the Company pioneered the launch of internet access through fiber optic cables (“Fiber to the Home” - FTTH) for non-commercial customers. Aside from the offer of an internet connection with high-speed capacities of 8 Mbps and 30 Mbps, various bundles have also been offered, including Wi-Fi, Digital TV, 2,000 minutes of local and intra-state calls, anti-virus protection, call identification, technical assistance and specific call center assistance.
 
On February 16, 2009, ANATEL extended the authorization until 2024 for the use of the spectrum frequencies associated to the MMDS in the cities of São Paulo, Curitiba, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre.
 
As of December 31, 2009, our telephone network included 11.3 million fixed lines in service, 2.6 million broadband clients and 0.5 million Pay TV clients. Of the access lines in service, approximately 72% were residential, 23% were commercial, 2% were public telephone lines and 3% were for our own use and testing.
 
Historical Background
 
The Restructuring and Privatization
 
After the incorporation of Telecomunicações Brasileiras S.A. - Telebrás in 1972, Telebrás and its operating subsidiaries, collectively, the “Telebrás System” acquired almost all of the telephone companies in Brazil and monopolized the provision of public telecommunications services in virtually all areas of the country.
 
In May 1998, just prior to its privatization under the General Telecommunications Law, the Telebrás System was restructured to form, in addition to Telebrás, twelve new holding companies. Virtually all assets and liabilities of Telebrás were transferred to the new holding companies, or the “new holding companies.”
 
In July 1998, the federal government privatized the Telebrás System, selling substantially all its shares in the new holding companies, including TelespPar and its shares in TSP and CTBC Borda, to private sector buyers. As a result of a subsequent reorganization of SP Telecomunicações on January 10, 1999, one of its subsidiaries, SPT Participações S.A., or SPT, became the controlling shareholder of TelespPar.
 
 
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The Reorganization of TelespPar
 
On November 30, 1999, the shareholders of TelespPar approved a reorganization involving a series of mergers, whereby Telespar became the telecommunications services company operating under our current name, Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. - Telesp.
 
Ceterp’s Acquisition
 
On December 20, 1999, we began the acquisition, through a public auction from the municipal government of the City of Ribeirão Preto, in the State of São Paulo, 51.0% of the voting shares and 36.0% of the total share capital of Centrais Telefônicas de Ribeirão Preto S.A., or Ceterp. Ceterp provided fixed-line and cellular services in the State of São Paulo, outside the Telebrás System, and had been one of our minor competitors.
 
On December 27, 2000, Ceterp was merged with and into us.
 
The Spin-off of Certain Data Transmission Operations
 
On August 3, 2000, the wholly-owned subsidiary Telefônica Empresas S.A. was created with the corporate goal of providing Switched Package Network services, and on January 30, 2001, the independent Brazilian corporation Telefônica Data Brasil Holding S.A. (TDBH) was created through a shareholder-approved spin-off of the data transmission operations performed by Telefónica Empresas S.A. A merger of the company and TDBH was effective July 2006. See “—The SCM Restructuring.”
 
Attainment of ANATEL Targets
 
Telesp’s business, services and tariffs have been regulated by ANATEL since June 16, 1997, in accordance with various decrees, decisions, plans and regulatory measures. We became the first operator to achieve ANATEL’s service targets. As a result, ANATEL granted us a license to offer domestic and international long-distance services to our customers. Accordingly, on May 7, 2002, we began providing international long-distance services and on July 29, 2002, we began providing interregional long-distance service. See “—B. Business Overview—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Obligations of Telecommunications Companies—Network Expansion and Quality of Service” for information relating to ANATEL’s network expansion and universal service targets.
 
The Board of Directors of ANATEL, at ANATEL’s meeting held on January 29, 2003, granted Telesp the authorization to use the SCM nationwide. The Company may now offer voice and data services through various points of presence composed of networks and telecommunication circuits.
 
On July 6, 2003, mobile telephony operators started to implement a long-distance carrier selection (CSP) that enables the client to determine the long-distance carrier for each domestic long-distance call (VP2 and VP3) or international call, in accordance with the SMP (Mobile Personal Service) rules. As a result, the Company, having acknowledged the revenues from these long distance services, started to pay the mobile telephony operators for the use of their networks.
 
On September 4, 2004, the rules dictated by Resolution No. 373, dated as of June 03, 2004, were implemented to carry out the reconfiguration of the local areas for the Switched Fixed Telephony Service (STFC). As a consequence, all calls previously billed at domestic long distance rates (DC level – Áreas Conurbadas) are now billed at lower rates as local calls. In São Paulo, this modification involved 53 municipalities, of which 39 are in Grande São Paulo.
 
IP Network Asset Acquisition
 
On December 10, 2002, after receiving approval from ANATEL, our Board of Directors approved a proposal to acquire certain assets from Telefónica Data S.A. (formerly T-Empresas), one of the companies of the Telefónica group, including the following services: (i) an Internet service that allows our customers to access our network through remote dial-up connection and (ii) services that allow customers of Internet Service Providers, or ISPs, to
 
 
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have access to broadband Internet. The purpose of this asset acquisition was to capitalize on synergies that would assist in developing our network and provide a quick response to market competitors.
 
Acquisition and Reorganization of Atrium
 
On December 30, 2004, we acquired indirect control of Atrium Telecomunicações Ltda. from Launceston Partners CV. Atrium provides various types of telecommunications services in Brazil, including internet and intranet services, telecommunications management services and the sale and rental of telecommunications systems and related equipment. The acquisition was carried out through the purchase of the total share capital of Santo Genovese Participações Ltda., which held 99.99% of the representative share capital of Atrium.
 
On November 21, 2005, we approved the corporate reorganization of our wholly-owned companies A. Telecom S.A. (formerly Assist Telefónica S.A.), Santo Genovese Participações Ltda., or Santo Genovese and Atrium Telecomunicações Ltda., or Atrium, which was implemented and became effective on March 1, 2006.
 
The SCM Restructuring
 
On March 9, 2006, our Board of Directors and the Boards of Directors of TDBH and Telefónica Empresas S.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDBH (“T-Empresas” and together with us and TDBH, the “Companies”), approved the restructuring of the Companies’ serviços de comunicação multimidia (“SCM”), or multimedia communications services, and data transmission activities (the “SCM Restructuring”).
 
The terms and conditions of the SCM Restructuring are set forth in an agreement executed by the Companies on March 9, 2006. The SCM Restructuring consisted of (i) the merger of TDBH into our company (the “Merger”); and (ii) the spin-off of all T-Empresas’ assets and activities except its SCM assets and activities outside Sectors 31, 32 and 34 of Region III of Annex II of the General Concession Plan (the “Spin-off”) and assets and activities related to the data center.
 
Following the approval of this restructuring: (i) TDBH was dissolved; (ii) its shareholders received shares of our common or preferred stock, or ADSs, as appropriate; (iii) we succeeded TDBH in all of its rights and obligations; and (iv) T-Empresas became our wholly-owned subsidiary. The transfer to Telesp of the spun-off components of T-Empresas did not result in any increase or decrease in the net equity of Telesp, nor in the number of shares that comprise its capital stock.
 
With respect to TDBH’s Merger into us, certain minority shareholders tried to suspend our General Shareholders Meeting by contesting the appraisal of the share exchange ratio provided by NM Rothschild & Sons (Brasil) Ltda. by obtaining an injunction from the 14th civil chamber of the central forum of the district court of São Paulo. The injunction was lifted on July 28, 2006, and the merger became legally effective. The main action (Ação Ordinária No. 583.00.2006.156920-5) has not yet been resolved in the lower court.
 
On January 31, 2008, at the 22nd General Shareholders Meeting of Telefónica Empresas S.A., the only shareholder of which is Telesp, it was resolved to change the corporate name of Telefónica Empresas S.A. to Telefónica Data S.A.
 
Agreement of Convergence, Purchase and Sale of Operations, Assets, Stock and Other Obligations with the Abril Group
 
On October 29, 2006, the Company entered into an agreement with Abril Comunicações S.A., TVA Sistema de Televisão S.A., Comercial Cabo TV São Paulo Ltda., TVA Sul Paraná Ltda., and TVA Radioenlaces Ltda. (the “Abril Group”), whereby we combined our telecommunications and broadband services with the broadband and cable services of Tevecap S.A., or TVA, the second largest Brazilian pay TV provider with operations in the states of Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.  Through this transaction, we broadened our services to meet our users’ increasing demand, combining the Abril Group’s expertise in content and media production and placement with the expertise of the Telefónica Group in the telecommunications segment.
 
 
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On October 31, 2007, the board of ANATEL concluded the regulatory review of the association between Grupo Abril and the Company, approving the transaction, which involves (i) the acquisition of all of the operations of MMDS (Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service) and broadband, and (ii) the acquisition of a significant stake, within the limit of the foreseen effective laws and regulations, in the cable television dealers controlled by Grupo Abril within and outside of the State of São Paulo. This decision was published in the Official Gazette of the Federal Executive on November 19, 2007. Antitrust clearance is still pending from the ANATEL and CADE competition authorities.
 
The Telesp stockholders, in the extraordinary general meeting held on November 23, 2007, ratified the entering into of the Agreement, its amendments and annexes, and approved the implementation of the deal and the signature of all documents necessary for its complete formalization.
 
As a result of this transaction, Navytree Participações S.A (“Navytree”) became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telesp, and our provision of broadband services became centralized.
 
On June 10, 2008, at the General Shareholders Meeting of Navytree, the corporate name of Navytree was changed to Telefônica Televisão Participações S.A (“TTP”).
 
Corporate Reorganization involving Ajato
 
On October 14, 2008, Telefonica Sistema de Televisão S.A. (“TST”) and TTP purchased from Abril Comunicações S.A. all shares of Mundial Voip Telecomunicações Ltda., EPP, which had its corporate name changed to Ajato Telecomunicação Ltda. (“Ajato”).  Following the merger of TTP into Telesp on November 11, 2008, Ajato’s shares are held by TST and us.
 
Corporate Reorganization involving DABR and TTP
 
On October 21, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors and the shareholders of TTP and Telefônica Data Brasil Participações Ltda. (“DABR”) approved a corporate reorganization that consisted of the merger of TTP and DABR into us.
 
On November 11, 2008, the merger of TTP and DABR was approved by our Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting.
 
The reorganization allowed the Company to increase synergies, reduce managerial risk, simplify the corporate administrative structure and reduce costs, while also providing tax benefits expected to reduce the Company’s income tax and other taxes assessed on revenue and income, thereby improving the Company’s cash flows. The reorganization and the goodwill amortization were structured as to avoid any assumption of indebtedness by Telesp and to minimize any negative impact on the future results of the Company.
 
As a result of this restructuring: (i) TTP was dissolved; (ii) its shares were cancelled and Telesp’s participation in TTP was exchanged for the respective net assets, without any increase in capital stock or issuance of new shares for Telesp; (iii) Telesp assumed all rights and obligations of TTP, (iv) administrative costs were reduced, the goodwill in connection with the acquisition of TTP was transferred to Telesp, which can be amortized will result in a tax benefit of R$288 million, based on future yield, and (v) since TTP was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telesp, the transfer to Telesp of the net equity of TTP did not result in any increase or decrease in the net equity of Telesp nor in the number of shares that comprise its capital stock.
 
Moreover, following the approval of this restructuring: (i) DABR was dissolved; (ii) Telesp succeeded DABR in all of its rights and obligations; (iii) Telesp’s capital stock held by DABR was directly attributed to the controlling shareholder of DABR, SP Telecomunicações Participações Ltda., in exchange for the interests it then held in DABR, and the shares retained the same rights as the shares issued by Telesp; (iv) an increase in Telesp’s capital resulted, without the issuance of new shares; (v) DABR’s net worth – comprising an amount equivalent to DABR’s investment in Telesp and an amount corresponding to goodwill resulting from the shares received by Telesp – was transferred to Telesp, and the amortization of the goodwill resulted in a fiscal benefit to Telesp, which was accounted for in Telesp’s Goodwill Special Reserve account in net equity, which shall be capitalized to the
 
 
18

 
Company’s controlling shareholder, SP Telecomunicações Participações Ltda., at which time the minority shareholders will be assured the right of first refusal to subscribe said capital increase and any amounts paid by them shall be delivered to the controlling shareholder; and (vi) the capitalization of the portion of the Goodwill Special Reserve in share capital, in the amount corresponding to the fiscal benefit, will be realized at the end of each fiscal year to the extent that this benefit represents an effective decrease in the taxes paid by Telesp.
 
Recent Developments
 
Corporate Restructuring involving A.TELECOM S.A.
 
On December 9, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the submission to a shareholder vote of the corporate reorganization proposal consisting of the partial spin-off of A.TELECOM S.A. (“A.TELECOM”), and the subsequent merger into Telesp of the spun-off part of A.TELECOM.
 
On December 30, 2009, A.TELECOM’s shareholders approved the spin-off of part of A.TELECOM and the subsequent merger of the spun off part into Telesp. On the same date, Telesp’s shareholders approved the merger of the spun-off part into us.
 
This corporate restructuring created synergies for us and A.TELECOM providing both of us with better administrative, operating and regulatory efficiencies regarding telecommunication integrated services, thus benefiting both of us and our respective shareholders.
 
The transaction can be summarized as follows: (1) a partial spin-off of A.TELECOM and the subsequent merger into Telesp of the spun-off part (including the assets, rights and liabilities) was approved pursuant to Article 229 of Brazilian Corporate Law; (2) as a result of the spin-off, the capital of A.TELECOM was reduced in the proportion of the spun-off part valued at R$99,292,785.24 and the corresponding shares held by Telesp were cancelled; (3) A.TELECOM’s spun-off part was merged into Telesp. There was no capital increase for Telesp as a result of the merger because A.TELECOM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telesp. Telesp incurred a reduction in its investment accounted in its fixed assets. All assets and liabilities existing on the spin-off special balance sheet were transferred to Telesp, with no changes to its equity; (4) any changes to A.TELECOM’s equity between the date of the appraisal report and the shareholders’ meeting that approved the merger were absorbed by A.TELECOM; (5) Telesp became liable only for the liabilities that were expressly transferred to it as a result of the merger as memorialized in the Protocol of Merger and the spin-off special balance sheet, with no joint liability with A.TELECOM. There are no material contigencies or off-balance sheet liabilities transferred to Telesp as result of the merger of the spun-off part of A.TELECOM.
 

 
19

 
Corporate Structure and Ownership
 
Our general corporate and shareholder structure is as follows:
 
 
Capital Expenditures
 
We are permitted to determine our own capital expenditure budget, subject to compliance with certain obligations to expand service under the concession. With this in mind, we were focused in voice services in order to comply with ANATEL’s targets and to provide quality service for clients. Also, in order to achieve a consolidated position in the broadband and Pay TV market, during 2009 the focus of our capital expenditure has been, and continues to be, expanding, modernizing and upgrading our ADSL network, increasing the base of Pay TV and improving our systems and processes of customers relations, marketing and sales.
 
The following table sets forth our capital expenditures for each year in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of reais)
 
Switching equipment
    73.5       61.1       54.7  
Transmission equipment
    266.7       226.6       264.5  
Infrastructure
    121.9       56.0       45.6  
External network
    463.2       433.4       356.0  
Data transmission
    426.2       559.8       444.7  
Line support equipment
    378.3       471.8       380.2  
Administration (general)
    430.9       459.2       368.5  
Other
    60.3       74.6       78.3  
Total capital expenditures
    2,221.0       2,342.5       1,992.5  

In addition to the consolidation of our broadband market position, the primary focus of our capital expenditure program has been, and continues to be, the expansion, modernization and digitalization of the network in order to comply with ANATEL’s targets and to provide quality service for our clients. See “—B. Business Overview—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Obligations of Telecommunications Companies.”
 
We anticipate that our capital expenditures for 2010 will be approximately R$2.3 billion. We expect to fund these expenditures with funds internally generated from our operations and through debt.
 
 
20

 
 
B. Business Overview
 
Our Region
 
The State of São Paulo covers an area of 248,809 square kilometers, representing approximately 2.9% of Brazil’s territory. The population of the State of São Paulo is approximately 40.6 million, representing 21.6% of Brazil’s total population. Based on the most recent data available, the gross domestic product, or GDP, of the State of São Paulo in 2007 was an estimated R$902.8 billion, or approximately US$509.9 billion, representing approximately 34% of Brazil’s GDP for the year. The State of São Paulo’s annual per capita income during 2007 was an estimated R$22.7 thousand, or approximately US$12.6 thousand.
 
The concessions granted by the Brazilian government in 1998 and renewed in 2006 allow us to provide fixed-line telecommunications services to a region that includes most—approximately 95%—of the State of São Paulo. The portion of the State of São Paulo that is excluded from our concession region represents approximately 1.5% of total lines in service and 2.2% of the population in the state. This concession is operated by CTBC Telecom.
 
Our concession region is Region III, which is comprised of 622 municipalities, including the City of São Paulo, with an aggregate population of approximately 40.6 million. Of the municipalities in Region III, 72 have populations in excess of 100,000. The City of São Paulo has a population of approximately 11 million. According to the plan established by the federal government, whereby the government granted licenses to four providers of fixed-line telecommunications services, the State of São Paulo was divided into four sectors, including Sectors 31 (our predecessor company’s area prior to the reorganization), 32 (the area corresponding to Ceterp prior to our acquisition), 33 (corresponding to the portion of the State of São Paulo that we do not service) and 34 (CTBC Borda do Campo area prior to the reorganization). Through transactions that took place in November 1999 and December 2000, CTBC Borda do Campo and Ceterp merged into our company, which now holds Sectors 31, 32 and 34. Sector 33 is held by CTBC Telecom. According to the Presidential Decree regarding the new General Plan of Grants, published in the Diário Oficial da União on November 21, 2008, we were given a period of 18 months for the unification of the three sectors for which we act as a concessionaire (sectors 31, 32 and 34).
 
On May 7, 2002, we began offering international long distance service and on July 29, 2002, we started offering interregional service. The conditions for the provision of interregional and international long-distance services outside the concession area contemplate that providers already operating services under a selection code (a two-digit code to be input by the caller as a prefix to the number dialed) shall keep such code under the new licenses authorizing operation outside the applicable concession area. Accordingly, we continue using the provider selection code “15” that permits our callers to originate calls using our services even though they are outside our concession area. All interregional and international cellular calls, whether in our concession area or that of another provider, need to dial a carrier selection code using Personal Mobile Service—SMP, through which mobile services users choose the provider for interregional and international long-distance calls, and which requires dialing our code “15” in order to use our services. See “—Services—Network Services.”
 
Services
 
Overview
 
Our services consist of:
 
 
·
local services, including activation, monthly subscription, measured service and public telephones;
 
 
·
intraregional, interregional and international long-distance services;
 
 
·
data services, including broadband and other data link services;
 
 
·
Pay TV services through DTH (direct to home) satellite technology and land based wireless technology MMDS (multichannel multipoint distribution service);
 
 
·
network services, including interconnection and rental of facilities, as well as other services.
 
 
 
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In March 2002, ANATEL certified our compliance with the 2003 universal service targets and authorized us in April 2002 to start providing local and intraregional services in certain regions in which we were not operational and interregional and international long-distance services throughout Brazil. See “—Competition” and “—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Obligations of Telecommunications Companies—Public Regime Service Restrictions.”
 
We provide interconnection services to cellular service providers and other fixed telecommunications companies through the use of our network. In April 1999, we also began to sell handsets and other telephone equipment through A. Telecom S.A. (formerly Assist Telefónica S.A.), our wholly-owned subsidiary. Until January 2001, we provided data transmission services, but spun off our data transmission operations into TDBH. In March 2006, we began the restructuring of our multimedia communications services (serviços de comunicação multimidia) and data transmission activities.  See “—A. History and Development of the Company—Historical Background—The SCM Restructuring.”
 
The monthly and usage fees for our services (local and long-distance) were initially determined in our concession agreements. From March 2007 until July 31, 2007, the billing system was converted to a minute basis and the former measurement based on pulses was discontinued for all customers. Our concession agreements also set forth criteria for annual fee adjustments. We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from services subject to this price adjustment. The method of price adjustment is essentially a price cap. ANATEL annually applies a price index correction that reflects the inflation index of the period and a productivity factor to our local and long-distance fees. Since 2006, the inflation index has been replaced by the IST, which reflects variations in telecommunications companies’ costs and expenses. ANATEL has complied with the fee range set by the concession agreements.
 
The following table sets forth our operating revenue for the years indicated. Our fees for each category of service are discussed below under “—Rates and Taxes.” For a discussion of trends and events affecting our operating revenue, see “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of reais)
 
Local service
    8,138       8,609       9,125  
Intraregional service
    2,672       2,644       2,006  
Interregional long-distance service
    1,199       1,165       1,215  
International long-distance service
    113       140       134  
Data transmission
    4,176       3,760       2,996  
Fixed-to-mobile services
    4,102       4,372       4,064  
Network usage services
    488       466       405  
Network Access
    509       384       319  
TV service
    600       379       54  
Other
    1,158       1,102       866  
Total
    23,155       23,021       21,184  
Taxes and discounts
    (7,360 )     (7,042 )     (6,456 )
Net operating revenue.
    15,795       15,979       14,728  

Local Service
 
Local service includes activation, monthly subscription, measured service and public telephones. Measured service includes all calls that originate and terminate within the same local area or municipality of our concession region, which we refer to as “local calls.” Excluding the portion of our region that was serviced by Ceterp before our acquisition in December 1999, we were the only supplier of local fixed-line and intraregional long-distance telecommunications services in our region until July 1999. At that time, licenses were auctioned to permit a competitor to provide local fixed-line and intraregional long-distance telecommunications services in our region, including the area formerly served by Ceterp. Vésper São Paulo S.A. received authorization and began operations in
 
 
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December 1999. Embratel, Br Telecom and Telemar also provide local services in our concession region.
See “—Competition.”
 
Telesp became the first telephone service concessionaire in Brazil to offer local services outside its concession region (the State of São Paulo). In May 2003, we achieved the network expansion and universal service targets established by ANATEL, and began providing local services to six other states in Brazil, including Sergipe, Espírito Santo, Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, Santa Catarina and certain areas in Rio de Janeiro. In May 2004, we began providing local telephone services in seven other states in Brazil, including those in the capitals of Pará, Roraima, Amapá, Rondônia, Maranhão, Tocantins and Acre. In May 2005, we also began to provide local telephone services in the capitals of the following states: Ceará, Amazonas, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso. Since May 2006, we have also been providing local telephone services in Brasília (Distrito Federal) and Goiânia, the capital of the State of Goiás. We have not had any activations since 2007.
 
Intraregional Long-Distance Service
 
Intraregional long-distance service consists of all calls that originate in one local area or municipality and terminate in another local area or municipality of our concession region. We were the sole provider of intraregional long-distance service in our region until July 3, 1999, when the federal government also authorized Embratel and Intelig to provide intraregional long-distance services. Embratel, Br Telecom and Telemar also provide long-distance services in our concession region. See “—Competition.”
 
Interregional and International Long-Distance Service
 
On March 1, 2002, ANATEL acknowledged that we had satisfied its network expansion and universal service targets two years prior to the scheduled date. As a result, on April 25, 2002, ANATEL published an order that allowed us to be the first fixed-line telephone company to provide the full range of Fixed Telephone Commuted Service (STFC) and granted us a concession to develop interregional long-distance services in Region III and an authorization to develop services in the local, intraregional, interregional and international markets throughout Brazil.
 
We began operating international long-distance service in May 2002 and interregional long-distance services in July 2002. Interregional long-distance service consists of state-to-state calls within Brazil. International long-distance service consists of calls between a point in Brazil and a point outside Brazil.
 
Network Services
 
Brazil is divided into four regions in relation to telecommunication services with the following incumbent service providers: (i) Region I, that encompasses the North and Northeast regions of Brazil and in which concessions are granted to Oi (Telemar) and CTBC Telecom; (ii) Region II, that encompasses the South and Center-West regions of Brazil and in which concessions are granted to Oi (Brasil Telecom), CTBC Telecom, and Sercomtel; (iii) Region III, that encompasses the State of São Paulo and in which concessions are granted to Telefônica and CTBC Telecom; and (iv) Region IV, that encompasses the whole country and in which the concession for long distance calls is granted to Embratel.
 
In 2005, after meeting the targets imposed in the concession agreement two years before the target date, Telefônica started to operate in Regions I and II, expanding its long-distance network to the main Brazilian cities, providing services in the main markets with infrastructure based on new generation platforms.
 
By the end of 2009, we were present in the main cities of Regions I and II, namely: Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, Vitória, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Florianópolis, Fortaleza, Recife and Goiânia.
 
Telesp has continuously adapted and expanded its network topology and services aiming to develop new business opportunities in the State of São Paulo through offering services to other telecommunications companies. The result was a significant increase in the number of providers that use Telefônica’s wholesale services.
 
 
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Other important adaptations have been implemented in the network topology in order to meet the regulatory requirements and to integrate several calling areas of the State of São Paulo, thus allowing customers to make local calls in situations that had previously been categorized as long-distance calls. The integration of new cities into local areas is annually determined by ANATEL and Telefônica is fully complying with ANATEL’s determinations.
 
In 2007, we developed network solutions and invested significant funds to adapt its network to ANATEL’s Number Portability requirements. The implementation of Number Portability in the State of São Paulo was effectively initiated in September 2008 and fully implemented in March 2009. Systems and processes adjustments are still in progress in order to improve support to Number Portability requirements.
 
Competition for long-distance service has increased and by the end of 2009 there were a total of 34 different operators available through the Service Provider Selection Code (Código de Seleção de Prestadora - CSP).  A new pre-paid attendant service for long-distance call forwarding has been implemented, as well as satellite services for providing circuits in remote areas for wholesale and large customers.
 
Other Services
 
Currently, we also provide a variety of other telecommunications services that extend beyond basic telephone service, including interactive banking services, electronic mail and other similar services.
 
As a result of our acquisition of certain assets from Telefónica Data S.A. in 2002, we also started providing the following services: (i) an Internet service that allows our customers to access our network through remote dial-up connection and (ii) services that allow customers of Internet Service Providers, or ISPs, to have access to broadband Internet.
 
Interconnection
 
In July 2005, ANATEL published new rules regarding interconnection systems that substantially changed the interconnection model. These changes include: (i) an obligation to have an interconnection public offer for all types of interconnection services, in addition to the interconnection between fixed-line service providers and mobile service providers; (ii) an offer of interconnections for Internet Service Providers (ISPs); (iii) the establishment of criteria for the treatment of fraudulent calls; and (iv) the reduction of time in which new interconnection solicitations are answered. These reforms have facilitated market entry for new operators.
 
The interconnection public offer (OPI) had been amended following negotiations with providers and changes in the services rendered and regulatory requirements. Telesp has adopted procedures to reduce the time necessary to answer customers’ interconnection requests, as well as to monitor and comply with quality levels set by ANATEL for interconnection services with a current availability level of 99.8%.
 
Telesp has also completed the implementation of the interconnection with mobile service providers in the most intensive traffic areas, assuring the proper billing for such calls and reducing interconnection costs.
 
In 2007, ANATEL published the new version of the Regulation of Fixed Network Compensation Rates, which primarily modified the rules for interconnection rates and calculation methods. Local and long-distance tariffs that were flat at all times became variable according to the rules for public service tariffs. A 20% increase was applied to tariffs of non incumbents in their regions.
 
In addition to the necessary adaptations in its network concerning the Number Portability, Telesp, in conjunction with other operators, implemented a systematic solution including several interoperative processes, which allows the correct forwarding of calls.
 
According to the Personal Mobile Service (SMP) regulation, the Mobile Network Interconnection Fee (VUM) price is subject to free negotiation between parties and once an agreement is reached it should be homologated by ANATEL to take effect.  The agreement currently in effect was executed in 2008.
 
 
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Starting in November 2009, the licenses of each mobile operator were consolidated by region, resulting in the consolidation of tariffs and in the reduction from two to one VUM in the fees owed for on-net network traffic.
 
At the end of 2009, Telefônica was party to 187 local and long-distance interconnection agreements and 91 traffic and transport agreements.
 
I-Telefónica
 
I-Telefónica is a free Internet access service provider launched in September 2002 by our subsidiary A. Telecom S.A. (formerly Assist Telefónica). The product is available in 622 cities in the State of São Paulo and over 1,500 cities in all of Brazil. The service delivers high quality, stable Internet access that is structured to ensure that our clients do not encounter a busy signal when connecting to the Internet. I-Telefónica permits us to increase the range of our services and better supply our customers by offering an entry-level option to the Internet market. I-Telefónica also represents a strategic tool to protect us against the possible traffic imbalance that may be generated by Internet access service providers that do not use our network. Traffic imbalance (sumidouro) occurs when a certain telecommunications operator has a higher volume of incoming than outgoing traffic (with another operator). When the incoming/outgoing traffic relationship falls outside the 45%-55% range, the operator with higher outgoing traffic must pay to the other the interconnection fees corresponding to the traffic that exceeds the range. Telecommunications operators that house internet service providers tend to have more incoming than outgoing traffic, and thus receive interconnection revenues from other operators. I-Telefónica helps us keep our dial-up traffic on our own network, and thus reduce unfavorable traffic imbalance, thereby lowering our interconnection expenses.
 
Authorization to Provide Multimedia Services
 
On January 29, 2003, ANATEL granted our SCM license nationwide, allowing A. Telecom S.A. (formerly Assist Telefónica), our wholly-owned subsidiary, to provide voice and data services through points-of-presence (POPs), which are comprised of private telecommunications networks and circuits. In addition to A. Telecom S.A., ANATEL granted SCM licenses to T-Data (formerly T-Empresas) and Emergia.
 
Authorizations for pay TV via satellite
 
On March 14, 2007 ANATEL granted A.Telecom S.A. authorization to provide services of paid TV via satellite (Direct to Home – DTH). DTH is one of the special types of subscription TV services that utilize satellites for the direct distribution of television and audio signals for subscribers. The launching of the commercial transaction occurred on August 12, 2007.
 
Authorization for Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS)
 
On October 31, 2007, the board of ANATEL concluded its regulatory review of the association between Grupo Abril and the Company, approving the transaction from a regulatory perspective, which involved, among other transactions, the acquisition of all of the operations of Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS).
 
This decision was published in the Official Gazette of the Federal Executive on November 19, 2007. The transaction continues to be analyzed by ANATEL, solely with respect to antitrust matters, and will be ultimately also reviewed by CADE (Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica), the Competition Authority.
 
On February 16, 2009, ANATEL extended the authorization until 2024 for the use of the spectrum frequencies associated to the Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS) in São Paulo, Curitiba, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre. ANATEL is currently analyzing the price to be paid for the spectrum usage.
 
The STFC Concession Agreement
 
As mentioned above, we are a concessionaire of STFC to render local and domestic long-distance call services originated in Region III, which comprises the State of São Paulo, in Sectors 31, 32 and 34, established in the General Concession Plan (PGO).
 
 
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The current concession agreement, dated December 22, 2005, was renewed on January 1, 2006, and will be valid until December 31, 2025. However, the agreement can be reviewed by ANATEL on December 31, 2010, 2015 and 2020. Based on such review, ANATEL may establish new requirements and targets for universal and high quality telecommunication services, according to the conditions present at the time of review.
 
The concession agreement establishes that all assets owned by the Company and which are indispensable to the provision of the services described in such agreement are considered reversible assets and are deemed to be part of the concession assets. These assets will be automatically returned to ANATEL upon expiration of the concession agreement.
 
Every two years, during the agreement’s new 20-year period, publicly held companies will have to pay a renewal fee which will correspond to 2% of its prior-year SFTC revenue, net of taxes and social contributions. The first payment of this biennial fee occurred on April 30, 2007, based on the 2006 STFC net revenues, and the second payment occurred on April 30, 2009, based on the 2008 STFC net revenues. The next payment is scheduled for April 30, 2011 based on the 2010 net revenues. See Note 20 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
On April 8, 2008, Telesp signed an additive term to the concession contracts to substitute the obligation to install telecommunications service posts with an obligation to roll out broadband network infrastructure throughout the municipalities serviced by such concessionaires.
 
Corporate Customer Services
 
We offer our corporate clients comprehensive telecommunications solutions and IT support designed to address specific needs and requirements of companies operating in a number of different market segments such as manufacturing, services, financial institutions and government.
 
Our clients are assisted by our highly qualified professionals who offer specialized telecommunication and IT support tailored to meet the specific needs of each company by delivering corporate Internet access, voice and data solutions, and by consistently striving for greater service efficiency to preserve our competitiveness in our market.
 
Rates and Taxes
 
Rates
 
Overview
 
We generate revenues from (i) activation and monthly subscription charges; (ii) usage charges, which include measured service charges; and (iii) network usage charges and other additional services.
 
Rates for telecommunications services are subject to comprehensive regulation by ANATEL. See “—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry.” Since the relative stabilization of the Brazilian economy in mid-1994, two major changes in rates for local and long-distance services have occurred: in 1996 to compensate for accumulated effects of inflation and in 1997 to eliminate the cross-subsidy between local and long-distance services.
 
Concession agreements, which were valid from 1998 until December 31, 2005, and subsequently renewed for an additional 20 years until 2025 (all of our relevant concession agreements were renewed), establish a price cap for annual rate adjustments.
 
As of January 2006, with the renewal of our concession agreements until December 31, 2025, new readjustment rules for fees became effective. The current contract may be reviewed and modified by ANATEL on December 31, 2010, 2015 and 2020 to set forth new terms that account for conditions existing at the time of that future review.
 
According to the new contract, we readjust charges based on a service basket of fees, as follows:
 
 
·
local services, where rates are established pursuant to a service basket of fees that includes rates for the measured traffic and subscription fees. In the case of a price adjustment, each one of the items within the
 
 
 
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    local fee basket has a different weight and, as long as the total local fee price adjustment does not exceed the rate of increase in the Telecommunication General Price Index, or IST, minus a productivity factor as established in the concession agreements, each individual fee within the basket can exceed the IST variation by up to 5%;
 
 
·
installation of residential and commercial lines and public telephone services, with adjustments limited to the rate of increase in the IST minus a productivity factor as established in the concession agreements; and
 
 
·
domestic long-distance services, with rate adjustments divided into intraregional and interregional long-distance services, which are calculated based on the weighted average of the traffic, and taking into account time and distance. For these categories, each fee may individually exceed the rate of increase in the IST by up to 5%; however, the total adjustments in the basket of fees cannot exceed the rate of increase in the IST minus a productivity factor as established in the concession agreements. See “—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry.”
 
Our rates for international services are not subject to regulation and are not required to follow the price cap for annual rate adjustment described above for other services. Therefore, we are free to negotiate our fees for international calls based on the international telecommunications market, where our main competitor is Embratel.
 
Local Rates
 
As of March 2007, the billing system for local calls was converted to a per-minute system and the previous pulse system was discontinued. The conversion of pulses to minutes occurred gradually, between the months of March and July of 2007. As of August 1, 2007, all of the customers of the Company had their local calls billed in minutes.
 
Our revenue from local service consists principally of activation charges, monthly subscription charges, measured traffic charges and public telephone charges. Users of measured traffic, both residential and non-residential, paid for local calls depending on usage, which until July was measured in pulses and from then on has been measured in minutes. The first minute is accounted for at the moment a call is connected to its destination.
 
Under current ANATEL regulations, residential customers who sign up for the basic plan monthly fee receive an allowance of 200 minutes per month.
 
Our local concession contracts set forth two mandatory plans for local fixed service, and allow for the concession company to design other alternative pricing plans of  its own. Customers will have a choice between the two mandatory plans, any other alternative plan or a combination of basic and alternative plans. The main differences between the two main mandatory plans are as follows:
 
 
·
Local Basic Plan: for clients that make mostly short duration calls (up to three minutes), during regular hours; and
 
 
·
Mandatory Alternative Plan (PASOO): for clients that make mostly longer duration calls (above three minutes), during regular hours and/or that use the line for dial-up service to the Internet.
 
 
 
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The following table outlines the basic billing requirements and rates for the local Basic Plan and the Mandatory Alternative Plan:
 
CHARACTERISTICS OF PLAN
BASIC PLAN
MANDATORY
ALTERNATIVE
PLAN
Monthly Basic Assignment
   
  Allowance (minutes included in the Residential Assignment)
200 minutes
400 minutes
  Commercial Assignment
   
  Allowance (minutes included in the Commercial Assignment)
150 minutes
360 minutes
Local Call Charges
   
  Regular Hours
   
  Completing the call (minutes deducted from the allotment)
-
4 minutes
  Completing the call after the terms of the allotment
   
  Sector 31
-
R$0.15596
  Sector 34
-
R$0.15192
  Sector 32
-
R$0.16365
Local Minutes - charges in excess use of the allotment
   
  Sector 31
R$0.10158
R$0.03899
  Sector 34
R$0.10158
R$0.03798
  Sector 32
R$0.10158
R$0.04091
  Minimum time billing
30 seconds
-
  Reduced Hours
   
  Charge per answered call (minutes deducted from allotment)
2 minutes
4 minutes
  Charge per answered call after the allotted duration
   
  Sector 31
R$0.20316
R$0.15596
  Sector 34
R$0.20316
R$0.15192
  Sector 32
R$0.20316
R$0.16365

The fees for Local Basic Plan Service were approved by ANATEL’s Act No. 5,180 of September 11, 2009. The Alternative Plan under Mandatory Service Provisions (Oferta Obrigatória) (PASOO) was approved by Resolution No. 450, on December 7, 2006, being that the readjustment of the tariffs follows the same rule established for the local basic plan.
 
Besides the Basic Service Plans, Telesp may offer alternative plans with any pricing design it chooses. However, ANATEL must be notified of these alternative plans prior to publishing and implementing of any such plan.
 
On September 11, 2009, ANATEL’s Act No. 5,180 approved new local tariffs for our areas of concession, to take effect as of September 16, 2009. The average readjustment in the local service basket was 0.9767%. The tariffs were applied to customers as demonstrated below:
 
 
·
Residential customers were charged a monthly subscription fee for the provision of service of R$40.35;
 
 
·
Commercial clients and non-residential customers (PBX) were charged a monthly subscription fee for the provision of service of R$69.22 in Sector 31, R$67.38 in Sector 34 and R$64.30 in Sector 32;
 
 
·
Local minute tariffs were charged R$0.10158 per minute to Sectors 31, 32 and 34; and
 
 
·
Activation fees were charged R$113.53 in Sector 31, R$93.44 in Sector 34 and R$60.63 in Sector 32.
 
 
 
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Intraregional and Interregional Long-Distance Rates
 
Intraregional long-distance service consists of all calls that originate in one local area or municipality of our concession region and terminate in another local area or municipality of our concession region. All other calls are denominated interregional long-distance calls. Rates for intraregional and interregional long-distance calls are computed on the basis of the time of day, day of the week, duration and distance of the call, and also may vary depending on whether special services, including operator assistance, are used.
 
On March 1, 2002, ANATEL acknowledged that we had reached its network expansion and universal service targets two years prior to the scheduled date. As a result, on April 25, 2002, ANATEL published an order that allowed us to be the first concessionaire to provide the full range of STFC services and expanded our license to develop services in the local, intraregional, interregional and international markets throughout Brazil.
 
On April 29, 2002, certain provisions of ANATEL’s order were partially suspended as a result of certain legal proceedings brought by Embratel. The proceedings prevented us, as a concessionaire, from commencing our interregional services that originated in our concession region, Region III, and terminated in other concession areas, namely Region I (Telemar’s concession region) and Region II (Brazil Telecom’s concession region). However, our authorization to provide local and interregional services in Regions I and II, Sector 33 of Region III, and international services in all three regions was not affected. On June 28, 2002, ANATEL dismissed the proceedings and allowed us to begin offering interregional services originating in our concession region.
 
On July 29, 2002, after we received the concession from ANATEL to provide interregional long-distance services in Region III and authorization to provide interregional long-distance services throughout Brazil, we launched several new options of interregional calling plans relating to consumer “Code 15,” which is the selection code dialed by customers who may choose a long-distance provider with each call and may result in different prices based upon frequency of use and customer calling patterns.
 
International Long-Distance Rates
 
On May 7, 2002, we began operating international long-distance services. International long-distance calls are computed on the basis of the time of day, day of the week, duration and destination of the call, and also may vary depending on whether special services are used or not, including operator assistance.
 
We have developed alternative rate plans for our residential and corporate customers.
 
Network Usage Charges
 
We earn revenues from any fixed-line or mobile service provider that either originates or terminates a call within our network. We also pay interconnection fees to other service providers when we use their network to place or receive a call. Under the General Telecommunications Law, all fixed-line telecommunications service providers must provide interconnection upon the request of any other fixed-line or mobile telecommunications service provider. The interconnection agreements are freely negotiated among the service providers, subject to a price cap and in compliance with the regulations established by ANATEL, which includes not only the interconnection basic principles covering commercial, technical and legal aspects, but also the traffic capacity and interconnection infrastructure that must be made available to requesting parties. If a service provider offers to any party an interconnection fee below the price cap, it must offer the same fee to any other requesting party on a non-discriminatory basis. If the parties cannot reach an agreement on the terms of interconnection, including the interconnection fee, ANATEL can establish the terms of the interconnection. See “—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Obligations of Telecommunications Companies.”
 
In accordance with ANATEL regulations, we must charge interconnection fees to the other telephone service providers based on the following fees:
 
 
·
Fee for the use of our local network—We charge long-distance service providers a network usage charge for every minute used in connection with a call that either originates or terminates within our local network. We
 
 
 
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    charge local service providers a fee for traffic that exceeds 55% of the total local traffic between the two service providers.
 
 
·
Fee for the use of our long-distance network—We charge the service providers a network usage charge on a per-minute basis only when the interconnection access to our long-distance network is in use.
 
 
·
Fee for the rental of certain transmission facilities used by another service provider in order to place a call.
 
Beginning in 2006, with the 20-year renewal of the concession contracts, the rules in respect of local network fees, or TU-RL, were changed. Beginning on January 1, 2008, local network fees were supposed to be calculated based on a long-term cost model (LRIC—Long Run Incremental Costs).
 
Through Resolution No. 464, published on April 27, 2007, ANATEL postponed the adoption of the LRIC model to April 30, 2009. Nevertheless, ANATEL is still working on the necessary studies to implement this cost model, as this model is part of its General Plan for Updating the Telecommunications Regulations in Brazil, published on November 12, 2008.
 
On February 8, 2007, ANATEL published Resolution No. 458, that approved the regulation of payment for interconnection for STFC. Through this regulation, ANATEL established, as the transition rule until the LRIC model becomes effective, that the value TU-RL stays limited to 40% of the local minute value.
 
In the same way, Resolution No. 458 established that the transition rule for the inter-city network tariff TU-RIU will remain in effect until the LRIC model becomes effective, and further determined that the value of TU-RIU is limited to 30% of the long distance minute value of Class 4, which is the class of calls of the longest distance established by ANATEL.
 
Cellular telecommunications services in Brazil, unlike those in the United States, are offered on a “calling party pays” basis, under which the subscriber pays only for calls that he or she originates. Additionally, a subscriber pays roaming charges on calls originated and terminated outside his or her home registration area. Calls received by a subscriber are paid for by the party that places the call in accordance with a rate based on per-minute charges. For example, a fixed-line service customer pays a rate based on per-minute charges for calls made to a cellular service subscriber. The lowest base rate per minute, or “VC1,” applies to calls made by a subscriber in a registration area to persons in the same registration area. Calls to mobiles outside the registration area, but within the mobile authorization area, are charged at a higher rate, “VC2.” Calls to mobiles outside the mobile authorization area are billed at the highest rate, “VC3.” When a fixed-line service customer calls a mobile subscriber, we charge the fixed-line service customer per-minute charges based on VC1, VC2 or VC3 rates. In turn, we pay the cellular service provider the cellular network usage charge.
 
Our revenue from network services also includes payments by other telecommunications service providers for the use of part of our network arranged on a contractual basis. Other telecommunications service providers, including providers of trunking and paging services, may use our network to connect a central switching office to our network. Some cellular service providers use our network to connect cellular central switching offices to the cellular radio-based stations. We also lease transmission lines, certain infrastructure and other equipment to other providers of telecommunications services.
 
Data Transmission Rates
 
We receive revenues from charges for data transmission, which include “Speedy,” the rental of dedicated analog and digital lines for privately leased circuits to corporations and others that were provided by Telesp and Telefonica Data. See “—A. History and Development of the Company—Historical Background—The Spin-off of Certain Data Transmission Operations” and “—A. History and Development of the Company—Historical Background—The SCM Restructuring.”
 
 
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Taxes
 
The cost of telecommunications services to each customer includes a variety of taxes. The principal tax is a state value-added tax, the Imposto sobre Circulação de Mercadorias e Serviços, or “ICMS,” which the Brazilian states impose at varying rates on revenues from the provision of telecommunications services. The rate in the State of São Paulo is 25% for domestic telecommunications services.
 
Other taxes on gross operating revenues include two federal taxes, the Contribuição para o Programa de Integração Social or “PIS,” and Contribuição para o Financiamento da Seguridade Social or “COFINS,” imposed on gross operating revenues at a combined rate of 3.65% for telecommunications services and 9.25% for other services. PIS is a tax designed to share business profits with employees through a mandatory national savings program, and is financed by monthly deposits collected as a percentage of gross operating revenues. COFINS is a tax designed to finance special social programs created and administered by the Brazilian government. On February 2, 2004, the combined rate of PIS and COFINS imposed on gross operating revenues generated by services other than telecommunications services increased from 3.65% to 9.25% (on a non-cumulative basis). However, revenues related to, among other things, equity, dividends and fixed asset sales, are not subject to PIS and COFINS, except for revenues relating to hedging transactions and interest on shareholders’ equity (juros sobre o capital próprio).
 
In addition, the following contributions are imposed on certain telecommunications services revenues:
 
 
·
Contribution for the Fund for Universal Access to Telecommunications Services—”FUST”. FUST was established in 2000 to provide resources to cover the cost exclusively attributed to fulfilling obligations (including free access to telecommunications services by governmental institutions) of universal access to telecommunications services that cannot be recovered with efficient service exploration or that is not the responsibility of the concessionaire. Contributions to FUST by all telecommunications services companies began in January 2001, at the rate of 1% of net operating telecommunications services revenue (except for interconnetion revenues), and it may not be passed on to customers.
 
 
·
Contribution for the Fund of Telecommunications Technological Development—”FUNTTEL.” FUNTTEL was established in 2000, in order to stimulate technological innovation, enhance human resources development, create employment opportunities and promote access by small and medium-sized companies to capital resources, so as to increase the competitiveness of the Brazilian telecommunications industry. Contributions to FUNTTEL by all telecommunications services companies began in March 2001, at the rate of 0.5% of net operating telecommunications services revenue (except interconnection revenues), and it may not be passed on to customers.
 
We must also pay a contribution to the Fund for Telecommunications Regulation—“FISTEL.” FISTEL is a fund supported by a tax applicable to telecommunications operators (the “FISTEL Tax”) and was established in 1966 to provide financial resources to the Brazilian government for the regulation and inspection of the telecommunications sector. The FISTEL Tax consists of two types of fees: (i) an installation inspection fee assessed on telecommunications central offices upon the issuance of their authorization certificates and (ii) an annual operations inspection fee that is based on the number of authorized central offices in operation at the end of the previous calendar year. The amount of the installation inspection fee is a fixed charge, depending upon the kind of equipment installed in the authorized telecommunications station. The operations inspection fee equals 50% of the total amount of the installation inspection fee that would have been paid with respect to existing equipment.
 
Billing and Collection
 
We send each customer a monthly bill covering all of the services provided during the prior period. Telephone service providers are required under Brazilian law to offer their customers the choice of at least six different payment dates within the monthly billing cycle. In our case, customers are divided into 16 different groups, and each group receives a bill according to a specific billing date within the monthly billing cycle.
 
We have a billing and collection system with respect to fixed-line-to-fixed-line and fixed-line-to-mobile for local, long-distance, subscription and receivables services. Payments of the bills are effected under agreements with
 
 
31

 
various banks and other collection agencies (including lottery-playing facilities, drugstores and supermarkets) either by debiting the customer’s checking account, by direct payment to a bank or through the Internet.
 
In accordance with the Brazilian telecommunications regulations, we use a billing method called “co-billing.” This method allows billing from other phone service providers to be included within our own invoice. Our customers can receive and subsequently pay all of their bills (including the fees for the use of services of another telephone service provider) by using one invoice. To allow for this method of billing, we provide billing and collection services to other telephone service companies and have developed a special system for such bills. We have co-billing agreements (“co-billing in”) with Intelig, Embratel, Telemar/TNL, GVT, CTBC Telecom, IP Corp, Brasil Telecom and Convergia, each of which provides fixed-line services, and with TIM, which provides mobile services. Similarly, we use the same method of co-billing to bill charges for our services on the invoices of other telephone service providers. We have co-billing agreements of this nature (“co-billing out”) with Telemar, CTBC Telecom, Brasil Telecom, Sercomtel, GVT and Embratel, each of which provides fixed-line services, and with Oi, Tim, Sercomtel Celular, CTBC Celular, Brasil Telecom Celular, VIVO and Claro, each of which provides mobile services.
 
ANATEL regulations allow us to prevent a customer from making outgoing calls after a receivable has been outstanding for 30 days—a partial block—or prevent a customer from making outgoing or receiving incoming calls—a total block—after 60 days, and to disconnect a customer upon failure to pay after 90 days. During 2009, the monthly average of partial blocks was 884,750 telephone lines and the monthly average of total blocks was 156,009 telephone lines. On December 31, 2009, 10.2% of all receivables had been outstanding between 30 and 90 days, and 40.3% of all receivables had been outstanding for more than 90 days. For a discussion of provisions for past due accounts, see “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
 
We continue working on improving the system to control the revenue chain. This control is important for continual improvements in our billing and collections processes, as well as for the assurance of the non occurrence of losses in the implementation of new systems and in roll-outs. The actions are followed closely by our Revenue Assurance Team, which measures every risk of loss of revenue detected along the billing and collection chain. These risks are managed to minimize revenue losses.
 
Network and Facilities
 
Our network consists of an access layer, that connects our clients to our central switching voice and data hubs, and a network transport layer for managing client concentration, which also connects our clients to our central hubs.  These central hubs are interconnected locally or remotely through transmission equipment, which forms a layer of network services that interconnect with other operators. Local transmission is provided through fiber-optic and metallic trunk lines.  Intraregional long-distance transmission is provided by fiber-optic cable or by a microwave network.  Our network strategy is to develop a broadband integrated network that is compatible with several types of telecommunications services and multimedia applications.
 
As a telecommunication service provider, we do not manufacture equipment for the construction of our networks and  facilities.  We buy the equipment from qualified suppliers and through this equipment we mount our networks and facilities through which we supply our services. The following table sets forth selected information about our network in aggregate, at the dates and for the years indicated:
 
   
At and for Year ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Installed access lines (millions)
    14.5       14.7       14.6       14.4       14.3  
Access lines in service (millions) (1)
    11.3       11.7       12.0       12.1       12.3  
Average access lines in service (millions)
    11.5       11.8       12.0       12.3       12.4  
Access lines in service per 100 inhabitants
    27.1       28.7       29.1       29.9       30.9  
Percentage of installed access lines connected to digital switches
    100.0       100.0       100.0       100.0       100.0  
Employees per 1,000 access lines installed
    0.5       0.6       0.5       0.6       0.5  
Number of public telephones (thousands)
    250.5       250.3       250.3       250.3       331.5  
Registered local call minutes (billions)
    51.5       51.8       54.5       n.a.       n.a.  
 
 
 
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At and for Year ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Domestic long-distance call billed minutes (billions)
    10.7       11.8       11.9       13.0       14.1  
International call billed minutes (millions)
    63.8       84.7       88.1       94.7       104.9  
Broadband services (ADSL) (millions)
    2.6       2.5       2.0       1.6       1.2  
 

(1)
Data includes public telephone lines.
 
Technology
 
In order to offer a greater quantity of integrated services, we have incorporated a series of new technologies in our voice and data networks, the most prominent being IP/MPLS Multiservices networks supported by the IP/MPLS platform.
 
The IP/MPLS platform allows us to offer internet connection solutions to business clients at speeds that vary from 64Kbps to 10Gbps, as well as to forward the traffic of all Speedy clients.
 
This platform is directly connected to the main Brazilian internet providers and telecommunication companies through the network of Telefonica International Wholesale Services, or TIWS, via redundancy connections made by sub-sea cables.  These characteristics provide our clients with high quality services and short delays in their internet connections.
 
Additionally, we have name solution centers (DNS — Domain Name System) strategically positioned in the platform, which guarantee a quick name solution to our internet services clients.  These centers transform the internet addresses typed by residential and business clients into IP addresses guaranteeing the correct transmission of data to the internet.
 
We provide the IP/MPLS network to our business clients offering advanced connection solutions to small, medium and large companies (Private Virtual Networks — VPN). This network has mechanisms of quality assurance for all applications (Qos – Quality of Service) as well as applications for voice, video and data convergence.  We also offer connectivity solutions to business clients through a network based on Frame-Relay and ATM technologies.
 
In the telephonic segment we have created a network of the latest generation that allows for transportation of multiple media over IP Protocol that supports a diversified portfolio of products and services for clients.
 
Other top technologies in the segments of access (fiber-optic cables running to the client’s home, Wi-Fi), transmittal (Metroethernet) and service platforms (flexible billing plans, prepaid) are being implemented which will allow Telesp to offer, in the short term, voice, video and data services in an integrated form, encompassing all the segments of the market. This convergent network will allow for increased offerings for our clients and a reduction in operational costs centralizing information into fewer elements.
 
In the residential segment, since 1999, we have been heavily investing in offering broadband access through an asymmetric digital subscriber line, or ADSL, technology under the brand “Speedy.” This technology provides high-speed Internet access through regular telephone lines. In 2007, we initiated the implementation of the FTTx network (available through fiber-optic cables running to the subscriber’s home – GPON technology) with a coverage of 371K Home Passed, offered within a range of different speeds up to 30 Mbps, and IPTV high definition service (HDTV). In December 2009, we surpassed the mark of 2,553 million broadband clients connected in service, 65% of which had speeds equal to or greater than 2Mpbs. To reach this number of clients, we constantly search for market differentials such as new integrated services, speed upgrades and servicing of new localities, among others.
 
We offer the IPTV service through a partnership with TVA through the FTTx network and Telesp Plataform. In 2010, we will improve Telesp Plataform aiming to increase its competition in the market.  This platform consists of pay TV with video broadcast offered through the use of the IP protocol. The offering of such technologically advanced services is only made possible due to our partnership with TVA, a recognized provider of pay TV
 
 
33

 
services. Additional services, such as pay-per-view and “video on demand” (“VOD”), are also available. Furthermore Telefônica’s network contains space for the recording of programs or local recordings in the Set Top Box (“STB”), and in the future, third-party content providers will be able to offer games and connectivity services.
 
We also offer digital television service via satellite (DTH) to the subscribers in the State of São Paulo (and in the future, all of Brazil) that receive broadcast/PPV content through a Ku band antenna and Set Top Box (with Smart Card). As of December 31, 2009, we surpassed the mark of 300,000 subscribers in service. In 2010, we foresee the expansion of coverage of local channels with high penetration in their geographical markets. We will also improve the content protection system in 2010, aiming to reduce the possibility of undesired access to the distributed content.

Our development plan contemplates the use of the most advanced technology available, focusing on integration with the Internet and an increase in the number of multimedia transmission services, with emphasis beyond ADSL investments in FTTx (GPON), NGN, DWDM and re-transmittal technologies of TV over IP protocol (IPTV) and satellite (DTH).
 
Currently, 100% of our network is digital.
 
Competition
 
We currently face strong competition in the corporate and premium residential segments in respect of several types of services. In the corporate segment, we face strong competition in both voice services (local and long-distance) and data transmission, resulting in customer migration and the need for greater discounts to maximize client retention.
 
Our main competitors in the corporate segment are Oi (formerly Telemar), Intelig, Teléfonos de México, S.A. de C.V. (“Telmex”) through Embratel and GVT a “mirror” operator (operators with certain restrictions set forth by ANATEL during the privatization process) in Region II, which has been acquired by Vivendi in November 2009. Our competitors employ varying strategies in an effort to gain market share. For example, Embratel has sought to expand its presence by consolidating a large portfolio of companies, making direct sales and improving customer service. New market entrants Oi and GVT have focused their emphasis on larger corporate clients. Our market strategy in this sector is based on offering bundled products (voice, broadband and hardware) and on improving our customer service.
 
In the high-income residential service segment, we compete in fixed voice and long-distance services with Telmex (Embratel) and in broadband and pay TV services with the pay TV provider NET Serviços de Comunicação S.A. For the local voice and high-income segments, we also face increasing competition from cellular telecommunications services, which have lower rates for certain types of calls such as in-network mobile-to-mobile calls. Such competition increases our advertising and marketing costs. We are taking several steps to defend ourselves from increasing competition. In this customer segment we are focused on improving our voice, broadband and pay TV offerings by developing our products toward specifically defined market segments to remain competitive with new products offered by our competitors.
 
There are five mobile service operators in our region, two of which began operating in São Paulo in the second half of 2008.  In March, 2007, ANATEL granted Unicel a license to offer mobile telephone services in São Paulo.  Beginning in August 2008, Unicel began offering mobile telephone services in the city of São Paulo and in 63 of the municipalities of the State of São Paulo under the brand AEIOU.  In September 2007, Oi obtained a SMP authorization from ANATEL through a public bidding process.  In November 2008, Oi began offering mobile telephone services in the State of São Paulo.  We expect that the entry of AEIOU and Oi in the mobile telecommunications market in São Paulo will increase downward pressure on the prices for mobile telephone services in the state, contributing to further migration of users from fixed-line to mobile telephone service.
 
The five mobile service operators in the State of São Paulo include:
 
 
 
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·
Vivo (formerly Telesp Celular), which was the incumbent mobile telephone provider in the State of São Paulo and is now controlled by a joint venture between Portugal Telecom and Telefónica, our controlling shareholder;
 
 
·
Claro, a unified brand name used since the end of 2003 by several cellular operating companies controlled by America Móvil, S.A. de C.V., the leading cellular service provider in Mexico (which was spun off from Telmex in September 2000). America Móvil is controlled by Carso Telecom Group S.A. de C.V., a closely-held holding company incorporated in Mexico that is controlled by Carlos Slim Helú and family. Carso Telecom Group also indirectly controls Embratel through its subsidiary Telmex;
 
 
·
TIM, controlled by Telecom Italia, which began operations in October 2002;
 
 
·
Oi (formerly Telemar), which was the incumbent fixed-line telephone operator in Region I under the General Plan of Grants and which entered the São Paulo mobile telecommunications market following the acquisition of a 3G license in September 2007; and
 
 
·
AEIOU (formerly Unicel), which obtained a mobile telephone services license in March 2007 to operate in the city of São Paulo and 63 other municipalities in the region and began operating in August 2008, focusing primarily on providing services to a younger demographic, offering lower rates, pre-paid service and distinguishing itself by the absence of physical stores (all sales are made through the Internet).
 
In 2009, we continued to see a slight decline in the number of fixed-line customers, in part as a result of increased competition. In an effort to maintain the attractiveness of fixed-line telecommunications service, we have created product offerings customized to different customer segments. For example, in the low-income, local fixed telecommunications segment, we face less direct competition due to the low profitability of this market.  However, we do face more significant competition from prepaid cellular telecommunications providers in this segment.  Such services are relatively profitable because of the high fees generated through the interconnection of fixed and cellular networks. To address indirect competition from prepaid cellular telecommunications providers in the low-income customer segment, we offer low-cost, pre-paid fixed-line service, which we believe helps prevent migration of these customers from fixed-line service to mobile service.
 
We have also sought to protect our voice services offerings by increasing our offerings of “Minute Packages” and by including bundling offers with Speedy and pay TV. We have enhanced the attractiveness of our voice services through the increase of packages, mainly through the offer of flat rates in the “Fale e Navegue a Vontade” voice plan, that allows unlimited on-net local calling and internet dialing.
 
In addition to traditional telephone services, we continue to develop our product offerings by expanding our offerings in related market sectors, particularly those with greater potential for future growth, such as broadband Internet services, pay TV, and information technology services.
 
With respect to our broadband Internet offerings, in spite of increased competition in the broadband Internet market, Speedy has maintained its position as a market leader, with more than 2,6 million customers as of December 31, 2009.  In addition to the voice and data bundling services previously mentioned, we have been actively pursuing additional market strategies to maintain this position, including the launch of high speed broadband services (up to 30 Mbps) in addition to expanding our offering of 2 Mbps services to the majority of our customer base.
 
We believe we made substantial advances in the pay TV market in 2009 by expanding our range of available programming, leading to increased subscription, with over 487 thousand clients as of December 31, 2009.
 
At the end of 2009, there were approximately 43 million mobile phones in the State of São Paulo (out of approximately 170 million in Brazil). Operators such as the subsidiaries of America Móvil operating under the brand name Claro and Embratel, controlled by Carso Telecom Group, launched combination offerings in 2006 involving fixed-line and mobile services. Other integrated groups, such as Oi (formerly Telemar) and Brasil Telecom and its cellular company “BrT GSM,” have also launched offers incorporating the use of fixed telephones and mobile phones, though such offerings have not yet been launched in the São Paulo market despite the pressure of Oi in the
 
 
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mobile market. We are also offering combinations of services for our customers with “Vivo,” one of the mobile companies affiliated with the Telefônica group.
 
In 2009, we continued strengthening our position in the corporate market as a provider of complete information technology infrastructure solutions customized to individual clients from which we receive monthly rental payments.  As part of this new product offering, we provide “work stations” to our large business clients and “information stations” for small and medium business clients, packaging hardware, voice, data, internet, and network servicing solutions in one convenient bundle.
 
Additionally, we launched the “At Home” service, a residential automation service, which is a solution that provides integration and digital control to residences (lighting, entertainment, security, conditioning and communication) and Orby (smartphone with touch screen that allows Internet access and use of VoIP).
 
Finally, we believe our relationships with our customers are the foundation upon which our business is built, and in 2009 we made important advancements in improving our customer relations. We launched the “Telefônica em Ação” program in order to make structural changes in the services we offer. The program directed investments in infrastructure improvements focusing on increased quality standards.
 
In addition, we restructured our call centers and adapted our internal customer relations procedures with the goal of offering a higher level of customer service at all points of communication with our customers. The results of the program were excellent as reflected in the higher levels of customers satisfaction.
 
Sales, Marketing and Customer Service
 
Sales
 
We employ the following different approaches to deliver our solutions to customers:
 
 
·
Person-to-person sales: our business management team offers customized sales services to preserve customer loyalty, customized consulting telecommunication and IT services and technical and commercial support;
 
 
·
Telesales: sales through telemarketing call centers employing highly trained sales associates;
 
 
·
Indirect channels: outsourced sales—by certified companies in the telecommunications and data processing segments—to provide an adequately sized network for our products and services;
 
 
·
Internet: “Portal Telefônica,” with on-line information on our products and services specifically targeted toward our corporate clients; in 2009, we started to sell some of our “Portal Telefônica” services and products through chat, employing highly trained partners; and
 
 
·
Door-to-Door: in order to approach more Telefónica corporate clients, in March 2006, we launched door-to-door sales of services by consultants in the State of São Paulo.
 
Marketing
 
We continuously monitor market trends in an effort to develop new products and services that may address future needs and tendencies of our customers.
 
We increased the number of developed packaged products customized to meet the market needs, bundling voice and data services, digital telephone, minutes packages, information systems and improved connectivity in response to a growing demand from our clients. We believe that the trend toward bundled offers will continue to grow, and developing such offers will be important to maintain our competitiveness in the market.
 
We employ a different approach to marketing whereby we use a mix of human and technological resources (a specialized team and business intelligence tools, respectively), in addition to specific studies that allow us to target each market segment according to the relevant customer’s specific needs.
 
 
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We believe that the brand strength of Telefónica (the brand under which we offer our services) and its customer service, marketing and communication efforts will produce new business opportunities and attain and preserve customer loyalty.
 
Customer Service
 
Our principles of corporate operations state that we must always offer our clients innovative and trustworthy products and services of high quality and at reasonable prices. We continually improve the quality of our products and services through the modernization of our telecommunications platform and its management systems, as well as its operational support management systems, and an organizational structure with as few levels as possible, bringing the company closer to the customers. The following table sets forth information on service quality for the periods indicated.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Repair requests of traditional telephones (% requests for repairs of traditional lines/lines in service)
    1.4       1.3       1.4  
Repair requests of public telephones (% requests for repairs of public lines/lines in service)
    4.8       5.0       6.2  
Call completion local rate during the peak night period (% local calls attempted and completed/total local calls attempted)
    74.6       75.0       75.3  
Call completion national long-distance rate during the peak night period (% long-distance calls attempted and completed/total long distance calls attempted)
    71.3       71.1       71.1  
Billing complaints (complaints per 1,000 bills)
    1.7       1.8       2.6  

Under Brazilian telecommunications regulations, our concession and authorization contracts for providing services (fixed commuted, communication and multimedia telephone and pay TV) contain required targets that must be reached with respect to the quality of services that apply to access times for special service codes, response times for requested information for access codes, national and international call completions, repair requests, fulfillment of repair requests, fulfillment of address change requests and the quality of billing documents.
 
In June 2009, ANATEL suspended sales of our broadband service Speedy due to certain problems with the quality of the services provided.  Sales resumed in August, as authorized by ANATEL after our implementation of a remediation and stablization plan.
 
Service quality improvements were focused on investments in our broadband network and in rebuilding our commercial and operating practices. The key measures in the stabilization and growth of broadband network capacity were as follows:
 
 
·
Doubled the resolution capacity of DNS servers, increasing redundancy and contingence by increasing the DNS centers;
 
 
·
Increased the capacity of international internet access (toll-gate) and the adoption of a third access to increase redundancy;
 
 
·
Increased the interconnection protocol for sub-networks (IP) platform.
 
We also rebuilt our customers services center, aiming to meet our targets to continuously improve services to our clients and comply with two new features in our business, namely the Number Portability and the “Lei do SAC”. In order to achieve this goal we invested in:
 
 
·
Customer service team training, in an effort to train more than 4,000 people;
 
 
·
Investments in new equipments and technology.
 
 
 
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The results were favorable as our customer service improved its capacity to help clients within just one call and the total number of calls to customers service decreased by 52.3% between the first quarter of 2009 and the last quarter of 2009.
 
We also implemented changes in the sales strategy. We now audit all sales of broadband services and ensure that clients are aware of the characteristics of the services purchased, such as speed, installation terms and technical requirements for installation.
 
In order to continue improving the quality of our services, we have undertaken several measures to guarantee customer satisfaction, including:
 
 
·
Increased emphasis by the management on product and service quality and on customer satisfaction with weekly meetings attended by our senior officers;
 
·
Broadening the scope of customer satisfaction surveys conducted each month for each customer segment among residential, small business and corporate (large companies). In addition to customer satisfaction, the surveys evaluate customer loyalty and our corporate image;
 
·
Analyses of satisfaction surveys: identification of the critical factors for customers and main points for improvement and analysis of the correlation of the results of the satisfaction surveys with the operational indicators of the company;
 
·
Maintaining an increased emphasis on programs and projects focused on customer satisfaction, oriented toward and prioritized on customer satisfaction survey results together with internal evaluation and evaluation by outside consultants to help focus on action items of primary importance to customers;
 
·
Reviewing customers support processes, aiming to increase the support capacity and solve issues raised by clients;
 
·
Broad review of the broadband technical assistance processes in order to decrease the repair period and increase the level of successful solutions;
 
·
Implementation of processes aimed at reducing billing errors and technical problems for fixed-line and broadband service;
 
·
Maintenance and review of quality controls and objectives designed from the customer’s perspective, which establish internal service levels among business areas and support areas (network and system facilities).

Seasonality
 
Our business and results of operations are not materially affected by seasonal fluctuations in the consumption of our services.
 
Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry
 
General
 
Our business, including the services we provide and the rates we charge, is materially affected by comprehensive regulation under the General Telecommunications Law and various administrative rules thereunder. Our companies that operate under a concession are authorized to provide specified services and have certain obligations, according to the Plano Geral de Metas de Universalização, or General Plan on Universal Service Targets and the Plano Geral de Metas de Qualidade, or General Plan on Quality Targets.
 
ANATEL is the regulatory agency established by the General Telecommunications Law and the Regulamento da Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações, known as the ANATEL Decree issued in October 1997. ANATEL is administratively and financially independent of the Brazilian government. Any proposed regulation by ANATEL is subject to a period of public comment, including public hearings, and its decisions may be challenged in the Brazilian courts.
 
 
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Concessions and Authorizations
 
Concessions are licenses to provide telecommunications services that are granted under the public regime, while authorizations are licenses to provide telecommunications services granted under the private regime.
 
Companies that provide services under the public regime, known as the concessionary companies, are subject to certain obligations as to quality of service, continuity of service, universality of service, network expansion and modernization.
 
Companies that provide services under the private regime, known as the authorized companies, are generally not subject to the same requirements regarding continuity or universality of service; however, they may be subject to certain network expansion and quality of service obligations set forth in their authorizations.
 
Companies that operate under the public regime include us, Embratel, Oi, CTBC Telecom and Sercomtel. The primary public regime companies provide fixed-line telecommunications services in Brazil that include local, intraregional, interregional and international long-distance services. All other telecommunications service providers, including the other companies authorized to provide fixed-line services in our concession region, operate under the private regime.
 
Public regime companies, including us, can also offer certain telecommunications services in the private regime, of which the most significant are data transmission services.
 
Fixed-line Services—Public Regime. Our current concession agreements for the local, intraregional and interregional long-distance services, were extended on December 22, 2005, for an additional period of 20 years.
 
The current concession agreements contain a provision allowing for ANATEL to review the concession terms in 2010, 2015 and 2020. This provision permits ANATEL to update the renewed concession agreements with respect to network expansion, modernization and quality of service targets in response to changes in technology, competition in the marketplace and domestic and international economic conditions. A Public Notice (consulta pública) was published on March 31, 2009 with the proposed revisions to the concession contracts. Related public meetings (audiências públicas) were held in Manaus, Salvador, São Paulo, Brasília, Florianópolis and Rio de Janeiro in May 2009.
 
ANATEL is currently analyzing the suggestions received to the Public Notice and it may vote on the final version of the concession agreements during 2010. The revised concession agreements will become effective as of January 1, 2011.
 
Under the renewed concession agreements and during the 20-year renewal period, we are required to pay a biennial fee equal to 2% of our annual net revenue from the provision of fixed-line public telecommunications services in our concession area for the prior year (excluding taxes and social contributions). See “—Obligations of Telecommunications Companies—Public Regime Service Restrictions.” Each of the foregoing regulatory terms and conditions affecting (or potentially affecting) the current concession agreements, as well as current obligations under the existing concession agreements, may impact our business plan and results of operations.
 
Fixed-line Services—Private Regime. The Brazilian telecommunications regulations provide for the introduction of competition in telecommunications services by requiring ANATEL to authorize private regime companies to provide local and intraregional long-distance service in each of the three fixed-line regions and to provide intraregional, interregional and international long-distance services throughout Brazil. ANATEL has already granted authorizations to private regime operators to operate in Region III, our concession region. ANATEL also granted other private regime companies authorizations to operate in other fixed-line regions and authorizations to provide intraregional, interregional and international long-distance services throughout Brazil in competition with Embratel. Several companies have already applied for the authorization, and ANATEL may authorize additional private regime companies to provide intraregional, interregional and international long-distance services. See “—Competition.”
 
 
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Since 2002 we provide local and interregional services in Regions I and II and Sector 33 of Region III, and international long distance services in Regions I, II and III.
 
Obligations of Telecommunications Companies
 
We and other telecommunications service providers are subject to obligations concerning quality of service, network expansion and modernization. The concession telecommunication companies are also subject to a set of special restrictions regarding the services they may offer, which are listed in the Plano Geral de Outorgas, or General Plan of Grants, and special obligations regarding network expansion and modernization contained in the General Plan on Universal Service Targets.
 
In 2008, the presidential decree published with the General Plan of Grants increased the flexibility of telecommunications provider groups as STFC concessionaires by allowing such providers to provide services in up to two General Plan of Grants regions.  Prior to this decree, telecommunications provider groups holding STFC concessions could offer STFC services in only one region under the public regime.
 
Public Regime Service Restrictions
 
Public regime companies are also subject to certain restrictions on alliances, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, including:
 
 
·
a prohibition on holding more than 20% of the voting shares in any other public regime company, unless previously approved by ANATEL, according to ANATEL’s Resolution 101/99;
 
 
·
a prohibition on public regime companies to provide similar services through related companies; and
 
 
·
various restrictions on the offering of cable television by concessionary companies.
 
Network Expansion and Quality of Service
 
We are subject to the General Plan for Universal Service Targets (Plano Geral de Metas para a Universalização) and the General Plan for Quality Targets (Plano Geral de Metas de Qualidade), each of which respectively requires that we undertake certain network expansion activities with respect to our fixed-line services and meet specified quality of service targets. The timing for network expansion and benchmarks for quality of service are revised by ANATEL from time to time. No subsidies or other supplemental financings are anticipated to finance our network expansion obligations.
 
The decree altering the General Plan for Universal Service Targets rescinded in 2008 the obligation of telecommunications concessionaires to install telecommunications service centers (providing calling and data access to walk-in customers) and substituted such obligation with an obligation to roll out broadband network infrastructure throughout the municipalities serviced by such concessionaires.  According to this decree, all municipalities in Brazil are expected to have the necessary infrastructure for broadband networking by 2010. This obligation will require us to roll out network infrastructure to 257 of the 622 municipalities in our concession region. Going forward, this regulation will require us to expand our network throughout substantially all of our concession region. As of December 31, 2009, we have installed network infrastructure in 226 out of the 257 cities in which we are required to make these installations.
 
Moreover, we have, as have other telecommunications concessionaires, committed to provide free internet access to public schools during the term of our concession grant (until 2025).  This will require us to connect approximately 9,200 schools in our concession region by the end of 2010, besides roughly 3,000 other schools that were included according to the new school census of INEP/MEC.
 
If a public regime company does not fulfill its obligations under the General Plan for Universal Services and the General Plan for Quality Targets, there are various monetary penalties that may be imposed by ANATEL. A company may lose its license if ANATEL considers it incapable of providing basic services under the two General Plans.
 
 
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Interconnection
 
In compliance with resolution 458 of February 2007, new rules for interconnection fees were introduced. The interconnection fee for off-peak hours was reduced by 30% and it was indicated that the use of the LRIC long-term cost-based model for determining interconnection fee values will be implemented after 2009.
 
C. Organizational Structure
 
On December 31, 2009, our voting shares were controlled by two major shareholders: SP Telecomunicações Participações Ltda. with 50.71% and Telefônica Internacional S/A with 34.87%. Telefônica Internacional is the controlling shareholder of SP Telecomunicações and, consequently, holds directly and indirectly 85.57% of our common shares and 89.13% of our preferred shares. Telefónica Internacional is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telefônica, S.A. of Spain.
 
Subsidiaries
 
A. Telecom S.A. (formerly Assist Telefônica) is our wholly-owned subsidiary.  A. Telecom was incorporated in Brazil on October 29, 1999, and it is engaged primarily in providing telecommunications and data services and internal telephone network maintenance for customers. The principal services are as follows: (i) digital condominium which is a value-added service for commercial buildings, integrated solution for equipments and services for voice transmission, data and images on commercial buildings under a Building Local Exchange Carrier (“BLEC”) model; (ii) installation, maintenance, exchange and extension of new points of internal telephony wire in companies and dwellings under a basic plan of maintenance (BPM) and (iii) provision of free ISP service under the brand name “I-Telefônica.” In addition, on December 30, 2004, we entered into a transaction to acquire indirect control of Atrium Telecomunicações Ltda. The transaction was approved by our shareholders on January 19, 2005. The acquisition was carried out through the purchase of the total share capital of Santo Genovese Participações Ltda., which held 99.99% of the representative share capital of Atrium. On March 1, 2006 then-subsidiary Santo Genovese Participações Ltda., having merged into its subsidiary Atrium Telecomunicações Ltda., was acquired by A. Telecom S.A. and ceased to exist.  A. Telecom remained a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telesp, and began carrying out the activities formerly performed by Atrium. See “—B. Business Overview—Services.”
 
From the second half of 2006, A. Telecom began providing pay TV services, fully focusing on the development of this new product line. In February 2008, A. Telecom became an owned subsidiary of Telefônica Televisão Participações S.A. (TTP). In November 2008, TTP was merged into Telesp and A.Telecom became a wholly owned subsidiary of Telesp. See “—A. History and Development of the Company—Historical Background—Corporate Reorganization involving DABR and TTP.”
 
Telefônica Data S.A.’s business purpose is to render telecommunications services such as the development, implementation and installation of projects related to integrated business solutions and telecommunications consulting, as well as activities related to the rendering of technical assistance and equipment and telecommunications network maintenance services. Telefônica Empresas, currently (“Telefônica Data”), became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company after the corporate reorganization that was carried out in July 2006. See “—A. History and Development of the Company—Historical Background—The SCM Restructuring.” In July 2008, Telefônica Data became a wholly owned subsidiary of TTP. In November 2008, TTP was merged into Telesp and Telefônica Data became a wholly owned subsidiary of Telesp. See “—A. History and Development of the Company—Historical Background—Corporate Reorganization involving DABR and TTP.”
 
Telefônica Sistema de Televisão S.A. (“TST”) is a company that provides pay television services through the Multipoint Multichannel Distribution Services (“MMDS”) modality.
 
Associated Companies
 
Since June 30, 2000, we have consolidated, under the Brazilian Corporate Law Method, the operations of Aliança Atlântica Holding B.V., an investment company incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands. As of December 31, 2009, we held a 50% share ownership and Telefónica S.A. held the remaining 50%.
 
 
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Furthermore, since December 31, 2003, we have also consolidated, under the Brazilian Corporate Law Method, our investment under proportional consolidation in Companhia AIX de Participações, or AIX. At December 31, 2009, we held a 50% share ownership in AIX and Telemar Participações S.A. held the remaining 50%. AIX was formed in 2001 to explore, directly and indirectly, activities related to the execution, conclusion and commercial exploitation of underground cables to fiber-optic. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report starting at page F-1. We also consolidate, as required under the Brazilian Corporate Law Method, Companhia ACT de Participações, in which we hold a 50% interest.
 
D. Property, Plants and Equipment
 
Our main physical properties for providing the Company’s services involve the segments of switching (public switching telephone network-PSTN), transmission (optic and wireless systems), data communication (multiplex devices, IP network), infrastructure (Energy systems and air conditioned) and external Network (fiber-optic and metallic cables), which are distributed in many buildings in the State of São Paulo and in the main cities out of the State of São Paulo. Some of these buildings are also used in administrative and commercial areas.
 
Our properties are located throughout the State of São Paulo. At December 31, 2009, we used 2,105 properties in our operations, 1,438 of which we own, and we have entered into standard leasing agreements to rent the remaining properties. We own a building in the City of São Paulo where the majority of our management activities are conducted.
 
As of December 31, 2009, property related to construction in progress represented 5.9% of the net book value of our total fixed assets, automatic switching equipment represented 24.7%, transmission and other equipment represented 33.5%, underground and marine cables, poles and towers represented 2.2%, subscriber and public booth equipment represented 4.6%, electronic data process equipment represented 1.3%, buildings and underground equipment represented 25.0%, land represented 2.3%, and other assets represented 0.5% of total fixed assets. As of December 31, 2009, the net book value of our property, plant and equipment was R$9.7 billion.
 
Pursuant to Brazilian legal procedures, liens have been attached to several properties pending the outcome of various legal proceedings to which we are a party. See “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.”
 
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.
 
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
 
A. Operating Results
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and other information appearing elsewhere in this annual report and in conjunction with the financial information included under “Item 3. Key Information—A. Selected Financial Data.” Except as otherwise indicated, all financial information in this annual report has been prepared in accordance with the Brazilian Corporate Law and presented in reais. For certain purposes, such as providing reports to our Brazilian shareholders, filing financial statements with the CVM, and determining dividend payments and other distributions and tax liabilities in Brazil, we have prepared and will continue to be required to prepare financial statements in accordance with the Brazilian Corporate Law.
 
Overview
 
Our results of operations are principally affected by the following key factors.
 
 
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Brazilian Political and Economic Environment
 
The Brazilian economy has experienced moderate growth this decade. According to the IBGE which uses the new methodology of national accounts, Brazil’s GDP expanded 5.7% in 2004, 3.2% in 2005, 4.0% in 2006, 5.7% in 2007, and 5.1% in 2008. In 2009, Brazil’s GDP decreased 0.2%.
 
Consumer prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, or the IPCA, published by the IBGE, registered a variation of 4.3% in 2009.  Accordingly, growth in consumer prices was below the inflation target established by the Central Bank of 4.5%. In 2006, 2007 and 2008, the variation had been of 3.1%, 4.5% and 5.9%, respectively. Inflation, as measured by the General Price Index, or the IGP-DI, calculated by the Fundação Getúlio Vargas, which includes wholesale, retail and home-building prices, decreased 1.43% in 2009, compared to increases of 9.1% in 2008, 7.9% in 2007 and 3.8% in 2006.
 
As a result of the deceleration of increasing inflation and of the economic activity, the Central Bank decreased interest rates during 2009, and as a result, the Selic rate decreased from 13.75% to 8.75%, which is the lowest level since the creation of the inflation target system in 1999.
 
Brazil finished 2009 with a trade balance surplus of US$25.3 billion, compared to US$24.8 billion in 2008. Exports went down by 22.7% to US$153.0 billion, while imports decreased by 26.3% to US$127.6 billion. Financial inflows into the country decreased significantly, with foreign direct investments of US$25.9 billion, compared to US$45.1 billion in 2008. Portfolio investments increased by US$46.7 billion in 2009, in comparison to the increase of US$6.3 billion in 2008. The good performance of external accounts allowed international reserves to increase by US$32.2 billion to the record level of US$239.1 billion.
 
The economic downturn and the reduction of taxes resulted in lower tax revenues which affected public finances and efforts to meet the target for primary surplus established at 3.8% of GDP. The target was revised to 2.5% during 2009. In addition, the Federal Government realized that the expenditures with the Growth Acceleration Program (Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento), or PAC, and the Investment Pilot Program (Programa Piloto de Investimento), or PPI, had not been included in the calculation of the primary surplus, resulting in an increase of expenses of 1.6% of the GDP. Considering the primary surplus of 2.1% of the GDP plus the expenditures with the PAC and the PPI programs, the revised target has been met. Net public debt, as a proportion of GDP, increased in 2009 to approximately 43.0% from 37.3% in 2008. The appreciation of the real in 2009 helped to increase the public debt. This was due, in part, to a higher level of international reserves accumulated by the country that was greater than the public debt, and Brazil’s becoming an international creditor, rather than a debtor.  Despite the increase in the public debt, Brazil’s sovereign debt received investment grade rating from Moody’s, reflecting the country’s performance over the past years and its recovery from the global economic crisis.
 
The improvement in domestic economic data, such as inflation, external accounts, and interest rates, along with increased liquidity in the international capital markets led to a decrease in country risk in 2009. The J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Plus (EMBI + Brazil), which tracks total returns for traded external debt instruments in the emerging markets, decreased to 197 basis points by the end of 2009 from 428 basis points at the end of 2008.
 
As a result, the real appreciated against the U.S. dollar by 25.9% in 2009. The exchange rate on December 31, 2009 was R$1.74/US$1.00. After the crisis in 2008, when the exchange rate reached R$2.3/US$1.00, the appreciation trend observed since 2004 arose as a consequence of the decrease in country risk. In the previous years, the exchange rate was R$1.77 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2007 compared to R$2.14 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2006 and R$2.34 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2005. The appreciation of the real in this context is also related to the devaluation of the U.S. dollar against other currencies.
 
Our business is directly affected by trends in the global economy and the Brazilian economy. If the Brazilian economy enters a period of continued recession, then demand for telecommunications services is likely to decline. Similarly, depreciation of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar could reduce the purchasing power of Brazilian consumers and negatively affect the ability of our customers to pay for our telecommunications services.
 
 
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Impact of Inflation on Our Results of Operations
 
Prior to 2006, the fees we charged our customers were periodically adjusted by ANATEL based on the inflation rates measured by the General Price Index (IGP-DI).
 
Starting in 2006, telephone fees were indexed to the IST, which is a basket of national indexes that reflect the telecommunications sector’s operating costs. Such indexing will thus reduce inconsistencies between revenues and costs in our industry and therefore reduce the adverse effects of inflation on our business. The IST for the last 12 months is 4.2% according to the last data published by ANATEL in June 2009.
 
The table below shows the Brazilian general price inflation (according to the IGP-DI, IPCA and the IST) for the years ended December 31, 2004 through 2009:
 
 
 
Inflation Rate (%) as Measured by IGP-DI (1)
 
 
Inflation Rate (%) as Measured by IPCA (2)
 
 
Inflation Rate (%) as Measured by IST (3)
December 31, 2009
(1.4)
 
4.3
 
2.1
December 31, 2008
9.1
 
5.9
 
6.6
December 31, 2007
7.9
 
4.5
 
3.2
December 31, 2006
3.8
 
3.1
 
3.2
December 31, 2005
1.2
 
5.7
   


(1)
Source: IGP-DI, as published by the Fundação Getúlio Vargas.
 
(2)
Source: IPCA, as published by the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística.
 
(3)
Source: IST, as published by the Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações.
 
Regulatory and Competitive Factors
 
Our business, including the services we provide and the rates we charge, is subject to comprehensive regulation under the General Telecommunications Law. As a result, our business, results of operations and financial conditions could be impacted by the actions of the Brazilian authorities, including:
 
 
·
delays in the granting, or the failure to grant, approvals for rate adjustment;
 
 
·
the granting of licenses to new competitors in our region; and
 
 
·
the introduction of new or stricter requirements for our operating concession.
 
A series of new regulations became effective in 2009. The most important among these regulations were:
 
 
·
Resolution No. 527, which approved the Rule for the Use of Broadband Radiofrequency through Electric Energy Networks;
 
 
·
Resolution No. 529, which approved the Rule for Telecommunication Equipments Certification concerning Electric Safety Aspects;
 
 
·
Resolution No. 532, which approved the Amendment to the IST Calculation Rule, applied in the Adjustment of the Fees Related to Telecommunication Services, revoking Resolution No. 420;
 
 
·
Resolution No. 534, which amended Annexes I and II of the Rule of Local Areas of the STFC;
 
 
·
Resolution No. 535, which approved the Rules for the Methodology to be Used in the WACC Calculation.
 
We expect the following issues to become effective as new regulations or to be subject of one or more Public Notices in 2010, with an exact timeline yet to be determined by ANATEL.
 
 
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·
Proposals for new conditions and goals for quality and universal access to be included in the revision of concession contracts of STFC operators;
 
 
·
Creation of a General Quality Targets Plan for the SCM;
 
 
·
Proposals for the assignment of the 2.5 GHz bandwidth;
 
 
·
Announcement for bidding of licenses on the 3.5 GHz bandwidth;
 
 
·
Development of a General Competition Plan that would regulate standards for service providers with significant market power.
 
Number portability came into effect in Brazil in September 2008.  Number portability allows clients within a limited geographic locale to relocate or change their telephone operator without the need to change their telephone number (for either a fixed or mobile line).  Number Portability rights for all of our clients became effective in March 2009.
 
In addition to regulatory considerations, our business is affected by competition from other telecommunications providers. We began to face competition in our region in July 1999, and we anticipate that competition will contribute to declining prices for fixed-line telecommunications services and increasing pressure on operating margins. Our future growth and results of operations will depend significantly on a variety of factors, including:
 
 
·
Brazil’s economic growth and its impact on the greater demand for services;
 
 
·
the costs and availability of financing; and
 
 
·
the exchange rate between the real and other currencies.
 
Foreign Exchange and Interest Rate Exposure
 
We face significant foreign exchange risk due to our foreign currency-denominated indebtedness and our capital expenditures, particularly equipment. A real devaluation may increase the cost of certain of our capital expenditures. Our revenues are earned almost entirely in reais, and we have no material foreign currency-denominated assets other than derivative instruments and corporate stakes in foreign companies.
 
On December 31, 2009, 0.7% of our R$3.52 billion of indebtedness was denominated in foreign currencies, primarily in U.S. dollars. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Devaluation of the real causes exchange losses on foreign currency-denominated indebtedness and exchange gain on foreign currency-denominated assets and corporate stakes in foreign companies.
 
We use derivative instruments to limit our exposure to exchange rate risk. Since September 1999, we have hedged virtually all of our foreign currency-denominated bank debt; using swaps. However, we remain exposed to market risk resulting from changes in local interest rates (principally the Certificate for Interbank Deposits (Certificado de Depósito Interbancário), or CDI; CDI is an index based upon the average rate per cost of loans negotiated among the banks within Brazil).
 
Substantially, all of our debt is exposed to variable interest rates. On December 31, 2009, R$1.99 billion of our indebtedness was subject to TJLP (a long term interest rate with a very low variation), R$0.02 billion was subject to variation of the U.S. dollar and the balance was subject to variations in CDI. However, virtually all of our foreign currency debt is swapped under hedging arrangements for variable-rate real-denominated obligations based on CDI. As of December 31, 2009, we had swap transactions—CDI against fixed rates which totaled R$1.51 billion to partially hedge against internal interest rate fluctuations. We invest our cash and cash equivalents mainly in short-term instruments that earn interest based on CDI. See Note 33 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Item 11—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”
 
Since we have foreign currency derivatives with notional amounts substantially equivalent to our borrowings denominated in foreign currency, we do not have material exchange rate exposure with respect to these contracts.
 
 
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However, we could still continue to have exchange rate exposure with respect to our planned capital expenditures, approximately 31% of which are made in foreign currencies (mostly U.S. dollars). We systematically monitor the amounts and time of exposure to exchange rate fluctuations and may contract for hedging positions, when appropriate, at our discretion.
 
Discussion of Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies
 
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with Brazilian Corporate Law included in this annual report involves certain assumptions and estimates, which are based upon historical experience and various other factors that we deemed reasonable and relevant. Although we review these estimates and assumptions in the ordinary course of business, the presentation of our financial condition and results of operation often requires our management to make judgments regarding the effects on our financial condition and results of operations of matters that are inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ from those estimated under different variables, assumptions or conditions. Note 3 of our Consolidated Financial Statements includes methods used in the preparation of those statements and Note 4 includes a summary of the significant accounting policies. In order to provide an understanding of how we form the foregoing judgments and estimates, we have summarized certain critical accounting policies below.
 
Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets
 
We estimate the useful lives of property, plant and equipment in order to determine the amount of depreciation and amortization expense to be recorded during any reporting period. The useful lives are estimated at the time the assets are acquired and are based on historical experience with similar assets, as well as taking into account technological changes and public telecommunications service regulations. If technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation and amortization expenses in future periods. Alternatively, these types of technological changes could result in the recognition of an impairment loss to reflect the write-down in value of the assets. We review our goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles for impairment losses annually, or together with other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment that have finite lives and are depreciated when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable over the remaining lives of the assets. In assessing impairment losses, we employ the cash flow method, which takes into account management’s estimates of future operations. See Notes 12 and 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had R$11.1 billion recorded as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets under the Brazilian Corporate Law, accounting for approximately 54.4% of our total assets.
 
Goodwill Impairment
 
Under Brazilian Corporate Law, the amount of goodwill impairment, if any, is measured based on projections of our future operating cash flows. Under U.S. GAAP, goodwill is subject to a yearly impairment test. In performing the yearly impairment test, we identify our reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets. We then determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, we would be required to perform the second step of the impairment test that involves the determination of the implicit fair value of the goodwill in the reporting unit by performing a hypothetical purchase accounting calculation. If the implicied value of the goodwill exceeds its book value, an impairment is recognized.
 
A determination of the fair value and the undiscounted future operating cash flows of our business requires management to make certain assumptions and estimates with respect to projected cash inflows and outflows related to future revenues, expenditures and expenses. These assumptions and estimates can be influenced by different external and internal factors, such as economic tendencies, industry trends, and interest rates, changes in our business strategies and changes in the type of services we offer to the market. The use of different assumptions and estimates could significantly change our financial statements. If assumptions and estimates about the expected future net cash flows change in the future, we may have to recognize impairment charges on goodwill, which would decrease our results of operations and shareholders’ equity.
 
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable
 
Under Brazilian Corporate Law and U.S. GAAP, revenues from interconnection fees are calculated based on the duration of each call and, as determined by Brazilian law, recognized at the time the interconnection services are rendered. Under the Brazilian Corporate Law and U.S. GAAP, revenues from public telephones are recognized at the time the prepaid phone card is used. For the year ended December 31, 2009, we had R$386.6 million recorded as revenues from public telephone services under Brazilian Corporate Law. See Note 22 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Deferred revenues are determined based on estimates of outstanding credits of prepaid phone cards that were sold but have not been used as of the date of each balance sheet. Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, revenues from activation or installation services are recognized upon the activation or installation of services to the customer. Under U.S. GAAP, revenues from activation and installation services are deferred and amortized over the estimated expected service period of the customer of 4.74 years.
 
In light of increasing competition in the telecommunications industry, we are increasingly offering bundled products and services to our customers. This practice does not allow for the exercise of judgments and estimates in determining the value of bundled products with respect to the various components of the bundled products in order to recognize revenue under US GAAP.
 
We consider revenue recognition a critical accounting policy because of uncertainties caused by different factors such as the complex information technology required, the high volume of transactions, problems related to fraud and piracy, accounting regulations, management’s determination of our ability to collect fees and uncertainties
 
 
46

 
relating to our right to receive certain revenues (mainly revenues for use of our network). Significant changes in these factors could cause us to fail to recognize revenues or to recognize revenues that we may not be able to realize in the future, despite our internal controls and procedures. We have not identified any significant need to change our recognition policy for U.S. GAAP or the Brazilian Corporate Law.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
In preparing our financial statements, we must estimate our ability to collect payment for our accounts receivable. We constantly monitor our past due accounts receivable. If we become aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific allowance against amounts due in order to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. We also reassess whether we should recognize future revenue from such customers when collection is assured. For all other accounts receivable, we recognize allowances for doubtful accounts based on our past write-off experience (i.e., average percentage of receivables historically written off, economic conditions and the length of time the receivables are past due). Our reserves have generally been adequate to cover our actual credit losses. However, because we cannot predict with certainty the future financial stability of our customers, we cannot guarantee that our reserves will continue to be adequate. Actual credit losses may be greater than the allowance we have established, which could have a significant negative impact on our selling expenses. We recognized provisions for doubtful accounts of R$565 million, R$539 million, and R$653 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
Provision for Contingencies
 
We are subject to legal and administrative proceedings related to tax, labor and civil matters. We are required to assess the likelihood of any adverse decision or outcome of these matters, as well as the range of probable losses. A determination of the amount of reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each individual matter and in consultation with our internal and external legal counsel. We record provisions for contingencies only when we believe that it is probable that we will incur loss in connection with the matter in dispute and we are able to reasonably estimate the expected loss. We have recorded no provisions for a number of significant tax disputes with the Brazilian tax authorities because we do not believe it is probable we will incur losses in connection therewith. Our required reserves for contingencies may change in the future based on new developments or changes in our approach to these proceedings (e.g., change in our settlement strategy). Such changes could result in a negative impact on future results and cash flows.
 
Future Liability for Our Post-retirement Benefits (Pension Fund and Medical Health Care)
 
We provide various pension and medical benefits for our employees. We must make assumptions in connection with the provision of such benefits as to interest rates, investment returns, inflation, mortality rate and future employment rate levels in order to quantify our post-retirement liabilities. The accuracy of these assumptions will determine whether or not we have sufficient reserves for accrued pension and medical health care costs.
 
Deferred Taxes
 
By recognizing our net deferred tax assets, we imply that we will generate sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions, based on estimates and assumptions to realize the benefits of such assets, and will continue operating under the current and future applicable provisional measures. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record additional provisions to be offset against our deferred tax assets, and thus recognize an additional income tax expense in our financial statements. Management evaluates the reasonableness of the deferred tax assets and assesses the need for additional valuation allowances at the end of the year. As of December 31, 2009, we did not believe an additional provision to offset our net deferred tax assets was required beyond those recognized in the financial statements.
 
Financial Instruments and Other Financing Activities
 
In order to manage foreign exchange transactions, we may, from time to time, invest in derivative financial instruments. Under Brazilian Corporate Law, as of January 1, 2009, foreign currency swap agreements are recorded at fair value. For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized net gains of R$58.2 million (net losses
 
 
47

 
of R$153.4 million in 2008) on our derivative transactions, assets of R$0.6 million and liabilities of R$31.7 million as of December 31, 2009 (assets of R$95.8 and liabilities of R$37.3 million as of December 31, 2008) in order to recognize existing temporary gains or losses. The gains or losses on hedge transactions were calculated based on the fair value of the derivative financial instruments.
 
We apply ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” under U.S. GAAP. According to ASC 815, all derivatives, whether or not related to a hedging transaction, must be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income, or OCI, a component of U.S. GAAP shareholders’ equity, and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item results in earnings or losses. Portions of changes in the fair value related to ineffective cash flow hedges are immediately recognized in earnings of the period.
 
On December 31, 2009, we had US$8.5 million of notional value swap contracts designated as fair value hedges of a portion of our foreign currency-denominated bank debt. Under U.S. GAAP, we had no hedge accounting derivative instrument which resulted in an increase of R$0.73 million in our indebtedness as of December 31, 2009 (compared to a decrease of R$2.5 million for the period ended December 31, 2008). Under U.S. GAAP, we recognized a gain of R$11.0 million for the period ending December 31, 2009 for such transactions (compared to R$3.5 million for the period ended December 31, 2008).
 
In applying generally accepted accounting principles in connection with these derivative instruments, management took into consideration interest rates, discount rates, foreign exchange rates, future cash flow, and the effectiveness of hedges. These judgments directly affect the value of derivative instruments recorded on the balance sheet, and the amount of gains and losses included in the calculation of operating income. Should actual interest rates, discount rates, foreign exchange rates, future cash flow and ultimate hedge effectiveness differ from our estimates, the amounts recorded within the period of realization will have to be revised.
 
Adoption of IFRS in Brazil

The Brazilian securities regulator, the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (locally CVM) has determined that IFRS, as issued by IASB, should be used for consolidated financial statements of public companies from 2010 onwards. The local standards are issued by Comitê de Pronunciamentos Contábeis (locally CPC), a Brazilian accounting standard setter. Both public and non-public are currently required to prepare their financial statements in accordance with local standards which are similar to IFRS.
 
Furthermore, for the year to be ended December 31, 2010, we will present our consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). As permitted by the US SEC rules, starting in 2010 we will no longer present reconciliation to US GAAP of our consolidated financial statements.
 
Sources of Revenue
 
Our revenues are derived primarily from the following:
 
 
·
local service charges, which include monthly subscription charges, measured service charges, activation fees, and charges for use of public telephones (including prepaid cards); for calls to both fixed and mobile numbers, either within or outside our network;
 
 
·
intraregional long-distance service charges, which include service charges for calls that originate and terminate within our concession region;
 
 
·
interregional and international long-distance service charges;
 
 
·
charges for data transmission, which include Speedy (broadband service) and management and data transmission to corporate segment since the merger of Telefónica Empresas in July 2006;
 
 
·
fixed-to-mobile charges, which include fees paid by our customers for fixed-mobile calls;
 
 
·
interconnection fees paid by other telecommunications service providers on a per-call basis for their calls that terminate in our network;
 
 
·
infrastructure rental fees paid by other telecommunications service providers on a contractual basis for the use of parts of our network; and
 
 
·
charges for other services, which include miscellaneous revenues from other services (call waiting, call forwarding, voice and fax mailboxes, speed dialing, and caller ID).
 
Our gross operating revenues include value-added and other indirect taxes and discounts to customers in accordance with Brazilian GAAP. The composition of operating revenues by category of service is presented in our
 
 
48

 
Consolidated Financial Statements and discussed below. We have not calculated net operating revenues for each category of revenue.
 
Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth certain components of our net income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, as well as the percentage change of each component.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
      2009 - 2008       2008 - 2007  
   
(in millions of reais, except percentages)
 
Net operating revenue
    15,796       15,979       14,727       (1.1 )     8.5  
Cost of goods and services
    (8,956 )     (8,726 )     (8,029 )     2.6       8.7  
Gross profit
    6,840       7,253       6,698       (5.7 )     8.3  
Operating expenses:
                                       
Selling expense
    (2,568 )     (2,601 )     (2,462 )     (1.3 )     5.6  
General and administrative expense
    (868 )     (755 )     (839 )     15.0       (10.0 )
Other net operating income (expense)
    (47 )     (167 )     250       (71.9 )     (166.8 )
Operating expenses, net
    (3,483 )     (3,523 )     (3,051 )     (1.1 )     15.5  
Operating income before financial expense, net
    3,357       3,730       3,647       (10.0 )     2.2  
Financial expense, net
    (195 )     (228 )     (307 )     (14.5 )     (25.7 )
Income before taxes and social contribution
    3,162       3,502       3,340       (9.7 )     4.9  
Income tax and social contribution
    (989 )     (1,082 )     (977 )     (8.6 )     10.7  
Net income
    2,173       2,420       2,363       (10.2 )     2.4  
                                         

 
Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
Net Operating Revenue
 
Net operating revenue decreased by 1.1% reaching R$15.8 billion in 2009 from R$16.0 billion in 2008.  The decrease in net operating revenue is primarily a result of a decrease in revenues from local service monthly subscription charges and a decrease in revenues in connection with the traffic of fixed-to-mobile calls and in fixed-to-mobile subscriptions. These reductions were partially offset by an increase in the revenues from data transmission services, pay-tv and voice infrastructure services.
 
The following table sets forth certain components of our operating revenues for 2009 and 2008, as well as the percentage change of each component.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2009
   
2008
     
2009 - 2008
 
   
(in millions of reais, except percentages)
 
Gross operating revenue:
                   
Local services:
                   
Monthly subscription charges
    5,226       5,487       (4.8 )
Activation fees
    109       114       (4.8 )
Measured service charges
    2,417       2,563       (5.7 )
Public telephones
    387       445       (13.1 )
Total
    8,139       8,609       (5.5 )
 
 
 
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Year ended December 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2009
   
2008
     
2009 - 2008
 
   
(in millions of reais, except percentages)
 
Long-distance services:
                       
Intra-regional
    2,672       2,644       1.1  
Inter-regional and international
    1,311       1,305       0,5  
Total
    3,983       3,949       0.9  
Data transmission
    4,176       3,760       11.1  
Fixed-to-mobile services
    4,102       4,372       (6.2 )
Network usage services
    488       466       4.7  
Infrastructure rental service
    509       384       32.5  
TV services
    600       379       58.4  
Other services
    1,158       1,102       5.1  
Total gross operating revenue
    23,155       23,021       0.6  
Value added and other indirect taxes
    (5,778 )     (5,979 )     (3.3 )
Discounts
    (1,581 )     (1,063 )     48.8  
Net operating revenue
    15,796       15,979       (1.2 )
 
Local Services
 
Revenues from local services decreased by 5.5% to R$8.1 billion in 2009 from R$8.6 billion in 2008. The decrease was due primarily to a decrease in subscriptions and a decrease in traffic revenues as a result of a flat tariff imposed on local calls.  These reductions were partially offset by an increase in revenues related to the residential alternative basic plan.
 
Monthly subscription charges. Revenues from monthly subscriptions decreased by 4.8% to R$5.2 billion in 2009 compared to R$5.5 billion in 2008. The decrease in 2009 was primarily due to a decrease in revenues received from residential subscriptions in an amount of R$248.8 million and in non-residential subscriptions in an amount of R$83.7 million. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in revenues received from DDR Access digital subscriptions in an amount of R$100.9 million and from basic package residential plans in an amount of R$50.3 million.
 
Activation fees. Revenues from monthly activation fees decreased by 4.8% to R$108.8 million in 2009 from R$114.3 million in 2008. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease of R$36.1 million in revenues in relation to control line activation fees, which was partially offset by an increase in revenues from the following activation fees: ”Linha Econômica” in an amount of R$15.5 million; ”Linha Jovem” in an amount of R$13.5 million and ”Linha Lazer” in an amount of R$1.1 million.
 
Measured service charges. Revenues from measured service charges decreased by 5.7% to R$2.4 billion in 2009 from R$2.6 billion in 2008. The decrease in 2009 was due primarily to decreases in traffic revenues with respect to: the basic fixed-fixed plan in an amount of R$147.9 million as a result of a decrease in the customers’ used minutes; the “0300” fixed-fixed plan in an amount of R$125.6 million due to a decrease in marketing advertisements on TV and radio. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in revenues from alternative plans traffic and by adjustments in tariffs charged of 0.98% effective since September 2009.
 
Public telephones. Revenues from charges for the use of public telephones decreased by 13.1% to R$386.6 million in 2009 from R$444.9 million in 2008. The decrease in 2009 was due to a decrease in sales of pre-paid cards by R$58.3 million.
 
 
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Long-Distance Services
 
Revenues from long distance services increased by 0.9% to R$4.0 billion in 2009 from R$3.9 billion in 2008, due primarily to an increase in revenues from SME traffic using our network, which was partially offset by a decrease in the traffic originating from fixed calls.
 
Data Transmission
 
Revenues from data transmission services increased by 11.1% to R$4.2 billion in 2009 from R$3.8 billion in 2008.  The increase in 2009 was primarily due to an increase in revenues in relation to the Speedy plan in the amount of R$257.1 million, in relation to the interconnection protocol (IP) in the amount of R$191.5 million, to maintenance (voice infrastructure) in the amount of R$37.4 million, to voice/desktop infrastructure management in the amount of R$15.3 million, to commuting data transmission service in the amount of R$5.7 million and to outsourcing of voice infrastructure in the amount of R$5.1 million. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in frame-relay services in the amount of R$37.7 million, host services in the amount of R$27.3 million, dial provider and outsourcing monthly fees in the amount of R$14.1 million, consulting services in the amount of R$8.2 million, installation of frame-relay and voice infrastructure in the amount of R$6.8 million and rental fees of frame-relay and voice infrastructure in the amount of R$1.5 million.
 
Fixed-to-Mobile Services
 
Revenues from fixed-mobile services decreased by 6.2% to R$4.1 billion in 2009 from R$4.4 billion in 2008, due primarily to a decrease in revenues from fixed-mobile traffic (VC1/VC2/VC3) in the amount of R$267.7 million and from collect calls (VC1/Intra) in the amount of R$70.4 million.  These effects were partially offset by an increase in pre-paid traffic (VC1/VC2/VC3) in the amount of R$29.8 million, fixed-radio traffic in the amount of R$5.7 million, fixed-mobile traffic in the amount of R$3.5 million, and traffic of “0800” calls in the amount of R$28.6 million.
 
Network Usage Services
 
Revenues from network usage services increased by 4.7% to R$487.8 million in 2009 from R$465.8 million in 2008, due to an increase in revenues from local network use in the amount of R$27.1 million and an increase in traffic originating from mobile calls.  The increase was partially offset by a decrease in intraregional network use revenues in the amount of R$21.9 and international network use revenues in the amount of R$3.3 million.
 
Infrastructure Rental Services
 
The revenues derived from network access increased by 32.5% to R$509.3 million in 2009 from R$384.3 million in 2008, due primarily to an increase in revenues from dedicated lines rented to other carriers (EILD) in the amount of R$124.9 million resulting from the growth of the telecommunications market and the demand for a higher volume of band for data transmission.
 
TV Services
 
Revenues from TV services increased by 58.4% to R$600.3 million in 2009 from R$379.0 million in 2008. The increase is mainly due to the increase in packages (“duo” and “trio”) offered by the Company and its subsidiary Telefônica Sistemas de Televisão, and also to an increase of 3.0% in the customer base up to 486,614 customers in 2009 as compared to 472,222 customers in 2008.
 
Other Services
 
Revenues from other services increased by 5.1% to R$1.2 billion in 2009 from R$1.1 billion in 2008. These effects were caused primarily by an increase in revenues from providing maintenance services in the amount of R$46.3 million, from providing information services in the amount of R$36.0 million, from equipment resales in connection with the supply of equipment to the corporate customer segment carried out by T.Data in the amount of R$32.0 million, from the implementation and operation of an underground fiber-optic network by Cia Aix in the
 
 
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amount of R$9.3 million, from advertising fees earned by our subsidiary Telefônica Sistemas de Televisão in the amount of R$4.8 million and from providing general support services in the amount of R$4.3 million. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in value added services in the amount of R$34.7 million, a decrease in tariffs (related to line migration) in the amount of R$27.3 million, a decrease in voice infrastructure installation fees in the amount of R$10.8 million and a decrease in sales of call blocker services in the amount of R$4.0 million.
 
Value Added and Other Indirect Taxes
 
Value added and other indirect taxes decreased by 3.3% to R$5.7 billion in 2009 from R$6 billion in 2008, as a result of the decrease in revenues from fixed-line services.
 
Discounts
 
Discounts increased by 48.8% to R$1.5 billion in 2009 from R$1.1 billion in 2008. The increase was due primarily to an increase in discounts related to national long-distance calls in the amount of R$164.9 million, to subscription fees in the amount of R$148.4 million, to the Speedy program in the amount of R$118.4 million, to TV-related programs and content in the amount of R$47.8 million, to monthly DDR fees in the amount of R$23.5 million, to the interconnection protocol for sub-networks (IP) in the amount of R$21.2 million, to special clients in the amount of R$13.6 million, to dedicated lines rented to other carriers (EILD) in the amount of R$2.9 million, to the 0020 “Detecta” (caller identification) service in the amount of R$2.5 million and to leasing fees in the amount of R$2.0 million.  The increase was partially offset by a decrease in discounts in DDR services in the amount of R$21.8 million, sale of telephone pre-paid cards in the amount of R$5.8 million and in the “0800” call service in the amount of R$2.3 million.
 
Cost of Goods and Services
 
Cost of goods and services primarily includes depreciation and amortization expenses, interconnection services, personnel expenses and costs of services provided by third parties. Cost of goods and services increased by 2.6% to R$8.9 billion in 2009 from R$8.7 billion in 2008, mainly due to an increase in expenses related to maintenance of network access terminals, purchase of TV content, increase in fixed-mobile expenses, increase in expenses relating to the purchase of goods in connection with the “Posto de Trabalho Informático” product and a decrease in the useful life of certain equipment.
 
The following table sets forth certain components of our cost of goods and services, as well as the percentage change of each component from the prior year, for 2009 and 2008.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2009
   
2008
     
2009 - 2008
 
   
(in millions of reais, except percentages)
 
Cost of goods and services:
                   
Depreciation and amortization
    2,255       2,391       (5.7 )
Outsourced services
    1,910       1,525       25.2  
Interconnection services
    3,803       3,855       (1.3 )
Operational personnel
    187       199       (6.0 )
Organizational Restructuring Program
          21       (100 )
Materials
    180       132       36.4  
Other costs
    621       603       3.0  
Total cost of goods and services
    8,956       8,726       2.6  

Depreciation and amortization
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased by 5.7% to R$2.3 billion in 2009 from R$2.4 billion in 2008, due primarily to a decrease in depreciation in the amount of R$181.4 million resulting from an increase in assets that have been fully depreciated. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in the provision for outdated modems of R$24.4 million.
 
 
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Outsourced Services
 
Expenses relating to services from third parties increased by 25.2% to R$1.9 billion in 2009 from R$1.5 billion in 2008, due primarily to expenses related to maintenance of network access terminals, purchase of TV content, and data processing expenses.
 
Interconnection Services
 
Expenses related to interconnection services decreased by 1.3% to R$3.8 billion in 2009 from R$3.9 billion in 2008, principally due to a decrease in expenses related to the use of the fixed-mobile network in the amount of R$39.2 million, a decrease in fixed termination (average tariff) expenses in the amount of R$10.9 million, a decrease in expenses related to the intraregional use of the fixed-fixed communication network in the amount of R$7.3 million, a decrease in expenses related to outgoing mobile traffic in the amount of R$6.3 million and incoming mobile traffic in the amount of R$6.2 million. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in expenses related to use of the local network of fixed-fixed communication in the amount of R$15.4 million and the incoming traffic of fixed communication in the amount of R$2.0 million.
 
Operational Personnel
 
Such costs include expenses relating to salaries, bonuses and other benefits of employees that directly operate and maintain our businesses. Employee expenses decreased by 6.0% to R$187 million in 2009 from R$199 million in 2008, mainly due to lower expenses in connection with salaries, contributions to pension plans and other payroll expenses relating to the organizational restructuring program we implemented in 2008. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in bonus and FGTS (retirement) payments.
 
Materials
 
The costs of materials increased by 36.40% to R$180 million in 2009 from R$132 million in 2008, mainly due to an increase in the costs of goods sold in the amount of R$25.4 million related to the resale of infrastructure equipment. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in the cost of goods in the amount of R$15.3 million relating to the resale of equipment related to the “Posto Informático” product by A.Telecom.
 
Other Costs
 
Other costs include costs associated with the rental of certain infrastructure equipment, poles and underground cables used to operate our telephone lines and costs associated with our concession contracts.  Other costs increased by 3.0% to R$621 million in 2009 from R$603 million in 2008, due primarily to an increase in infrastructure rental costs relating to last mile traffic and rental of pipes.
 
Operating Expenses, Net
 
Net operating expenses decreased by 1.1% to R$3.4 billion in 2009 from R$3.5 billion in 2008, mainly due to a reduction in the amortization of goodwill that is no longer being amortized since January 1, 2009, and a reduction in losses on permanent asset disposals.  This decrease was partially offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses.
 
Selling Expenses
 
Selling expenses decreased 1.3% to R$2.5 billion in 2009 from R$2.6 billion in 2008, mainly due to a decrease in expenses related to outsourced services, especially regarding agency and intermediation services.
 
General and Administrative Expenses
 
General and administrative expenses increased by 15.0% to R$868 million in 2009 from R$755 million in 2008, mainly due to an increase in social contribution expenses, marketing services expenses and insurance expenses. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in outsourced expenses relating to communication and transport.
 
 
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Other Operating Income (Expenses), Net
 
Other net operating results include a variety of revenues and costs. In 2009, we had a total expense of R$47 million compared to an expense of R$167 million in 2008.  This decrease in 2009 was primarily due to a reduction in the amortization of goodwill that is no longer amortized since January 1, 2009, as well as a reduction in losses on permanent asset disposals, partially offset by reversal of provisions
 
Financial Expense, Net
 
We recorded a net financial expense of R$194.6 million in 2009 compared to a net financial expense of R$227.9 million in 2008. This reduction is mainly due to higher gains in financial investments and lower net debt.
 
Income Tax and Social Contribution
 
Our income tax and social contribution expenses decreased by 8.6% to R$1.0 billion in 2009 from R$1.1 billion in 2008. This decrease was due primarily to a decrease in the income before tax and social contribution. Our effective income tax and social contribuition increased slightly to 31.3% in 2009 from 30.9% in 2008. See note 29 to our financial statements for a recognization to our combined statuoary rate of 34% in both years.
 
Net Income
 
As a result of the foregoing factors, net income decreased by 10.2% to R$2.2 billion in 2009 from R$2.4 billion in 2008.
 
Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
Net Operating Revenue
 
Net operating revenue increased by 8.5% reaching R$15.9 billion in 2008 from R$14.7 billion in 2007.  The increase in net operating revenue is primarily a result of increased revenues from cable TV services and data transmission services (Speedy), and from increased revenues in our national long distance services and interconnection services, both of which were motivated by the increase in the number of mobile customers resulting from a higher number of mobile operators. This increase in net operating revenue is also attributed to increases in revenues from such sources as Posto Informático (PDTI), digital network services, and a tariff readjustment that took effect as of July 2008 that increased service charges to our customers by a weighted average of 3.01%. These increases were partially offset by a reduction of revenues from local services, from activation fees and from public telephone services, the latter due to an increase in competition from mobile telephony companies.
 
The following table sets forth certain components of our operating revenues for 2008 and 2007, as well as the percentage change of each component.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2008
   
2007
      2008 - 2007  
   
(in millions of reais, except percentages)
 
Gross operating revenue:
                   
Local services:
                   
Monthly subscription charges
    5,487       5,646       (2.8 )
Activation fees
    114       120       (5.0 )
Measured service charges
    2,563       2,808       (8.7 )
Public telephones
    445       551       (19.2 )
Total
    8,609       9,125       (5.7 )
Long-distance services:
                       
Intraregional
    2,644       2,006       31.8  
Interregional and international
    1,305       1,349       (3.3 )
Total
    3,949       3,355       17.7  
Data transmission
    3,760       2,996       25.5  
 
 
 
54

 
 
   
Year ended December 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2008
   
2007
      2008 - 2007  
   
(in millions of reais, except percentages)
 
Fixed-to-mobile services
    4,372       4,064       7.6  
Network usage services
    466       405       15.1  
Network access
    384       319       20.5  
TV services
    379       54       594.6  
Other services
    1,102       866       27.3  
Total gross operating revenue
    23,021       21,184       8.7  
Value added and other indirect taxes
    (5,979 )     (5,576 )     7.2  
Discounts
    (1,063 )     (881 )     20.7  
Net operating revenue
    15,979       14,727       8.5  

 
Local Services
 
Revenues from local services decreased 5.7% to R$8.6 billion in 2008, from R$9.1 billion in 2007. The decrease was due primarily to lower revenues from subscriptions to basic residential packages, basic fixed-fixed call traffic plans and basic plan activation fees, as well as lower revenues from VC1, VC2, VC3, Intra, Inter, Local and International traffic. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the alternative basic residential plan subscriptions, alternative fixed-fixed call traffic plans and prepaid traffic.
 
Monthly subscription charges. Revenues from monthly subscriptions decreased 2.8% to R$5.5 billion in 2008 compared to R$5.6 billion in 2007. The decrease in 2008 was primarily due to a decrease in the average lines in service, an increase in customer use of new alternative plans to fixed telephony, including our Linha Controle (Line Control) calling plans (offering packages of fixed-to-fixed minutes of calling time for set monthly fees) and our DUO and TRIO bundles, which have a lower subscription fee, and an accounting reclassification of DDR revenues (related to call transfers) in accordance with new requirements established by ANATEL. These effects were partially offset by the tariff readjustment of 3.01% that took effect on July 2008.
 
Activation fees. Revenues from monthly activation fees decreased by 5.0% to R$114 million in 2008 from R$120 million in 2007. The decrease was mainly due to a program we instituted promoting the exemption from activation fees for non-residential customers that acquire two or more business lines as of July 2008. These effects were partially offset by the tariff readjustment of 3.01% that took effect as of July 2008.
 
Measured service charges. Revenues from measured service charges decreased 8.7% to R$ 2.6 billion in 2008 from R$2.8 billion in 2007.  The decrease in 2008 was due primarily to the sale of DUO and TRIO traffic packages offering unlimited local calling for a flat fee, that resulted in the reduction of traffic revenues despite higher calling traffic. These effects were partially offset by a significant increase in the sale of such DUO and TRIO traffic packages, and by the tariff readjustment of 3.01% that took effect as of July 2008.
 
Public telephones. Revenues from charges for the use of public telephones decreased by 19.2% to R$445 million in 2008 from R$551 million in 2007. The decrease in 2008 was due to increased competition from the mobile telephony market. This effect was partially offset by the tariff readjustment of 3.01% that took effect as of July 2008.
 
Long-Distance Services
 
Revenues from long distance services increased by 17.7% to R$3.9 billion in 2008 from R$3.4 billion in 2007, due primarily to an increase in revenues from our mobile SMP (Personal Mobile Service) services using CSP “15” (code of personal services), resulting mainly from the expansion of the mobile telephony market. Revenues from long distance services also increased as a result of the tariff readjustment of 3.01% that took effect as of July 2008.
 
 
55

 
 
Data Transmission
 
Revenues from data transmission services increased 25.5 % to R$3.8 billion in 2008 from R$3.0 billion in 2007.  The increase in 2008 was primarily due to an increase in the use of such services by our residential customers due to the offer of the “Speedy” and “Ajato” Internet services, as well as an increase in the use of data transmission services by corporate customers.
 
Fixed-to-mobile Services
 
Revenues from fixed-to-mobile services increased by 7.6% to R$4.4 billion in 2008 from R$4.1 billion in 2007, due primarily to a significant increase in the number of mobile operators, that positively impacted VC1, VC2 and VC3 traffic, and also due to the tariff readjustment of 3.01% that took effect as of July 2008.
 
Network Usage Services
 
Revenues from network usage services increased by 15.1% to R$466 million in 2008 from R$405 million in 2007, due to increased traffic between operators and use of our networks by other operators as a consequence of the growth of the telecommunications market, and also due to the tariff readjustment of 3.01% that took effect as of July 2008.
 
Network Access
 
The revenues derived from network access increased 20.5% to R$384 million in 2008 from R$319 million in 2007, due primarily to an increase in revenues from fees in connection with leasing dedicated lines to other carriers (EILD), and by an increase in the volume of data usage by our clients.
 
TV Services
 
Revenues from TV services increased 594.6% to R$379.0 million in 2008 from R$54.0 million in 2007, due to the acquisition of Telefônica Sistema de Televisão S.A. in the fourth quarter of 2007.
 
Other Services
 
Revenues from other services increased 27.3% to R$1.1 billion in 2008 from R$866 million in 2007. These effects were caused principally by the growth in demand for PDTI (Posto Informático), and by increases in monthly fees for DDR (transfer of calls).
 
Value Added and Other Indirect Taxes
 
Value added and other indirect taxes increased 7.2% to R$6 billion in 2008 from R$5.6 billion in 2007, as a result of the increase in operating revenues.
 
Discounts
 
Discounts increased 20.7% to R$1.1 billion in 2008 from R$881 million in 2007. The increase was due primarily to discounts granted to the interconnection protocol for sub-networks (IP) and TV services, discounts in connection with subscriptions (such as providing two phone lines for the price of only one subscription instead of the customary two), discounts in connection with call services (such as providing lower call rates during certain hours), and discounts related to our Speedy services.
 
Cost of Goods and Services
 
Cost of goods and services primarily includes depreciation and amortization expenses, interconnection services, personnel expenses and costs of services provided by third parties. Cost of goods and services increased 8.7% to R$8.7 billion in 2008 compared to R$8.0 billion in 2007, mainly due to increased expenses related to our terminals and network access maintenance, purchase of TV content (such as more channels) from Telefônica Televisão Digital, increased fixed-mobile network expenditures arising from the use of the network, higher wages and
 
 
56

 
compensation expenses as a result of the Organizational Restructuring Program, increased expenses related to the purchase of goods in connection with the Posto Informático product, and a decrease in the estimated useful life for certain of our equipment (modems).
 
The following table sets forth certain components of our cost of goods and services, as well as the percentage change of each component from the prior year, for 2008 and 2007.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2008
   
2007
     
2008 - 2007
 
   
(in millions of reais, except percentages)
 
Cost of goods and services:
                   
Depreciation and amortization
    2,391       2,348       1.8  
Outsourced services
    1,525       1,240       23  
Interconnection services
    3,855       3,617       6.6  
Operational personnel
    199       225       (11.6 )
Organizational Restructuring Program
    21       63       (66.7 )
Materials
    132       32       312.5  
Other costs
    603       504       19.6  
Total cost of goods and services
    8,726       8,029       8.7  

Depreciation and amortization
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased 1.8% to R$2.4 billion in 2008 from R$2.3 billion in 2007, due primarily to a decrease in the estimated useful life for certain of our equipment as a result of our acquisition of new modems.
 
Outsourced Services
 
Expenses relating to services from third parties increased 23% to R$1.5 billion in 2008 from R$1.2 billion in 2007, due primarily to an increase in TV content, along with increased network access and network maintenance expenses.
 
Interconnection Services
 
Expenses related to interconnection services increased 6.6% to R$3.8 billion in 2008 from R$3.6 billion in 2007, principally due to an increase in expenses related to fixed-mobile traffic related to the increasing number of calls terminating on other providers' networks.
 
Operational Personnel
 
Such costs include expenses relating to salaries, bonuses and other benefits of employees that directly operate and maintain our businesses. Employee expenses decreased 11.6% to R$199 million in 2008 from R$225 million in 2007, mainly due to lower expenses related to wages, pension plan payments and other payroll expenses resulting from the Organizational Restructuring Program carried out in 2007, and lower expenses related to wages paid to mandatory officers due to a reduction of such officers in 2008 to 4 from 15 in 2007. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in bonus payments to senior officers and sales executives, as well as payments of indemnification for termination of employment contracts.
 
Organizational Restructuring Program
 
Expenses relating to the Organizational Restructuring Program decreased by 66.7% to R$21 million in 2008 from R$63 million in 2007. This decrease was due to lower expenditure requirements under this program.
 
 
57

 
 
Materials
 
The costs of materials increased 312.5% to R$132 million in 2008 from R$32 million in 2007, mainly due to the application of the new accounting classification criteria under Law 11,638/07 for the calculation of the cost of equipment for the Posto Informático product, which until fiscal 2008 had been recorded as a depreciation expense.
 
Other Costs
 
Other costs include costs associated with the lease of certain infrastructure equipment, poles and underground cables used to operate our telephone lines and costs associated with our concession contracts.  Other costs increased 19.6% to R$603 million in 2008 from R$504 million in 2007, due primarily to an increase in infrastructure lease expenses for last-mile traffic termination and duct rental.
 
Operating Expenses, Net
 
Operating expenses increased 15.5% to R$3.5 billion in 2008 from R$3.1 billion in 2007, mainly due to an increase in expenses for third party services, increases in wage and wage-related payments for our sales associates, higher expenses in connection with technical and administrative services, and increase in depreciation of fixed assets related to sales.
 
Selling Expenses
 
Selling expenses increased 5.6% to R$2.6 billion in 2008 from R$2.5 billion in 2007, mainly due to an increase in wage and wage-related payments for our sales associates, higher expenses in connection with technical and administrative services (especially with the print-on-demand service and with our call center), increases in telesales services, higher costs in connection with the provision of customer service, increases in customer redemption services, and depreciation of fixed assets related to sales.
 
General and Administrative Expenses
 
General and administrative expenses decreased by 10.0% to R$755 million in 2008 from R$839 million in 2007, mainly due to lower expenses resulting from the Organizational Restructuring Program in 2007 and lower depreciation expenses for plant and equipment in service. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in expenses for third-party services related to purchases of TV content.
 
Other Net Operating Income (Expenses)
 
Other net operating results include a variety of revenues and costs. In 2008, we had total expenses of R$167.0 million compared to an income of R$250.1 million in 2007. The 2007 income recorded was due primarily to the partial reversal of the INSS provision in the amount of R$105.7 million corresponding to the Bresser, Verão and SAT plans due to a favorable court decision, reduction in scrap iron revenues, increased in labor, tax and civil provisions and goodwill amortization.
 

Financial Expense, Net
 
We recorded a net financial expense of R$228.0 million in 2008 compared to a net financial expense of R$307 million in 2007. This reduction is mainly due to lower net debt and a decrease in funding costs.
 
Non-Operating Income, Net
 
The “non-operating income, net” line item that was reported in our income statement for prior periods no longer exists due to a change in Brazilian law.  Upon adoption of Law 11,638/07, components of the non-operating result account were reclassified into other accounts in the income statement and for fiscal year 2008 and beyond (and for prior periods presented in this annual report) will no longer appear as an independent line item.
 
 
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Income Tax and Social Contribution
 
Our income tax and social contribution expenses increased by 10.7% to R$1.1 billion in 2008 from R$977 million in 2007. This increase was due primarily to a decrease in tax credits attributable to our subsidiaries A. Telecom and Telefónica Data S/A and decreased tax benefits as a result of a decrease in the value of interest on shareholders’ equity. The increase in income tax and social contributions was also due in part to higher income before taxes and social contributions.
 
Net Income
 
As a result of the foregoing factors, net income increased 2.4% to R$2.419 million in 2008 from R$2.173 million in 2007.
 
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
General
 
We have funded our operations and capital expenditures mainly from operating cash flows and loans obtained from financial institutions. As of December 31, 2009, we had R$2.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents. Our principal cash requirements include:
 
 
·
the servicing of our indebtedness,
 
 
·
capital expenditures, and
 
 
·
the payment of dividends.
 
Sources of Funds
 
Our cash flow from operations was R$4.4 billion in 2009 compared to R$5.1 billion in 2008. The decrease in cash flow from operating activities of 14.0% in 2009 compared to 2008 was due primarily to a decrease in our net income and a decrease in non-cash expenses in 2009 as compared to 2008 related to goodwill amortization  and monetary and exchange variations, among others.
 
Our future cash flow is subject to the rates approved by ANATEL and the impact of competition on our revenues. We expect to continue to experience a reliable and steady source of internal cash flow from operations for the foreseeable future from our base of customers and installed network.
 
Uses of Funds
 
Our cash flow used in investing activities was R$2.3 billion in 2009 compared to R$2.1 billion in 2008. The increase in the cash flow used in investing activities in 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily due to a larger investment in the telecommunications plant. These amounts refer to payments actually made. Economic investments, which are accounted on an accrual basis, totaled R$2.2 billion and R$2.3 billion in 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Our cash flow used in financing activities was R$1.6 billion in 2009 compared to R$2.2 billion in 2008, primarily due to higher dividends paid in 2008 (R$2.2 billion) as compared to 2009 (R$1.5 billion).
 
 
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Indebtedness
 
As of December 31, 2009, our total debt was as follows:
 
 
Debt
 
 
Currency
 
 
Annual interest rate payable
 
 
Maturity
 
 
Principal amount outstanding
(in thousands of reais)
Loan and Financing BNDES
 
R$
 
TJLP + 1.73% to 3.73%
 
2015
 
1,986,149
 
Mediocrédito
 
US$
 
1.75%
 
2014
 
23,006
 
Debentures
 
R$
 
CDI + 0.35%
 
2010
 
1,510,806
 
                   
Total debt
             
3,519,961
 
Current
             
1,767,559
 
Long-term
             
1,752,402
 
 
Interest and principal payments on our indebtedness as of December 31, 2009 due in 2010 and 2011 total R$1.77 billion and R$398 million, respectively.
 
The agreements that govern the majority of our outstanding loans and financings contain certain standard restrictive covenants, which provide for the acceleration of the full balance of our obligations in the event of any default. As of December 31, 2009, we were not in default of any of our obligations and therefore none of our liabilities were subject to acceleration.
 
Capital Expenditures and Payment of Dividends
 
Our principal capital requirements are for capital expenditures and payments of dividends to shareholders. Additions to property, plant and equipment totaled R$2.2 billion, R$2.3 billion and R$2.0 billion for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our capital expenditures for the year 2010 are expected to be approximately R$2.3 billion. These expenditures relate primarily to the expansion of our network. We expect to seek financing for part of our capital expenditures either from equipment suppliers and Brazilian government agencies, from local or foreign capital markets or from local and foreign financial institutions. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company—Capital Expenditures.”
 
Pursuant to our bylaws and Brazilian Corporate Law, we are required to distribute a mandatory minimum dividend of 25% of “adjusted net income” (as defined below) in respect of each fiscal year, to the extent earnings are available for distribution. Holders of preferred shares are assured priority in the reimbursement of capital, without a premium, and entitled to receive cash dividends that are 10% higher than those attributable to common shares.
 
Adjusted net income, as determined by Brazilian Corporate Law, is an amount equal to our net income adjusted to reflect allocations to or from (i) legal reserve, (ii) statutory reserve and (iii) a contingency reserve for anticipated losses, if any.
 
We may also make additional distributions to the extent that we have available profits and reserves to distribute. All of the above distributions may be made as dividends or as tax-deductible interest on shareholders’ equity. We paid dividends of R$1.5 billion, R$2.2 billion and R$2.6 billion in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.
 
Our management expects to meet 2010 capital requirements primarily from cash provided from our operations. Net cash provided by operations was R$4.4 billion, R$5.1 billion and R$4.7 billion in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
According to Brazilian Corporate Law and our by-laws, we must generally pay dividends to all shareholders equal to at least 25% of our annual net income, as determined and adjusted under the Brazilian Corporate Law. These adjustments to net income for purposes of calculating the basis for dividends include allocations to various reserves that effectively reduce the amount available for the payment of dividends. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, the Board of Directors Meeting held on February 10, 2010 decided to submit to the shareholders meeting a proposal to pay dividends in the amount of R$1.2 billion, which, together with the interim dividend and interest on own capital payments made in 2009, would be sufficient to meet the minimum dividend required by Brazilian law. The proposal to pay dividends will be approved by a General Shareholders Meeting to be held in 2010. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Preferred Shares and the ADSs—Our preferred shares and our ADSs generally do not have voting rights” and “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Voting Rights.”
 
 
 
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C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses
 
Research and Development
 
Telefónica operates in a fast-paced, dynamic and convergent industry, which demands that its products and services be continuously revamped in order to keep up with growth expectations. Accordingly, since 2005, Telefónica created a new Strategic Innovation Unit that aims to develop new products and services to be tested or launched by Telefónica in the near future.
 
Also, in order to keep pace with constant innovation, Telefónica created a business incubator that helps the organization to easily handle emerging business opportunities of large sizes or risks that otherwise would be difficult to manage in the context of current business units.
 
The table below presents the Telefónica investments in development, update and modernization of systems to support the launch of new products, improve the external plant inventory quality and take advantage of the new rules for technology businesses. Seeking to continually improve and modernize its services, Telefónica partnered with partners specialized in R&D such as the CPqD and TPD.
 
 
R&D investments
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of reais)
 
Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (CPqD) 
    6.2       6.3       9.1  
Telefônica Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (TPD)
    4.8       4.5       2.5  
Innovation (business incubator and tests)
    4.1       4.2       1.9  
Total
    15.1       15.0       13.5  

 
Since 2005, Telefônica and CPqD have entered into an agreement that allows Telefónica to keep informed of technical research services, development of new features in current systems, and services in the areas of consulting and training. Per the terms of this agreement, Telefónica can benefit from the use of a specific tool that monitors and  manages data of cables, optical fiber and the level of use of its external network.
 
In 2004, Telefónica also signed a contract with Telefônica Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (TPD) to guide our team involved with the planning and operation network to follow to an automatic model of management focused on performance.
 
On April 26, 2007, FAPESP and Telefónica entered into an agreement whereby Telesp would supply a 4,000 km fiber network connecting 13 universities and 54 laboratories (including six hospitals). The network covers more than 600 researchers and was developed to contemplate open innovation. The FAPESP will drive projects that help Telefónica’s technological innovation demands. This network is one of the largest open innovation networks in Latin America.
 
Since 2007, Telefónica has used certain government incentives focused on lowering research and development expenses. Act No. 11,196/05 provides such fiscal incentives to companies that focus on innovation. Under the terms of this Act, and acknowledging the importance of R&D in innovation on the overall CAPEX, Telefónica invested R$387 million in 2006 on projects in innovation and R$522 million in 2007, for a total of R$909 million in these two years. This delivered a cash flow gain of R$69.1 million during these two years. In 2008, Telefónica spent about R$268 million on R&D  projects with a cash flow gain of R$32.5 million. In 2009, Telefónica spent about R$244 million on R&D projects.
 
Patents and Licenses
 
Our principal intellectual property assets include:
 
 
·  
permission to use the trademark name “Telefônica” and all names derived from “Telefônica”;
 
 
·  
our name “Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. - Telesp”; and
 
 
 
·  
our commercial brands, “Super 15” for long-distance services and “Speedy” for broadband products, “Telefónica TV Digital” for pay television service, “DUO” for telephone and broadband service and “TRIO” for telephone, broadband and Digital TV service.
 
D. Trend Information
 
In 2010, we believe the telecommunications industry will recover to grow at a rate similar to the years before the global economic slowdown in 2008 and 2009. We believe the telecommunications industry, which felt the effects of the slowdown to a lesser extent in the internal market in comparison to other industries, is expected to see positive growth for 2010. Additionally, the appreciation of the real against the U.S. Dollar will help the industry in relation to the cost of imported equipment.
 
From a business and strategy perspective, one of the most important factors in the development of the telecommunications industry in the future is technological convergence, represented by the integration of networks and services, about which debates have arisen with respect to its technological, as well as legal, regulatory and commercial, aspects.
 
Observation of more mature markets, such as the European and Asian markets, and the current evolution of offers of services and convergent products in the Brazilian market, shows the need for the development of a more complete portfolio of services, with better integrated operations, especially for fixed voice, broadband and pay TV.  To this end, we are focused on developing and offering convergent products and integrated offerings, keeping in mind the needs of the “digital home office”.  With the offering of Telefónica TV Digital (DTH) and IPTV through a partnership with TVA, we seek to meet these market demands.  We are seeking to diversify and expand our offering of bundled products (DUOs and TRIOs), with a focus on content (such as through the launch interactive high definition TV again through our venture partner TVA), more personalized offerings, video on demand services and development of products such as the “Passarela”, a control hub for connecting multiple home media and office applications. We are also improving our customer support services with more emphasis on client attention, such as with “Dr. Speedy”, an information systems technical support offering which provides telephonic support, remote service and on-site technical support.
 
We expect competition in the industry to remain intense during 2010. Our competitors have been expanding their geographic coverage and continuously improving their product portfolios by offering special products, such as ultra-high speed broadband services. In addition, due to the change in the General Plan of Grants in 2008, which allowed for telecommunications operators in the same corporate group to offer telecommunications services in more than one region, the industry has already undergone a certain degree of consolidation, which we expect may continue in the near future. Specifically, with the merger of Brasil Telecom and Oi, a large new national telecommunications provider has already changed the competitive landscape, with an aggressive market strategy with plans to offer broadband mobile services by way of 3G technology and fixed telephone services in our market concession region. In addition, our competitors are frequently expanding their product portfolios, obtaining new licenses and upgrading the speed of their high-speed broadband offerings.  Moreover, mobile telephone operators represent an ever greater source of competition as they will seek new sources of revenues as a consequence of the slowdown in their clients’ growth rates, constantly developing additional alternatives both to fixed-line telephone service and broadband services.
 
The broadband market will likely continue to show strong growth, as broadband is considered to be the basic platform for developing convergent products and services. We expect to increase the speeds offered and the sophistication of our products, drawing on new business models – as we have already done with our VoIP, e-commerce and triple play – we are endeavoring to be in a leading position in these movements of the market, such as by expanding our offering of broadband services and developing more value-added services (such as wi-fi modems, improved technical support and installation and configuration support) and by expanding our fiber-optic network to reach up to 1 million homes. With respect to competition, reduction in the prices of infrastructure through new technologies should help current fixed operators to expand geographically beyond their concession areas. This increase in competitiveness is already occurring, mainly in the mobile and long-distance markets, and could to be stronger for local fixed services. As an example, two new mobile service operators, Oi and AEIOU entered the market in 2008. Telesp has responded to these movements and is positioning itself to also capture
 
 
opportunities outside of its concession area without jeopardizing its consolidated leadership position. This expected influx of competition in the voice market, both fixed and mobile, should bring with it the growth of new services and a greater commoditization of services, with increasingly smaller shares of operators’ total revenues coming from voice services. Given this scenario, there has been a change of focus away from the price of services and towards customer service and quality, along with new product offers.
 
The market for mobile telephony has shown some signs of deceleration and increased competition despite growth in recent years. In the future, we expect that mobile operators will be increasingly likely to seek alternative sources of revenue, and fixed telephony and broadband will be their main targets, which is evident from announcements by mobile service operators of products offerings for mobile broadband services at speeds and prices comparable with broadband service offered through ADSL and pay TV services. Moreover, the result of the auction for licenses for 3G services that had a premium of 80%, with offers from all the current mobile operators and some incoming ones, demonstrates the interest of the mobile operators in convergent services, especially broadband. Mobile broadband (through the 3G network) is continuously showing fast growth and reached 4.4 million consumers.
 
Generally, the Brazilian economy has experienced moderate growth over the last few years, but with significant expansion of internal consumption, mostly by the middle class. Given this trend, growth in some markets, such as broadband and TV should increase from the growth in the segment that has greater income, suggesting the need for adequacy in the geographic coverage and mix of products and services by operators to better serve them. Telefônica, observing this trend, has bet on these markets, both in the broadband and pay TV market, aiming to shift our consumption focus from the upper and upper-middle income classes, where penetration is already sufficiently advanced, to its entire subscriber base, through its different technological alternatives and those of its partners.
 
Despite not expecting an increase in fixed lines in the market, Telesp seeks opportunities with respect to low-income customers, and since 2004,  it has successfully initiated operations of services of telephony designed for this segment. Currently, our portfolio includes voice packages for flat fee services (offering unlimited local calling to other fixed-line telephones), packages of minutes (My Minutes), controlled and economic lines (a cheaper package of minutes for local fixed calls and the use of prepaid credits for long-distance and mobile calls). Our competitors also offer distinct plans targeted toward capturing the lower-income market segment, including by offering flexible billing packages, free calls to other customers of the same service provider or calling packages with significantly reduced prices.
 
For the local voice market, in August of 2007, we finished a conversion of billing for local services from pulse-based to minute-based for the State of São Paulo. Despite initially expecting losses, given the differences between charges for shorter calls and longer calls associated with the alternative mandatory plan (PASOO), the conversion did not have a significant impact on revenues, as approximately 5% of the total client base had transferred to this plan in 2009 (PASOO).
 
In the long-distance market, we expect competition from VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol—technology for transmitting voice using the internet) will continue to grow. Over the last two years, we experienced the entrance of many VoIP players in the market, but due to Brazil’s low broadband penetration, low quality of services and limited efforts in marketing, VoIP has mildly affected the traditional long-distance market. We believe that over the next few years, VoIP may play a more expansive role, bringing a decrease in prices and traffic volume of traditional long distance.
 
We are taking several actions to keep up with market trends and to compete by taking advantage of new technologies. We will increase our presence to capture the growth in the market through appreciation of fixed lines, proposals combining broadband and data, and a differentiated experience for the client compared to our competitiors.
 
We are closely monitoring the evolution of VoIP usage and developing bundled services that include voice, video and broadband, in addition to the development of products related to IPTV. In addition, we are following technological developments and performing tests on wireless access technology for voice, data and video, such as Wi-Max, preparing the company to take advantage of such technology in areas in which our conventional network
 
 
coverage is currently limited. Our broadband strategy will focus on offering products customized and integrated with other products. We highlight the optic fiber products which include a high speed competitive portfolio and new value-added products such as Wi-Fi modem and support service, installation and configuration (Tec Total), flat fee voice packages and services, new payment systems and IPTV. The combined offers will be included in a complete portfolio of products and services under the digital home office concept. We will also focus on the launch of high definition interactive TV, customized content and video on demand. This strategy is in line with the trends in more developed markets in which there is a higher integration among fixed voice operations, broadband and pay TV.
 
Additionally, significant investments for updating our networks, improving the quality of our services and developing new products will be required to remain technologically competitive.
 
Finally, we are working to improve our customer relations by promoting a company-wide effort to emphasize customer service across all segments of our business.  The improvements in the client experience will be supported by the quality improvement actions initiated in 2009 and by the diffusion of a service culture. To accomplish this, we have defined the following priority items: reducing operation failures, improving management of third-party operators, remodeling our call center to improve customer service and customizing of processes and sales channels.
 
E. Off-balance-Sheet Arrangements
 
None.
 
F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
 
Our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:
 
   
Total
   
Less than 1 year
   
1 - 3 years
   
4 - 5 years
   
After 5 years
 
   
(In thousands of reais, as of December 31, 2009)
 
Contractual obligations
                             
Long-term debt
    1,752,402             796,092       397,570       558,740  
Pension and other post retirement benefits
    191,927       3,353       5,833       4,836       177,905  
Other long-term obligations
                             
Total contractual cash obligations
    1,944,329       3,353       801,925       402,406       736,645  
Commercial commitments
                                       
Suppliers
    2,362,422       2,362,422                    
Other commercial commitments
                             
Total commercial commitments
    2,362,422       2,362,422                    

 
Long-Term Debt
 
   
Amount
 
 
Year ending December 31,
 
(in thousands of reais, as of
December 31, 2009)
 
2011 
    398,194  
2012
    397,898  
2013
    397,570  
2014
    395,061  
2015 onwards
    163,679  
Total
    1,752,402  

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
 
A. Directors and Senior Management
 
We are managed by a Board of Directors (Conselho de Administração) and an Executive Committee (Diretoria).
 
 
Board of Directors
 
Our Board of Directors is comprised of a minimum of five and a maximum of 17 members, all shareholders, serving for a term of three years. The following is a list of the current members of the Board of Directors, their respective positions and dates of their election.
 
Name
 
Position
 
Date of Appointment
Antonio Carlos Valente da Silva
 
Chairman
 
March 29, 2007
José María Álvarez-Pallete López
 
Vice-Chairman
 
March 29, 2007
Antonio Viana-Baptista
 
Director
 
February 19, 2008
Enrique Used Aznar
 
Director
 
March 29, 2007
Fernando Abril-Martorell Hernández
 
Director
 
March 29, 2007
Fernando Xavier Ferreira
 
Director
 
March 29, 2007
Francisco Javier de Paz Mancho
 
Director
 
February 19, 2008
Guillermo Fernández Vidal
 
Director
 
March 26, 2008
Iñaki Urdangarin
 
Director
 
March 29, 2007
José Fernando de Almansa Moreno-Barreda
 
Director
 
March 29, 2007
Juan Carlos Ros Brugueras
 
Director
 
March 29, 2007
Luciano Carvalho Ventura
 
Director
 
March 29, 2007
Luis Bastida Ibarguen
 
Director
 
March 29, 2007
Luis Fernando Furlan
 
Director
 
February 19, 2008
Miguel Àngel Gutiérrez Méndez
 
Director
 
March 29, 2007
Narcís Serra Serra
 
Director
 
March 29, 2007
 

*The members of the Board of Directors have the mandate until the ordinary general meeting of 2010.

 
Set forth below are brief biographies of our directors:
 
Antonio Carlos Valente da Silva is 57 years old and acts as President of the Board of Directors and serves as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Valente is an Electrical Engineer, with vast experience in business development and telecommunications regulation. Mr. Valente served as Chief Executive Officer of Telefónica del Perú S.A.A, Telefónica Móviles S.A., Telefónica Móviles Perú Holding S.A.C., Telefónica Perú Holding S.A.C and of Telefónica Multimedia S.A.C and is a member of the Board of Directors. In addition, Mr. Valente is First Vice-President of the Association of Private Enterprises of Public Services (ADEPSEP) and is a Director of the Official Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Perú (COCEP). Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Telefónica del Perú, Mr. Valente was responsible for the regulation of the Telefónica Group for Latin America. From 2002-2003, Mr. Valente acted as Vice-President of the National Agency of Telecommunications (ANATEL) of Brazil and presided over the Latin American Telecommunications Regulators Forum (Regulatel) institute, which unites nineteen Latin American countries and the Caribbean. Mr. Valente obtained a postgraduate degree in Business and Administration, with a specialization in Systems and Business Management including Entrepreneurial Strategy, from MIT/Sloan School of Management. Mr. Valente has taught and published numerous articles regarding regulation and telecommunications in Brazilian and international magazines. Since May 2007, he has been President of “AHCIET – Asociación Iberoamericana de Centros de Investigación y Empresas de Telecomunicaciones.” Since July 2008, he has been President of “Telebrasil” (Associação Brasileira de Telecomunicações). He is also a Board Member of CPQD (Centro de Pesquisas e Desenvolvimento), a member of the Strategic Comitee of “FIESP” (Federação das Indústrias do Estado de São Paulo), the Vice-President of “ABDIB” (Associação Brasileira da Industria de Base), a member of the “CDES” (Conselho de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social da Presidência da República) and President of “FEBRATEL”(Federação Brasileira de Telecomunicações).
 
José María Álvarez-Pallete López is 46 years old and was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Telefónica Internacional in 24 July 2002 Managing Director Latin America, as well as member of the Board of Telefónica, S.A. in July 2006 and Chairman and CEO of Telefonica Latin America in March 2009. He began his career at Arthur Young Auditors in 1987 and joined Benito & Monjardin/Kidder, Peabody & Co. in 1988, where he
 
 
held positions in the research and corporate finance departments. In 1995, he joined Valenciana de Cementos Portland (Cemex) as head of the Investor Relations and Studies department. He was appointed Financial Manager for CEMEX in Spain in 1996 and General Manager for Administration and Financial Affairs for CEMEX Group’s interests in Indonesia in 1998, headquartered in Jakarta. He joined Telefónica in February 1999 as CFO of Telefónica Internacional. In September of the same year, he became CFO of Telefónica, S.A. In 2000, he was awarded CFO of the Year in the M&A chapter by CFO Europe Magazine (The Economist Group). He holds a post-graduate course certificate from the International Management Program by the Instituto Panamericano de Alta Dirección de Empresa (IPADE). He also obtained the Advanced Research Certificate from the Accounting, Financial Administration and Economy Department of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. He is a member of the following Boards of Directors: Telefónica Datacorp S.A.U., Telecomunicaçoes de São Paulo S.A. Telesp,  Telefónica Móviles México S.A de C.V., Telefónica del Perú S.A.A., Colombia Telecomunicaciones S.A., Telefónica Larga Distancia de Puerto Rico and Portugal Telecom SGPS S.A. He is also president of the Supervisory Board of of Brasilcel, N.V. and alternate director of Telefónica Móviles Colombia S.A.. Telefónica Argentina S.A., Telefónica Chile S.A. and Telefónica Móviles Chile S.A.  He has been Chairman of Antares, Fonditel, Telfisa and Telefónica North América; Vicechairman of T.Perú; a Member of the Board of Directors of Cemex Singapur, Admira Media, Inmobiliaria Telefónica, TPI, Telefónica Móviles, Telefónica de España, Telefónica Holding Argentina, Telefónica Larga Distancia de Puerto Rico, Telefónica O2, China Netcom, Europe and member of the Supervisory Board of Cesky Telecom. Mr. Álvarez-Pallete holds a graduate degree in Economics from the Complutense University of Madrid. He also studied Economics at the Université Libre de Belgique.
 
Antonio Viana-Baptista is 51 years old and is a member of our Board of Directors. He was the General Director of Telefónica de Espanha, member of the Executive Committee and of the Board of Directors of Telefônica S.A. holding of Telefônica Group. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of O2 PLC, Telefónica Móviles México as well as a non-Executive Board Member of Research in Motion (RIM), NH Hoteles and Semapa, S.A. Since arriving at Telefônica in 1998, he has been involved with many companies in the group. He was the Executive President of Telefónica Móviles, S.A. In the period between December 1998 and July 2002, he was President of Telefônica International and Executive President of Telefónica Latinoamérica. He was Executive Director of BPI (Banco Português de Investimento) during the period from 1991 to 1998. During the period from 1985 to 1991, he was partner of McKinsey & Co. in Madrid and Lisbon. He holds a degree in economics from Universidad Católica Portuguesa in 1981 and also holds an MBA from INSEAD, Fontainebleau, in 1983.
 
Enrique Used Aznar is 68 years old and serves as a member of the Board of Directors. He also Acts as a member of the Board of Directors of Telefônica International and Telefónica Peru.  He is also a member of the Assembléia Directiva of IESE of Madrid, the vice-chairman of the Spanish Association for the Fight Against Cancer (Asociación Española de la Lucha contra el Cancer) and a sponsor of the Scientific Foundation Against Cancer (Fundação Científica contra o Câncer). He has also served as Executive Chairman of Telefónica Internacional S.A., Telefónica Servicios Móviles and Telefónica I+D, as executive vice-chairman of TPI Páginas Amarelas, Telefónica do Chile and Telintar (investor from Argentina), and as member of the Boards of Directors of Telefónica, Telefónica da Argentina, AT&T Network System International and of Ericsson in Spain. He holds a degree in telecommunications engineering from the “Universidad de Madrid”, the University of Madrid. He also holds a degree from IESE (Alta Direção de Empresas).
 
Fernando Abril-Martorell Hernández is 47 years old and serves on our Board of Directors. He is a member of the Board of Directors of ENCE (the Spanish pulp producer). From 1987 to 1997, Mr. Abril-Martorell Hernández performed several functions at JP Morgan, in New York, London and Madrid, including treasury department manager and member of the managing committee. Mr. Abril-Martorel Hernández joined the Telefónica group in January of 1997, as corporate finance general manager, having represented the group’s interests in the Brazilian telecommunications industry privatization process. From December 1998 to June 2000, he served as chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Telefónica Publicidade e Información (TPI). He was COO and a member of the Board of Directors of the Telefónica Group from August 2000 to September 2003. In 2005, he joined Credit Suisse Group in Spain as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Abril-Martorell Hernández holds a degree in law and business sciences from ICAI-ICADE (Instituto de Postgrado y Formación Continua), Spain.
 
 
 
Fernando Xavier Ferreira is 61 years old and acts as a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Ferreira served as our chief executive officer and of SP Telecomunicações Holding Ltda. He was president of the Supervisory Board of Brasilcel N.V., president of the Boards of Directors of Vivo Participações S/A, and Fundação Telefónica. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Telefónica Internacional S.A. Mr. Ferreira has served as president of Telecomunicações Brasileiras S.A. - Telebrás, executive secretary in the Brazilian Ministry of Communications, chairman of the Board of Directors of Embratel S.A., president of Nortel do Brasil S.A., Brazilian General Director of Itaipu Binacional, president of Telecomunicações do Paraná S.A. - Telepar and as member of ANATEL’s consulting committee and member of the Board of Directors of Empresa Brasileira de Correios e Telégrafos - ECT and Portugal Telecom. He holds a degree in electrical engineering from Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica da Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, the Electric Engineering Faculty of the Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which he received in 1971. He attended a business administration course at Western Ontario University, Canada, in 1982.
 
Francisco Javier de Paz Mancho is 51 years old and serves as a member of our Board of Directors.  Currently Mr. Mancho is the Chief Executive Officer of Atento Inversiones y Teleservicios, S.A.U., an advocate of MAZ management registry, serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Telefônica Internacional, is a member of the Board of Advisers of Telefônica LATAM, is an executive officer and member of the Board of Directors of Telefônica Argentina S.A. and is the Honored President of PREALSA. From July 2004 until December 2007, he was the President of Mercasa. He was the President and Director of the Strategic Corporate area of Donuts Panrico Group (1996-2004), General Director of the Ministry of Commerce and Tourism (1993-1996), General Secretary of Unión de Consumidores de España (UCE) (1990-1993), and General Secretary of Juventudes Socialistas and executive member of PSOE (1984-1993). Also, he has acted in the following capacities:  counsel of Túnel del Cadí (2004-2006), President of Patronal Pan and Bollería Marca (COE) (2003-2004), counsel of Mutua de Accidents of Zaragoza (MAZ) (1998-2004), counsel of Panrico Group (1998-2004), President of Observatorio de la Distribuicion Comercial del Ministerio de Comercio e Turismo (1994-1996), Member of Social and Economic Council and Permanent Commission (1991-1993 and 1996-2000) and counsel of Tabacalera, S.A. (1993-1996). Mr. Javier holds degrees in Information and Publicity and Law.
 
Guillermo Fernández Vidal is 64 years old and serves as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr Vidal began his career as a Systems Technician at NCR. In 1972, he joined ENTEL as a Systems Officer. In 1982, Mr. Vidal was appointed as President of ECOTEL, a position he occupied until 1987. After that, Mr. Vidal joined Telefónica Group, where he occupied several high-level administrative positions. Currently, he is an Advisor of Telefônica and member of the Board of Directors of Telefônica O2 - Chequia. Along his career path, Mr. Vidal was a member of the Boards of Directors of the following companies: ECOTEL, Ibermática, Amper, Telefónica de Peru, Telefônica CTC, TPI, Terra, Telefónica Móviles, Via Digital, Telefônica de España SAL and Telefônica Móviles España. Mr. Vidal holds a degree of industrial engineering.
 
Iñaki Urdangarin is 41 years old and serves as a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Urdangarín is a former world-class professional handball player. He has also participated in three Olympic Games, winning medals in two of them (1996 and 2000), and is Spain’s most decorated sportsman accumulating significant sporting achievements, and especially the affection of many fans across Europe. He held the important role of Vice-President of the Spanish Olympic Committee. He combined competitions with studies of Business Science. After ending his sporting career, he began advanced management studies in ESADE, one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. Currently, he is a professor of business policy at ESADE. He has also developed a professional career as an advisor and consultant at La Caixa (a major Spanish financial firm) and Octagon, before he co-founded the Noos Institute, where he was the president until 2006, when he left the Institute. He presided over two international meetings on “Cities and Major Sporting Events” and “Sports and Tourism” and co-authored and edited four books. Currently, he is Chairman of Telefónica USA, President of the Public Relations Committee of the Board of Directors of Telefónica Latin America and a member of the Advisory Boards of Telefónica Internacional, Motorpress (Spanish leading news and media group) and other major Spanish companies.  He has been assigned to Washington, D.C. to strengthen the institutional presence of Telefónica in the American continent and to help facilitate the dialogue of the company with interest groups in the regulatory, industrial and civil society areas in the USA-Europe-Latin America axis. He has previously managed numerous Corporate Social Responsibility projects in both Europe and Latin America. Sustainable development and social integration have been some of the priority areas in which Mr. Urdangarin has developed his own professional activities for Telefónica. His sports, academic and professional experience makes him believe in the power of sports and culture as useful tools for social inclusion. He, together with other relevant sportsmen, international academics and CEOs, developed a foundation to study and promote the
 
 
use of sports and culture to help those in danger of being socially excluded. He holds a bachelors degree in Administration and Business Management, together with an MBA from ESADE, where he also taught Business Policy classes. He has a masters and a diploma in Business Studies from the University of Barcelona. He has researched and published on sponsorship, corporate social responsibility and regional economic development.
 
José Fernando de Almansa Moreno-Barreda is 60 years old. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Telefônica and President of the board’s International Affairs Committee. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Telefônica de Peru S.A., Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A., Telefônica de Argentina S.A., Telefônica Latinoamérica S.A., Telefónica Moviles México S.A. de CV, and BBVA Bancomer Mexico. Mr. Almansa joined the Spanish Diplomatic Corps in 1974 and served from 1976 to 1992 as Embassy Secretary of the Spanish Embassy in Brussels, Cultural Counselor of the Spanish Representation to Mexico; Chief Director for Eastern European Affairs and Atlantic Affairs Director in the Spanish Foreign Affairs Ministry; Press and Political Counselor to the Spanish Permanent Representation to the North Atlantic Council in Brussels; Minister-Counsellor of the Spanish Embassy in the Soviet Union; General Director of the National Commission for the 5th Centennial of the Discovery of the Americas and Deputy General Director for Eastern Europe Affairs in the Spanish Foreign Affairs Ministry. In January 1993, Mr. Almansa was appointed Chief of the Royal Household by His Majesty King Juan Carlos I. He held this post until December 2002 and is currently Personal Adviser to His Majesty King Juan Carlos I. Mr. Almansa holds a law degree from the Universidad de Deusto, Bilbao, Spain. He is a sponsor of the Foundations Reina Sofia, Conde de Barcelona, Diputacion de San Andrés de los Flamencos – Carlos de Amberes Foundation, Padre Arrupe – Activa, Principe de Asturias and Euroamérica.
 
Juan Carlos Ros Brugueras is 48 years old and is a member of our Board of Directors. He is currently Secretary of Telefônica’s International Board Commission of Public Affairs. From 2005 to May 2008, he was Chief Legal Officer of Telefônica S.A. From May 1998 to June 2009, Mr. Ros Brugueras was General Secretary to the Board of Directors and General Counsel of Telefônica Internacional S.A. and also a director of Telefônica de Argentina S.A. (Argentina), Telefônica Larga Distância de Porto Rico Inc. (Porto Rico), Companhia de Telecomunicações do Chile S.A. (Chile) and Telefônica do Peru S.A. (Peru). He served on our board and that of Companhia Telefônica da Borda do Campo from December 1998 through November 1999, and also on the boards of Companhia Riograndense de Telecomunicações - CRT, Tele Sudeste Celular Participações S/A, Telerj Celular S/A and Telest Celular S/A. From 1985 to 1997, he was a partner in a law firm in Barcelona, and, during such time, he served as Secretary on the Boards of Directors of various Spanish and foreign companies. Mr. Ros holds a law degree from Universidad Central de Barcelona, the Central University of Barcelona, Spain.
 
Luciano Carvalho Ventura is 61 years old. He is a member of our Board of Directors and is the officer responsible for LCV Governança Corporativa. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors of  Y. Takaoka Empreendimentos, of the Jose Alves Group and of the Lojas Salfer. Since 1980, he has been dedicated to corporate governance consulting and serving as a member of corporate boards. He is the founding member of the Board of Directors of Instituto Brasileiro de Governança Corporativa - IBGC - Brasil. He was a member of the International Corporate Governance Network - England. He is professor of the course for formation of directors of Brazilian Corporate Governance Institute and a speaker at various masters courses and seminars. He holds an MBA from Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo—Fundação Getúlio Vargas, a post-graduate degree in finance from Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo da Fundação Getúlio Vargas, a degree in business management from Escola de Administração de Empresas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, and a degree in economics from Faculdade de Ciências Econômicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco.
 
Luis Bastida Ibarguen is 64 years old and is a member of our Board of Directors. Since 2002, he has acted as an independent consultant, author and lecturer on business economics and serves as director for different companies and foundations. During 2000 and 2001, he was Managing-Director of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria, where he was a member of the Steering Committee and head of the Global Asset Management Division. From 1988 to 2000, he worked for Banco Bilbao Viscaya. In the period 1994 to 2000, he was Chief Financial Officer (CFO), reporting directly to the Chairman. From 1976 to 1987, he worked at Banco Bilbao, where he had different responsibilities, mainly in areas related with the finance function. From 1970 to 1976, he worked for General Electric in New York and Spain. At General Eletric, he was a member of the Finance Management Program and the International Management Program and worked in various capacities in the Finance and Strategic Planning Functions. He holds degrees in Business at the E.S.T.E. University in San Sebastián - Spain and holds an MBA from Columbia University in New York.
 
 
Luiz Fernando Furlan is 63 years old and he is Co-Chairman of the Board of BRF Brasil Foods S.A., Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sadia S.A. and of the Amazonas Sustainable Foundation, and Director on the Boards of Redecard S.A., Amil Participações S.A., Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A - Telesp and Telefónica S.A. and Telefónica Internacional (Spain), and member of the International Advisory Boards of Panasonic (Japan) and McLarty Associates (USA). From 2003 until 2007, he was Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade of Brazil. Previously, he was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sadia S.A and served on the boards of international corporations as Panamco (Pan American Beverages, Inc. - USA). He also joined the advisory councils of IBM - Latin America, Embraco S.A. (Brasmotor - Brazil), ABN Amro Bank (Brazil), Maersk Group (Denmark) and was President of ABEF (Brazilian Chicken Exporters Association), ABIOVE (Vegetal Oil Industries Association), ABRASCA (Brazilian Association of Public Owned Companies), Co-President of the MEBF (Mercosur-European Union Business Forum), Vice President of FIESP (São Paulo Entrepreneurs Association) and board member of Bovespa (São Paulo State Stock Exchange). He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from FEI (Industrial Engineering Faculty) and in Business Administration from University of Santana - São Paulo,  with extension and specialization courses in Brazil and abroad.
 
Miguel Àngel Gutiérrez Méndez is 51 years old and is a Board member of Telefónica Internacional, S.A., where he was previously responsible for Institutional and Public Policy for Grupo Telefõnica in Latin America. He is also a Board member of ABERTIS (Barcelona, Spain). He is also a Board and Audit Committe member of Telesp. From March 2002 to October 2004, Mr. Gutiérrez was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Autopistas del Oeste S.A. (a subsidiary of ABERTIS). From February 2002 until July 2003, he was Chairman and CEO of Telefónica Group in Argentina. He was a founding partner of The Rohatyn Group, an asset management company that focused on emerging markets with $2.3 billion under management. He manages their illiquid investments with teams in New York, Hong Kong and Buenos Aires. For a period of 21 years, Mr. Gutiérrez occupied several posts at J.P. Morgan, reaching the position of Managing Director for Global Emerging Markets, covering Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia, London and New York emerging market activities from 1995-2001. Mr. Gutiérrez was also President of ADESPA (Association of Companies and Public Utilities of Argentina); Vice-President of the Fundación Cámara Española de Comercio; a Board member of the Cámara Argentina de Comercio; and a Board member of the Institute for Business Development of Argentina - IDEA. He is currently a member of the advisory council of CIPPEC (Center of Implementation of Politics for Equity and Growth), a Board member of Fundación Cruzada Argentina, Vice-President of the Center for Financial Stability "CEF", and a Board member of Universidad Torcuato Di Tella.  He holds an MBA from IAE Universidad Austral (Argentina).
 
Narcís Serra Serra is 66 years old and serves as a member of our Board of Directors. From 1991 to 1995, he was Vice President of the Government of Spain, and from 1982 to 1991, served as Minister of Defense. From 1979 to 1982, he was the Mayor of Barcelona. Mr. Serra holds a doctorate in economics from the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona and is President of Caixa d’Estalvis de Catalunya.
 
Executive Committee
 
The executive committee consists of at least three and no more than fifteen members, who may or may not be our shareholders, all of them appointed by our Board of Directors for a period of three years and may remain in office until reappointed or replaced. Any of our executive officers may be removed at any time by a decision of the Board of Directors.
 
The following are the current members of the executive committee, their respective positions and the date of their appointment.
 
Name
 
 
Position
 
 
Date of Appointment
Antonio Carlos Valente da Silva
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
December 18, 2006
Gilmar Roberto Pereira Camurra
 
Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations Officer
 
March 23, 2004
Mariano Sebastian de Beer
 
General Director of Fixed Telephony
 
December 9, 2009
 
 
 
Name
 
 
Position
 
 
Date of Appointment
Gustavo Fleichman
 
General Counsel
 
December 10, 2007
 
*The officers Antonio Carlos Valente da Silva and Gilmar Roberto Pereira Camurra were re-elected at the Board of Directors’ Meeting of February 23, 2007 and their mandates were initiated at the ordinary general meeting on March 29, 2007. The General Counsel, Gustavo Fleichman, was elected at the Board of Directors’ Meeting of December 10, 2007 and his mandate was initiated on January 1, 2008. The General Director of Fixed Telephony, Mariano Sebastian de Beer, was elected at the Board of Directors Meeting of December 9, 2009 and his mandate was initiated on February 1, 2010.

Set forth below are brief biographies of our executive officers:
 
Gilmar Roberto Pereira Camurra is 54 years old and serves as Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations Officer (CFO). He has 29 years of working experience in the financial system. He served for a year as member of the executive board of Grupo Paranapanema (tin exporter). Among his experiences in the banking system, he was vice-president of Citibank N.A., performing various activities for 18 years with a focus on the international and treasury areas; founding partner of Banco ABC Roma, performing activities relating to treasury, international and controlling areas; and executive officer of BCN-Barclays, performing activities relating to treasury, asset management and corporate finance in the last three years before the transfer to the Telefónica Group and served as foreign exchange director and deputy treasurer for HSBC Bank. He has been Chief Financial Officer of Telefónica Group in Brazil since November 1999. He also serves as member of the decision-making body of Fundação Sistel, President of the decision-making body of Visão Prev Sociedade de Previdência Complementar, and Vice President of the Board of Directors of Telefónica Factoring. He holds a business administration and accounting science degree with a specialization course in finance from University of California, Berkeley.
 
Gustavo Fleichman is 50 years old and serves as General Secretary of Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. -Telesp since April 2006. From 2004 to 2006, he worked in Bulhões Pedreira Lawyers, a law firm located in Rio de Janeiro. He worked as a Law Director of Tele Norte Leste S/A - Telemar, a telecommunications company located in Brazil, from 2002 to 2004.  He was Vice President of Shell Brasil S/A from 1998 to 2002. He holds a degree in Law from Bras Cubas University, Mogi das Cruzes City, and holds a post-graduate degree in management and tax.
 
Mariano Sebastian de Beer is 39 years old and serves as General Director of Fixed Telecommunications of Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP since February 2010.  He served from December 1999 to August 2001 as our Vice-President for Special Clients and Small Business (a position that has changed in June 2001 to Vice-President of Residential Sales). From August 2001 to November 2002, Mr. de Beer served as our Vice-President of Strategic Planning. In November 2002, he was elected as our Vice-President for Corporate Sales. In 2006, he was elected as Managing Director of Telefônica Negócios at TISA – Telefonica Internacional in Madrid and in October 2008 he was elected as our Executive Vice-President. From 1991 to 1994, Mr. de Beer worked for  Est. Text. Cia. Suiza Industrial S.A, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he held several positions such as procurement manager, marketing manager and officer. From 1996 to October 1998, he was a consultant at McKinsey in Brazil. He holds a degree in Universidade Argentina de La Empresa, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He also holds an MBA degree from Georgetown University.
 
For the biography of Antonio Carlos Valente da Silva, see “—Board of Directors.”
 
B. Compensation
 
For the year ended December 31, 2009, the aggregate amount of compensation paid to all our Directors and Executive Officers was approximately R$13.5 million, of which R$8.7 million corresponded to salaries and R$4.8 million corresponded to bonuses.  Telesp also paid R$2.6 million in connection with the first distribution under the Performance Share Plan – PSP, a long-term incentive plan.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2009, our Directors and Officers did not receive any pension, retirement or similar benefits.
 
 
C. Board Practices
 
Board of Directors
 
Our Board of Directors typically meet once every three months and the Chairman may call special meetings. Our Board takes action by majority vote, provided the majority of its members in office are present, with the Chairman having, in addition to his or her regular vote, the deciding vote in the event of a tie. The specific responsibilities of the Chairman include representing the Board in the General Shareholders Meetings, chairing the General Shareholders Meetings, selecting the Secretary from among those present, and calling and chairing meetings of the Board.
 
Our Board of Directors is responsible, among other things, for:
 
 
·  
establishing our general business policies;
 
 
·  
electing and removing the members of our executive committee, and establishing their responsibilities with due regard for legal and statutory provisions;
 
 
·  
supervising our management and examining our corporate records;
 
 
·  
calling General Shareholders Meetings;
 
 
·  
approving the financial statements, management reports, proposals for allocation of the company’s results and the submission of such documents to the General Shareholders Meeting;
 
 
·  
appointing and deposing external auditors;
 
 
·  
determining the distribution of interim dividends;
 
 
·  
determining the payment of  interest on equity “ad referendum” of the General Shareholders Meeting;
 
 
·  
authorizing the purchase of our shares to be cancelled or kept in treasury;
 
 
·  
appointing and removing the person responsible for internal auditing;
 
 
·  
approving the budget and annual business plan;
 
 
·  
deliberating on the issuance of new shares and increasing the corporate capital within the limits authorized by the bylaws;
 
 
·  
approving the issuance of commercial paper and depositary receipts;
 
 
·  
authorizing the sale or pledge of fixed and concession-related assets;
 
 
·  
approving agreements, investments and obligations in an amount greater than R$250 million that have not been approved in the budget;
 
 
·  
approving our jobs and compensation plans, our rules and workforce, as well as the terms and conditions for collective labor agreements to be executed with unions representing our employees’ categories and adherence to the policy of, or disassociation from, pension plans;
 
 
·  
authorizing the acquisition of interest in other companies on a definitive basis and the encumbrance and disposal of shareholder’s equity;
 
 
·  
authorizing the offering of ordinary non-convertible unsecured debentures;
 
 
·  
approving the internal rules of the Company, defining its organizational structure, detailing the respective duties and observing the statutory and legal provisions;
 
 
 
·  
approving and modifying the internal regulations of the Board of Directors;
 
 
·  
deliberating as to the issuance of warrants; and
 
 
·  
deliberating, by delegation of the General Shareholders Meeting, about the following aspects related to company debentures:  (i) opportunity to issue, (ii) time and conditions of expiration, amortization or redemption, (iii) time and conditions of the payment of interest, of the participation in the profits and of the premium of repayment, if any, (iv) method of subscription or placement, and (v) the type of debentures.
 
The members of our Board of Directors are all shareholders, one of them being elected by the preferred shareholders in a separate voting process and the others being elected by the holders of common shares. The members of the Board of Directors are elected for a period of three years and may be reelected.
 
Executive Committee
 
Our Executive Committee is responsible for our day-to-day management and for representing us in our business with third parties. Each of our current Executive Officers has been appointed by our Board of Directors for a three-year term and may remain in office until reappointed or replaced.
 
Fiscal Board
 
Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws each require that we maintain a statutory Fiscal Board (Conselho Fiscal). Our statutory Fiscal Board, which is a separate and distinct entity from our outside auditors, is primarily charged with certain advisory, reporting, oversight and review functions with respect to the company’s financial statements. Our statutory Fiscal Board is also responsible for rendering opinions on management’s annual report and management proposals, including financial statements, to be submitted at shareholders meetings relating to a change in the company’s capital composition, investment plans, budget, debenture issuances or subscription bonuses, payment of dividends and consolidations, mergers and spin-offs. However, the statutory Fiscal Board, as required by Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws, has only an advisory role and does not participate in the management of the company. Indeed, decisions of the statutory Fiscal Board are not binding on the company under Brazilian Corporate Law.
 
In accordance with Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws, the Fiscal Board consists of a minimum of three and a maximum of five active members and an equal number of alternates.
 
One member of the Fiscal Board and his or her alternate must be elected by holders of preferred shares in a separate voting process. The following are the current members of the Fiscal Board:
 
 
Members
 
 
Alternates
 
 
Date Appointed
Flavio Stamm
 
Gilberto Lerio
 
March 25, 2009
Stael Prata Silva Filho*
 
 
March 25, 2009
Patrícia Maria de Arruda Franco
 
Luis André Carpintero Blanco
 
March 25, 2009
*Mr. Stael Prata Silva Filho was the alternante for Mrs. Cristiane Barreto Sales who resigned on August 13, 2009.

Committees
 
Brazilian Corporate Law does not require a corporation to maintain committees responsible for ethics, corporate governance or compensation. Nevertheless, our Board of Directors has created the following committees:
 
 
·  
Control and Audit Committee;
 
 
·  
Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee; and
 
 
·  
Service Quality and Marketing Committee.
 
 
Control and Audit Committee
 
Our Control and Audit Committee was created by our Board of Directors in December 2002 and is comprised of a minimum of three and a maximum of five directors, who are not members of our executive committee, and who are appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as members of the Control and Audit Committee for the duration of their respective terms as members of the Board of Directors. The Committee has its own charter, which was approved by the Board of Directors. The Committee provides support to the Board of Directors.
 
According to its charter, the Control and Audit Committee shall meet four times per year and report its conclusions to the Board of Directors. We anticipate that there will be some similar functions between the Control and Audit Committee and our statutory Fiscal Board (Conselho Fiscal).
 
The Control and Audit Committee, among other responsibilities that may be required by the Board of Directors, is charged with informing and providing recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the following:
 
 
·  
the appointment, termination and renewal of the independent auditors, as well as the terms and conditions of the contract with the independent auditors;
 
 
·  
the analysis of the company’s accounts, compliance with certain legal requirements and the adoption of generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
·  
the results of each internal and independent audit and management’s response to the auditor’s recommendations;
 
 
·  
the quality and integrity of the company’s internal control systems;
 
 
·  
the performance of the independent auditors, requesting opinions on the annual reports and that the main audit reports be clear and precise; and
 
 
·  
any communications with the internal auditors about any significant deficiencies in our control systems and identified financial conditions.
 
The following are the current members of the Control and Audit Committee:
 
 
Members
 
 
Date Appointed
Luis Bastida Ibarguen
 
April 18, 2007
Enrique Used Aznar
 
April 18, 2007
Miguel Ángel Gutiérrez Méndez
 
April 18, 2007

Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee
 
Our Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee was established in November 1998, and was restructured in October 2004, and consists of three to five directors appointed by the Board of Directors to serve for the duration of their respective terms as members of the Board of Directors. The Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee, among other responsibilities that may be required by the Board of Directors, is charged with informing and providing recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the following:
 
 
·  
the appointment of executive officers for our company and our subsidiaries;
 
 
·  
the parameters on compensation for our executive officers and administrators;
 
 
·  
the terms and conditions of executive officers employment agreements;
 
 
·  
the review of the Board’s compensation plan and any amendments;
 
 
·  
the incentive plans related to compensation;
 
 
 
·  
the compensation policy for directors and executive officers of the company; and
 
 
·  
the annual corporate governance report.
 
The following individuals are the current members of the Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee:
 
 
Members
 
 
Date Appointed
José Fernando de Almansa Moreno-Barreda
 
April 18, 2007
Antonio Carlos Valente da Silva
 
April 18, 2007
Iñaki Urdangarin
 
February 19, 2008
Juan Carlos Ros Brugueras
 
April 18, 2007

Service Quality and Marketing Committee
 
The Service Quality and Marketing Committee was created on December 16, 2004 and provides assistance to our Board of Directors. The Committee consists of at least three, and at most five, members of our Board selected periodically. The Committee meets from time to time, depending on the availability of its members and when called by its chair. The Committee is responsible for review and analysis of quality indices measuring our principal services and to ensure that the requisite degree of commercial assistance is furnished to our clients.
 
 
Members
 
 
Date Appointed
Antonio Viana Baptista
 
February 19, 2008
Fernando Xavier Ferreira
 
February 19, 2008
Luciano Carvalho Ventura
 
April 18, 2007

D. Employees
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had 6,171 employees. All of our employees are full-time, and are divided into the following categories: 52% in our network plant operation, maintenance, expansion and modernization; 36% in sales and marketing; and 12% in administration, finance and investor relations, human resources, inventory, technology, legal and strategic planning and management control.
 
We, in conjunction with other sponsors (the companies resulting from the breakup of Telebrás), sponsored private pension benefits and health care plans for retirees in order to supplement the salaries of retired employees. The plans PBS Telesp, Visão Telesp, Visão Telefônica Empresas and Visão Assist, previously managed by Fundação Sistel de Seguridade Social, or the Sistel, were transferred to another closed social security entity called Visão Prev Sociedade de Previdência Complementar on February 18, 2005. The Visão Prev Sociedade de Previdência Complementar manages the following pension plans: Visão Telesp, Visão Telefônica Empresas, Visão Assist, Visão TGestiona, Visão Atelecom, Visão Terra, Visão Telerj Celular, Visão Telebahia Celular, Visão Telergipe Celular, Visão Telest Celular, Visão Celular CRT, TCO Prev, TCP Prev, PBS-Tele Leste Celular, PBS-Tele Sudeste Celular, PBS-TCO, PBS-Telesp Celular, PBS Telesp and Vivo Prev. In May 2009, the plan Visão Multi was created by the sponsors Telefonica Inrtenacional Wholesale Brasil Ltda and Telefonica Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento do Brasil Ltda. The plans, Planos de Assistência Médica aos Aposentados - PAMA, or the PAMA, and PBS-A - Plano de Benefícios Sistel Assistidos, or the PBS-A, are still managed by Fundação Sistel de Seguridade Social. Until December 1999, all sponsors of the plans managed by Sistel were jointly and severally liable for all existing benefit plans. After December 1999, a single employer-sponsored pension plan for active employees was created, the PBS Telesp Plan, or PBS plan. See Note 31 to our consolidated financial statements for a more detailed description of the PBS plan. Retired employees (PBS-A) and post-retirement health care benefits, or PAMA, remained as multi-employer benefit plans. The restructuring of the benefit plans took place in January 2000.
 
Due to the withdrawal of other active participants in December 1999, we individually sponsored the PBS plan, which covers 0.50% of our employees. In addition to the PBS plan, the multi-sponsored health care plan, or PAMA, is provided to retired employees and their dependents. Contributions to the PBS plan are determined based on actuarial valuations prepared by independent actuaries, in accordance with standards applicable in Brazil.
 
 
In August 2000, we established the Visão plan, offered to participants in our PBS plan, as well as to employees who did not qualify for participation. Unlike the PBS plan, which is a defined benefits plan, the Visão plan is financed for contributions by participating employees, as well as by us as sponsor, which are credited to the individual accounts of the participants. We are responsible for all management and maintenance expenses of the Visão plan, including the risks of death and permanent injury of the participants. The employees participating in the plan were granted the option to migrate to the Visão plan, which was also offered to those who did not participate in the PBS plan and to all newly hired employees. Our contributions to the Visão plan are equal to those of the individual participants, ranging from 2% to 9% of the participant’s salary, depending on the percentage chosen by the participant. The aggregate costs under the Visão plan equal approximately 5.9% of the total amount of salaries paid to participating employees. Currently 90.2% of our employees are covered under the Visão plan.
 
In 2009, we had 3,322 retirees and beneficiaries, of which 29 were covered by PAMA and 3,293 were covered by PAMA-PCE. At the end of 2009, PAMA remained as a multi-financed plan.
 
Approximately 16% of our employees are members of the main telecommunications industry labor union, Sindicato dos Trabalhadores em Empresas de Telecomunicações e Operadores de Mesas Telefónicas no Estado de São Paulo, the Labor Union of Employees of Telecommunications Companies and Telecommunications Desk Operators in the State of São Paulo, or SINTETEL, which is associated with the Federação Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Telecomunicações, the National Federation of Telecommunications Workers or FENATTEL. The collective labor agreement was renewed on September 1, 2009 and will expire on August 31, 2010. Our management considers relations with our work force to be satisfactory. We have never experienced a work stoppage that had a material effect on our operations.
 
E. Share Ownership
 
None of our directors or executive officers beneficially owns, on an individual basis, 1% or more of our common or preferred shares (including ADSs representing preferred shares) or of our total equity share capital.
 
At the General Shareholders Meeting of Telefónica S.A. (our indirect controlling shareholder), held on June 21, 2006, the application of a long-term incentive plan - ”Performance Share Plan” (PSP) - for executives of Telefónica S.A. and of other entities within the Telefónica Group, which includes Telesp was approved. The plan grants a determined number of shares of Telefónica S.A. to selected participants who fulfill the necessary requirements.
 
The PSP is divided into five cycles, each of three year duration. The eligible executives, who must remain with the Telefónica Group for a minimum period of three years commencing on the date of their eligibility, will have the right to receive stipulated shares based upon their performance in achieving targeted pre-defined results. Shares will be received at the end of each cycle. Each cycle is independent of the others, with the first cycle starting on July 1, 2006 (with distribution of shares of Telefónica S.A. starting on July 1, 2009) and each subsequent cycle commencing on July 1 of each subsequent year, up to and including, the fifth cycle, which commences on July 1, 2010 (with delivery of shares of Telefónica S.A. starting on July 1, 2013).
 
The first distribution under the PSP took place in July 2009, with 56 executives from Telesp given the right to 239,867 shares of Telefónica S.A.
 
The second distribution under the PSP will take place in July 2010, with 56 executives from Telesp potentially having the right to 193,094 shares of Telefónica S.A., for which, on December 31, 2009, we have made a provision of R$4.41 million.
 
The third distribution under the PSP will take place in July 2011, with 57 executives from Telesp potentially having the right to receive 212,452 shares of Telefónica S.A., for which, on December 31, 2009, we have made a provision of R$3.24 million.
 
The fourth distribution under the PSP will take place in July 2012, with 77 executives from Telesp potentially having the right to receive 217,001 shares of Telefónica S.A., for which, on December 31, 2009, we have made a provision of R$1.08 million.
 
 
The provision to be recognized for each cycle in a five-year period is based on the fair value of shares at granting date.
 
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
A. Major Shareholders
 
In accordance with our bylaws, we have two classes of capital stock authorized and outstanding: common shares (ações ordinárias) and preferred shares (ações preferenciais). Our common shares have full voting rights. Our preferred shares have voting rights only under limited circumstances. At December 31, 2009, Telefónica Internacional owned 34.87% of our common shares and SP Telecomunicações, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telefónica International, owned 50.71% of our common shares. Since Telefónica Internacional owns 100% of the equity share capital of SP Telecomunicações, it has effective control over 85.57% of our outstanding common shares. Accordingly, Telefónica Internacional has the ability to control the election of our Board of Directors and to determine the direction of our strategic and corporate policies. Neither Telefónica Internacional, nor SP Telecomunicações, has any special voting rights beyond those ordinarily accompanying the ownership of our common or preferred shares.
 
The following tables set forth information relating to the ownership of common and preferred shares by SP Telecomunicações, Telefónica Internacional and our officers and directors. We are not aware of any other shareholder that beneficially owns more than 5% of our common shares.
 
 
Shareholder’s Name
 
 
Number of common
shares owned
 
 
Percentage of outstanding
common shares
SP Telecomunicações
 
85,603,079
 
50.71%
Telefónica Internacional
 
58,859,918
 
34.87%
All directors and executive officers as a group
 
21
 
         
 
Shareholder’s Name
 
 
Number of preferred
shares owned
 
 
Percentage of outstanding
preferred shares
SP Telecomunicações
 
29,042,853
 
8.61%
Telefónica Internacional
 
271,707,098
 
80.53%
All directors and executive officers as a group
 
1
 

Telefónica Internacional is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telefónica S.A., or Telefónica. Telefónica’s shares are traded on various stock exchanges, including exchanges in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, London, Tokyo, New York, Lima, Buenos Aires and São Paulo. Telefónica’s business operations are concentrated in a number of sectors, including fixed and mobile telecommunications services, data communications, integrated business solutions, e-commerce, Internet, telephone book publishing and marketing, marketing information and services, media content creation, production, distribution and marketing and call center services.
 
B. Related Party Transactions
 
Note 30 to our consolidated financial statements presents, in tabular format, more detailed financial information with respect to transactions and balances with related parties. We provide below a summary description of transactions with related parties.
 
We entered into a consulting service agreement, known as the Consulting Agreement, with Telefónica Internacional, on May 17, 1999, pursuant to which Telefónica Internacional provides advice regarding our management, operations and business. The expiration of this contract was originally August 3, 2003, but it was automatically extended for a five-year term and renewed for an additional five years in December, 2008. Since January 2006, the percentage of net revenues applicable to this contract was 0.1%, pursuant to our concession contracts with ANATEL entered into in December 2005.
 
In 1999, we entered into a service agreement with Atento Brasil S.A. (an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Telefónica S.A.), or Atento, that is automatically extended every three years, for the provision of certain customer
 
 
services, principally services related to our call center. Transactions under this service agreement with Atento Brasil involved approximately R$656 million in 2009 (R$514 million in 2008).
 
In April 2001, we entered into a service agreement for the provision of administrative, accounting and other services with Telefónica Serviços Empresariais do Brasil Ltda., or TGestiona, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Telefónica. Transactions with TGestiona under this service agreement involved approximately R$80 million in 2009 (R$76 million in 2008).
 
We also entered into certain agreements for the provision of telecommunications services to several of our affiliates, each under the indirect or joint control of Telefónica, including Vivo, TIWS Brasil Ltda., Terra Networks Brasil S.A, Telefónica Internacional S.A., Telefônica Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Ltda. and others listed in Note 30 to our consolidated financial statements. Transactions pursuant to these various service agreements, in the aggregate, involved approximately R$2.0 billion in 2009 (R$2.1 billion in 2008).
 
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
 
See Note 19 of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
We are party to legal proceedings incidental to the normal course of our business. The main categories of such proceedings include:
 
 
·  
administrative and judicial litigation with Instituto Nacional da Seguridade Social, the National Institute of Social Security, or INSS;
 
 
·  
administrative and judicial proceedings relating to tax payments;
 
 
·  
lawsuits brought by employees, former employees and trade unions relating to alleged infringements of labor rights; and
 
 
·  
other civil suits, including litigation arising out of the breakup of Telebrás and events preceding the breakup.
 
Our policy with respect to provisioning for contingencies classifies the various legal proceedings to which we are party as “probable,” “possible” and “remote.” In general, 100% of the total claim value for legal proceedings classified as “probable” are provisioned. Senior management classifies each legal proceeding into one of these three categories (probable, possible and remote) based upon the advice of internal and external counsel and specialized technical advisors in charge of each matter. Due to the level of provisioning and based on its analysis of the individual cases, our management believes that no additional liabilities related to any legal proceedings will have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
Litigation with INSS
 
We are defendants in several lawsuits filed by the INSS, in the federal courts of São Paulo, including:
 
 
 
·  
Several legal proceedings for the collection of Seguro de Acidente de Trabalho (Workers Accident Insurance Compensation, or SAT) from January 1986 to June 1997 and charges regarding the alleged failure to collect contributions by certain contracted parties in the approximate amount R$339.0 million, of which we recorded provisions in the amount of R$98.7 million. In September 2009, our management decided to withdraw from part of the litigation and included the amount of R$54.2 million in the Tax and Social Security Amnesty Program (Programa de Recuperação Fiscal – REFIS), in connection with a reduction of fines and interest. We transferred an amount of R$44.0 million from provisions to revenues in connection with this case. The proceedings are currently in the higher court and we have not recorded any provisions since the likelihood of loss in possible.
 
 
·  
Social security contribution on compensation for salary devaluation arising from inflationary losses related to “Verão” and “Bresser” economic plans, in the amount of approximately R$148.5 million. By virtue of an ex officio decision rendered by the Brazilian IRS acknowledging, grounded on Binding Digest No. 8 from the Federal Supreme Court, that part of the tax claims involved were time barred under laches, Company management decided to reverse the provision set up for the amounts so barred in the amount of R$2.9million, with a provision of only R$26 million remaining. The chances of loss in regard to amounts not barred by laches were assessed as possible, and therefore no provision was set up for this contingency.
 
 
·  
Notices relating to social security contributions and amounts due to third parties (under INCRA and SEBRAE) over wages paid during the period between January 1999 and December 2000, in the approximate amount of R$64.0 million. Considering that the risk was classified by our internal and external counsel as being of possible loss, no provision was made.
 
 
·  
Administrative proceedings with respect to fines of approximately R$162 million for the alleged improper distribution of dividends while the company supposedly was indebted to the INSS. Considering that the risk was classified by our internal and external counsel as being of possible loss, no provision was made.
 
Litigation Relating to FINSOCIAL, COFINS, PASEP and Income Tax
 
 
·  
The Federal Revenue Office of São Paulo did not agree with our requests to offset taxes using tax credits arising from the negative balance of the corporate income tax (Imposto de Renda de Pessoa Jurídica) and contribution on profits (Contribuição Social Sobre o Lucro) in 2003 in the amount of R$470.8 million (including principal, fines and interest). The likelihood of loss is possible for a part of the proceeding in the amount of R$94.9 million and remote for the balance according to our counsel. We have not recorded provisions for this proceeding.
 
 
·  
We are defendants in a rescissory action initiated by the Federal Government against Telesp aiming to finalize the decision that acknowledged the legitimacy of certain tax offsets by FINSOCIAL (from 1989 to 1992) against COFINS debts (from March to November 1995) carried out by us. The total amount in dispute is R$15.2 million and the likelihood of loss is possible. We did not record any provisions for this proceeding.
 
Litigation Relating to ICMS
 
We are a named defendant in several ICMS proceedings pertaining to:
 
 
·  
International Long-Distance Services. The São Paulo state treasury secretary filed three administrative violation suits in order to collect amounts allegedly due as ICMS tax in connection with international long-distance services, for the periods of November and December of 1996, April of 1998 to December of 1999 and of January of 1997 to March of 1998. The total amount involved is R$364.1 million. Considering that the risk was classified by our internal and external counsel as being of possible loss, no provision was made.
 
 
·  
ICMS Tax Credits. Two notices of tax assessments were filed by the tax agency of the State of São Paulo related to ICMS tax credits from the periods from January 1999 to June 2000 and from July 2000 to December 2003 and a wrongful entry of ICMS tax during March 1999. The assessments relate to the
 
 
 
reversal of tax credits in respect of taxable equipment purchases for exempted operations and the criteria for determining tax liability in such a situation. The total amount involved is R$135.9 million. Considering that the risk was classified by our internal and external counsel as being of possible loss, no provision was made.
 
 
·  
ICMS with Respect to Property Rental (Modem) and Complementary Services. Administrative proceedings were commenced whereby tax authorities claimed that ICMS was assessed for various services, such as complementary services of aggregate value (SVA) and modem rental, which were not subject to the ICMS. The relevant services were aggregated value call services or complementary services, as well as call-waiting, call transferring and modem rentals, among others. The total amount involved in the proceedings is approximately R$540.7 million. Considering that the risk was classified by our internal and external counsel as being of possible loss, no provision was made.
 
 
·  
Administrative proceeding commenced by the State of São Paulo tax authorities in the amount of R$55.3 million relating to the non-payment of the ICMS tax from January 2006 to December 2007 over the revenues on lease of modems. The likelihood of loss is possible and we do not record any provisions for this proceeding.
 
 
·  
Administrative proceedings commenced by the State of São Paulo tax authorities in the amount of R$443.9 million relating to the non-payment of the ICMS tax from January 2006 to December 2007 due to the non-inclusion of revenues arising from several services we provide in the ICMS tax calculation basis. The likelihood of loss is possible and we do not record any provisions for this proceeding.
 
Litigation Relating to FUST
 
 
·  
FUST Calculation Basis. On December 15, 2005, ANATEL issued a new ruling which stated its understanding that interconnection expenses should not be excluded from the FUST calculation basis, which ruling constituted a change in ANATEL’s previous policy that had provided for such a possibility. This new ruling has retroactive application to January 2001. Therefore, on January 9, 2006, we, through the Brazilian Association of Fixed Telecommunication Companies (ABRAFIX), entered a petition of writ of mandamus so as to assure the possibility of exclusion of the interconnection expenses from the FUST calculation basis or  so as to avoid the retroactive charge of the balances accrued as a result of the adoption required by Súmula No. 7/2005 of ANATEL. Due to new facts that shifted the trial in our favor, particularly regarding the illegality of including interconnection expenses in the FUST calculation basis, the Board of Directors decided to modify the calculation of the amounts to be deposited with the court and exclude interconnection expenses. The total amount involved is R$399.6 million, of which R$207.4 is the amount reflecting the differences in payment to ANATEL as calculated retroactively for the period from 2001 to 2005 and R$192.1 is the amount reflecting the differences from 2006 to present, which is being deposited with the court on a monthly basis. A provision has been made for those amounts that have been deposited with the court. The trial is currently in the second judicial stage.
 
Litigation Relating to FGTS
 
The adoption of the Complementary Law No. 110 on June 29, 2001 created an additional social contribution to be deposited with the FGTS.  The purpose of this new contribution is to share with employers the cost to recover losses affecting workers as a result of the economic plans “Plano Verão” and “Plano Collor” that were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Justice. We understand that the new law is unconstitutional and commenced a lawsuit not to pay for this additional social constribution to be deposited with the FGTS. The discussion in the lawsuit only encompasses the additional social contribution to be deposited with the FGTS created by Complementary Law No. 110 and does not result in any reduction of the part of the deposits with FGTS made by us on behalf of our employees. The lawsuit is currently in the higher court and we recorded provisions in the amount of R$59.8 million.
 
Labor Litigation
 
We are also a defendant in several legal proceedings filed by former employees and outsourced employees (alleging our joint liability), who claim, among other things, deficient overtime payment, unequal compensation,
 
 
retirement wage supplements, health and security hazard compensation, as well as some proceedings regarding our outsourcing.
 
The most relevant claim is an annulment action that was brought by Telesp against the federal government of Brazil in order to obtain a judiciary declaration of the unenforceability of notices of infraction from all authorities alleging that Telesp violated the constitution by failing to properly pay overtime for all of its employees through January 1997 by using the wrong base to calculate the overtime. The total value is of approximately R$31 million. The decision of the lower court was favorable to us. The Federal Government appealed and we will defend in the appeal process. We have obtained a temporary injunction suspending the notices. We consider the risk of loss remote, and we do not record provisions.
 
Civil Claims
 
There are several civil claims against us, for which R$187.7 million has been deemed probable and provisioned, including:
 
 
·  
“0900 Service” Claims. On June 9, 2000, WCR do Brasil Serviços Ltda. proposed enforcement proceedings against the Company, claiming the collection of the alleged difference in amounts calculated by Telesp regarding the use of the “0900 Service” and the amounts transferred to that company. The value of the proceedings is R$74.8 million. On October 1, 2004, the thirteenth Civil Court of the central jurisdiction of São Paulo published its decision, by which the proceeding was deemed valid. On December 14, 2004, an appeal against the decision was filed before the twenty-sixth Panel of Judges of São Paulo. On May 26, 2006, the appeal against the decision was overturned in part (a reduction of R$20 million). A deposit for damages was made, through a surety bond, in the amount of R$59.3 million and appealed to the Superior Court (Third Chamber). Since the risk level was considered as probable, a provision of R$76.2 million was made for the claims.
 
 
·  
Expansion Plan - PEX.  We are subject to claims questioning the applicability of the rules issued by the Ministry of Telecommunication regarding the Financial Sharing Agreements after 1996 (Ordinance 1028). These claims are in different phases and there have been no final court decisions. Nevertheless, since the risk is considered probable, we recorded a provision of R$18 million for the claims.
 
There are several civil claims against us, for which we have not recorded provisions, though which we deem to be notable, including:
 
 
·  
Pension Benefit and Health Care Claims. Sistel Participants Association in São Paulo (ASTEL) filed a claim against the Company, Sistel Foundation and others, regarding alleged irregularities in changes made to the company’s retirees’ medical assistance plan, or PAMA, and in particular: (i) the prohibition of the contribution of payments from PAMA members; (ii) the reinstatement of PAMA members whose subscriptions were suspended due to default; (iii) the revaluation of PAMA’s economics needs; (iv) the restructuring of the contribution base for total and gross payroll for the company’s employees; (v) the inclusion of all hospitals, doctors, clinics and laboratories that used to be associated with Sistel; and (vi) equity accounting distribution review. The process is in the initial proceedings and no decision has been made by the court. The Company’s management, based on its legal counsel opinion, consider this proceeding as a possible risk. We estimate the exposure of the company at R$346.6 million.
 
 
·  
Community Telephone Plan -PCT. The Company is subject to civil public action proposals claiming the possible right for indemnity for purchasers of the expansion plans who did not receive shares for their financial investment in the municipality of Mogi das Cruzes, involving a total amount of approximately R$146.8 million. The claims have not been subject to a final ruling. The risk involved is considered possible with respect to this action.
 
 
·  
Services Quality Class Action. The Public Prosecutor Office of the State of São Paulo commenced a class action claiming moral and property damages suffered by all consumers of telecommunication services from 2004 to 2009 due to the bad quality of services and failures of the communications system. The penalties sought are generic and our potential responsibility will only be known in the calculation and enforcement of
 
 
 
the award by affected consumers. The Public Prosecutor Office suggested that the indemnification to be paid should be R$1 billion in the event that the monetary claim of consumers to the award is not in line with the gravity of their damages. This suggested amount would be deposited in the Special Expenses Fund to Recover Natural Rights Damages (Fundo Especial de Despesa de Reparação de Interesses Difusos Lesados). In our current assessment, it is not currently possible to evaluate the amount involved in this lawsuit. We have not made any provisions for this lawsuit as our risk of loss is deemed possible.
 
 
·  
Inclusion of PIS and COFINS in Service Rates. The federal district attorney’s office believes that the amounts collected by us as COFINS and PIS are being improperly included in the fixed telecommunications service rates, and therefore has filed a public civil action in order to exclude those amounts from those charged to our customers and to demand that the amounts improperly charged be returned in double. There are other public civil actions based on the same claim, which when added to the one described above and other collective and individual lawsuits, amount to seven lawsuits. We have not made any provisions for these lawsuits as our risk of loss is deemed possible.
 
Regulatory and Antitrust Litigation
 
We are a defendant in each of the following administrative proceedings, which have been filed by telecommunications service providers alleging anti-trust practices:
 
 
·  
EILD Cases. We have been accused in two different proceedings of anti-trust violations through price discrimination based on claims that we charge our competitors higher fees for dedicated lines (“EILD”) than we charge one of the companies of the Telefónica Group. Both ANATEL and CADE analyzed the allegations in these cases. We have signed two consent decrees (Termos de Cessação de Conduta) with ANATEL, which were agreed to by CADE, pursuant to which we commit to refrain from practicing the actions challenged in the proceedings. It is currently pending CADE confirmation that we complied with the consent decrees. We made no provisions for this claim because we believe that the agreements will also be fully confirmed by CADE. In July 2006, ANATEL’s Resolution No. 402, which altered rules regarding EILD, became effective. The Resolution also changed the conditions of the consent decrees. We, in conjuction with other players in the market, have been challenged for anti-trust violation and non-compliance with Resolution No. 402. In this regard, we are party to several proceedings, of which the most relevant are: (i) administrative proceeding commenced in May 2007 to investigate the non-compliance with Resolution No. 402, and (ii) administrative proceeding commenced in December 2008 to investigate regulatory requirements in the public offer of our EILD, in which we presented our defense and we will not make any provision.
 
In addition to the two antitrust-related claims mentioned above, we are a defendant in the following proceedings:
 
 
·  
Civil action filed by the federal district attorney’s office of the city of Marília, State of São Paulo, against ANATEL and us questioning the validity of certain clauses of our concession agreements relating to the fee adjustment mechanism, and requesting reimbursement of the balance between the amounts charged by us in 2001 and the amounts we would have charged if we had used the variation of a different price index in the adjustment of our fees. The lower court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and determined that our fees be adjusted based on variations of the General Price Index (IGP-DI measured by Fundação Getúlio Vargas). An appeal was filed with respect to the lower court’s decision but, as this appeal did not suspend the effects of the lower court’s filing, we appealed again to a higher court to suspend those effects until the first appeal is ruled on which second appeal was granted. The case was sent to the 2nd Federal Court of Brasília for a new judgment and we estimate that a decision will be delivered in the medium term (in approximately two years).
 
 
·  
Public civil action brought by the Federal Public Ministry, in Brasilia, Federal District, against Telesp and other operators of STFC services seeking to substitute as the tariff readjustment index the consumer price index (IPCA, published by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística)) for the General Price Index (IGP-DI, published by the Fundação Getúlio Vargas).
 
 
 
The action was ruled to be improper and an appeal was filed by the Public Ministry. We are awaiting the results of the appeal. The estimated time period for the end of the action is five years.
 
Litigation Arising to the Telebrás Breakup
 
 
·  
The legality of the breakup of Telebrás was challenged in numerous legal proceedings, some of which remain pending. Our management believes that the final outcome of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
 
Dividends and Dividend Distribution Policy
 
Priority and Amount of Preferred Dividends
 
The Brazilian Corporate Law generally requires that the bylaws of each Brazilian corporation specify a minimum percentage of the distributable profits comprising dividends and/or interest on shareholders’ equity, or distributable amount, of the corporation for each fiscal year that must be distributed to shareholders as dividends. See “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.” Moreover, each Brazilian company may issue new preferred shares for public distribution only if one of the following terms applies to the preferred shares: (i) the right to receive dividends equivalent to at least 25% of the net profit for the fiscal year, to be calculated in accordance with Article 202 of the Brazilian Corporate Law as follows: (a) priority in the receipt of dividends corresponding to at least 3% of the book value per share and (b) the right to an equal share of the profits attributable to the holders of common shares, after the holders of common shares have received a dividend equal to a minimum of 3% of the book value per share; or (ii) the right to receive dividends, at least 10% higher than those paid for each common shares; or (iii) tag-along rights of at least 80% of the price paid in the sale of control to be paid by the controlling shareholder and also including the right to receive dividends at least equal to the dividend paid to common shares.
 
According to our bylaws, we are required to distribute as dividends of each fiscal year ending on December 31, to the extent amounts are available, an aggregate amount equal to at least 25% of adjusted net income as a mandatory dividend. The annual dividend distributed to holders of our preferred shares is 10% higher than the dividend distributed to our common shareholders.
 
Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, a company is allowed to withhold payment of the mandatory dividend in respect of common shares and preferred shares if:
 
 
·  
management and the board of auditors report to the shareholders meeting that the distribution would be incompatible with the financial circumstances of the company; and
 
 
·  
the shareholders ratify this decision at the shareholder’s meeting. In this case:
 
 
·  
management must forward to the CVM within five days of the shareholders meeting an explanation justifying the decision at the shareholders meeting; and
 
 
·  
the profits that were not distributed are to be recorded as a special reserve and, if not absorbed by losses in subsequent fiscal years, are to be paid as dividends as soon as the company’s financial situation permits.
 
For the purposes of the Brazilian Corporate Law, net profits are defined as net income after income tax and social contribution for the fiscal year, net of any accumulated losses from prior fiscal years and any amounts allocated to beneficiary parties’, employees’ and management’s participation in a company’s profits and founders’ shares.
 
Under Brazilian Corporate Law, and in accordance with our bylaws, adjusted net income is an amount equal to our net income adjusted to reflect allocations to or from (i) legal reserves, (ii) statutory reserves, and (iii) contingency reserves for anticipated losses, if any.
 
 
At each annual shareholders meeting, the Board of Directors is required to suggest the allocation of net profits obtained during the preceding fiscal year. Under Brazilian Corporate Law, we are required to maintain a legal reserve, to which 5% of our net profits must be allocated for each fiscal year, until the reserve amounts to 20% of our paid-in capital. Net losses, if any, shall be charged against the accumulated profits, profit reserves and legal reserve, following this order.
 
Brazilian Corporate Law also provides for an additional allocation of net profits to special accounts, which is also recommended by management and subject to approval by shareholders at the annual shareholders meeting, including the amount of net profits that may be allocated to the contingency reserve for anticipated losses that are deemed probable in future years. Any amount so allocated in a previous year must be either:
 
 
·  
reversed in the fiscal year in which the loss was anticipated, if the loss does not in fact occur; or
 
 
·  
written-off in the event that the anticipated loss occurs.
 
Net profits may also be allocated to the unrealized income reserve in case the total amount of mandatory dividends exceeds the amount of realized income. Such allocation should also be suggested by management and subject to approval by shareholders at the shareholders meeting. For such purpose, realized income is the balance of net profits exceeding the sum of:
 
 
·  
the positive net result of equity adjustment; and
 
 
·  
earnings net from transactions or the accounting of assets and liabilities at market value which must be realized after the end of the subsequent fiscal year.
 
The amounts available for distribution are determined on the basis of financial statements prepared in accordance with the Brazilian Corporate Law.
 
If the minimum dividend to be paid to the holders of preferred shares is not paid for the period set forth in our bylaws, which in no event shall be longer than three years, the holders of preferred shares will be entitled to full voting rights until such dividend is paid in full.
 
Payment of Dividends
 
We are required by law and our bylaws to hold an annual shareholders meeting until April 30 of each year at which, among other issues, the allocation of net profits obtained during the preceding fiscal year and the declaration of dividends by decision of common shareholders are decided, acting on the recommendation of the executive officers, as approved by the Board of Directors. The payment of annual dividends is based on the financial statements prepared for each fiscal year ending December 31. Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, dividends are required to be paid within 60 days following the date the dividend is declared to shareholders of record on the declaration date, unless a resolution by the shareholders sets forth another date of payment, which must occur prior to the end of the fiscal year.
 
A shareholder has a three-year period from the dividend payment date to claim dividends in respect of its shares, after which we have no liability for the payment. Because our shares are issued in book-entry form, dividends with respect to any share are automatically credited to the account holding the share and no action is required on part of the shareholder. We are not required to adjust the amount of paid-in capital for inflation.
 
If a shareholder is not a resident of Brazil, he or she must register with the Central Bank of Brazil in order to be eligible to receive dividends, sales proceeds or other amounts with respect to his or her shares outside of Brazil. Our preferred shares underlying ADSs are held in Brazil by a Brazilian custodian, Banco Itaú S.A., as the agent for the depositary, which is the registered owner of our shares.
 
Payments of cash dividends and distributions, if any, will be made in Brazilian currency to the custodian on behalf of the depositary, which will then convert those proceeds into U.S. dollars and will provide for U.S. dollars to be delivered to the depositary for distribution to holders of ADSs. In the event that the custodian is unable to
 
 
immediately convert the Brazilian currency received as dividends into U.S. dollars, the amount of U.S. dollars payable to holders of ADSs may be adversely affected by devaluations of the Brazilian currency that occur before dividends are converted and remitted. Dividends in respect of the preferred shares paid to resident and non-resident shareholders, including holders of ADSs, are not currently subject to Brazilian withholding tax.
 
Additional Payments on Shareholders’ Equity
 
Law No. 9,249, dated December 26, 1995, as amended, provides for distribution to shareholders of interest on shareholders’ equity, which may be computed against the amount of dividends to be distributed to the shareholders. A company may treat these payments as financial expenses for income tax and social contribution purposes. This interest is limited to the daily pro rata variation of the Taxa de Juros de Longo Prazo, or TJLP, a nominal long-term interest rate determined by the federal government that includes an inflation factor and cannot exceed the greater of:
 
 
·  
50% of net income (before deducting income taxes and the interest on shareholders’ equity) for the period in respect of which the payment is made, or
 
 
·  
50% of the sum of retained earnings and profit reserves.
 
Any payment of interest in respect of preferred shares to shareholders (including the holders of ADSs) is subject to Brazilian withholding tax at a rate of 15%, or 25% in the case of a shareholder domiciled in a tax haven, and these payments may be included, at their net value, as part of any mandatory dividend. Payments to persons who are exempt from taxation in Brazil are not subject to withholding tax. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations—Distributions of Interest on Capital.”
 
We declare and pay dividends and/or interest on shareholders’ equity as required by Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws. The declaration of annual dividends, including dividends in excess of the mandatory distribution, requires approval by the vote of a majority of the holders of common shares, and depends on many factors. These factors include our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by shareholders. Our shareholders have historically acted on these matters based on recommendations by the Board of Directors. Within the context of tax planning, we may determine in the future that it is to our benefit to distribute interest on shareholders’ equity.
 
The following table sets forth the dividends or interest on shareholders’ equity paid to holders of our common and preferred shares since 2005 in reais.
 
   
  Description
(Dividends or
Interest on
Shareholders’
Equity)(1)
 
Common Shares
   
Preferred Shares
 
 
Year
   
(per share/in R$)
 
2009
 
Div/Int
    2.556431       2.812074  
2008
 
Div/Int
    4.539838       4.993823  
2007
 
Div/Int
    5.247437       5.772180  
2006
 
Div/Int
    5.581383       6.139521  
2005
 
Div/Int
    6.892824       7.582106  

(1)
Interest on shareholders’ equity is net of withholding taxes.
 
Dividends and Interest on Shareholders’ Equity
 
On December 9, 2008, the Board of Directors approved, subject to the shareholders approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for our common and preferred shares in the amount of R$353.6 million.  The actual payment occurred on June 16, 2009.
 
On March 25, 2009, at the General Shareholders Meeting, the shareholders approved the distribution of dividends to the common and preferred shares in the total amount of R$395.1 million declared on the basis of the closing balance sheet on December 31, 2008.  The actual payment occurred on June 16, 2009.
 
 
On May 18, 2009, the Board of Directors approved the distribution of intermediary dividends in the amount of R$470 million based on retained earnings existing on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2009. The actual payment occurred on June 17, 2009.
 
On September 30, 2009, the Board of Directors approved, subject to the shareholders approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for our common and preferred shares in the amount of R$340.0 million.  The actual payment occurred on December 21, 2009.
 
On December 9, 2009, the Board of Directors approved, subject to the shareholders approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for our common and preferred shares in the amount of R$174.2 million.  The actual date of payment will be disclosed to the shareholders.
 
Reverse Stock Split
 
In a special General Shareholders Meeting held on May 11, 2005, our shareholders approved the reverse stock split of all of our shares, under the terms of Article 12 of the Brazilian Corporate Law, at the ratio of 1,000 existing shares per one share of the same type and class. When the shares began trading on BM&FBOVESPA in unitary form on June 27, 2005, each of our ADRs, which previously represented 1,000 preferred shares, became one preferred share.
 
Cancellation of Treasury Stock
 
On March 9, 2006, a special meeting of the shareholders approved the cancellation of 1,562,387 shares of treasury stock, consisting of 1,258,508 common shares and 303,879 preferred shares. These treasury shares had been acquired as a result of a reverse stock split.
 
B. Significant Changes
 
None.
 
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
 
A. Offer and Listing Details
 
The trading market for our common and preferred shares is BM&FBOVESPA.
 
Our preferred shares began trading on BM&FBOVESPA, on September 21, 1998 and are traded on BM&FBOVESPA under the symbol “TLPP4”.  Our common shares trade under the symbol “TLPP3”.  At December 31, 2009, we had approximately 506.2 million common and preferred shares held by approximately 1.9 million common and preferred shareholders.  The following table sets forth the reported high and low closing sale prices for the common and preferred shares on BM&FBOVESPA, for the periods indicated.
 
   
Prices of common shares
of the company
 
   
High
   
Low
 
   
(in reais)
 
January 1, 2004 through March 31, 2004
    45.50       35.40  
April 1, 2004 through June 30, 2004
    42.70       33.00  
July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004
    42.65       38.40  
October 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004
    46.50       36.30  
January 1, 2005 through March 31, 2005
    48.90       39.17  
April 1, 2005 through June 30, 2005 (1)
    40.50       35.70  
July 1, 2005 through September 30, 2005
    37.48       32.10  
October 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005
    37.49       31.90  
January 1, 2006 through January 31, 2006
    43.80       36.17  
April 1, 2006 through June 30, 2006
    43.39       36.40  
 
 
   
Prices of common shares
of the company
 
   
High
   
Low
 
   
(in reais)
 
July 1, 2006 through September 30, 2006
    42.69       37.10  
October 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006
    47.49       40.50  
January 1, 2007 through March 31, 2007
    50.30       43.00  
April 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007
    58.99       44.30  
July 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007
    66.98       51.80  
October 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007
    59.80       44.00  
January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008
    47.00       39.00  
April 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008
    41.95       37.80  
July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008
    40.00       35.00  
October 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008
    40.44       33.84  
January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009
    38.64       34.48  
April 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009
    42.00       37.50  
July 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009
    41.00       36.00  
October 1, 2009 through October 31, 2009
    40.64       38.06  
November 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009
    40.60       38.10  
December 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009
    39.29       36.00  
January 1, 2010 through January 31, 2010
    37.78       35.80  
February 1, 2010 through February 28, 2010
    36.79       35.00  
March 1, 2010 through March 24, 2010
    35.70       33.50  

(1)
Before June 27, 2005, our ADRs were traded in the proportion of 1000 per 1. Since that date, ADRs have been traded in the proportion of one to one.
 
   
Prices of preferred shares
of the company
 
   
High
   
Low
 
   
(in reais)
 
January 1, 2004 through March 31, 2004
    55.00       46.00  
April 1, 2004 through June 30, 2004
    49.25       38.50  
July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004
    55.00       46.00  
October 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004
    51.40       44.89  
January 1, 2005 through March 31, 2005
    58.38       43.81  
April 1, 2005 through June 30, 2005 (2)
    52.95       45.20  
July 1, 2005 through September 30, 2005
    49.00       41.91  
October 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005
    48.20       41.50  
January 1, 2006 through March 31, 2006
    54.00       46.16  
April 1, 2006 through June 30, 2006
    53.41       42.41  
July 1, 2006 through September 30, 2006
    51.90       43.50  
October 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006
    55.00       48.11  
January 1, 2007 through March 31, 2007
    56.30       49.40  
April 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007
    62.80       50.75  
July 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007
    69.50       53.50  
October 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007
    63.19       45.20  
January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008
    50.99       41.97  
April 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008
    48.84       42.37  
July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008
    48.37       38.69  
October 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008
    53.30       43.99  
January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009
    48.19       40.55  
April 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009
    49.25       43.10  
July 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009
    45.68       41.30  
 
 
   
Prices of preferred shares
of the company
 
   
High
   
Low
 
   
(in reais)
 
October 1, 2009 through October 31, 2009
    45.17       42.59  
November 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009
    45.83       43.07  
December 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009
    43.54       42.12  
January 1, 2010 through January 31, 2010
    43.29       41.89  
February 1, 2010 through February 28, 2010
    41.57       39.40  
March 1, 2010 through March 24, 2010
    40.44       38.20  

(2)
Before June 27, 2005, our ADRs were traded in the proportion of 1000 per 1. Since that date, ADRs have been traded in the proportion of one to one.
 
In the United States, the preferred shares trade in the form of ADRs, each representing one preferred share, issued by The Bank of New York, as depositary, pursuant to a Deposit Agreement, among us, the depositary and the registered holders and beneficial owners from time to time of ADRs. The ADRs commenced trading on the NYSE on November 16, 1998 under the symbol “ TSP”. The following table sets forth the reported high and low closing sales prices for ADRs on the NYSE for the periods indicated.
 
   
U.S. dollars per ADR
 
   
High
   
Low
 
January 1, 2004 through March 31, 2004
    19.25       15.75  
April 1, 2004 through June 30, 2004
    17.18       12.45  
July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004
    18.78       15.20  
October 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004
    19.43       15.60  
January 1, 2005 through March 31, 2005
    21.97       16.16  
April 1, 2005 through June 30, 2005 (3)
    20.43       18.38  
July 1, 2005 through September 30, 2005
    20.80       17.54  
October 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005
    21.74       18.34  
January 1, 2006 through March 31, 2006
    25.50       20.58  
April 1, 2006 through June 30, 2006
    25.14       18.84  
July 1, 2006 through September 30, 2006
    24.22       19.95  
October 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006
    25.50       22.27  
January 1, 2007 through March 31, 2007
    27.14       23.62  
April 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007
    32.99       25.30  
July 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007
    37.15       26.71  
October 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007
    35.16       25.45  
January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008
    29.83       24.08  
April 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008
    29.52       25.17  
July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008
    30.42       20.65  
October 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008
    26.09       18.62  
January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009
    21.30       17.12  
April 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009
    24.55       20.95  
July 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009
    25.56       21.17  
October 1, 2009 through October 31, 2009
    26.41       24.25  
November 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009
    27.38       24.79  
December 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009
    25.53       23.74  
January 1, 2010 through January 31, 2010
    25.42       23.00  
February 1, 2010 through February 28, 2010
    22.79       21.56  
March 1, 2010 through March 24, 2010
    23.00       21.56  

(3)
Before June 27, 2005, our ADRs were traded in the proportion of 1000 per 1. Since that date, ADRs have been traded in the proportion of one-to-one.
 
 
B. Plan of Distribution
 
Not applicable.
 
C. Markets
 
Trading on the BM&FBOVESPA
 
In 2008, Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo S.A. was subject to a corporate reorganization, by which, among other things, the shares issued by it were transferred to BOVESPA Holding S.A. and its corporate name was changed to Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo S.A. – BVSP. After that, the operations of BOVESPA Holding S.A. and Bolsa de Mercadorias e Futuros – BM&F S.A. were integrated, resulting in the creation of BM&FBOVESPA S.A. Bolsa de Valores, Mercadorias e Futuros, or BM&FBOVESPA. In late 2008, Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo – BVSP and Companhia Brasileira de Liquidação e Custódia were merged into BM&FBOVESPA, which currently concentrates all trading activities of shares and commodities in Brazil. BM&FBOVESPA is one of the world’s largest stock exchanges in terms of market capitalization. BM&FBOVESPA offers investment options (shares, commodities, derivatives, etc.) with competitive costs aligned with those of other stock exchanges, allowing issuers to capitalize on the high speed of transformations in the market.
 
Trading on the exchange is conducted by authorized members. Trading sessions take place every business day, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during daylight savings time in the U.S., on an electronic trading system called Megabolsa. Trading is also conducted between 5:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., or between 6:45 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during daylight savings time in Brazil, in an after-market system connected to both traditional brokerage firms and brokerage firms operating on the Internet. This after-market trading is subject to regulatory limits on price volatility of securities traded by investors operating on the Internet.
 
In order to better control the excess of volatility in market conditions, BM&FBOVESPA has adopted a “circuit breaker” system pursuant to which trading sessions may be suspended for a period of 30 minutes or one hour whenever the indices of these stock exchanges fall below the limits of 10% and 15%, respectively, relative to the index of the previous trading day. In the event the stock exchange index falls by 20% in comparison to the previous trading day, BM&FBOVESPA may determine the suspension of trading sessions for a certain period which will be at its sole discretion.
 
At December 31, 2009, the aggregate market capitalization of the 385 companies listed on BM&FBOVESPA was approximately US$1,341 billion. Although all the outstanding shares of an exchange-listed company may trade on a Brazilian stock exchange, in most cases, less than half of the listed shares are actually available for trading by the public, the remainder being held by small groups of controlling entities or persons that rarely trade their shares. For this reason, data showing the total market capitalization of Brazilian stock exchanges tends to overstate the liquidity of the Brazilian equity securities market.
 
Regulation of Brazilian Securities Markets
 
The Brazilian securities market is regulated by the CVM, as provided for by the Brazilian Securities Exchange Act and Corporate Law. The National Monetary Council is responsible for supervising the CVM’s activities, granting licenses to brokerage firms to govern their incorporation and operation, and regulating foreign investment and exchange transactions, as provided for by the Brazilian Securities Exchange Act and Law No. 4595 of December 31, 1964. These laws and regulations provide for, among other things, disclosure requirements, criminal sanctions for insider trading and price manipulation, protection of minority shareholders, the procedures for licensing and supervising brokerage firms and the governance of Brazilian stock exchanges.
 
Under Brazilian Corporate Law, a company is either publicly held and listed, a companhia aberta, or privately held and unlisted, a companhia fechada. All listed companies are registered with the CVM and are subject to reporting requirements to periodically disclose information and material facts. A company registered with the CVM may trade its securities either on the Brazilian exchange markets, including the BM&FBOVESPA, or in the Brazilian over-the-counter market. Shares of companies listed on BM&FBOVESPA may not simultaneously trade on the Brazilian over-the-counter market. The over-the-counter market consists of direct trades between persons in
 
 
which a financial institution registered with the CVM serves as an intermediary. No special application, other than registration with the CVM (and, in case of organized over-the-counter markets, in the applicable one), is necessary for securities of a public company to be traded in this market. To be listed on the BM&FBOVESPA, a company must apply for registration with the BM&FBOVESPA and the CVM.
 
Trading in securities on the BM&FBOVESPA may be suspended under a request from a company in anticipation of a material announcement. Trading in the securities of a particular company may also be suspended under the initiative of BM&FBOVESPA or the CVM, among other reasons, due to the belief that the company has provided inadequate information regarding a material event or has provided inadequate responses to inquiries by the CVM or the BM&FBOVESPA.
 
Brazilian securities law, the Brazilian Corporate Law and the regulations issued by CVM, CMN and the Central Bank provide, among other things, disclosure requirements and restrictions on insider trading, price manipulation and protection of minority shareholders.
 
Corporate Governance Practices
 
We are a sociedade anônima, a corporation incorporated under the laws of Brazil, and are subject to the corporate governance provisions of the Brazilian Corporate Law. We comply with the regulatory requirements of the Brazilian Corporate Law regarding the independence of our Board of Directors, the establishment and composition of certain board committees and the adoption and disclosure of corporate governance guidelines.
 
We comply with several requirements of Brazilian and international laws in order to promote strong corporate governance, reduce investor uncertainties and enhance disclosure of material and other information.
 
With the approval of our Board of Directors and/or Officers, we implemented several measures over the last few years designed to improve our transparency and disclosure practices. We believe these measures will benefit our shareholders, and current and future investors as well as the marketplace in general. Among the measures we have implemented, we have:
 
 
·  
created a disclosure policy for material facts and corporate actions;
 
 
·  
created a policy for internal controls related to financial information;
 
 
·  
created a Service Quality and Marketing committee;
 
 
·  
created a Control and Audit committee;
 
 
·  
created a Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance committee;
 
 
·  
developed and published a company Corporate Governance Report (Informe de Governança Corporativa) with information regarding the corporate governance principles we follow, our shareholder structure and characteristics, the composition and competence of administrative entities, the obligations and responsibilities of administrators and equity interests held by corporate officers and administrators;
 
 
·  
created a policy to denounce fraud within the Company (Canal de Denúncias);
 
 
·  
created a policy for prior approval of contracting audit services;
 
 
·  
created an internal rule of conduct relating to the securities market;
 
 
·  
created an Ethics Code in respect of handling financial information; and
 
 
·  
created a policy regarding communication of information to the securities market.
 
As determined by the Brazilian Corporate Law, the compensation of senior management is approved by our shareholders at an annual shareholders meeting. The Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance
 
 
Committee provides information and recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the criterion for compensation.
 
Our rules relating to insider trading are determined in our internal rules and the corporate laws. Senior management and members of our Board of Directors and any other employee exposed to sensitive information are subject to the restrictions imposed by such charter. In addition to the prohibition on trading of our shares by such individuals when in possession of insider information, the charter establishes blackout trading periods for those periods when insider information is available. As an example, the month before the formulation and approval of our annual financial statements by our Board of Directors is considered a blackout period under the charter. In addition, the charter sets forth instructions for dealing with conflicts of interest and mandates disclosure of any such situation.
 
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
 
Although adoption of a code of ethics is not required by Brazilian Corporate Law, we implemented a code of ethics regulating the conduct of our managers in connection with the registration and control of financial and accounting information and their access to privileged and non-public information and data in order to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and NYSE rules. See “Item 16B. Code of Ethics.”
 
In addition to complying with the rules of corporate governance applicable to us under Brazilian law, we intend to gradually comply with substantially all of the new rules established by the NYSE and the SEC applicable to domestic U.S. companies.
 
D. Selling Shareholders
 
Not applicable.
 
E. Dilution
 
Not applicable.
 
F. Expenses of the Issue
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
A. Share Capital
 
Not applicable.
 
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
 
Set forth below is certain information relating to our capital stock and a summary of certain significant provisions of our bylaws and the Brazilian Corporate Law.
 
General
 
We are registered with the Junta Comercial de São Paulo, the Board of Trade of São Paulo, or JUCESP, under No. 35.3.001588-14. According to Section 2 of our bylaws, our main corporate purpose is to provide telecommunications services and to develop those activities necessary or useful for the performance of these services, in accordance with the concessions, authorizations and permits granted to us.
 
There are no provisions in our bylaws with respect to:
 
 
·  
an officer’s power to vote on proposals in which the officer has a personal interest;
 
 
·  
an officer’s power to vote on his own compensation, even in the absence of an independent quorum;
 
 
 
·  
age limits for retirement of officers;
 
 
·  
required shareholding to qualify as a manager (officer); or
 
 
·  
anti-takeover mechanisms or other procedures designed to delay, defer or prevent changes in our control.
 
Brazilian Corporate Law forbids a director to interfere in any business of the company when there is any conflicting interest between him and the Company.
 
Brazilian Corporate Law requires ownership of shares in order for a person to qualify as a member of the Board of Directors (conselho de administração) of a corporation (sociedade por ações).
 
Issuance of commercial paper and incurrence of certain debt shall be preceded by approval from our Board of Directors, according to the provisions set forth in section 17 of our bylaws.
 
Our capital stock is comprised of preferred shares and common shares, all without par value. At December 31, 2009, there were 337,232,189 outstanding preferred shares and 168,609,291 outstanding common shares. Our share capital may be increased by resolution of the Board of Directors, up to the limit authorized by our bylaws. Any increase above the authorized capital must be approved by a general shareholders meeting.
 
The preferred shares are non-voting, except under limited circumstances. They are given priority in the reimbursement of capital, without premium, and are entitled to receive a dividend 10% higher than that attributable to common shares.
 
Pursuant to Law No. 10,303/01, the following changes were introduced to the Brazilian Corporate Law:
 
 
·  
preferred shares representing 10% of our total number of outstanding shares would be entitled to appoint a representative to our Board of Directors;
 
 
·  
disputes among our shareholders would be subject to arbitration, if provided for in our bylaws;
 
 
·  
a tender offer at a purchase price equal to fair value for all outstanding shares would be required upon a delisting or a substantial reduction in liquidity of our shares as a result of purchases by the controlling shareholders;
 
 
·  
any sale of control would require the shareholders to tender for the minority shareholders’ common shares and, if provided for in our charter, for the minority shareholders’ preferred shares, at a purchase price at least equal to 80% of the price per share with voting rights paid to the controlling shareholder;
 
 
·  
shareholders would be entitled to withdraw from us upon a spin-off only if it entailed a change in the corporate purpose, a reduction in mandatory dividends or the participation in a centralized group of companies;
 
 
·  
the controlling shareholders, the shareholders that elect members to our Board of Directors and Fiscal Board, the members of our Board of Directors and Fiscal Board and our Executive Officers would be required to disclose any purchase or sale of our shares to the CVM and BM&FBOVESPA; and
 
 
·  
we would be permitted to satisfy our information disclosure requirements through the Internet.
 
Voting Rights
 
Each common share entitles the holder to one vote at general shareholders meetings. Preferred shares do not entitle the holder to vote at shareholders meetings, except under specific circumstances and with respect to certain matters, as specified below. Holders of preferred shares are only entitled to attend and to discuss, but not to vote on, the issues discussed at our general shareholders meetings.
 
 
91

 
 
The appointment of one member of our statutory Fiscal Board, including the alternate member, takes place at the annual ordinary general shareholders meeting, upon separate vote of the holders of preferred shares, for the position available at the Fiscal Board. The election of a member of the Board of Directors by preferred shareholders also occurs on a separate vote, with no participation of the controlling shareholder.
 
Brazilian Corporate Law provides that certain non-voting shares, such as our preferred shares, shall be entitled to voting rights in the event a corporation fails for three consecutive fiscal years to pay any fixed or minimum dividends to which non-voting shares are entitled. In this case, the voting rights of these shares shall extend until the date on which the payment of the accrued and unpaid dividend is made.
 
Preferred shares are entitled to full voting rights with respect to:
 
 
·  
the election of one member to the Board of Directors and Fiscal Board in a straight vote;
 
 
·  
bylaw modifications that seek to limit preferred shareholders’ voting rights in respect of selecting new Board members in a straight vote;
 
 
·  
any agreements for the rendering of management services (including technical assistance services) between us and any foreign affiliate of our controlling shareholder;
 
 
·  
resolutions amending certain provisions of our bylaws; and
 
 
·  
any resolution submitted to the general shareholders meeting during our liquidation process.
 
Any change in the preference, benefits, conditions of redemption and amortization of preferred shares or the creation of a more favored class would require approval or ratification by holders of a majority of the preferred shares at a special meeting of the preferred shareholders. This meeting would be called by publication of a notice in two Brazilian newspapers during three days, at least 30 days prior to the meeting; however, it would not generally require any other form of notice.
 
In any circumstances in which holders of preferred shares are entitled to vote, each preferred share will entitle the holder to one vote.
 
Preemptive Rights
 
Each shareholder has a general preemptive right to subscribe for shares of the same class in any capital increase, in an amount sufficient to keep the same proportional participation of each shareholder in the total capital of the corporation. A minimum period of 30 days following the publication of the capital increase notice shall be observed by the corporation for the exercise of the preemptive right by the shareholder. The right of participation in capital increases is assignable under Brazilian Corporate Law. However, the bylaws of a publicly held company that allows capital increases may provide for the issuance, without granting any preemptive rights to prior shareholders, of stocks, debentures convertible into stocks, or subscription bonuses, the placement of which shall be made:
 
 
·  
upon sale on a stock exchange or public subscription;
 
 
·  
through an exchange of shares in a public offering, with the purpose of acquiring control of another company; or
 
 
·  
for the use of certain tax incentives.
 
In the event of a capital increase, which would maintain or increase the proportion of capital represented by preferred shares, holders of ADSs, or of preferred shares, would have preemptive rights to subscribe only to our newly issued preferred shares. In the event of a capital increase, which would reduce the proportion of capital represented by preferred shares, holders of ADSs, or of preferred shares, would have preemptive rights to subscribe to our new preferred shares, in proportion to their shareholdings and to our new common shares only to the extent necessary to prevent dilution of their interest.
 
Redemption and Right of Withdrawal
 
According to the Brazilian Corporate Law, dissenting shareholders in a shareholders meeting shall have a right of redemption, with reimbursement of the value of their shares, in case the following matters are approved:
 
 
(i)
creation of a new class of preferred shares or an increase in preferred shares of an existing class, without maintaining the proportion with the remaining classes;
 
 
(ii)
change in the preferences, advantages and conditions of redemption or amortization of one or more classes of preferred shares, or the creation of a class with more favorable rights or preferences;
 
 
(iii)
reduction of the mandatory dividend;
 
 
(iv)
merger into another company or consolidation with another company;
 
 
(v)
participation in a group of companies;
 
 
(vi)
change in the purpose of the corporation; and
 
 
(vii)
split-up of the corporation.
 
It is important to point out that (a) in items (i) and (ii), only the holders of shares of the affected type or class will be entitled to redemption; (b) in items (iv) and (v), the holders of shares of a type or class with liquidity and dispersion in the market will not have the right; and (c) in item (vii), the dissenting shareholders shall only have a right of redemption if the split-up implies a change in the corporate purpose, a reduction of the compulsory dividend or participation in a group of companies.
 
Reimbursement must be required by the dissenting shareholders within 30 days after the publication of the minutes of the general shareholders meeting or special meeting, as the case may be. Within 10 days after the expiration of the period, management is authorized to call a general shareholders meeting to ratify or reconsider the decision, if management understands that the payment of reimbursement to the dissenting shareholders who have exercised their redemption right may jeopardize the financial stability of the company. A shareholder who fails to exercise the right within the assigned term shall no longer be entitled to redemption.
 
According to the Brazilian Corporate Law, the amount to be reimbursed may only be lower than the share net value ascertained in the last balance sheet approved by the general shareholders meeting if this amount is based on the economic value of the corporation, to be duly appraised. If the decision of the general shareholders meeting takes place more than 60 days after the issuance of the last approved balance sheet, the shareholder shall be entitled to demand, together with the reimbursement, the preparation of a special balance sheet that complies with the time frame previously described.
 
C. Material Contracts
 
We have six material contracts related to the concession of public telecommunications service granted by ANATEL (each filed as an Exhibit to this Annual Report). These contracts were renewed on December 22, 2005 and expire on December 31, 2025. Three of the contracts authorize the Company to provide local telephone services (Sectors 31, 32 and 34) and the other three authorize the Company to provide long-distance telephone services (Sectors 31, 32 and 34).
 
 Our Multimedia Communication Service Authorization Term is also a material contract. Based on this Authorization Term, the Company is allowed to provide broadband services in the State of São Paulo. The Term was signed on April 17, 2003 for an undetermined period of time and is still currently in effect.
 
 
D. Exchange Controls
 
There are no restrictions on ownership of preferred shares or common shares by individuals or legal entities domiciled outside of Brazil.
 
The right to convert dividend or interest payments and proceeds from the sale of shares into foreign currency and to remit such amounts outside Brazil is subject to restrictions under foreign investment legislation which generally requires, among other things, that the relevant investments have been registered with the Central Bank and the CVM. The restrictions on the remittance of foreign capital abroad may hinder or prevent the custodian for the preferred shares represented by ADSs or holders of preferred shares from converting dividends, distributions or the proceeds from any sale of these preferred shares into U.S. dollars and remitting the U.S. dollars abroad. Holders of ADSs could be adversely affected by delays in, or refusal to grant any, required government approval to convert Brazilian currency payments on the preferred shares underlying the ADSs and to remit the proceeds abroad.
 
Resolution No. 1,927 of the CMN provides for the issuance of depositary receipts in foreign markets in respect of shares of Brazilian issuers. It restates and amends Annex V to Resolution No. 1,289 of the National Monetary Council, known as the Annex V Regulations. The ADS program was approved under the Annex V Regulations by the Central Bank and the CVM prior to the issuance of the ADSs. Accordingly, the proceeds from the sale of ADSs by holders outside Brazil are free of Brazilian foreign investment controls, and holders of the ADSs may be entitled to favorable tax treatment. See “—E. Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”
 
Under Resolution No. 2,689 of the CMN, foreign investors registered with the CVM may buy and sell Brazilian securities, including the preferred shares, on Brazilian stock exchanges without obtaining separate certificates of registration for each transaction. Registration is available to qualified foreign investors, which principally include foreign financial institutions, insurance companies, pension and investment funds, charitable foreign institutions and other institutions that meet certain minimum capital and other requirements. Resolution 2,689 also extends favorable tax treatment to registered investors. See “—E. Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”
 
Pursuant to Resolution No. 2,689 foreign investors must (i) appoint at least one representative in Brazil with the ability to perform actions regarding the foreign investment; (ii) complete the appropriate foreign investor registration form; (iii) obtain registration as a foreign investor with the CVM; and (iv) register the foreign investment with the Central Bank.
 
The securities and other financial assets held by a foreign investor pursuant to Resolution No. 2,689 must be registered or maintained in deposit accounts or under the custody of an entity duly licensed by the Central Bank or by the CVM or be registered in register, clearing and custody systems authorized by the Central Bank or by the CVM. In addition, the trading of securities is restricted to transactions carried out on the stock exchanges or over-the-counter markets licensed by the CVM.
 
Registered Capital
 
Amounts invested in preferred shares by a non-Brazilian holder who qualifies under Resolution No. 2,689 and obtains registration with the CVM, or by the depositary representing an ADS holder, are eligible for registration with the Central Bank. Such registration (the amount so registered is referred to as registered capital) allows the remittance outside Brazil of foreign currency, converted at the commercial market rate, acquired with the proceeds of distributions on, and amounts realized through, dispositions of such preferred shares. The registered capital per preferred share purchased in the form of an ADS, or purchased in Brazil and deposited with the depositary in exchange for an ADS, will be equal to its purchase price (stated in U.S. dollars). The registered capital per preferred share withdrawn upon cancellation of an ADS will be the U.S. dollar equivalent of (i) the average price of a preferred share on the Brazilian stock exchange on which the most preferred shares were traded on the day of withdrawal or (ii) if no preferred shares were traded on that day, the average price on the Brazilian stock exchange on which the most preferred shares were traded in the 15 trading sessions immediately preceding such withdrawal. The U.S. dollar equivalent will be determined on the basis of the average commercial market rates quoted by the Central Bank on such date or dates.
 
An electronic registration has been issued in the name of the depositary with respect to the ADSs and is maintained by the custodian on behalf of the depositary. Pursuant to the registration, the custodian and the depositary are able to convert dividends and other distributions with respect to the preferred shares represented by ADSs into foreign currency and remit the proceeds outside Brazil. In the event that a holder of ADSs exchanges such ADSs for preferred shares, such holder will be entitled to continue to rely on the depositary’s registration for five business days after such exchange, following which such holder must seek to obtain its own electronic registration with the Central Bank. Thereafter, any holder of preferred shares may not be able to convert into foreign currency and remit outside Brazil the proceeds from the disposition of, or distributions with respect to, such preferred shares, unless such holder is a duly qualified investor under Resolution No. 2,689 and obtains its own electronic registration.
 
If the holder appoints a representative in Brazil to act directly in the Brazilian market to acquire preferred shares, the holder will be subject to a less favorable Brazilian tax treatment than a holder of ADSs. Regardless of registration under Resolution No. 2,689, residents of tax havens are subject to less favorable tax treatment than other foreign investors. See “—E. Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”
 
Under current Brazilian legislation, the federal government may impose temporary restrictions on remittances of foreign capital abroad in the event of a serious imbalance or an anticipated serious imbalance of Brazil’s balance of payments. For approximately six months in 1989 and early 1990, the federal government froze all dividend and capital repatriations held by the Central Bank that were owed to foreign equity investors, in order to conserve Brazil’s foreign currency reserves. These amounts were subsequently released in accordance with federal government directives. There can be no assurance that the federal government will not impose similar restrictions on foreign repatriations in the future.
 
E. Taxation
 
The following discussion contains a description of the material Brazilian and U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of preferred shares or ADSs by certain holders. This summary is based upon the tax laws of Brazil and the United States as of the date of this annual report, which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, and to differing interpretations. You should consult your own tax advisors as to the Brazilian, U.S. federal or other tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of preferred shares or ADSs, including, in particular, the effect of any state, local or non-U.S., non-Brazilian tax laws.
 
Although there is presently no income tax treaty between Brazil and the United States, the tax authorities of the two countries have had discussions that may culminate in such a treaty. No assurance can be given, however, as to whether or when a treaty will enter into force or how it will affect the U.S. holders of preferred shares or ADSs.
 
Brazilian Tax Considerations
 
The following discussion summarizes the material Brazilian tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of preferred shares or ADSs by a U.S. holder not deemed to be domiciled in Brazil for Brazilian tax purposes (a “U.S. holder”). This discussion does not address all the Brazilian tax considerations that may be applicable to any particular non-Brazilian holder, and each non-Brazilian holder should consult its own tax advisor about the Brazilian tax consequences of investing in preferred shares or ADSs.
 
Taxation of Dividends
 
Dividends paid by us in cash or in kind from profits generated on or after January 1, 1996 (i) to the depositary in respect of preferred shares underlying ADSs or (ii) to a U.S. holder or other non-Brazilian holder in respect of preferred shares will generally not be subject to Brazilian withholding tax. We do not have any undistributed profits generated before January 1, 1996.
 
Distributions of Interest on Capital
 
Brazilian corporations may make payments to shareholders characterized as interest on capital as an alternative form of making dividend distributions. Amounts paid as interest on capital (net of applicable withholding tax) may
 
be treated as payments with respect to the dividends we are obligated to distribute to our shareholders in accordance with our bylaws (estatuto social) and Brazilian Corporate Law. The rate of interest may not be higher than the federal government’s long term interest rate, or the TJLP, as determined by the Central Bank from time to time (6.125% per annum for 2009). The total amount distributed as interest on capital may not exceed the greater of (i) 50% of net income (before taking the distribution and any deductions for income taxes into account) for the year with respect to which the payment is made and (ii) 50% of retained earnings for the year prior to the year with respect to which the payment is made. Payments of interest on capital are decided by the shareholders on the basis of recommendations of the company’s Board of Directors. See “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Dividends and Dividend Distribution Policy—Additional Payments on Shareholder Equity.”
 
Distributions of interest on capital paid to Brazilian and non-Brazilian holders of preferred shares, including payments to the depositary in respect of preferred shares underlying ADSs, are deductible by us for Brazilian corporate income tax purposes. These payments to U.S. holders or non-Brazilian holders are subject to Brazilian withholding tax at the rate of 15%. If the recipient of the payment is domiciled in a tax haven jurisdiction (i.e., a country that does not impose any income tax or that imposes tax at a rate of less than 20%), the rate will be 25%.
 
Distributions of interest on capital with respect to the preferred shares, including distributions to the depositary with respect to the preferred shares underlying the ADSs, may be converted into U.S. dollars and remitted outside of Brazil, subject to applicable exchange controls.
 
No assurance can be given that our Board of Directors will not recommend that future distributions of profits will be made by means of interest on capital instead of by means of dividends.
 
Taxation of Gains
 
Gains realized outside Brazil by a U.S. holder or other non-Brazilian holder on the disposition of property located in Brazil, including preferred shares, to another non-Brazilian holder are subject to Brazilian tax.  In this case, gains would be subject to a 15% withholding tax rate, except if the beneficiary is located in a low-tax jurisdiction, as defined by Brazilian law, in which case the applicable rate would be 25%.
 
Our understanding is that ADSs do not qualify as property located in Brazil and, therefore, are not subject to Brazilian taxes upon disposition to other non-Brazilian holders. Insofar as this understanding has not been tested through the administrative or judicial courts, however, we are unable to evaluate what the final ruling on the matter will be. Accordingly, gains on a disposition of ADSs by a non-Brazilian holder may be subject to income tax in Brazil if it is determined that ADSs constitute assets located in Brazil.
 
Gains realized by a U.S. holder or other non-Brazilian holders on dispositions of preferred shares in Brazil or in transactions with Brazilian residents may be free of Brazilian tax, taxed at a rate of 25% or taxed at a rate of 15%, depending on the circumstances:
 
 
·  
Gains on the disposition of preferred shares obtained upon cancellation of ADSs are not taxed in Brazil if the disposition is made and the proceeds are remitted abroad within five business days after cancellation, unless the investor is a resident of a jurisdiction that, under Brazilian law, is deemed to be a tax haven.
 
 
·  
Gains realized on preferred shares through transactions with Brazilian residents or through transactions in Brazil off of the Brazilian stock exchanges are generally subject to tax at a rate of 15%, or 25% in the case of a non-Brazilian holder residing in a tax haven jurisdiction.
 
 
·  
Gains realized on preferred shares through transactions on Brazilian stock exchanges (including the organized over-the-counter market) are generally subject to tax at a rate of 15%, as of January 2005, unless the investor is entitled to tax-free treatment for the transaction under Resolution No. 2,689 of the National Monetary Council Regulations, described immediately below. Non-Brazilian holders residing in a tax haven jurisdiction may be subject to tax at a rate of up to 25%.
 
Resolution No. 2,689, which as of March 31, 2000 superseded the Annex IV Regulations that previously provided tax benefits to foreign investors, extends favorable tax treatment to a U.S. holder or other non-Brazilian holder of preferred shares who has (i) appointed a representative in Brazil with power to take action relating to the investment in preferred shares, (ii) registered as a foreign investor with the CVM and (iii) registered its investment in preferred shares with the Central Bank. Under Resolution No. 2,689 securities held by foreign investors must be maintained under the custody of, or in deposit accounts with, financial institutions duly authorized by the Central Bank and the CVM. In addition, the trading of securities is restricted under Resolution No. 2,689 to transactions on Brazilian stock exchanges or qualified over-the-counter markets. The preferential treatment generally afforded under Resolution 2,689 to investors in ADSs is not available to residents of tax havens. All preferred shares underlying ADSs qualify under Resolution No. 2,689.
 
There can be no assurance that the current preferential treatment for U.S. holders and other non-Brazilian holders under Resolution No. 2,689 will be maintained.
 
Gain on the disposition of preferred shares is measured by the difference between the amount in Brazilian currency realized on the sale or exchange and the acquisition cost of the shares sold, measured in Brazilian currency, without any correction for inflation. Although the matter is not free from doubt, there are arguments to sustain the position that the acquisition cost of shares registered as an investment with the Central Bank is calculated on the basis of the foreign currency amount registered with the Central Bank. See “—Registered Capital.”
 
Gains realized by a U.S. holder or other non-Brazilian holder upon the redemption of preferred shares will be treated as gains from the disposition of such preferred shares to a Brazilian resident occurring off of a stock exchange and will accordingly be subject to tax at a rate of 15%, unless the non-Brazilian holder is domiciled in a tax haven jurisdiction, in which case the applicable rate would be 25%.
 
As of January 1, 2005, the purchase price of preferred shares sold on the Brazilian stock exchange and on the Brazilian non-organized over-the-counter market is subject to withholding tax at a rate of 0.005%, except in the case of non-Brazilian holders that invest through Resolution No. 2,689. This tax may be offset against the 15% income tax due on the gains realized upon the sale of the shares.
 
Any exercise of preemptive rights relating to the preferred shares or ADSs will not be subject to Brazilian taxation. Gains on the sale or assignment of preemptive rights relating to the preferred shares will be treated differently for Brazilian tax purposes depending on (i) whether the sale or assignment is made by the depositary or the investor and (ii) whether the transaction takes place on a Brazilian stock exchange. Gains on sales or assignments made by the depositary on a Brazilian stock exchange are not taxed in Brazil, but gains on other sales or assignments may be subject to tax at rates up to 15%, or 25% in the case of residents of tax haven jurisdictions.
 
The deposit of preferred shares in exchange for the ADSs is not subject to Brazilian income tax if the preferred shares are registered under Resolution No. 2,689 and the respective holder is not in a tax haven jurisdiction. If the preferred shares are not so registered or the holder is in a tax haven jurisdiction, the deposit of preferred shares in exchange for ADSs may be subject to Brazilian capital gains tax at a rate of 15%.
 
The withdrawal of preferred shares in exchange for ADSs is not subject to Brazilian tax. On receipt of the underlying preferred shares, a U.S. holder or non-Brazilian holder entitled to benefits under Resolution No. 2,689 will be entitled to register the U.S. dollar value of such shares with the Central Bank as described above, under “—D. Exchange Controls—Registered Capital.” If a U.S. holder or non-Brazilian holder does not qualify under Resolution No. 2,689, such person will be subject to the less favorable tax treatment described above in respect of exchanges of preferred shares. Brazil’s tax treaties do not grant relief from taxes on gains realized on sales or exchanges of preferred shares.
 
Beneficiaries Residing or Domiciled in Tax Havens or Low-Tax Jurisdictions
 
Law No. 9,779, dated as of January 19, 1999, states that, with the exception of limited circumstances, any income derived from operations by a beneficiary that resides or is domiciled in a country considered to be a tax haven is subject to income tax to be withheld by the source at a rate of 25%. Accordingly, if the distribution of interest attributed to shareholders’ equity is made to a beneficiary residing or domiciled in a tax haven, the
 
applicable income tax will be at a rate of 25% instead of 15%. The increased rate also applies for capital gains paid to residents of low-tax jurisdictions as of February 2004.
 
In accordance with Law No. 9,959, non-Brazilian holders of ADSs or preferred shares who are residents of tax havens have been excluded from the tax incentives granted to holders of ADSs and investors under Resolution No. 2,689 since January 1, 2000 and are subject to the same tax treatment applicable to holders that are residents of or domiciled in Brazil.
 
Other Brazilian Taxes
 
There are no Brazilian inheritance, gift or succession taxes applicable to the ownership, transfer or disposition of preferred shares or ADSs by a non-Brazilian holder except for gift and inheritance taxes levied by some states in Brazil on gifts made or inheritances bestowed by individuals or entities not resident or domiciled in Brazil or in the relevant state to individuals or entities that are resident or domiciled within this state in Brazil. There are no Brazilian stamp, issue, registration, or similar taxes or duties payable by holders of preferred shares or ADSs.
 
Tax on Financial Transactions (IOF Tax)
 
Brazilian law imposes a tax on foreign exchange transactions, or “IOF/Exchange Tax,” on the conversion of reais into foreign currency and on the conversion of foreign currency into reais.  As of October 20, 2009, any inflow of funds related to investments carried out on the Brazilian financial and capital markets by a non-Brazilian holder that has registered its investment in Brazil with the Central Bank under the rules of Resolution No. 2,689, dated January, 26, 2000 (a “2,689 Holder”) is subject to the IOF/Exchange Tax at a rate of 2.0%.  However, foreign exchange transactions related to outflows of funds in connection with investments carried out on the Brazilian financial and capital markets are subject to the IOF/Exchange Tax at a rate of zero, which also applies to payments of dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity to 2,689 Holders with respect to investments on the Brazilian financial and capital markets.  With the exception of these transactions, the rate applicable to most foreign exchange transactions is 0.38%.  Other rates may apply to particular transactions and the Brazilian government may increase the rate at any time by up to 25.0% on the foreign exchange transaction amount.  However, any increase in rates will only apply to future transactions.
 
Brazilian law imposes a tax on transactions involving bonds and securities, or “IOF/Bonds Tax,” due on transactions involving bonds and securities, including those carried out on a Brazilian stock exchange.  The rate of the IOF/Bonds Tax applicable to the transfer of shares with the sole purpose of enabling the issuance of ADSs is currently 1.5%.  This rate is applied on the product of (a) the number of shares which are transferred, multiplied by (b) the closing price for those shares on the date prior to the transfer or, if such closing price is not available on that date, the last available closing price for those shares.  The Brazilian government may increase the rate of the IOF/Bonds Tax at any time by up to 1.5% per day of the transaction amount, but only in respect of future transactions.
 
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
 
The following are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders described herein of owning and disposing of preferred shares or ADSs, but this is not a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular person’s decision to hold such securities.  The discussion applies only to U.S. Holders that hold preferred shares or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes and it does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to holders subject to special rules, such as:
 
 
·  
certain financial institutions;
 
 
·  
dealers or traders in securities who use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting;
 
 
·  
persons holding preferred shares or ADSs as part of a hedge, “straddle,” integrated transaction or similar transaction;
 
 
·  
persons whose functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar;
 
 
·  
entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
 
 
·  
persons liable for the alternative minimum tax;
 
 
·  
tax-exempt organizations;
 
 
·  
persons that own or are deemed to own ten percent or more of our voting stock;
 
 
·  
persons who acquired our ADSs or preferred shares pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation; or
 
 
·  
persons holding preferred shares or ADSs in connection with a trade or business conducted outside of the United States.
 
If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds preferred shares or ADSs, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership.  Partnerships holding preferred shares or ADSs and partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of the preferred shares or ADSs.
 
This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, all as of the date hereof.  These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.  It is also based in part on representations by the Depositary and assumes that each obligation under the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.
 
You are a “U.S. Holder” if, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you are a beneficial owner of preferred shares or ADSs and if you are:
 
 
·  
a citizen or resident of the United States;
 
 
·  
a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state therein or the District of Columbia; or
 
 
·  
an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.
 
THE SUMMARY OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET OUT BELOW IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY.  U.S. HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SHARES OR ADSs ARE URGED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF OWNING OR DISPOSING OF PREFERRED SHARES OR ADSs, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAWS.
 
In general, if you own ADSs, you will be treated as the owner of the underlying shares represented by those ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized if you exchange ADSs for the underlying shares represented by those ADSs.
 
The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom American depository shares are released before shares are delivered to the depositary (“pre-release”) or intermediaries in the chain of ownership between holders and the issuer of the security underlying the American depository shares may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits by holders of American depository shares.  Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax, described below, applicable to dividends received by certain non-corporate holders.  Accordingly, the creditability of Brazilian taxes, and the availability of the reduced
 
tax rate for dividends received by certain non-corporate holders, each described below, could be affected by actions taken by such parties or intermediaries.
 
Please consult your tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of owning and disposing of preferred shares or ADSs in your particular circumstances.
 
This discussion assumes that we are not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company, as described below.
 
Taxation of Distributions
 
Distributions paid on ADSs or preferred shares will generally be treated as dividends to the extent paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles).  Because we do not maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles, it is expected that distributions generally will be reported to U.S. Holders as dividends.  Subject to applicable limitations and the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, dividends paid by qualified foreign corporations to certain non-corporate U.S. holders in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, are taxable at a maximum rate of 15%.  A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid on stock that is readily tradable on a securities market in the United States, such as the New York Stock Exchange where our ADSs are traded.  You should consult your tax advisers regarding the availability of the reduced tax rate on dividends in your particular circumstances.
 
The amount of a dividend will include any amounts withheld by us in respect of Brazilian taxes.  The amount of the dividend will be treated as foreign-source dividend income to you and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations under the Code.  Dividends will be included in your income on the date of your, or in the case of ADSs, the Depositary’s, receipt of the dividend.  The amount of any dividend income paid in reais will be a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of such receipt regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars.  If the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, you should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income.  You may have foreign currency gain or loss if the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars after the date of receipt.
 
Subject to applicable limitations that may vary depending upon your circumstances and subject to the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, Brazilian income taxes withheld from dividends on preferred shares or ADSs will be creditable against your U.S. federal income tax liability.  The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex and, therefore, you should consult your tax adviser regarding the availability of foreign tax credits in your particular circumstances.  Instead of claiming a credit, you may, at your election, deduct such Brazilian taxes in computing your taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. law.  An election to deduct foreign taxes instead of claiming foreign tax credits must apply to all taxes paid or accrued in the taxable year to foreign countries and possessions of the United States.
 
Sale, Redemption or Other Disposition of Preferred Shares or ADSs
 
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, gain or loss you realize on the sale, redemption or other disposition of preferred shares or ADSs will generally be capital gain or loss, and will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if you held the preferred shares or ADSs for more than one year.  The amount of your gain or loss will equal the difference between your tax basis in the preferred shares or ADSs disposed of and the amount realized on the disposition, in each case as determined in U.S. dollars.  If a Brazilian tax on gains is withheld on the sale or disposition of preferred shares or ADSs, a U.S. Holder’s amount realized will include the gross amount of the proceeds of such sale or disposition before deduction of the Brazilian tax. See “—Brazilian Tax Considerations—Taxation of Gains” for a description of when a disposition may be subject to taxation by Brazil.  Such gain or loss will generally be U.S.-source gain or loss for foreign tax credit purposes.  U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors as to whether the Brazilian tax on gains may be creditable against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax on foreign-source income from other sources.  In lieu of claiming a foreign tax credit, U.S. Holders may make an election to deduct foreign taxes, including the Brazilian tax, in computing their taxable income, subject to generally
 
 
100

 
applicable limitations under U.S. law.  An election to deduct foreign taxes instead of claiming foreign tax credits applies to all taxes paid or accrued in the taxable year to foreign countries and possessions of the United States.
 
Other Brazilian Taxes
 
You should note that any Brazilian IOF Tax (as discussed above under “—Brazilian Tax Considerations”) will not be treated as a creditable foreign tax for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although you may be entitled to deduct such taxes, subject to applicable limitations under U.S. law.  An election to deduct foreign taxes instead of claiming foreign tax credits applies to all taxes paid or accrued in the taxable year to foreign countries and possessions of the United States.  You should consult your tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of these Brazilian taxes.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
 
We believe that we were not a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes for our 2009 taxable year.  However, because PFIC status depends on the composition of a company’s income and assets and the market value of its assets from time to time, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for any taxable year.  If we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder held preferred shares or ADSs, gain recognized by such U.S. Holder on a sale or other disposition (including certain pledges) of the preferred shares or ADSs would be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the preferred shares or ADSs.  The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and to any year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income.  The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as appropriate, for such taxable year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the amount allocated to such taxable year.  Further, to the extent that any distribution received by a U.S. Holder on its preferred shares or ADSs exceeds 125% of the average of the annual distributions on preferred shares or ADSs received by a U.S. Holder during the preceding three years or such holder’s holding period, whichever is shorter, that distribution would be subject to taxation in the same manner as gain, described immediately above.  Certain elections may be available that would result in alternative treatments (such as mark-to-market treatment) of the preferred shares or ADSs.  U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers to determine whether any of these elections would be available and, if so, what the consequences of the alternative treatments would be in those holders’ particular circumstances.
 
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
 
Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting and may be subject to backup withholding unless (i) you are a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii) in the case of backup withholding, you provide a correct taxpayer identification number and certify that you are not subject to backup withholding.
 
The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to you will be allowed as a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle you to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
 
U.S. HOLDERS OF OUR PREFERRED SHARES OR ADSs SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS AS TO THE BRAZILIAN, U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR PREFERRED SHARES OR ADSs BASED UPON THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
 
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
 
Not applicable.
 
G. Statement of Experts
 
Not applicable.
 
 
101

 
H. Documents on Display
 
We are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act, except that as a foreign issuer, we are not subject to the proxy rules or the short-swing profit disclosure rules of the Exchange Act. In accordance with these statutory requirements, we file or furnish reports and other information with the SEC. Reports and other information filed or furnished by us with the Commission may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission’s Regional Offices at 233 Broadway, New York, New York 10279 and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such material may be obtained by mail from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. You may also inspect these reports and other information at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, on which our ADSs are listed.
 
In addition, the Commission maintains a website that contains information filed electronically, which can be accessed over the Internet at http://www.sec.gov.
 
We also file financial statements and other periodic reports with the CVM. Copies of our annual report on Form 20-F and documents referred to in this annual report and our bylaws will be available for inspection upon request at our offices at Rua Martiniano de Carvalho, 851 - 21° Andar, 01321-001, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
 
I. Subsidiary Information
 
Not applicable.
 
 
We are exposed to several market risks as a result of our commercial operations, debts obtained to finance our activities and debt-related financial instruments, including exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, debt acceleration risk and credit risk.  To help us manage our risks, we conduct a valuation of our financial assets and liabilities in relation to market values based on available information and appropriate valuation methodologies.  However, the interpretation of market information, as well as the selection of methodologies, requires considerable judgment and reasonable estimates in order to produce adequate realization values.  As a result, our valuation estimates do not necessarily indicate the amounts which might be realized in the current market.  The use of different market approaches and/or methodologies for the estimates may have a significant effect on the estimated realization values.
 
We have also obtained derivative instruments to help manage the risks to which we are exposed in accordance with our risk management policy.  All of our derivative instruments are intended to provide hedges against the risk of variation in foreign exchange and external and internal interest rates arising from financial debts, in line with our risk management policy.  As such, any changes in risk factors generate an opposite effect on the hedged item.  We do not hold derivative instruments for speculative purposes and all financial debt in foreign currency are hedged.
 
To further help us manage our risks, we conduct fair value analyses of our derivative financials instruments, as well as sensitivity analyses of our risk variables and our net risk exposure.  For a discussion of the results our valuation analysis, risk management strategy, and sensitivity analysis of our derivative financial instruments, please see Note 33 to our 2009 consolidated financial statements.
 
 
The depositary, The Bank of New York Mellon, collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary also collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.


Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay:
 
For:
$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)
• Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property
 
• Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates
 
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs
 
• Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS registered holders
 
Registration or transfer fees
• Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares
 
Expenses of the depositary
• Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)
 
• Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars
 
Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes
 
• As necessary
 
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities
• As necessary
 


During 2009, we received from the depositary $142,860.00 for continuing annual stock exchange listing fees, standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs (consisting of the expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend checks, electronic filing of U.S. Federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile, and telephone calls), any applicable performance indicators relating to the ADR facility, underwriting fees and legal fees.
 
The Bank of New York Mellon has agreed to reimburse us for expenses it incurs that are related to establishment and maintenance expenses of the ADS program. The depositary has agreed to reimburse us for its continuing annual stock exchange listing fees. The depositary has also agreed to pay the standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs, which consist of the expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend checks, electronic filing of U.S. Federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile, and telephone calls. It has also agreed to reimburse us annually for certain investor relationship programs or special investor relations promotional activities. In certain instances, the depositary has agreed to provide additional payments to us based on any applicable performance indicators relating to the ADR facility. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse us, but the amount of reimbursement available to us is not necessarily tied to the amount of fees the depositary collects from investors.
 
 
103

 
PART II
 
 
As of December 31, 2009, we were not in default under any of our obligations and there were no dividend arrearages or delinquencies.
 
 
Law 10,303 of October 31, 2001 amended the provisions of the Brazilian Corporate Law relating to the rights of preferred shareholders. In order to comply with such modifications, at the extraordinary shareholders meeting held on 12/30/2002, an amendment to our bylaws was approved granting the preferred shareholders the right to receive dividends 10% higher than the dividends paid to common shareholders.
 
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, and Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, are responsible for establishing and maintaining our disclosure controls and procedures. These controls and procedures were designed to ensure that information relating to us required to be disclosed in the reports that we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. We evaluated these disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision of our CEO and CFO as of December 31, 2009. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective and designed to ensure that material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act).  The Telesp internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the integrity and reliability of the published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, may have inherent limitations and can provide reasonable assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
 
Management evaluated the internal control over financial reporting under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer, or CEO and Chief Financial Officer (our Vice-President of Finance), or CFO as of December 31, 2009. Management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set out in the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) framework. Telesp management concluded that, as of December 31, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting was adequate and effective, based on those criteria.
 
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. The report on the audit of our internal control over financial reporting is included herewith.
 
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Ernst & Young, the independent registered public accounting firm that has audited our consolidated financial statements, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. This attestation report appears on page F-3.
 
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Our internal audit department periodically evaluates our internal controls for the main cycles, documenting by flow charts the processes used in each cycle, identifying opportunities and suggesting improvements for the existing control mechanisms. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
Our Control and Audit Committee is comprised of a minimum of three and a maximum of five non-executive directors. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Committees—Control and Audit Committee.” Our Board of Directors has designated Luis Bastida Ibarguen, an independent member of our Board of Directors under Brazilian rules and a member of our Control and Audit Committee, as the company’s “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined by the SEC. We anticipate that there will be some similar functions between the Control and Audit Committee and our statutory Fiscal Board (Conselho Fiscal), the latter of which meets the requirements of the general exemption from the listing standards for audit committees set forth in Exchange Act Rule 10A-3(c)(3). See “Item 16D—Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees.”
 
 
Our Control and Audit Committee and our Board of Directors had approved a code of ethics (Normativa de Conduta para Financeiros da Telesp S/A). The code of ethics regulates the conduct of our managers in connection with the registration and control of financial and accounting information and their access to privileged and non-public information and data, in order to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and NYSE rules. Our code of ethics follows the code of our parent company, Telefónica S.A. The code of ethics applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer (whom we refer to as our General Executive Officer), our Officers and corresponding foregoing positions at our subsidiaries, as well as to our executives in the areas for financial, management and internal controls. The code applies generally to all those with responsibilities similar to those listed above.
 
Following our ongoing commitment to transparency to markets and to supervisory authorities, as well as the adoption of high ethical standards in business, and based on the guidelines set forth by Telefónica S.A.’s code of ethics, our code of ethics provides for values, such as:
 
 
·  
Transparency;
 
 
·  
Honesty and integrity;
 
 
·  
Compliance with laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the securities markets rules and regulations and the rules and regulations related to insider trading and market manipulation;
 
 
·  
Protection of confidential information and property, except when disclosure thereof is authorized or legally required; and
 
 
·  
Reporting of suspected illegal or unethical behavior.
 
Our code of ethics is included in this Annual Report as an exhibit.
 
 
E&Y acted as our independent auditor for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. The chart below sets forth the total amount billed to us by E&Y for services performed in the years 2009 and 2008, and breaks down these amounts by category of service:
 

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(in thousands of reais)
 
             
Audit Fees
    4,591       3,428  
Audit-Related Fees
          982  
Tax Fees
    17       16  
All Other Services
           
Total
    4,608       4,426  
 
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we paid our auditors, E&Y, for auditing services rendered in the total amount of R$4,608 thousand and R$4,426 thousand, respectively.
 
Audit Fees
 
Audit fees are fees billed for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements prepared for purposes of filings with the CVM and the SEC and for the reviews of our quarterly financial statements submitted on Form 6-K and to the audit with respect to processes required by Sarbanes-Oxley, with the purpose of certifying the effectiveness over internal controls.
 
Audit-Related Fees
 
Refers to analytic accounting services and review with respect to the rules promulgated by ANATEL.
 
Tax Fees
 
Refers to accounting services with respect to the preparation of tax returns.
 
All Other Fees
 
Not applicable.
 
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
 
Our Control and Audit committee evaluates the results of all audit and audit-related services provided by our auditors. Our Control and Audit committee has the authority to approve services to be provided by our auditors that are not specifically included within the scope of the audit. Our Board of Directors, with advice from the Control and Audit Committee, is responsible for authorizing the audit services provided by E&Y, the present auditor of the Company. Non-audit services are required to be pre-approved by the Control and Audit Committee pursuant to the policy for pre-approval of non-audit services.
 
 
Brazilian Corporate Law requires that we have a statutory Fiscal Board (Conselho Fiscal). Our statutory Fiscal Board meets the requirements of the general exemption set forth in Exchange Act Rule 10A-3(c)(3). See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Fiscal Board.” Our statutory Fiscal Board is primarily charged with certain advisory, oversight and review functions with respect to the company’s financial statements; however, the statutory Fiscal Board, as required by Brazilian Corporate Law, has only an advisory role and does not participate in the management of the company. Indeed, decisions of the statutory Fiscal Board are not binding on the company under Brazilian Corporate Law. Our Board of Directors, under Brazilian Corporate Law, is the only entity with the legal capacity to appoint and retain any independent registered public accounting firm, and decide the budget appropriation with respect to such auditors.
 
Since Brazilian Corporate Law does not specifically grant our statutory Fiscal Board the power to establish receipt, retention and complaint procedures regarding accounting, internal control and audit matters, or create policies for the confidential, anonymous treatment of employee concerns regarding accounting or auditing matters,
 
 
106

 
we have established a Control and Audit Committee as a best corporate governance practice to address these various issues. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Committees—Control and Audit Committee.”
 
We do not believe that our use of a fiscal board in accordance with Brazilian Corporate Law in combination with our Control and Audit Committee, as opposed to the provisions set forth in Exchange Act Rule 10A-3(b), materially adversely affects the ability of the conselho fiscal to act independently, satisfy the other applicable requirements of Exchange Act Rule 10A-3 or to fulfill its fiduciary and other obligations under Brazilian law.
 
 
None.
 
 
Not applicable.
 
 
Principal Differences Between U.S. and Brazilian Corporate Governance Practices
 
On November 4, 2003, the SEC approved new corporate governance rules established by the NYSE. Pursuant to these rules, foreign private issuers that are listed on the NYSE, such as our company, must disclose any significant ways in which its corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. companies under the listing rules of the NYSE.
 
The significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the NYSE corporate governance standards are as follows:
 
Independence of Directors and Independence Tests
 
The Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws require that our directors be elected by our shareholders at a general shareholders meeting. Sixteen of our directors were appointed by our common shareholders, and one director is appointed by representatives of our minority preferred shareholders. Twelve of our directors are independent in accordance with rules generally accepted in Brazil.
 
Both the Brazilian Corporate Law and CVM establish rules in relation to certain qualification requirements and restrictions, investiture, compensation, duties and responsibilities of companies’ executives and directors. We believe these rules provide adequate assurances that our directors are independent and such rules would permit us to have directors that would not otherwise pass the independence tests established by the NYSE.
 
Executive Sessions
 
According to the Brazilian Corporate Law, up to one-third of the members of the Board of Directors can be elected to executive positions. The remaining non-management directors are not expressly empowered to serve as a check on management, and there is no requirement that those directors meet regularly without management. Notwithstanding, our Board of Directors consists of 15 non-management directors, 12 of whom are independent directors in accordance with rules generally accepted in Brazil, and as such, we believe we are in compliance with this standard.
 
Control and Audit Committee/Additional Requirements
 
Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws each require that we have a statutory Fiscal Board (Conselho Fiscal). See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Fiscal Board.” Our statutory Fiscal Board meets the requirements of the general exemption from the listing standards for audit committees set forth in Exchange Act Rule 10A-3(c)(3). See “Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit
 
 
107

 
Committees.” Our statutory Fiscal Board is primarily charged with certain advisory, oversight and review functions with respect to the company’s financial statements. However, the statutory Fiscal Board, as required by Brazilian Corporate Law, has only an advisory role and does not participate in the management of the company. Indeed, decisions of the statutory Fiscal Board are not binding on the company under Brazilian Corporate Law. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Fiscal Board.”
 
In addition to our statutory Fiscal Board, we have established a Control and Audit committee as a best corporate governance practice in order to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as described in Item 6C of this annual report. We anticipate that there will be some similar functions between the Control and Audit Committee and our statutory Fiscal Board.
 
 
PART III
 
 
We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to this Item.
 
 
Reference is made to pages F-1 through F-90.
 
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
     
1.1
 
Bylaws of Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – Telesp, as amended (unofficial English translation)
     
2(a)
 
Deposit Agreement dated as of July 27, 1998 among Telesp Participações S.A., The Bank of New York, as Depositary, and Owners and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder (1)
     
4(a)
 
Contract and Justification of the Merger of Telefónica Data Brasil Holding S.A. into Telecomunicações De São Paulo S.A. – Telesp and Partial Spin-Off of Telefónica Empresas S.A. dated March 9, 2006 (2)
     
4(b)1
 
Grant Contract for Fixed Commuted Telephone Service in Local Modality (Sector 31) between Agência Nacional De Telecomunicações and Telecomunicações De São Paulo S.A. – Telesp dated December 22, 2005 (unofficial English translation) (3)
     
4(b)2
 
Grant Contract for Fixed Commuted Telephone Service in Local Modality (Sector 32) between Agência Nacional De Telecomunicações and Telecomunicações De São Paulo S.A. – Telesp dated December 22, 2005 (unofficial English translation) (3)
     
4(b)3
 
Grant Contract for Fixed Commuted Telephone Service in Local Modality (Sector 34) between Agência Nacional De Telecomunicações and Telecomunicações De São Paulo S.A. – Telesp dated December 22, 2005 (unofficial English translation) (3)
     
4(b)4
 
Grant Contract for Fixed Commuted Telephone Service in Long-Distance Modality (Sector 31) between Agência Nacional De Telecomunicações and Telecomunicações De São Paulo S.A. – Telesp dated December 22, 2005 (unofficial English translation) (3)
     
4(b)5
 
Grant Contract for Fixed Commuted Telephone Service in Long-Distance Modality (Sector 32) between Agência Nacional De Telecomunicações and Telecomunicações De São Paulo S.A. – Telesp dated December 22, 2005 (unofficial English translation) (3)
     
4(b)6
 
Grant Contract for Fixed Commuted Telephone Service in Long-Distance Modality (Sector 34) between Agência Nacional De Telecomunicações and Telecomunicações De São Paulo S.A. – Telesp dated December 22, 2005 (unofficial English translation) (3)
     
4(b)7
 
Certificate of Authorization to Provide Multimedia Communication Service, for the Collective Interest, by and between “Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações - ANATEL” and “Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – Telesp” (unofficial English translation)(4)
     
8.1
 
List of Subsidiaries
     
11.1
 
Code of Ethics of Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – Telesp (3)
     
12.1
 
Section 302 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
 
 
109

 
12.2
 
Section 302 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
     
13.1
 
Section 906 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
     
13.2
 
Section 906 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer

 

(1)
Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement of American Depositary Receipt shares on Form F-6EF (No. 333-146901) filed with the Commission on October 24, 2007.
 
(2)
Incorporated by reference to our form CB filed with the Commission on March 14, 2006.
 
(3)
Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F (No. 001-14475) filed with the Commission on April 12, 2006.
 
(4)
Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F (No. 001-14475) filed with the Commission on April 16, 2007.
 
 
 
The following explanations are not intended as technical definitions, but rather to assist the reader in understanding certain terms as used in this Annual Report.
 
ADSL:  Asymmetric digital subscriber line. ADSL technology allows more data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines.
 
Analog: A mode of transmission or switching that is not digital, e.g., the representation of voice, video or other modulated electrical audio signals which are not in digital form.
 
BLEC:  Building local exchange carrier. A BLEC is a service provider that delivers telecommunication services within a specific building. BLECs aggregate traffic at the particular site and employ a single broadband connection for local access.
 
Cellular service:  A cellular telecommunications service provided by means of a network of interconnected low-powered base stations, each of which covers one small geographic cell within the total cellular telecommunications system service area.
 
CSP: long-distance carrier selection.
 
Digital:  A mode of representing a physical variable such as speech using digits 0 and 1 only. The digits are transmitted in binary form as a series of pulses. Digital networks allow for higher capacity and higher flexibility through the use of computer-related technology for the transmission and manipulation of telephone calls. Digital systems offer lower noise interference and can incorporate encryption as a protection from external interference.
 
DTH: A special type of service that uses satellites for the direct distribution of television and audio signs for subscribers.
 
FATOR X: a measure of company productivity, calculated by ANATEL, which is discounted by the inflation rate and is used for the calculation of the annual rate adjustment applicable to telecommunications companies.
 
FTTH: Internet access through Fiber Optic (“Fiber to the Home”).
 
Internet:  A collection of interconnected networks spanning the entire world, including university, corporate, government and research networks from around the globe. These networks all use the IP (Internet Protocol) communications protocol.
 
IP (Internet protocol):  An interconnection protocol for sub-networks, in particular for those with different physical characteristics used by the Internet.
 
IPTV: Pay TV with video broadcast offered through the use of the IP protocol.
 
MMDS: (Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service ): It’s a wireless telecommunications technology, used for general-purpose broadband networking or, more commonly, as an alternative method of cable television programming reception.
 
Network:  An interconnected collection of elements. In a telephone network, these consist of switches connected to each other and to customer equipment. The transmission equipment may be based on fiber-optic or metallic cable or point-to-point radio connections.
 
Network usage charge:  Amount paid per minute charged by network operators for the use of their network by other network operators.
 
PBX (Private Branch Exchange):  Telephone switchboard for private use, but linked to a telephone network.
 
 
111

 
SCM: multimedia communication services, or (“serviços de comunicação multimídia”).
 
SMP: Personal Mobile Service or, (Serviço Móvel Pessoal).
 
STFC (Serviço Telefônico Fixo Comutado):  Transmission of voice and other signals between determined fixed points.
 
Switch:  Devices used to set up and route telephone calls either to the number called or to the next switch along the path. They may also record information for billing and control purposes.
 
Universal service:  The obligation to supply basic service to all users throughout a national territory at reasonable prices.
 
VOIP: Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology for transmitting voice using the internet.
 
VOD: Video on demand systems allow users to select and watch/listen to video or audio content on demand.
 
 
 
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
 
TELECOMUNICAÇÕES DE SÃO PAULO S.A.—TELESP
 
   
       
By:
/s/ Antonio Carlos Valente da Silva
 
  Name:
Antonio Carlos Valente da Silva
 
  Title:
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
       
By:
/s/ Gilmar Roberto Pereira Camurra
 
  Name:
Gilmar Roberto Pereira Camurra
 
  Title:
Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations Officer
 
 
Date: March 26, 2010
 

 
TELECOMUNICAÇÕES DE SÃO PAULO S.A. - TELESP
 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED
 
DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
 





 


The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP

 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, cash flows and value added for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP and subsidiaries at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of their operations, their cash flows and their value added for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting practices adopted in Brazil, which differ in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information related to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Notes 34 and 35 to the consolidated financial statements.

As mentioned in Note 3, the accounting practices adopted in Brazil were subject to change effective January 1, 2008. The financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, presented in conjunction with the 2008 and 2009 financial statements, were prepared in accordance with the accounting practices effective in Brazil through December 31, 2007 and, as allowed by CPC (Accounting Practices Committee) Technical Pronouncement No. 13 – First Time Adoption of Law No. 11,638/07 and Provisional Executive Act No. 449/08,  do not include any adjustments for purposes of comparison with the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 10, 2010, except for internal control over financial reporting related to Notes 34 and 35 to the 2009 consolidated financial statements of Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP and subsidiaries, as to which the date is March 24, 2010, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

São Paulo, February 10, 2010,
except for Notes 34 and 35, as to which the date is March 24, 2010.

ERNST & YOUNG
Auditores Independentes S.S.
CRC-2-SP-015199/O-6

/s/ Luiz Carlos Marques
Luiz Carlos Marques
Partner



 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP

We have audited Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, cash flows and value added for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 and our report dated February 10, 2010, except for Notes 34 and 35, as to which the date is March 24, 2010, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

São Paulo, February 10, 2010, except
for internal control over financial reporting related to Notes 34 and 35 to the 2009 consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is March 24, 2010.

ERNST & YOUNG
Auditores Independentes S.S.
CRC-2-SP-015199/O-6

/s/ Luiz Carlos Marques
Luiz Carlos Marques
Partner





TELECOMUNICAÇÕES DE SÃO PAULO S.A. TELESP


AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008

(In thousands of Reais)


         
December 31,
 
   
Note
   
2009
   
2008
 
Assets
                 
Current assets
          7,048,276       6,491,595  
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
5 and 33
      2,277,016       1,741,006  
Trade accounts receivable, net
 
6
      2,931,292       3,152,831  
Deferred and recoverable taxes
 
7
      1,335,565       1,064,281  
Inventories
 
8
      148,436       164,410  
Derivatives
 
33
      575       95,747  
Other
 
9
      355,392       273,320  
                       
                       
Noncurrent assets
          13,413,155       13,500,414  
                       
Trade accounts receivable, net
 
6
      123,731       61,563  
Deferred and recoverable taxes
 
7
      701,086       813,477  
Escrow deposits
 
10
      939,790       711,300  
Other
 
9
      179,235       156,312  
                       
Investments
 
11
      340,299       301,830  
                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
12
      9,672,137       9,868,933  
                       
Intangible assets, net
 
13
      1,456,877       1,586,999  
                       
                       
                       
Total assets
          20,461,431       19,992,009  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 

 
TELECOMUNICAÇÕES DE SÃO PAULO S.A. TELESP

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008

(In thousands of Reais)

         
December 31,
 
   
Note
   
2009
   
2008
 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                 
Current liabilities
          7,654,516       5,846,874  
                       
Loans and financing
 
14
      256,753       502,503  
Debentures
 
15
      1,510,806       16,339  
Trade accounts payable
          2,362,422       2,314,698  
Taxes payable
 
16
      1,022,434       926,437  
Dividends and interest payable to shareholders
 
17
      1,747,189       1,153,670  
Payroll and related accruals
 
18
      142,185       174,672  
Provisions, net
 
19
      183,308       128,488  
Derivatives obligations
 
33
      8,389       15,200  
Other
 
20
      421,030       614,867  
                       
                       
Noncurrent liabilities
          2,749,500       4,099,443  
                       
Loans and financing
 
14
      1,752,402       1,717,352  
Debentures
 
15
      -       1,500,000  
Taxes payable
 
16
      54,556       47,401  
Provisions, net
 
19
      524,162       570,778  
Reserve for post-retirement benefit plans
 
31
      191,927       148,770  
Derivatives obligations
 
33
      23,282       22,148  
Other
 
20
      203,171       92,994  
                       
                       
Shareholders’ equity
 
21
      10,057,415       10,045,692  
Capital
          6,575,480       6,575,480  
Special goodwill reserve
          63,074       63,074  
Capital reserves
          2,670,488       2,670,488  
Legal reserve
          659,556       659,556  
Unrealized gains on available for sale Securities
          90,918       76,232  
Cumulative translation adjustments
          (2,101 )     862  
                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
          20,461,431       19,992,009  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
TELECOMUNICAÇÕES DE SÃO PAULO S.A. TELESP


FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007

(In thousands of Reais - except earnings per share data)



         
Years ended December 31,
 
   
Note
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Gross operating revenue
  22       23,155,762       23,020,780       21,183,809  
                               
Deductions from gross revenue
 
22
      (7,359,987 )     (7,041,795 )     (6,456,247 )
                               
Net operating revenue
 
22
      15,795,775       15,978,985       14,727,562  
                               
Cost of goods and services
 
23
      (8,955,508 )     (8,726,408 )     (8,029,203 )
                               
Gross profit
          6,840,267       7,252,577       6,698,359  
                               
Operating expenses
          (3,483,343 )     (3,523,027 )     (3,050,981 )
Selling
 
24
      (2,568,351 )     (2,600,556 )     (2,462,457 )
General and administrative
 
25
      (867,598 )     (755,522 )     (838,613 )
Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates
 
11
      18,788       8,262       (2,145 )
Permanent asset disposal, net
 
26
      (14,374 )     (50,555 )     81,653  
Other operating income (expenses), net
 
27
      (51,808 )     (124,656 )     170,581  
                               
                               
Operating income before financial expenses, net
          3,356,924       3,729,550       3,647,378  
                               
Financial income
 
28
      455,887       932,554       503,453  
Financial expense
 
28
      (650,530 )     (1,160,440 )     (810,385 )
                               
Income before income tax and social contribution
          3,162,281       3,501,664       3,340,446  
                               
Income tax and social contribution
 
29
      (989,308 )     (1,081,693 )     (977,486 )
                               
Net income for the year
          2,172,973       2,419,971       2,362,960  
                               
Number of shares outstanding at the balance sheet date – in thousands
          505,841       505,841       505,841  
                               
Earnings per share – R$
          4.2958       4.7840       4.6718  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
F-6

 
TELECOMUNICAÇÕES DE SÃO PAULO S.A. – TELESP

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
 
(In thousands of Reais)
 
               
Capital reserves
   
Income
reserves
                         
   
Capital
   
 
Special
goodwill
reserve
   
Share
premium
   
Treasury
shares
   
Donations
and
subsidies
for
 investments
   
Tax
incentives
   
Legal reserve
   
Unrealized
gains on
available-for-sale
securities
   
Cumulative
translation
adjustments
   
Retained
earnings
   
Total
shareholders’ 
equity
 
                                                                   
Balances on December 31, 2006
    6,575,198       -       2,678,195       (17,719 )     9,065       188       659,556       -       -       705,631       10,610,114  
Donations and subsidies for investments
    -       -       -       -       759       -       -       -       -       -       759  
Unclaimed dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity,  net of taxes
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       209,769       209,769  
Net income for the year
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       2,363,169       2,363,169  
Appropriations:
                                                                                       
Dividends
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (2,636,569 )     (2,636,569 )
Interest on shareholders’ equity
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (545,700 )     (545,700 )
Withholding tax on interest on shareholders’ equity
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (96,300 )     (96,300 )
                                                                                         
Balances on December 31, 2007
    6,575,198       -       2,678,195       (17,719 )     9,824       188       659,556       -       -       -       9.905.242  
Merger of DABR – 11/30/2008
    282       63,074       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       41       63,397  
Unclaimed dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity,  net of taxes
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       163,392       163,392  
Adoption of Law No. 11,638, net of taxes
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       2,705       2,705  
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       76,232       -       -       76,232  
Cumulative translation adjustments
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       862       -       862  
Net income for the year
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       2,419,971       2,419,971  
Appropriations:
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -                  
Dividends
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (1,970,109 )     (1,970,109 )
Interest on shareholders’ equity
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (523,600 )     (523,600 )
Withholding tax on interest on shareholders’ equity
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (92,400 )     (92,400 )
                                                                                         
Balances on December 31, 2008
    6,575,480       63,074       2,678,195       (17,719 )     9,824       188       659,556       76,232       862       -       10,045,692  
Unclaimed dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity, net of taxes
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       153,673       153,673  
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       14,686       -       -       14,686  
Cumulative translation adjustments
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (2,963 )     -       (2,963 )
Net income for the year
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       2,172,973       2,172,973  
Appropriations:
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -                  
Dividends
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (1,721,646 )     (1,721,646 )
Interest on shareholders’ equity
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (514,250 )     (514,250 )
Witholding tax on interest on shareholders’ equity
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (90,750 )     (90,750 )
                                                                                         
Balances on December 31, 2009
    6,575,480       63,074       2,678,195       (17,719 )     9,824       188       659,556       90,918       (2,101 )     -       10,057,415  

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
F-7

 
TELECOMUNICAÇÕES DE SÃO PAULO S.A. TELESP

 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
 
 (In thousands of Reais)


   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cash flows from operations
                 
Net income for the year
    2,172,973       2,419,971       2,362,960  
                         
Expenses (revenues) not affecting cash
    3,063,496       3,630,372       3,210,254  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,505,475       2,657,903       2,634,384  
Monetary and exchange variations
    (49,847 )     209,574       (85,432 )
Equity in earnings (loss) in affiliates
    (18,788 )     (8,262 )     2,145  
(Gain ) Loss on permanent asset disposals
    14,374       50,555       (83,956 )
Amortization of goodwill
    -       117,724       64,738  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    564,580       538,625       652,692  
Pension and other post-retirement benefits plans, net of funding
    43,157       53,344       20,403  
Other
    4,545       10,909       5,280  
                         
Decrease in operating assets
    (712,917 )     (1,117,253 )     (614,033 )
Trade accounts receivable, net
    (385,055 )     (830,435 )     (206,524 )
Other current assets
    (195,692 )     (60,544 )     (268,263 )
Other noncurrent assets
    (132,170 )     (226,274 )     (139,246 )
                         
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities
    (110,149 )     196,790       (181,396 )
Payroll and related accruals
    (9,584 )     (104,228 )     62,608  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    80,213       263,970       247,862  
Taxes other than income taxes
    (64,994 )     30,907       (38,206 )
Other current liabilities
    88,717       126,453       (442,202 )
Accrued interest
    (47,432 )     (9,490 )     20,386  
Income and social contribution taxes
    107,536       (56,061 )     (17,301 )
Reserve for  contingencies
    8,204       57,989       (36,102 )
Other noncurrent liabilities
    (272,809 )     (112,750 )     21,559  
                         
Cash provided by operating activities
    4,413,403       5,129,880       4,777,785  
                         
Cash flows generated from (used in) investing activities
                       
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of  cash acquired
    -       -       (426,353 )
Acquisition of fixed and intangible assets, net of donations
    (2,324,141 )     (2,102,438 )     (2,038,979 )
Cash from sales of fixed assets and investment
    28,240       27,364       147,693  
Cash received on merger
    -       435       -  
                         
Cash used in investing activities
    (2,295,901 )     (2,074,639 )     (2,317,639 )
                         
Cash flows generated from (used in) financing activities
                       
Loans repaid
    (396,854 )     (1,041,391 )     (1,634,845 )
New loans obtained
    272,600       1,274,364       2,635,813  
Cash received on derivatives contracts
    63,397       67,272       75,951  
Cash paid on derivatives contracts
    (31,930 )     (329,941 )     (188,100 )
Dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity paid
    (1,488,705 )     (2,217,814 )     (2,628,726 )
                         
Cash used in financing activities
    (1,581,492 )     (2,247,510 )     (1,739,907 )
                         
Increase cash and cash equivalents
    536,010       807,731       720,239  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    1,741,006       933,275       213,036  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
    2,277,016       1,741,006       933,275  
                         
Changes in cash during the year
    536,010       807,731       720,239  


 
TELECOMUNICAÇÕES DE SÃO PAULO S.A. TELESP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
 
 (In thousands of Reais)

 
Supplemental cash flow information

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Income tax and social contribution paid
    759,349       976,932       1,075,643  
Interest paid
    165,939       264,041       181,115  
Details of acquisition of Navytree
                       
Current assets, excluding cash acquired
    -       -       31,906  
Permanent assets
    -       -       201,858  
Current liabilities
    -       -       (180,023 )
Noncurrent liabilities
    -       -       (2,739 )
                         
Net assets on date of acquisition, net of cash acquired
    -       -       51,002  
Investment in Navytree
    -       -       (53,544 )
                         
Cash acquired
    -       -       2,542  
                         
Net assets on date of acquisition, net of cash acquired
    -       -       51,002  
Goodwill recorded at acquisition date
    -       -       860,203  
Cash paid in advance in 2006
    -       -       (200,000 )
Liabilities assumed
    -       -       (293,790 )
                         
Net cash paid for acquisition of Navytree
    -       -       417,415  
                         
Noncash transactions:
 
                       
Donations and subsidies for investments
    644       315       968  
Accounts payable for property, plant and equipment
    103,011       240,072       46,434  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
F-9

 
TELECOMUNICAÇÕES DE SÃO PAULO S.A. TELESP

 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
 
 (In thousands of Reais)
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Revenues
    21,824,775       22,016,525       20,539,986  
    Sale of goods, products and services
    21,574,184       21,957,551       20,303,064  
    Other income
    815,171       597,599       889,614  
    Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (564,580 )     (538,625 )     (652,692 )
                         
Input products acquired from third parties
    (8,587,909 )     (8,204,473 )     (6,838,670 )
    Cost of goods and services
    (6,087,980 )     (5,550,391 )     (4,910,840 )
    Materials, energy, services of third parties and other
    (2,210,378 )     (2,462,078 )     (1,727,707 )
    Loss/Recovery of assets
    (42,628 )     (77,925 )     (66,040 )
Others
    (246,923 )     (114,079 )     (134,083 )
                         
Gross added value
    13,236,866       13,812,052       13,701,316  
                         
Retentions
    (2,505,475 )     (2,775,627 )     (2,699,122 )
Depreciation and amortization, including goodwill
    (2,505,475 )     (2,775,627 )     (2,699,122 )
                         
Net added value produced
    10,731,391       11,036,425       11,002,194  
                         
Added value received upon transfer
    474,675       940,816       501,308  
   (Gain) loss from equity holding in subsidiaries
    18,788       8,262       (2,145 )
   Financial income
    455,887       932,554       503,453  
                         
Total added value to be distributed
    11,206,066       11,977,241       11,503,502  
                         
Distribution of added value
    (11,206,066 )     (11,977,241 )     (11,503,502 )
                         
   Payroll and related charges
    (592,778 )     (629,360 )     (767,999 )
Salary
    (427,386 )     (456,348 )     (451,923 )
Benefits
    (104,440 )     (95,194 )     (110,578 )
Payroll tax (FGTS)
    (38,889 )     (40,896 )     (39,940 )
Others
    (22,063 )     (36,922 )     (165,558 )
Taxes, fees and contributions
    (6,957,030 )     (7,128,655 )     (7,185,213 )
       Federal tax
    (2,333,539 )     (2,454,034 )     (2,373,556 )
       State tax
    (4,518,987 )     (4,576,328 )     (4,724,120 )
Municipal tax
    (104,504 )     (98,293 )     (87,537 )
Interest on third parties capital
    (1,207,252 )     (1,636,959 )     (1,104,058 )
Interest
    (426,901 )     (418,664 )     (335,382 )
Rent and leasing operations
    (559,713 )     (481,238 )     (384,568 )
Others
    (220,638 )     (737,057 )     (384,108 )
Dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity
    (2,172,973 )     (2,419,971 )     (2,362,960 )
Interest on shareholders’ equity
    (605,000 )     (616,000 )     (642,000 )
Dividends
    (1,567,973 )     (1,803,971 )     (1,720,960 )
Other
    (276,033 )     (162,296 )     (83,272 )
Reserve for contingencies
    (276,033 )     (162,296 )     (83,272 )

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
F-10

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)


1.
Operations and Background

a)
Controlling shareholders

Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – Telesp (hereinafter “Telesp” or “Company”), is headquarted at Rua Martiniano de Carvalho, 851, in the capital of the State of São Paulo. Telesp belongs to the Telefónica Group, telecommunications industry leader in Spain and present in several European and Latin American countries. The Company is controlled by Telefónica S.A., which as of December 31, 2009, holds total indirect interest of 87.95% of which 85.57% are common shares and 89.13% are preferred shares.


b)
Operations

The Company´s basic business purpose is the rendering of fixed wire telephone services in the state of São Paulo under Fixed Switch Telephone Service Concession Agreement -  STFC granted by the National Communications Agency (ANATEL), which is in charge of regulating the telecommunications sector in Brazil (Note 1.c). The Company has also authorizations from ANATEL, directly or through its subsidiaries, to provide other telecommunications services, such as data communication to the business market and broadband internet services under the Speedy and Ajato brand and since the second half of 2007, pay TV services (i) by satellite all over the country (Telefonica TV Digital) and (ii) using MMDS (Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service) technology in the cities of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba and Porto Alegre from February 16, 2009. The authorizations for use of 2.5GHz frequency associated with the MMDS-based pay TV service have been extended through year 2024 and await a position from ANATEL regarding the renewal and it is still pending a definition payment condition.

According to an ANATEL decision published in the Official Gazette on June 22, 2009, the sale of Speedy Services for broadband internet access was suspended since that date. In compliance with such decision, on June 26, 2009, the Company presented a Speedy network stabilization plan to ANATEL. On July 17, 2009, the Company informed ANATEL about conclusion of the Stability Plan implementation. On August 27, 2009, ANATEL released the sale of Speedy.

The Company is registered with the Brazilian Securities Commission (CVM) as a publicly held company - category A and its shares are traded on the São Paulo Stock Exchange (BOVESPA). The Company is also registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its American Depository Shares (ADSs) - level II are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).


c)
The STFC Concession Agreement

The Company is a concessionaire of the fixed-switch telephone service (STFC) to render local and domestic long-distance calls originated in Region 3, which comprises the State of São Paulo, in Sectors 31, 32 and 34, established in the General Concession Plan (PGO).

The current Concession Agreement’s renewal, dated December 22, 2005, in force since January 1, 2006, awarded as an onerous title, will be valid until December 31, 2025. However, the agreement can be reviewed on December 31, 2010, 2015 and 2020. Such condition allows ANATEL to set up new requirements and goals for universalization and quality of telecommunication services, according to the conditions in force at that moment.

The Concession Agreement establishes that all assets owned by the Company and which are indispensable to the provision of the services described on such agreement are considered reversible assets and are deemed to be part of the concession assets. These assets will be automatically returned to ANATEL upon expiration of the concession agreement, according to the regulation in force at that moment. On December 31, 2009, the net book value of reversible assets is estimated at R$6,954,479 (R$6,929,532 in 2008), comprised of switching and transmission equipment and public use terminals, external network equipment, energy equipment and system and operation support equipment.

 
F-11

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
Every two years, during the concession agreement’s new 20-year period, public regime companies will have to pay a renewal fee which will correspond to 2% of its prior-year SFTC revenue, net of taxes and social contributions. The second payment of this biannual fee happened on April 30, 2009 by value of R$203,333, based on the 2008 STFC net revenues.
 

d)
The telecommunications services subsidiaries and associated companies

 
A. Telecom S.A.

A. Telecom S.A. is a closely held, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. It is engaged primarily in providing telecommunication and data services and customer internal telephony network maintenance. The principal services are as follows:

 
(i)
Digital Condominium: integrated solution equipment and services for voice transmission, data and images on commercial buildings until December 31, 2009. From that date on, these services started being provided by Telesp, as per the restructuring mentioned in Note 2 a.;

 
(ii)
Installation, maintenance, exchange and extension of new points of internal telephony wire in companies and houses;

 
(iii)
iTelefônica, provider of free internet access;

 
(iv)
Speedy Wi-Fi, broadband service for wireless internet access;

 
(v)
Speedy Corp, broadband provider developed specially to the corporate market;

 
(vi)
Integrated IT solution named “Posto Informático” allowing access to Internet, connection of private networks and rent of IT equipment;

 
(vii)
Satellite TV services (Direct to Home – DTH) throughout the country. The DTH is a special type of subscription TV service, which uses satellites for direct distribution of TV and audio signals to subscribers.


Telefônica Sistema de Televisão S.A. (formerly Lightree Sistema de Televisão S.A.):

The corporate purpose of Telefônica Sistema de Televisão S.A. (“TST”) is to provide pay-TV services in the form of MMDS, as well as telecommunication and internet-based services.

Telefônica Data S.A. (formerly Telefonica Empresas S.A.):

The corporate purpose of Telefônica Data S.A. is to provide and operate telecommunications services, as well as to prepare, implement and deploy projects involving  integrated  corporate  solutions,  telecommunication  advisory  services, technical assistance services, sale, lease and maintenance of telecommunication equipment and networks.



 
F-12

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 

Aliança Atlântica Holding B.V.:

A company formed under the laws of the Netherlands in Amsterdam, whose main asset is the participation of 0.61% in Portugal Telecom. As of December 31, 2009, the Company holds a 50% interest in Aliança Atlântica and Telefónica S.A. holds the remaining 50%.

Companhia AIX de Participações

This company is engaged in both direct and indirect development of activities related to the construction, conclusion and operation of underground fiber optic networks. Currently, Telesp holds a 50% interest in this company.

Companhia ACT de Participações

Companhia ACT is engaged in providing technical assistance for the preparation of Rede Refibra project, by providing studies to make it more profitable, as well as to inspect the activities in progress related to the project. Currently, Telesp holds a 50% interest in this company.

2.
Corporate Events 2009 and 2008


a.
Corporate restructuring involving A. Telecom S.A.:

By resolution of the General Shareholders’ Meeting held on December 30, 2009, A. Telecom was split off, and its split-off portion was later merged into the Company. This transaction comprised the transfer of fixed assets and rights related to part of A. Telecom customer portfolio. The net assets merged into Telesp amounted to R$99,293.

b.
Merger of TS Tecnologia da Informação Ltda.:

On May 22, 2009, the subsidiary TS Tecnologia da Informação Ltda. merged into its controlling company Telefônica Data S.A., for its book value, according to a valuation report. Such company ceased to exist, after the mentioned operation.

c.
Merger of Telefônica Data Brasil Participações Ltda. and Telefônica Televisão Participações S.A.:

On October 21, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the proposed corporate reorganization involving the Company, Telefônica Data do Brasil Participações Ltda. (“DABR”) and Telefônica Televisão Participações S.A. (“TTP”), as approved at the General Shareholders’ Meeting held by Telesp on November 11, 2008.

The transaction included the following steps:

1st Step: DABR was merged into Telesp and, as a result, the company and its shares ceased to exist. Telesp shares then owned by DABR were directly assigned to controlling shareholder SP Telecomunicações Participações Ltda. upon merger, with the rights applicable to outstanding shares issued by TELESP remaining unchanged. DABR’s net equity included goodwill from Telesp shares, in the amount of R$185,511, which was recorded at the acquisition date based on future profits. In accordance with Law No. 9532/1997, amortization of goodwill will provide Telesp with a tax benefit  of R$63,074, and will be reversed in benefit of the Company’s controlling shareholder - SP Telecomunicações Participações Ltda. – through capital increase upon issuance of the Company’s shares, pursuant to CVM Instruction No. 319/1999. It was guaranteed to other shareholders, the preemptive rights in the subscription of capital increases that may occur.

 
F-13

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
2nd Step: TTP was merged into Telesp, and, as a result, the company and its shares ceased to exist. Goodwill generated by the acquisition of this company in 2007 was recorded based on expected future profits, in the amount of R$848,307, and will provide Telesp with a tax benefit of R$288,424.

For merger purposes, the net equities of TTP and DABR were measured at book value on September 30, 2008 and October 17, 2008, respectively, by an independent appraiser whose appointment was ratified at the General Shareholders’ Meeting held by Telesp on November 11, 2008. The merged companies had no unrecorded contingent liabilities that would have been assumed by Telesp as a result of this transaction. The transaction is not subject to approval by Brazilian or foreign regulatory entities or anti-trust agencies. No withdrawal rights were exercised since the subsidiaries had no non-controlling interests.

d.
Capital increase in Telefônica Televisão Participações S.A. (“TTP”)

On February 29, 2008, the Company increased capital of Telefônica Televisão with shares held in A.Telecom. With this operation, A.Telecom became a wholly-owned subsidiary of TTP.

On July 25, 2008, the Company increased capital of Telefônica Televisão with shares held in Telefônica Data S.A. (“T.Data”). With this operation, T.Data became a wholly-owned subsidiary of TTP.

 
3.
Base of Presentation of the Financial Statements

The accompanying individual and consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 were prepared in accordance with accounting practices adopted in Brazil, wich comprise the provision of  corporate legislation set forth in Law No. 6,404/76, as amended by Law No. 11,638/07 and by Law No. 11,941/09 and the standards established by the Brazilian Securities Commission (CVM).

As permitted by the CVM Resolution No. 565 of December 17, 2008, which approved Technical Pronouncement CPC No. 13, as from the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, the Company and its subsidiaries started to adopt Law No. 11,638/07 and Provisional Executive Order No. 449/08 (turned into Law No. 11,941/09 of May 27, 2009). The Company and its subsidiaries adopted January 1, 2008 as their transition date.

In the course of year 2009, the Brazilian Accouting Pronouncements Committee (CPC) issued and the CVM approved several accounting pronouncements in line with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2010 and retroactively applied to fiscal year 2009 for comparability purposes.

The approval of the financial statements conclusion occurred in an Executive Committee Meeting on February 8, 2010.

Assets and liabilities are classified as “current” when their realization or liquidation will probably occur in the next twelve months. Otherwise, they will be classified as non-current assets and liabilities.

Accounting estimates are considered for the financial statements preparation process. Such estimates are based on objective and subjective factors according to management’s judgment for the appropriate amounts to be recorded in the financial statements.

Transactions, which involve estimates mentioned above, may result in different amounts when realized in subsequent periods due to inaccurate results regarding the estimate process. The Company revises its estimations and assumptions periodically.

 
F-14

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
The consolidated financial statements include the balances and transactions of the following directly and indirectly wholly-owned subsidiaries and jointly controlled affiliates, which are proportionally consolidated, according to the corporate participation described below:

Subsidiaries
 
2009
 
2008
             
A.Telecom S.A.
    100 %     100 %
Telefonica Data S.A.
    100 %     100 %
Telefônica Sistemas de Televisão S.A.
    100 %     100 %
Aliança Atlântica Holding B.V.
    50 %     50 %
Companhia AIX de Participações
    50 %     50 %
Companhia ACT de Participações
    50 %     50 %
 
In consolidation, all assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses resulting from intercompany transactions and equity holdings between the company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated.

For the financial statements as of December 31, 2008, certain items were reclassified to allow their comparability with the current period; these reclassifications were considered to be immaterial in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole.


4.
Summary of Principal Accounting Practices

a)
Cash and cash equivalents: include cash, positive current account balances, and investments redeemable 90 days from the deposit dates basically comprising CDB (Bank Deposit Certificate), indexed to CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate) rate variation, with quick liquidity and unlikely change in market value.

b)
Trade accounts receivable, net: are stated at the rendered service value according to the contracted conditions adjusted by the estimated amount of eventual losses. This caption also includes accounts receivable from services rendered but not billed at the balance sheet date. Allowance for doubtful account is recorded in order to cover eventual losses and mainly considers the average default rate.

c)
Inventories: are stated at average acquisition cost, net of allowance for reduction to realizable value. This corresponds to items for use, maintenance or resale, and the latter basically includes equipment for finance lease operations.

d)
Investments: equity interests in associated companies are accounted for under the equity method. On the consolidated financial statements, all the investments in wholly-owned and jointly controlled companies are consolidated. The subsidiaries are consolidated as of December 31, of each period.

 
The exchange gains/losses on the shareholders’ equity of jointly-owned subsidiary Aliança Atlântica Holding B.V. are recognized in the parent company’s shareholders’ equity under the caption Cumulative Translation Adjustment.

e)
Property, plant and equipment: this item is measured at acquisition and/or construction cost, less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses, if applicable. Asset costs are capitalized until the asset becomes operational.

Costs incurred after the asset becomes operational are immediately expensed, under the accrual method of accounting. Expenses that represent asset improvement (expanded installed capacity or useful life) are capitalized.

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
 
 
Depreciation is calculated under the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets and as determined by the Public Telecommunications Service regulations. The main rates are shown in Note 12.

f)
Intangible assets: these are stated at acquisition and/or construction cost, less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses, if applicable.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on the straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but tested for impairment annually or when there is an indication that their carrying amount may not be recovered.

Goodwill arising from the acquisition of investments and recorded based on future profits is treated as an intangible asset with indefinite useful life.

g)
Leases: agreements providing for use of specific assets are subject to analysis so as to identify the accounting treatment applicable to lease arrangements under Technical Pronouncement CPC no. 06. Agreements in which the lessor substantially transfers the underlying risks and benefits to the lessee are classified as finance lease.

 
The Company has agreements classified as finance lease for both a lessor and lessee. As a lessor, subsidiary A.Telecom has equipment lease agreements, for which it recognizes revenue on the installation date at the present value of the agreement installments, matched against Accounts Receivable. As a lessee in agreements classified as lease financing, the Company records a fixed asset item, classified as per its nature, at the beginning of the lease term, at the present value of the agreement minimum mandatory installments matched against Other Liabilities. The difference between the nominal value of the installments and the accounts receivable/payable recorded is recognized as financial income/expense under the effective interest rate method based on the contract term.

 
Agreements in which lessor retains a substantial part of risks and benefits are deemed as operating lease, and their effects are recognized in P&L for the year throughout the contractual term.

h)
Asset recoverability test: Management conducts, at least annually, reviews of the net book value of its assets in order to evaluate events or changes in economic, operating or technological circumstances that may indicate asset impairment or loss in its carrying amount. In cases where the net book value exceeds the realizable value, an impairment provision is recognized to adjust the asset’s net book value to its realizable value.

i)
Financial Instruments: to classify and value its financial assets and liabilities, the Company uses the following categories based on Technical Pronouncement CPC no. 14, Technical Guidance OCPC 03 Financial Instruments, and CVM Instruction No. 475:

 
Financial assets
Valuation
method
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)
Fair value
Investments held to maturity (HTM)
Amortized cost
Loans and receivables
Amortized cost
Available for sale (AFS)
Fair value
   
Financial liabilities
 
Financial liabilities measured at FVTPL
Fair value
Financial liabilities not measured at fair value
Amortized cost


Financial assets and liabilities existing at the balance sheet as of December 31, 2009 are stated by categories in Note 33.
 
 
F-16

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

Financial assets and liabilities should be initially measured at fair value. The fair value of financial assets and liabilities is determined based on (i) the price quoted in an active market or, if an active market does not exist, (ii) valuation techniques that allow estimating fair value on the transaction date, considering arm’s length transactions between knowledgeable and willing parties.

Financial assets and liabilities are subsequently measured at fair value or amortized cost. Amortized cost corresponds to (i) the initial carrying amount of financial assets or liabilities, (ii) less amortizations of principal and (iii) more or less interest accrued under the effective interest method.

The effects of subsequent measurement of financial assets and liabilities are directly posted to P&L for the year, except for financial assets available for sale, which are measured at market value by reference to the last stock exchange quote in the year. The related change in the fair value of financial assets available for sale is allocated to shareholders’ equity under the caption “Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities” (Note 11).

Derivatives are classified as financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit and loss, except where they meet the criteria for hedge instruments.

Derivatives aimed at protecting specific market risks (foreign currency and interest rate risks) and considered to be effective are classified as fair value hedges. In this category, both the derivative and the hedged item are adjusted to fair value at each balance sheet date. Changes in the fair value of derivatives and covered items are recognized in P&L for the year as financial income or financial expense.

j)
Reserves for contingencies, net: it is made based on management’s judgment and it is composed by several administrative and legal proceedings. It is recognized for those cases in which an unfavorable outcome is considered probable at the balance sheet date. This reserve is presented net of the corresponding escrow deposits and classified as labor, civil or tax contingency (Note 19).

k)
Post-employment benefit plans: the Company sponsors individual plans and multi-sponsored retirement and health care plans for its employees. Actuarial liabilities relating to defined-benefit plans were calculated using the projected unit credit method, as provided for by CVM Deliberation No. 371/2000, and the Company opted for immediately recognizing the actuarial gains and losses determined in the year. Other considerations related to such plans are described in Note 31.

 l)
Other assets and liabilities: an asset is recognized in the balance sheet when it is likely that their future economic benefits will be generated on behalf of the Company and its subsidiaries, and their cost or value can be reliably measured.

A Liability is recognized in the balance sheet when the Company and its subsidiaries have a legal or constructive obligation arising from past events, the settlement of which is expected to result in an outflow of economic benefits. Provisions are recorded reflecting the best estimates of the risk involved.

m)
Revenue recognition: revenues related to Telecommunications services rendered are recorded on the accrual basis. Revenue unbilled from the date of the last billing until the date of the balance sheet is recognized in the month the service is rendered.

Revenue from the sales of cards for public phones is deferred and recognized in income as the cards are utilized based on consumption estimates.

Income from equipment under lease agreements classified as finance leases is recognized upon equipment installation, when the risk is actually transferred. Income is recognized for the present value of lease payments.

Revenues from sales and services are subject to and recognized net of the following taxes and contribution taxes: State VAT – ICMS, Service Tax – ISS, at the rates effective in each location of business, the Social Contribution Taxes on Gross Revenue for Social Integration Program – PIS and Social Security Financing – COFINS.
 
 
 
F-17

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
n)
Foreign-currency-denominated balances and transactions: the Company’s functional currency is the Brazilian real (R$). Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the prevailing exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are remeasured using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences resulting from foreign currency transactions were recognized in financial income and financial expenses.

o)
Adjustment to present value: certain noncurrent assets and liabilities must be initially recorded at their  present value, pursuant to Technical Pronouncement CPC No. 12 - Adjustment to Present Value. The Company applied this method for the ICMS credit generated from the purchase of fixed assets, to be realized within a 48-month term.

p)
Income tax and social contribution: corporate income tax and social contribution are accounted for on the accrual basis and are presented net of prepaid taxes, paid during the year. Deferred taxes assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences and tax loss carry-forwards are recognized as deferred tax assets and liabilities, if applicable, on the assumption of future realization within the parameters established by CVM Deliberation No. 273/1998 and CVM Instruction No. 371/2002.

q) 
Financial income (expense), net: represent interest, monetary and exchange variations arising from financial investments, debentures, loans and financing, as well as the results of derivative operations (hedge).

r)
Concession agreement’s renewal fee: it is a fee which will be paid each odd year during the term of the concession agreement is in force, equivalent to 2% of its prior-year SFTC net revenue, according to the contract. The corresponding expense is recognized proportionately over each biennium concerned (Note 20).

s)
Accounting estimates: used to measure and recognize certain assets and liabilities in the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ financial statements. These estimates were determined based on past and current events’ experience, assumptions in respect of future events, and other objective and subjective factors. Significant items subject to such estimates include, among others, selection of fixed and intangible assets’ useful lives; allowance for doubtful accounts; provision for losses on inventory; revision of fixed and intangible assets for impairment; deferred income and social contribution taxes; rates and terms used in determining the present value of certain assets and liabilities; provision for contingencies and actuarial liabilities; fair value measurement of financial instruments; and estimations for disclosure of the financial instruments sensitivity analysis table pursuant to CVM Instruction No. 475/08. Settlement of transactions involving these estimates may result in amounts significantly different from those recorded in the financial statements due to the uncertainties related to the estimation process. The Company and its subsidiaries review their estimates and assumptions at least quarterly.

t)
Statements of cash flows and of added value: the statements of cash flows are prepared and presented in accordance with CVM Deliberation No. 547, of August 13, 2008, which approved Technical  Pronouncement CPC No. 03 – Statements of Cash Flows, issued by the CPC.

The statements of cash flows were prepared using the indirect method and reflect changes in cash over the stated years. The terms used in the statements of cash flows are as follows:

 
·
Operating activities: refer to the main transactions performed by the Company and its subsidiaries and activities other than investment and financing;
 
·
Investing activities: refer to additions and dispositions of noncurrent assets and other investments not included in cash and cash equivalents;
 
·
Financing activities: refer to activities resulting in changes in equity and loans.

The statements of added value are prepared and presented in accordance with CVM Deliberation No. 557, of November 12, 2008, which approved Technical Pronouncement CPC No. 09 – Statement of Added Value, issued by CPC.
 
 
 
F-18

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
u)
Earnings per share: it is calculated based on net income for the year and the total number of shares outstanding at the balance sheet date.

5. 
Cash and Cash Equivalents

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Bank accounts
    10,120       31,993  
Short-term investments
    2,266,896       1,709,013  
                 
Total
    2,277,016       1,741,006  

Short-term investments are basically CDB (Bank Deposits Certificate), indexed under CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate) rate variation, with quick liquidity and maintained with reputable financial institutions.
 
6.         Trade Accounts Receivable, Net

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Billed amounts
    2,622,613       2,608,012  
Accrued unbilled amounts
    1,323,555       1,374,080  
Gross accounts receivable
    3,946,168       3,982,092  
                 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (891,145 )     (767,698 )
                 
Total
    3,055,023       3,214,394  
                 
Current
    2,245,950       2,248,736  
Past-due – 1 to 30 days
    597,410       530,238  
Past-due – 31 to 60 days
    130,331       195,213  
Past-due – 61 to 90 days
    66,949       113,101  
Past-due – 91 to 120 days
    56,299       110,720  
Past-due – more than 120 days
    849,229       784,084  
Total
    3,946,168       3,982,092  
                 
Current
    2,931,292       3,152,831  
Non-current
    123,731       61,563  

Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Beginning balance
    767,698       733,590       560,878  
Provision charged to selling expense (Note 24)
    564,580       538,625       652,692  
Write-offs
    (441,133 )     (504,517 )     (479,980 )
Ending balance
    891,145       767,698       733,590  

Subsidiary A.Telecom offers “Posto Informático”, a product that consists in the lease of IT equipment to small and medium-sized companies for fixed installments received over the agreed term. Considering the related contractual conditions, the Company classified this product as “Finance Lease” in its December 31, 2009 financial statements (Note 4.g).

The consolidated accounts receivable as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 reflects the following effects:


 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)


   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Present value of minimum payments receivable
    182,740       139,214  
Unrealized financial income
    21,231       20,154  
Gross investment in finance lease receivables at year-end
    203,971       159,368  
                 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (80,082 )     (26,159 )
                 
Financial leases receivable, net
    123,889       133,209  
                 
Current amount
    59,009       77,651  
Noncurrent amount
    123,731       61,563  

Aging list of financial leases receivable:

 
Year
 
Gross investment
   
Present value
 
             
Falling due within one year
    59,009       59,009  
Falling due within five years
    144,962       123,731  
                 
Total
    203,971       182,740  

There are neither unsecured residual values that produce benefits to the lessor nor contingent payments recognized as revenues during the year.

7. 
Deferred and Recoverable Taxes

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Withholding taxes
    92,019       77,371  
Recoverable income tax and social contribution
    35,021       36,754  
                 
                 
Deferred taxes
    1,180,075       1,293,314  
Tax loss carry-forwards – Income tax
    1,262       3,305  
Tax loss carry-forwards – Social     contribution tax
    454       1,787  
Reserve for contingencies
    315,977       340,850  
Post-retirement benefit plans
    65,255       50,581  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    95,057       94,691  
Allowance for reduction of inventory to recoverable value
    23,880       28,909  
Merger tax credits (7.2)
    325,662       397,950  
Income tax and Social contribution on other temporary differences
    213,042       195,359  
Employee profit sharing
    15,997       24,325  
Non-deductible provisions
    123,489       155,557  
                 
ICMS (state VAT) (*)
    476,526       357,897  
 
 
 
F-20

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
ICMS (state VAT )-convênio 39/Portaria CAT 06
    222,042       98,295  
Other
    30,968       14,127  
                 
Total
    2,036,651       1,877,758  
                 
Current
    1,335,565       1,064,281  
Non-current
    701,086       813,477  
 
(*) Refers to credits on the acquisition of property, plant and equipment items, available for offset against VAT obligations in 48 months.
 
7.1.
Deferred income and social contribution taxes

The Company recognized deferred income and social contribution tax assets considering the existence of taxable income in the last five fiscal years and the expected generation of future taxable profit discounted to present value based on a technical feasibility study, approved by the Board of Directors on December 9, 2009.

Company estimates the realization of the deferred taxes as of December 31, 2009 as follows:

Year
 
Consolidated
 
       
2010
    564,205  
2011
    234,836  
2012
    125,731  
2013
    124,545  
Thereafter
    130,758  
         
Total
    1,180,075  

The recoverable amounts above are based on projections subject to changes in the future.

Tax losses and temporary differences in the respective amounts of R$106,166 and R$109,670 (R$62,512 and R$35,379 as of December 31, 2008), respectively, were not recognized by the subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 in view of the unlikely generation of future taxable profits.
 
7.2.
Merger Tax Credits

Refer to tax benefits arising from corporate reorganizations represented by goodwill amounts based on future expected profitability, to be used in compliance with the limits established by tax legislation.

   
2009
   
2008
 
             
TTP (a)
    233,671       265,435  
DABR
    44,686       59,920  
Spanish / Figueira
    47,305       72,595  
                 
      325,662       397,950  
                 
Current
    88,954       71,416  
Non-current
    236,708       326,534  

(a) The balance of R$265,435 as of December 31, 2008 refers to the tax credit resulting from TTP corporate restructuring, as mentioned in Note 2.c., which was reclassified to this caption from Intangibles caption (Note
 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
 
13). This reclassification was made to improve presentation of the financial statements, since goodwill amortization was discontinued as from fiscal year 2009.
 
8.
Inventories

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Consumption materials
    118,030       129,600  
Resale items (*)
    97,524       106,734  
Public telephone  cards
    8,749       13,461  
Scraps
    61       161  
Allowance for reduction to net recoverable value  and obsolescence
    (75,928 )     (85,546 )
Total current
    148,436       164,410  
 
(*) Includes the inventory of IT equipment (note 4.c)

The allowance for reduction to recoverable value and obsolescence takes into account timely analyses carried out by the Company.

Changes in the allowance for reduction to market value and obsolescence of inventories were as follows:

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Beginning balance
    85,546       91,668       99,927  
Provision charged to other operating income (expenses), net (Note 27)
    14,878       3,743       5,700  
Write-offs
    (24,496 )     (9,865 )     (13,959 )
Ending balance
    75,928       85,546       91,668  
 
9. 
Other Assets

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Advances to employees
    18,552       8,207  
Advances to suppliers
    27,914       33,567  
Prepaid expenses
    81,059       66,699  
Receivables from Barramar S.A. (a)
    61,151       62,526  
Related party receivables (Note 30)
    143,797       153,285  
Amounts linked to National Treasury
  securities
    12,005       11,289  
Other assets (b)
    190,149       94,059  
                 
Total
    534,627       429,632  
                 
Current
    355,392       273,320  
Non-current
    179,235       156,312  

(a) Refers to receivables from Barramar S.A., registered in Companhia AIX de Participações, net of allowance for losses.
(b) Comprises commercial agreements with global service providers. These agreements represented an improvement in P&L of R$77,066 for fiscal year 2009.
 
 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

10. 
Escrow Deposits

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Civil litigation
    342,479       246,500  
Tax litigation
    233,686       254,571  
Labor claims
    323,402       165,306  
Freeze of assets by court order
    40,223       44,923  
                 
Total noncurrent
    939,790       711,300  

The amounts presented above refer to escrow deposits for those cases in which an unfavorable outcome is considered possible or remote. Those deposits related to provisions are presented in Note 19.


11. 
Investments

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Investments in associates
    55,101       36,313  
GTR Participações e Empreendimentos S.A.
    2,121       1,476  
Lemontree Participações S.A.
    14,292       9,608  
Comercial Cabo TV São Paulo S.A.
    31,844       21,215  
TVA Sul Paraná S.A.
    6,844       4,014  
                 
Other Investments (*)
    285,198       265,517  
Portugal Telecom
    227,702       210,431  
Portugal Multimédia
    17,654       19,531  
Other investments
    39,842       35,555  
                 
Total
    340,299       301,830  

(*)  Other investments are measured at fair value, as mentioned in Note 4.i.

The main accounting information of wholly-owned and jointly-controlled companies at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:


   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Paid-in capital
   
Capital
reserves/
Adjustments
for equity
valuation
   
Retained
earnings
(accumulated
losses)
   
Net equity
   
Paid-in
capital
   
Capital
reserves
   
Retained
earnings
(accumulated
losses)
   
Net equity
 
                                                 
Aliança Atlântica
    104,344       16,578       12,000       132,922       130,095       (17,259 )     15,450       128,286  
A. Telecom
    630,876       1,124       15,309       647,309       589,969       1,197       19,603       610,769  
Companhia AIX
    110,676       -       21,342       132,018       460,929       -       (343,138 )     117,791  
Companhia ACT
    1       -       5       6       1       -       31       32  
Telefônica Data
    560,025       1,139       (387,797 )     173,367       460,025       1,139       (254,719 )     206,445  
TST
    405,846       -       (132,912 )     272,934       255,847       -       (86,602 )     169,245  



 
F-23

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)



Shares – thousand
 
2009
   
2008
 
Quantity of shares
 
Subscribed and
paid-in shares
   
Company
 shares
   
%
ownership
interest
   
Subscribed and
paid-in shares
   
Company
 shares
   
%
ownership
interest
 
                                     
Aliança Atlântica
    88       44       50 %     88       44       50 %
A. Telecom
    1,013,116       1,013,116       100 %     947,258       947,258       100 %
Companhia AIX
    298,562       149,281       50 %     298,562       149,281       50 %
Companhia ACT
    1       0,5       50 %     1       0,5       50 %
Telefonica Data
    576,464       576,464       100 %     473,372       473,372       100 %
TST
    405,846       405,846       100 %     107,923       107,923       100 %

Investments in affiliates accounted for under the equity method derive from TTP, which was merged by the Company, as mentioned in Note 2.c. Significant information on these affiliate companies, are as follows:


         
Quantity of shares (thousand)
             
         
Total shares
   
Company shares
   
% ownership interest
 
Affiliates
 
Net equity
   
Ordinary
   
Preferred
   
Total
   
Ordinary
   
Preferred
   
Total
   
Total
   
Voting shares
 
                                                       
GTR Participações e Empreendimentos S.A
    3,181       878       1,757       2,635       -       1,757       1,757       66.7 %     0.0 %
Lemontree Participações S.A.
    21,436       124,839       249,682       374,521       -       249,682       249,682       66.7 %     0.0 %
Comercial Cabo TV São Paulo S.A.
    53,118       14,036       14,036       28,072       2,444       12,282       14,726       59.9 %     19.9 %
TVA Sul Paraná S.A.
    9,186       13,656       13,656       27,312       6,691       13,656       20,347       74.5 %     49.9 %

The Consolidated equity earnings (loss) of affiliates is as follows:

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Aliança Atlântica (a)
    -       -       (4,161 )
GTR Participações e Empreendimentos S.A
    645       (571 )     78  
Lemontree Participações S.A.
    4,683       3,479       495  
Comercial Cabo TV São Paulo S.A.
    10,630       7,869       1,152  
TVA Sul Paraná S.A.
    2,830       (2,515 )     291  
                         
      18,788       8,262       (2,145 )

(a) The net income posted by Aliança Atlântica in 2007 refers to the equity method on foreign exchange fluctuation of net equity for that year. As from January 1, 2008, the foreign exchange fluctuation is recorded as Cumulative Translation Adjustment under Net Equity.
 
 
 
F-24

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
12. 
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

a. Composition:

   
Consolidated
 
         
2009
   
2008
 
   
Annual
depreciation
rate%
   
Cost
   
Accumulated
depreciation
   
Net book
 value
   
Cost
   
Accumulated
depreciation
   
Net book
value
 
                                           
Property, plant and equipment in service
          44,433,000       (35,311,697 )     9,121,303       42,876,998       (33,604,274 )     9,272,724  
Switching and transmission equipment
 
12.50
      18,347,332       (15,960,152 )     2,387,180       17,529,850       (15,268,465 )     2,261,385  
Transmission equipment, overhead, underground and building cables, teleprinters, PABX, energy equipment and furniture
 
10.00
      13,083,649       (10,660,589 )     2,423,060       12,690,391       (10,121,251 )     2,569,140  
Transmission equipment - modems
 
66.67
      1,354,609       (892,055 )     462,554       1,381,539       (973,066 )     408,473  
Underground and undersea cables, poles and towers
 
5.00 to 6.67
      644,908       (431,709 )     213,199       634,323       (411,669 )     222,654  
Subscriber, public and booth equipment
 
12.50
      2,375,049       (1,929,355 )     445,694       2,245,185       (1,780,556 )     464,629  
IT equipment  (a)
 
20.00
      725,158       (597,687 )     127,471       651,826       (547,170 )     104,656  
Buildings and underground cables
 
4.00
      6,632,350       (4,216,372 )     2,415,978       6,596,896       (4,015,696 )     2,581,200  
TV equipment
 
8.00 to 20.00
      832,483       (475,261 )     357,222       712,437       (354,922 )     357,515  
Vehicles
 
20.00
      48,156       (37,549 )     10,607       53,568       (38,572 )     14,996  
Land
 
-
      227,772       -       227,772       228,117       -       228,117  
Other
 
4.00 to 20.00
      161,534       (110,968 )     50,566       152,866       (92,907 )     59,959  
                                                       
Provision for losses
 
-
      (15,985 )     -       (15,985 )     (11,807 )     -       (11,807 )
                                                       
Property, plant and equipment in progress
 
-
      566,819       -       566,819       608,016       -       608,016  
                                                       
Total
          44,983,834       (35,311,697 )     9,672,137       43,473,207       (33,604,274 )     9,868,933  
Average annual depreciation rates %
          10.85                       10.64                  
Assets fully depreciated
      24,858,336                       21,204,279                  

(a) Includes IT equipment contracts classified as finance lease in the amount of R$ 41,919. Information on amounts payable is stated in Note 20.

b. Rentals

The Company rents equipment, buildings and facilities through agreements that expire at different dates. The monthly rental payments are of an equal amount for the period of the contract, annually restated. Total annual rent expense under these agreements was as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Rent expense
    522,858       453,332       357,635  

 
Rental commitments related primarily to facilities where the future minimum rental payments under leases with remaining noncancellable terms in excess of one year are:

Year ended  December 31,
     
2010
    19,249  
2011
    14,389  
2012
    11,689  
         
Total minimum payments
    45,327  
 
 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
c. Guarantees

The Company has property items pledged as guarantees in connection with certain legal proceedings as of December 31, 2009. The aggregate amount of claims involved is R$43,719 (R$133,562 in 2008).


13. 
Intangible Assets, Net

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Goodwill
    728,201       728,201  
Other Intangible
    728,676       858,798  
                 
      1,456,877       1,586,999  
 
   
Consolidated
 
Other Intangible
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Ajato Telecomunicações Ltda
    149       149  
TS Tecnologia da Informação Ltda.
    945       945  
Goodwill on Spanish and Figueira (merged from TDBH) (a)
    139,957       139,957  
Santo Genovese Participações Ltda. (b)
    71,892       71,892  
TTP. (c)
    515,258       515,258  
      728,201       728,201  

(a)  
Goodwill arising from the spin-off of Figueira, which was merged into the Company as a result of the merger of Telefônica Data Brasil Holding S.A. (TDBH) in 2006.
(b)  
Goodwill arising from the acquisition of control over Santo Genovese Participações Ltda. (controlling shareholder of Atrium Telecomunicações Ltda.), in 2004.
(c)
The goodwill arising from TTP acquisition (see Note 2.c) is based on a future profitability analysis. For financial statement presentation purposes, the tax credit as of December 31, 2008 in the amount of R$265,435 was reclassified to Deferred and Recoverable Taxes in the form of tax credits from merger (Note 7), considering that goodwill amortization ceased to be accounted for at December 31, 2008.

 
F-26

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
   
Consolidated
 
         
2009
   
2008
 
Other Intangibles
 
Annual depreciation rate %
   
Cost
   
Accumulated depreciation
   
Net book value
   
Cost
   
Accumulated depreciation
   
Net book value
 
                                           
Software
    20.00       2,712,773       (2,029,997 )     682,776       2,520,983       (1,732,047 )     788,936  
Customer Portifolio  (Network IP)
    10.00       72,561       (50,793 )     21,768       72,561       (43,537 )     29,024  
Other
 
10.00 to 20.00
      197,587       (173,455 )     24,132       195,443       (154,605 )     40,838  
Total
            2,982,921       (2,254,245 )     728,676       2,788,987       (1,930,189 )     858,798  
Average annual depreciation rates %
            19.78                       19.97                  
Assets fully depreciated
      1,324,755                       1,114,804                  
 
Changes in intangible assets - Consolidated
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Opening Balance
    1,586,999       2,050,320  
                 
Software acquisitions
    135,504       266,395  
Transfers
    58,430       -  
Goodwill acquisitions – Ajato
    -       149  
Price adjustment of  TTP
    -       (11,895 )
Amortization
    (324,056 )     (452,535 )
Merger Tax Credit TTP (Note 7.2)
    -       (265,435 )
Final Balance
    1,456,877       1,586,999  


14. 
Loans and Financing

Consolidated
   
Balance in 2009 (*)
 
 
Currency
 
Annual interest rate
   
Maturity
   
Current
   
Long-term
   
Total
 
                                 
Loans and financing  - BNDES
URTJLP
 
TJLP+3.73%
   
Until 2015
      243,120       1,674,401       1,917,521  
Loans and financing  - BNDES
URTJLP
 
TJLP+1.73%
   
Until 2015
      8,032       60,596       68,628  
Mediocrédito
US$
    1.75%       2014       5,601       17,405       23,006  
Total Consolidated
                      256,753       1,752,402       2,009,155  


Consolidated
   
Balance in 2008 (*)
 
 
Currency
 
Annual interest rate
   
Maturity
   
Current
   
Long-term
   
Total
 
                                 
Loans and financing  - BNDES
URTJLP
 
TJLP+3.73%
   
Until 2015
      19,283       1,689,521       1,708,804  
Mediocredito
US$
   1.75%       2014       7,594       27,831       35,425  
Untied Loan – JBIC
JPY
 
Libor + 1.25%
      2009       129,173       -       129,173  
Resolution 2770
JPY
 
0.50% to 5.78%
      2009       213,339       -       213,339  
Resolution 2770
EUR
   5.74%       2009       84,799       -       84,799  
                                           
Total parent Company
                      454,188       1,717,352       2,171,540  
                                           
Resolution 2770
JPY
    1.00%       2009       48,315       -       48,315  
Total Consolidated
                      502,503       1,717,352       2,219,855  
(*) Amounts presented at fair value, when applicable.

 
F-27

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

On October 10, 2007, BNDES approved a credit facility capped at R$2,034,717 to fund Company investments, of which R$1,959,464 (principal amount) has already been released and the related investments have been duly proven and accepted by BNDES. This credit facility is intended for investments in goods and services produced locally (sub-credit at the cost of Long-Term Interest Rate TJLP + 3.73% p.a.) and which, concurrently, contain local technology (sub-credit at the cost of TJLP + 1.73% p.a.), according to BNDES methodology to evidence and confirm these facts. The TJLP is a specific referential rate not comparable with other market-observable rates applicable to similar repayment terms. Accordingly, at December 31, 2009 this instrument was recognized in the balance sheet at its amortized cost, which is equivalent to its fair value as of that date.

Covenants and collaterals

The loan taken out from BNDES includes restrictive covenants related to the semiannual maintenance  of certain financial indexes over the agreement term, which have been met as of this date.

The loan from Mediocrédito is secured by the Federal Government, whereas BNDES financing is guaranteed by SP Telecomunicações Participações Ltda.

Consolidated long-term maturity schedule

Year
 
Amounts
 
       
2011
    398,194  
2012
    397,898  
2013
    397,570  
2014
    395,061  
Thereafter
    163,679  
Total
    1,752,402  

 
15. 
Debentures

Consolidated
   
Balance in 2009
 
 
Currency
 
Annual interest rate
 
Maturity
   
Current
   
Long-term
   
Total
 
                                 
Debentures
    R$  
CDI + 0.35%
    2010       1,510,806       -       1,510,806  
Total
                      1,510,806       -       1,510,806  
 
 
F-28

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
Consolidated
   
Balance in 2009
 
 
Currency
 
Annual interest rate
 
Maturity
   
Current
   
Long-term
   
Total
 
                                 
Debentures
    R$  
CDI + 0.35%
    Until 2010       16,339       1,500,000       1,516,339  
Total
                      16,339       1,500,000       1,516,339  
 
Debentures conditions were renegotiated on September 1, 2007, at the end of the first Remuneration period and the beginning of the second Remuneration period. This period ends on the debentures maturity date; namely September 1, 2010. Debentures bear DI-indexed interest paid quarterly, plus 0.35% yearly spread. At December 31, 2009, CDI was 9.84%.
 
16. 
Taxes Payable
 
   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Taxes on income (a)
           
Income tax
    718       -  
Social contribution tax
    -       -  
                 
Deferred taxes
               
Income tax
    243,656       118,132  
Social contribution tax
    41,201       12,431  
                 
Indirect taxes
               
ICMS (state VAT)
    638,649       683,447  
PIS and COFINS (taxes on revenue)
    109,083       102,023
 
Legal Liabilities (b)
    20,241       26,674  
   Other (c)
    23,442       31,131  
Total
    1,076,990       973,838  
                 
Current
    1,022,434       926,437  
Noncurrent
    54,556       47,401  

(a)
Income and social contribution taxes payable are presented net of payments on an estimate basis.
 

b)
The item ‘Legal liabilities’ accounts for amounts related to lawsuits in which the Company seeks noncollection of CIDE (Social Contribution Tax for Intervention in the Economic Order) on remittances as consideration for international telecommunications and other services provided for in contracts executed with foreign companies. These suits are currently examined in higher courts.

(c)
The item ‘Others’ includes FUST amounts payable of R$185,201 as of December 31, 2009 (R$139,511 as of December 31, 2008), net of judicial deposits of R$192,109 (R$126,832 as of December 31, 2008). The corresponding difference of R$6,908 as of December 31, 2009 remained in the escrow deposits caption.

 
F-29

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
17. 
Dividends and Interest Payable to Shareholders

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Interest on shareholders’ equity
    249,706       437,720  
Telefónica Internacional S.A.
    115,530       234,441  
SP Telecomunicações Participações Ltda.
    37,962       77,036  
Minority shareholders
    96,214       126,243  
                 
Dividends - Minority shareholders
    245,837       320,841  
Dividends subject to shareholders’ approval (Note 21.f)
    1,251,646       395,109  
Total
    1,747,189       1,153,670  

Most of the interest on shareholders’ equity and total dividends payable to minority shareholders refer to available amounts declared, but not claimed yet.

 
18. 
Payroll and Related Accruals

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Salaries and fees
    20,701       19,723  
Payroll charges
    75,111       79,641  
Accrued benefits
    5,603       5,087  
Employee profit sharing
    40,770       68,835  
Organizational Restructuring Program (a)
    -       1,386  
Total
    142,185       174,672  

(a) Organizational Restructuring Program

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Beginning balance
    1,386       74,491       -  
Accruals
    -       37,466       153,938  
Payments
    (1,386 )     (110,571 )     (79,447 )
Ending balance
    -       1,386       74,491  

 
F-30

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
19. 
Provisions, net

The Company, as an entity and also as the successor to the merged companies, and its subsidiaries are involved in labor, tax and civil lawsuits filed with different courts. The Company’s management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, recognized reserves for those cases in which an unfavorable outcome is considered probable. The table below shows the breakdown of reserves by nature and activities during 2009:

   
Nature
       
Consolidated
 
Labor
   
Tax
   
Civil
   
Total
 
                         
Balances as of December 31, 2008
    497,132       167,956       255,433       920,521  
                                 
Additions (a)
    49,725       2,534       175,592       227,851  
Payments / reversal (a)
    (183,992 )     (105,085 )     (28,156 )     (317,233 )
Monetary restatement
    41,241       1,596       40,941       83,778  
Balances as of December 31, 2009
    404,106       67,001       443,810       914,917  
                                 
Escrow deposits
    (112,752 )     (59,874 )     (34,821 )     (207,447 )
                                 
Net balances as of December 31, 2009
    291,354       7,127       408,989       707,470  
                                 
Current
    27,543       -       155,765       183,308  
Noncurrent
    263,811       7,127       253,224       524,162  

(a)  
In the case of lawsuits of civil and labor natures referring to cases considered similar and usual (massive), management has been using, as from the second quarter of 2009, estimates calculated based on the historical average of payments made in mass lawsuits to set up provision for contingencies. The reversal of provision for labor claims amounted to R$158,478 and supplementation of provision for civil suits totaled R$49,474, both of which are recorded in Other operating income (expenses), net (Note 27).


19.1. 
Labor contingencies and reserves
 
   
Amount involved
 
Risk - Consolidated
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Probable
    404,106       497,132  
Possible
    2,110       66,608  
Total
    406,216       563,740  

These contingencies involve several lawsuits, mainly related to wage differences, wage equivalence, overtime, employment relationship with employees of outsourced companies and job hazard premium, among others. In addition, the Company is party to a Public Civil Action instituted by the Labor Public Prosecution Office in respect of the decision on refraining Telesp from engaging an unrelated appointed company to carry out the Company’s main activities, which had its degree of risk changed from remote to possible.  No amount has been assigned in the table above to the possible likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in connection with this action, since in the case of loss, estimating the corresponding amount payable by the Company is not practicable at this time. Likewise, establishing a provision for contingency equivalent to the amount sought is not possible.

The Company made escrow deposits in the amount of R$112,752 for the reserves mentioned above.

 
F-31

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

19.2. 
Tax contingencies and reserves

   
Amount involved
 
Risk - Consolidated
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Probable
    67,001       167,956  
Possible
    3,776,985       2,864,127  
Total
    3,843,986       3,032,083  

The principal tax contingencies according to the risk, are as follows:

·
Claims by the National Institute of Social Security (INSS) referring to:

a) Work Accident Insurance– SAT Collection and company held joint liability for social security contributions allegedly had not been paid by its subcontractors in the amount of approximately R$338,964, of which R$98,660 were provisioned. In September 2009, the Company’s management partially waived this litigation by settling the amount involved of R$54,241 through the government’s Tax Amnesty Program – REFIS which provides for a reduced fine and interest charges. The remaining balance of this provision was reversed to P&L in the amount of R$44,419 (Note 27). The suit is currently examined at higher courts and no provision was accrued therefor in view of legal counsel’s risk assessment as possible.

b) Social security contribution on compensation for salary devaluation arising from inflationary losses related to “Verão” and “Bresser” economic plans, in the amount of approximately R$148,503. By virtue of an ex officio decision rendered by the Brazilian IRS acknowledging, grounded on Binding Digest No. 8 from the Federal Supreme Court, that part of the tax claims involved were time barred under laches, Company management decided to reverse the provision set up for the amounts so barred in the amount of R$2,940, with a provision of only R$26 remaining. The chances of loss in regard to amounts not barred by laches were assessed as possible, and therefore no provision was set up for this contingency.

c) Notification demanding social security contributions, SAT and amounts for third parties (National Institute for Agrarian Reform and Colonization (INCRA) and Brazilian Mini and Small Business Support Agency (SEBRAE)) for the payment of various salary amounts for the period from January 1999 to December 2000, in the amount of approximately R$64,073. These lawsuits are in the 2nd  Court  Level. No provision was made for the balance, for which the likelihood of loss is deemed possible.

d) Legal proceedings imposed fines amounting to R$161,982 for distribution of dividends when the Company was allegedly in debt to INSS. No provision was made for the balance, for which the likelihood of loss is deemed possible. This matter is at the second administrative level.

·
Claims by the Finance Secretary of the State of São Paulo referring to:

e) Assessments on 2001, related to ICMS (State VAT) allegedly due on international long-distance calls for the period from November 1996 to December 1999. In view of the partially favorable decision awarded at administrative level, the contingency amount was reduced to R$364,067. One suit is at the last administrative stage and two suits are the first judicial stage. Considering the risk of a possible loss, no provisions were recognized.

f) Infraction notice related to the use of credits in the period from January to April 2002. Since this dispute was rendered an unfavorable administrative decision, a lawsuit was filed in the amount of R$46,211, where chances of loss were assessed as possible. This suit is currently examined at lower court, and no provision was set up given the assigned degree of risk.

 
F-32

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
g) Infraction notice related to the non-reversal of ICMS credits in proportion to sales and exempt and non-taxed services in the period from January 1999 to June 2000 and from July 2000 to December 2003, in addition to an ICMS credit unduly used in March 1999. The total amount involved is R$135,911. The risk is considered possible by legal counsel. The claims are at the 2nd and first administrative levels, respectively. Considering the risk level, no provision was made.

h) Infraction notice related to nonpayment of ICMS, from January 2001 to December 2005, on amounts received for equipment lease (modem), totaling R$169,628. The suit is at the last administrative level. Considering the risk of a possible loss, no provisions were recognized.

i) Infraction notices related to nonpayment of ICMS in the period from August 2004 to December 2005, for non-inclusion of revenues from rendering of several supplemental services and value added, in the amount of R$371,034. This proceeding was awarded an unfavorable decision at administrative level and is currently awaiting a lower-court decision. No provision was set up in this connection since chances of loss were assessed as possible.

j) Infraction notice drawn up by the São Paulo State Finance Office on June 14, 2007, referring to co-billing operations from May to December 2004, due to: (i) non presentation of the totality of the files provided for in Administrative Ruling CAT No. 49/03; (ii) untimely compliance with notices referring to filing of electronic files; (iii) lack of or irregular recording on the Shipment records; and (iv) unpaid tax concerning a portion of the communication services rendered. The amount involved is R$9,116, already considered payment of the notice item one in the terms of Law No. 6374/89 and of Decree No. 51960/07 (PPI), related to non-payment of taxes. Part of the infractions results from the not filed information by other operating companies. The likelihood of loss is assessed as possible. The claim is at the first administrative level. Considering the risk involved, the Company did not record a provision.

k) Tax delinquency notice relating to non-collection of ICMS for the period from January 2006 to December 2007 on amounts received for equipment lease (modem) in the amount of R$55,297. This suit is currently examined at lower court, and no provision was set up, given its chances of loss assessed as possible.

l) Tax delinquency notice relating to non-collection of ICMS for the period from January 2006 to December 2007, since the Company would have failed to include revenues from miscellaneous supplementary services in its ICMS base. The amount subject of these notices totals R$443,913. This claim is currently examined at lower administrative level, and no provision was set up, given its chances of loss assessed as possible.

·
Litigation at the Federal and Municipal Levels:

m) Collection of COFINS due to the offsetting made in November 1995 against FINSOCIAL credits (increased rate) and of PIS/PASEP offset of debts against PIS/PASEP credits declared unconstitutional (Resolution No. 49 of the Federal Senate). Both suits total R$5,161 and are awaiting decisions at the highest administrative level and the second court level, respectively. A provision was set up in the total amount of R$5,161.

n) The City of São Paulo assessed the Company, alleging differences in the payment of the municipal tax on services (ISS), by the imputation of fines of 20% not paid by the Company, in the amount of R$33,438. The claim is at the 2nd court level. The risk is considered possible. Considering the risk level, no provision was made.

o) On December 15, 2005, ANATEL edited Abridgment nº 01 (subsequently changed to Abridgment nº 07), where it confirmed its opinion not to exclude interconnection expenses from FUST basis, modifying its previous position. The Abridgment has retroactive application, since January 2001. Thus, through ABRAFIX – Brazilian Fixed Telecommunication Companies Association, on January 9, 2006, the Company petitioned a Security Mandate in order to assure the possibility of excluding
 
 
F-33

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
interconnection expenses from FUST basis and/or not to be subject to the retrospective payment of differences identified as a result of adopting the noncumulative system by operation of Anatel Abridgement No. 7/2005.  As a consequence of new events that turned the expected outcome of the suit into favorable to the Company, particularly because of the stated unlawfulness of the FUST contribution collection on interconnection revenues earned, Company management decided to change the methodology for computation of amounts to be deposited, excluding interconnection revenues therefrom. The amount involved totals R$399,557. A portion of this amount, R$207,448, refers to differences arising from adoption of the noncumulative taxation system in the retroactive period (years 2001 to 2005), whereas the remainder, R$192,109, refers to differences determined for the period comprised between 2006 and the current date, which have been the subject of monthly escrow deposits. A provision was set up for the amounts currently deposited as mentioned in Note 16. The suit is under analysis at the second higher judicial level.

p) Decision rendered by the Brazilian IRS Office in São Paulo, which did not validate the applications for credit offsetting arising from Corporate Income Tax (IRPJ) and Social Contribution Tax on Net Profit (CSLL) losses in calendar year 2003 amounting to R$470,771 (principal, fine and interest charges). An appeal was lodged against this decision at administrative level and is currently awaiting a lower-court decision. Based on external lawyers risk assessment, chances of loss are assessed as possible for the amount of R$94,886 and as remote for the remaining balance. As a result, no provision has been set up for this issue.

q) Motion for new trial filed by the Federal Government against Telesp to overturn an unappealable favorable decision whereby the procedure adopted by the Company to offset FINSOCIAL credits (years 1989 to 1992) against COFINS debts (March to November/1995) was deemed lawful. The amount involved corresponds to R$15,234. Chances of loss were assessed as possible and therefore no provision was set up for this issue.
 
·
Challenged additional contributions to the Unemployment Compensation Fund:

r) Introduced on June 29, 2001, Complementary Law (LC) No. 110 provided for additional social contributions to the Unemployment Compensation Fund – FGTS. The objective of this governmental provision is to share with employers the cost of the Fund’s compensation for inflationary losses on FGTS account balances arising from Verão and Collor economic plans, which were declared unconstitutional by the Federal Supreme Court. Grounded on the said LC unconstitutionality, the Company filed for an injunction seeking acknowledged right not to collect these additional social contributions. Litigation is focused on these additional collections thus directed to the Fund and does not entail any underpayments of FGTS deposits on behalf of the Company employees. This suit is awaiting a decision at second. court level. A provision was established in the amount of R$59,764.

s) Other contingencies, particularly those which chances of loss were assessed as possible, in the amount of R$909,937, and probable, in the amount of R$2,050, concern lawsuits associated with miscellaneous subject matters not individually material.


19.3 
Civil contingencies and reserves

   
Amount involved
 
Risk  - Consolidated
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Probable
    443,810       255,433  
Possible
    886,389       623,605  
Total
    1,330,199       879,038  

 
F-34

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

The principal civil contingencies according to the risk, are as follows:

a) Community Telephone Plan - PCT. Refers to a Public Civil Action to which the Company is party related to the PCT, a plan that claims the possible indemnity rights to purchasers of telephone line expansion plans who did not receive shares for their financial investment in the municipality of Mogi das Cruzes. The total amount involved is approximately R$146,772. Legal counsel assessed chances of loss as possible, and the suits are currently awaiting a decision at second court level.

b) There is a collective claim by ASTEL – Sistel Participants Association in São Paulo State, against the Company Suit brought by members of the Sistel Association in the State of São Paulo questioning the changes in the health care plan for the Company’s retirees (PAMA).  The suit is at the initial stage and there has been no judgment of dismissal. The Company’s management, based on its legal counsel opinion, considers this proceeding as possible risk, with an estimated amount of R$346,596. According to the risk, no provision was recorded.

c) On June 9, 2000, WCR do Brasil Serviços Ltda. proposed enforcement proceedings following ordinary procedural steps against the Company, claiming the collection of the alleged difference between the amounts calculated by Telesp regarding the use of the “0900 Service” and the amounts transferred to that company. The duly updated proceeding amount is R$74,783. On October 1, 2004, the decision handed down by the 13th Civil Court of the central jurisdiction of São Paulo was published, by which the proceeding was deemed valid. On December 14, 2004, an appeal against the decision was filed, which was distributed to the 26th Panel of Judges of São Paulo. On May 26, 2006, the appeal against the decision was judged partially valid, and the content was maintained. The suit is currently at the Higher Court of Justice, awaiting trial of Telesp and WCR appeals. Since the risk level was considered as probable, provision was made.

d) Suits for additional shares. These refer to suits involving the Company and addressing the right to receive additional shares calculated with regard to network expansion plans after 1996. These suits are at various stages: first stage, Supreme Court and Federal Superior Court of Appeals.Considering the risk of a probable loss, a provision of R$18,311 was made.

e)  As of December 31, 2009, the Company has a provision of R$130,715 for fines relating to Several Administrative Proceedings filed by ANATEL against Telesp, considered by the legal advisors as a probable risk of loss.

f) Civil Class Action instituted by the São Paulo State Public Prosecution Office seeking pecuniary and pain and suffering damages to all telecommunication service consumers, in relation to the period  2004 to 2009, by virtue of poor services and/or service failure. The claimed sentence is of general nature and the Company would be held liable for these damages upon enforcement of the decision. The Public Prosecution Office proposed R$1 billion as the amount sought if there are no applications in a number compatible with the level of inflicted damage, to be deposited in the Special Fund for Compensation for Miscellaneous Interests Jeopardized. No amount has been assigned in the table above to the possible likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in connection with this action, since in the case of loss, estimating the corresponding amount payable by the Company is not practicable at this time. Likewise, establishing a provision for contingency equivalent to the amount sought is not possible.

g) Civil Class Action filed by ASTEL – SISTEL Members’ Association in the State of São Paulo against the Company, SISTEL foundation, and others, seeking annulment of the PBS private pension plan spinoff in year 2000, which gave rise to a specific PBS-Telesp plan, and of the related allocations of technical surplus funds and tax contingency existing by the time of the spinoff.  The Company’s legal counsel considers this proceeding as possible risk. Estimating the amount involved is impracticable and contingent upon expert analysis, since it concerns Sistel’s spin-off portion related to telecom operators from the former Telebrás System.

 
F-35

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
h) Inclusion of PIS and COFINS in Service Rates. The federal district attorney's office believes that the amounts collected by us as COFINS and PIS are being improperly included in the fixed telecommunications service rates, and therefore has filed a public civil action in order to exclude those amounts from those charged to our customers and to demand that the amounts improperly charged be returned in double. There are other public civil actions based on the same claim, which when added to the one described above and other collective and individual lawsuits, amount to seven lawsuits. We have not made any provisions for thes lawsuits as our risk of loss is deemed possible.
 
Other contingencies, particularly those which chances of loss were assessed as possible, in the amount of R$145,174, and probable, in the amount of R$220,001, concern lawsuits associated with miscellaneous subject matters not individually material.
 

20. 
Other Liabilities

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Consignments on behalf of third parties
    147,995       198,050  
Amounts charged to users
    61,377       70,884  
Withholdings
    85,697       126,092  
Other
    921       1,074  
                 
Liabilities to related parties (Note 30)
    133,770       81,072  
Advances from customers
    55,310       69,906  
Amounts to be refunded to subscribers
    60,020       48,593  
Concession renewal fee (a)
    -       102,863  
Accounts payable – sale of share fractions (b)
    112,873       113,377  
Finance Lease (c)
    41,919       -  
Other
    72,314       94,000  
Total
    624,201       707,861  
                 
Current
    421,030       614,867  
Noncurrent
    203,171       92,994  

(a) 
The  total amount due for the concession renewal fee was paid in April 2009 (Note 1.c)
 
(b) 
Amounts resulting from the auction of share fractions after the reverse spin-off process in 2005, and TDBH acquisition process in 2006.
 
(c) 
Finance Lease: The Company has lease financing contracts for use of IT equipment. The minimum payment amounts of referred to lease financing arrangements, as well as their present values, are set out below:

   
2009
 
       
Gross investment in lease payable at year end
    53,580  
Unrealized financial expense
    (11,661 )
Present value of minimum payments due
    41,919  
         
Current
    10,729  
Noncurrent
    31,190  

Maturity Schedule:

Year
 
Gross investment
   
Present value
 
             
Maturing within one year
    10,729       10,729  
Maturing within five years
    42,851       31,190  
Total
    53,580       41,919  

 
F-36

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
There are neither unsecured residual values that produce benefits to the lessor nor contingent payments recognized as revenues during the year.


21. 
Shareholders’ Equity

a.  Capital

Paid-in capital is of R$6,575,480 at December 31, 2009 and 2008. Subscribed and paid-in capital is represented by shares without par value, as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Total Capital in shares
           
Common shares
    168,819,870       168,819,870  
Preferred shares
    337,417,402       337,417,402  
Total
    506,237,272       506,237,272  
                 
Treasury shares
               
Common shares
    (210,579 )     (210,579 )
Preferred shares
    (185,213 )     (185,213 )
Total
    (395,792 )     (395,792 )
                 
Outstanding shares
               
Common shares
    168,609,291       168,609,291  
Preferred shares
    337,232,189       337,232,189  
Total
    505,841,480       505,841,480  
                 
Book value per outstanding share in R$
    19.88       19.86  

The Company is authorized to increase its capital up to the limit of 700,000,000 (seven hundred million) shares, common or preferred. The capital increase and consequent issue of new shares are to be approved by the Board of Directors, with observance of the authorized capital limit.

Capital increases do not necessarily have to observe the proportion between the numbers of shares of each type. However, the number of preferred shares, nonvoting or with restricted voting, must not exceed 2/3 of the total shares issued.

Preferred shares are nonvoting, but have priority in the reimbursement of capital and are entitled to dividends 10% higher than those paid on common shares, as per article 7 of the Company’s bylaws and clause II, paragraph 1, article 17, of Law No. 6,404/76.

b.  Capital reserves

Share premium

This reserve represents the amount exceeding book value of the shares arising from the issuance or capitalization on the date of issue.

Donations and subsidies for investments

These represent amounts in assets donated by subscribers for the expansion of the telecommunications services plant until 2007. After 2008, these donations will be classified as deferred revenues under liabilities.

 
F-37

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
c.  Treasury shares

These correspond to the Company’s treasury stock which resulted from merger with TDBH occurred in 2006, part of which refer to exercise of withdrawing rights and the remaining to the share auctions carried out by the Company. The average cost of acquisition was R$44.77. At December 31, 2009, the market value of treasury stock was R$16,058.

d.  Income reserves

Legal reserve

According to article 193 of Law No. 6,404/76, the Company chose not to set up the legal reserve, as such balance added to the capital reserve balance exceeded capital by 30%.

e.  Special goodwill reserve

This reserve was booked as a result of the Corporate Reorganization processes, as a counter-entry to the net assets transferred, and represents the future tax benefit to be earned by amortization of the premium transferred. The portion of special premium reserve corresponding to the benefit may be, at the end of each fiscal year, capitalized to the benefit of the controlling shareholder upon the issue of new shares. The increase of capital is subject to the preemptive rights of the noncontrolling shareholders, proportionally to their respective interests, by kind and class, at the time of the issue, and the amounts paid upon the exercise of this right shall be directly delivered to the controlling shareholder, in accordance with the provisions in CVM Instruction no. 319/99.

This represents the tax benefit generated by the merger of DABR (Note 2.c) which will be capitalized on an annual basis on behalf of the controlling shareholder as the tax credit becomes realized.

f.  Dividends

The Company’s bylaws provide for mandatory distribution of minimum dividends to all shareholders corresponding to 25% of adjusted net income, as established by article 202, subparagraphs II and III of Law No. 6,404/76, provided there are funds available for distribution.

Dividends are calculated in accordance with the Company’s by-laws and with the Brazilian Corporation Law. The Company presents the calculation of dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity for 2009 and 2008 as follows:

Minimum mandatory dividends calculated based on adjusted net income
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Net income for the year
    2,172,973       2,419,971  
Allocation to legal reserve
    -       -  
                 
Adjusted net income for the year
    2,172,973       2,419,971  
                 
Minimum mandatory dividends – 25% of adjusted net income
    543,243       604,993  
                 
Retained earnings
               
Adjusted net income for the year
    2,172,973       2,419,971  
Interest on shareholders’ equity / Prescribed Dividends
    153,673       163,392  
Merger of DABR
    -       41  
Adjustments of Law No. 11638/07
    -       2,705  
                 
Profit available for distribution
    2,326,646       2,586,109  
                 
Interest on shareholders’ equity (gross)
    605,000       616,000  
Interim dividends
    470,000       1,575,000  
                 
Balance of profit available for distribution
    1,251,646       395,109  
                 
Proposed Dividends
    1,251,646       395,109  
Retained earnings at year-end
    -       -  

 
F-38

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

   
2009
   
2008
 
Amounts in R$ per share (a)
 
Gross
   
Net
   
Gross
   
Net
 
                         
Interest on shareholders’ equity – common
    1.121274       0.953083       1.141661       0.970411  
Interest on shareholders’ equity – preferred
    1.233401       1.048391       1.255827       1.067453  
 
   
2009
 
Amounts in R$ per share (a)
 
Common
   
Preferred
 
             
Interim dividends declared in March 2009
    0.732276       0.805503  
Interim dividends declared in May 2009
    0.871072       0.958179  
Interest on shareholders’ equity – net of withholding tax
    0.630137       0.693151  
Interest on shareholders’ equity – net of withholding tax
    0.322945       0.355240  
      2.556430       2.812073  
 
   
2008
 
Amounts in R$ per share (a)
 
Common
   
Preferred
 
             
Interest on shareholders’ equity – net of withholding tax
    0.315068       0.346575  
Interim dividends declared in March 2008
    0.650409       0.715450  
Interim dividends declared in May 2008
    0.898872       0.988760  
Interim dividends declared in November 2008
    2.020146       2.222161  
Interest on shareholders’ equity – net of withholding tax
    0.655343       0.720877  
      4.539838       4.993823  

(a)
Do not include the amount of proposed dividends.

The balance of unallocated net income for the year at December 31, 2009, in the amount of R$1,097,973, and the dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity prescribed in 2009 in the amount of R$153,673, thus totaling R$1,251,646, were classified as dividends payable as per management’s proposed distribution of net income for the year, to be submitted for approval of the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting.

Management’s proposed dividend payment to be approved:

1st portion – payment to start on or before June 30, 2010
 
R$800,000
 
Remaining portion – payment to start on or before December 21, 2010
 
R$451,646
 

 
F-39

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
Amount per share
 
Common registered shares (ON)
   
Preferred registered shares (PN) (i)
 
1st portion – payment to start on or before June 30, 2010
    1.482676       1.630944  
Remaining portion – payment to start on or before December 21, 2010
    0.837054       0.920760  
Total proposed for approval – amount per share
    2.319730       2.551704  

(i)
10% higher than the amount attributable to each common share, pursuant to article 7 of the Company’s bylaws.


g.  Interest on shareholders’ equity

As proposed by Management, in 2009 and 2008 interest on shareholders’ equity was credited  to shareholders in accordance with article 9 of Law No. 9,249/95, net of withholding tax, as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Gross interest on shareholders’ equity
    605,000       616,000  
Common shares
    189,057       192,495  
Preferred shares
    415,943       423,505  
                 
Withholding income tax
    (90,750 )     (92,400 )
Interest on shareholders’ equity, net of withholding tax included in dividends
    514,250       523,600  

Tax-exempt shareholders received interest on shareholders’ equity in full, not subject to withholding tax.
 
h.  Payment of dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity

On March 25, 2009, the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting approved the allocation of dividends based on the remaining profit of the balance from 2008 in the amount of R$395,109, as defined in the allocation of net income proposed to the holders of common and preferred shares included in the Company’s records by the end of March 25, 2009. Payments of such dividends began on June 17, 2009.

On May 18, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the payment of interim dividends in the amount of R$470,000, based on profit recorded in the quarterly financial statements as of March 31, 2009, to the holders of common and preferred shares included in the Company’s records by the end of May 18, 2009. Payments of such dividends began on June 17, 2009.

On September 30, 2009, the Board of Directors approved the credit of interest on shareholders’ equity referring to fiscal year 2009 in the amount of R$400,000, subject to 15% withholding income tax, resulting in the net amount of R$340,000 to the holders of common and preferred shares included in the Company’s records by the end of September 30, 2009. Payments of such dividends began on December 21, 2009.

On December 9, 2009, the Board of Directors approved the credit of interest on shareholders’ equity for fiscal year 2009 in the amount of R$205,000, or R$174,250 net of withholding taxes, to holders of common and preferred shares included in the Company’s records by the end of December 30, 2009. The payment will be made on a date to be decided at the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting.

 
F-40

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
i.  Unclaimed dividends

Dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity are barred by statute of limitation after three years, as from the date of beginning of payment thereof, if not claimed by shareholders, according to article 287, clause II, item a. of Law No. 6,404, dated December 15, 1976. Accordingly, any such unclaimed dividend is credited to retained earnings.
 
j.  Unrealized gains on available-for-sale Securities and cumulative translation adjustment

Adjustment for equity valuation

This represents net gains and losses from changes in the fair value of financial assets classified as available-for-sale (Notes 4 and 11).

Cumulative translation adjustments

This represents foreign exchange fluctuations derived from the translation of net equity of foreign investments.

 
22. 
Net Operating Revenue

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Monthly subscription charges
    5,226,158       5,486,797       5,646,362  
Activation fees
    108,764       114,283       119,629  
Local service
    2,416,868       2,562,869       2,808,251  
                         
LDN – Domestic long-distance
    3,870,942       3,808,790       3,220,787  
LDI – International long-distance
    112,550       140,389       133,870  
Fixed-to-mobile services
    4,101,905       4,372,033       4,063,688  
Network usage services
    487,803       465,788       405,278  
Public telephones
    386,641       444,910       551,059  
Data transmission
    4,175,968       3,759,457       2,995,718  
Network access
    509,465       384,344       318,609  
TV Service
    600,270       379,019       54,564  
Other (i)
    1,158,428       1,102,101       865,994  
Gross operating revenue
    23,155,762       23,020,780       21,183,809  
                         
Taxes on gross revenue
    (5,778,409 )     (5,978,565 )     (5,575,502 )
ICMS (State VAT)
    (4,808,841 )     (5,017,815 )     (4,721,551 )
PIS and COFINS (taxes on Revenue)
    (927,638 )     (917,546 )     (811,549 )
ISS (Municipal service tax)
    (41,930 )     (43,204 )     (42,402 )
                         
Discounts
    (1,581,578 )     (1,063,230 )     (880,745 )
Net operating revenue
    15,795,775       15,978,985       14,727,562  

(i) The group of accounts “Other”, under Gross operating revenues, includes revenue from finance lease  payments of customer premises equipments, as described in Note 4.m.

 
F-41

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

Tariff adjustments affecting recorded revenue

Tariff adjustment for wireline to wireline services, effective as of July 24, 2008. Tariffs increased by 3.01% for Local and National Long Distance (LDN) services. Local network tariffs (TU-RL) also increased by 3.01% as of July 24, 2008.

Tariff adjustment of 3.01% for wireline to mobile services (VC1, VC2 and VC3), also is effective as of July 24, 2008. Interconnection fees for the Voice User Mobility (VUM) network were also adjusted by 2.06% as from July 24, 2008.

Tariff adjustment for wireline service, effective as from September 16, 2009. Tariff increases corresponded to 0.98% for Local and LDN services.
 
 
23. 
Cost of Goods and Services

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Depreciation and amortization
    (2,255,338 )     (2,390,634 )     (2,347,943 )
Personnel
    (186,651 )     (198,990 )     (224,578 )
Organizational Restructuring Program
    -       (21,403 )     (63,238 )
Materials
    (179,603 )     (132,023 )     (31,651 )
Network interconnection
    (3,802,977 )     (3,855,345 )     (3,617,118 )
Outsourced services
    (1,909,929 )     (1,525,450 )     (1,240,328 )
Other
    (621,010 )     (602,563 )     (504,347 )
Total
    (8,955,508 )     (8,726,408 )     (8,029,203 )
 
 
24. 
Selling Expenses

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Depreciation and amortization
    (143,091 )     (168,875 )     (174,560 )
Personnel
    (367,381 )     (368,611 )     (341,006 )
Organizational Restructuring Program
    -       (7,526 )     (9,123 )
Materials
    (45,494 )     (61,944 )     (89,362 )
Outsourced services
    (1,412,575 )     (1,374,596 )     (1,154,183 )
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (564,580 )     (538,625 )     (652,692 )
Other
    (35,230 )     (80,379 )     (41,531 )
Total
    (2,568,351 )     (2,600,556 )     (2,462,457 )

 
25. 
General and Administrative Expenses

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Depreciation and amortization
    (107,046 )     (98,395 )     (111,881 )
Personnel
    (146,653 )     (143,774 )     (167,731 )
Organizational Restructuring Program
    -       (8,537 )     (81,577 )
Materials
    (7,625 )     (8,776 )     (15,112 )
Outsourced services
    (530,044 )     (430,826 )     (402,791 )
Other
    (76,230 )     (65,214 )     (59,521 )
Total
    (867,598 )     (755,522 )     (838,613 )


26. 
Permanent asset disposal, net

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and investments
    28,254       27,370       147,693  
Cost of sale of property, plant and equipment and investments
    (42,628 )     (77,925 )     (66,040 )
Total
    (14,374 )     (50,555 )     81,653  


27. 
Other Operating Income (Expenses), Net

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Income
    786,917       578,966       750,656  
Technical and administrative services
    36,417       44,118       47,057  
Income from supplies
    23,285       20,880       72,838  
Dividends
    20,202       30,473       21,826  
Fines on telecommunication services
    141,797       174,774       133,625  
Recovered expenses (a)
    217,433       52,238       117,645  
Reversal of provision for contingencies (b)
    262,290       106,894       209,227  
Rent of infrastructure
    46,578       45,894       37,857  
Amortization of negative goodwill  – AIX
    -       8,735       8,735  
Unidentified billing
    22,428       49,519       39,424  
Other income
    16,487       45,441       62,422  
                         
Expenses
    (838,725 )     (703,622 )     (580,075 )
Allowance for reduction to  recoverable value of Inventories
    (14,878 )     (3,743 )     (5,700 )
Amortization of goodwill
    -       (126,459 )     (73,473 )
Donations and sponsorships
    (30,599 )     (36,520 )     (39,504 )
Taxes other than income taxes
    (299,364 )     (310,985 )     (274,090 )
Provision for contingencies
    (279,138 )     (162,814 )     (94,657 )
Pension and other post-retirement benefits
    (34,711 )     (20,064 )     (23,033 )
Other
    (180,035 )     (43,037 )     (69,618 )
Total
    (51,808 )     (124,656 )     170,581  

(a)
Comprises commercial agreements with global service providers. These agreements represented an improvement in P&L of R$77,066 for fiscal year 2009.
 
 
(b)
In the case of lawsuits of civil and labor natures referring to cases considered similar and usual (massive), management has been using, as from the second quarter of 2009, estimates calculated based on the historical average of payments made in mass lawsuits to set up provision for contingencies. The reversal of provision for labor claims amounted to R$158,478 and supplementation of provision for civil suits totaled R$49,474. Additionally, tax claims provisions were reversed in the amount of R$44,419 in September 2009.

 
F-43

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

28. 
Financial Income (Expense)

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Financial income
    455,887       932,554       503,453  
 Income from short-term investments
    172,163       161,927       80,988  
 Gains on derivative transactions
    65,877       588,919       218,733  
 Interest receivable
    45,545       53,341       50,508  
 Monetary/exchange variations receivable
    147,471       122,856       148,447  
 Other financial income
    24,831       5,511       4,777  
                         
Financial expenses
    (650,530 )     (1,160,440 )     (810,385 )
 Interest payable
    (442,868 )     (419,190 )     (336,997 )
 Losses on derivative transactions
    (123,912 )     (435,472 )     (371,750 )
 Expenses on financial transactions
    (48,110 )     (69,090 )     (99,731 )
 Monetary/exchange variations payable
    (35,640 )     (236,688 )     (1,907 )
Finance Expenses, net
    (194,643 )     (227,886 )     (306,932 )


29. 
Income Tax and Social Contribution

The Company recognizes income tax and social contribution monthly on the accrual basis and pays the taxes on an estimated basis, in accordance with the trial balance for suspension or reduction. The taxes calculated on income until the month of the financial statements are recorded in liabilities or assets, as applicable.

Reconciliation of reported income tax expense and combined statutory tax rates

Reconciliation of the reported tax charges and the amounts calculated by applying 34% (income tax of 25% and social contribution tax of 9%) in 2009, 2008 and 2007 is shown in the table below:

   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Income before taxes
    3,162,281       3,501,664       3,340,446  
                         
Income tax and Social contribution taxes
                       
Income tax and Social contribution tax expense
    (1,075,175 )     (1,190,566 )     (1,135,751 )
Permanent differences
                       
Equity method
    6,387       2,809       (729 )
Unclaimed interest on shareholders’ equity
    (14,407 )     (8,919 )     (31,310 )
Valuation allowance on subsidiaries’ tax losses carryforwards
    -       (39,020 )     -  
Valuation allowance on subsidiaries’ temporary differences
    (109,670 )     (35,379 )     -  
Nondeductible expenses, gifts, incentives and dividends received
    (23,396 )     (43,961 )     (59,397 )
Interest on shareholder’s equity
    205,700       209,440       218,280  
                         
Other
                       
Incentives (cultural, food and transportation)
    21,253       23,903       31,421  
Total (income tax + social contribution tax)
    (989,308 )     (1,081,693 )     (977,486 )
Effective rate
    31.3 %     30.9 %     29.3 %

 
F-44

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
The components of deferred income and social contribution tax assets and liabilities on temporary differences are shown in Notes 7 and 16, respectively.

Total current income and social contribution taxes consolidated payable at December 31, 2009 amounts to R$779,714 (R$1,071,609 as of December 31, 2008).


30. 
Transactions with Related Parties

The principal balances with related parties are as follows:

Consolidated
 
Atento Brasil S.A.
   
VIVO
   
Tiws Brasil Ltda.
   
Telefônica S.A.
   
Cia Telecomun. de Chile Transm. Regionales S.A.
   
Telefónica de Argentina S.A.
   
Telefónica de España S.A.
   
Terra Networks Brasil S.A.
 
                                                 
ASSETS
                                               
Current assets
    6,923       483,421       1,778       2,345       14,394       2,335       4,311       17,940  
Trade accounts receivable
    4,996       482,538       1,698       -       748       2,335       4,311       16,085  
Other assets
    1,927       883       80       2,345       13,646       -       -       1,855  
                                                                 
Noncurrent assets
    10       416       856       2,967       369       -       -       1,723  
Other assets
    10       416       856       2,967       369       -       -       1,723  
Total assets
    6,933       483,837       2,634       5,312       14,763       2,335       4,311       19,663  
                                                                 
LIABILITIES
                                                               
Current liabilities
    73,478       515,309       16,752       662       113       273       872       2,676  
Trade accounts payable
    72,136       446,130       16,565       662       113       273       872       2,657  
Interest on shareholders’ equity
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Other liabilities
    1,342       69,179       187       -       -       -       -       19  
                                                                 
Noncurrent liabilities
    338       55       2,962       232       -       -       -       1  
Other liabilities
    338       55       2,962       232       -       -       -       1  
                                                                 
Total liabilities
    73,816       515,364       19,714       894       113       273       872       2,677  
                                                                 
STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                                               
Revenue
    29,470       299,364       5,582       -       942       4,746       6,730       14,980  
Telecommunications services
    28,620       299,364       5,349       -       942       4,746       6,730       14,952  
Financial income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Other operating revenues
    850       -       233       -       -       -       -       28  
                                                                 
Costs and expenses
    (656,310 )     (1,999,596 )     (74,136 )     -       -       -       -       (19,875 )
Cost of services provided
    (282,083 )     (1,891,285 )     (74,129 )     -       -       -       -       (2,841 )
Selling
    (351,232 )     (105,862 )     -       -       -       -       -       (16,981 )
General and administrative
    (22,657 )     (2,449 )     (7 )     -       -       -       -       (53 )
Other operating expenses
    (338 )     -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                                 

 
F-45

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
Consolidated
 
Telefônica Serviços Empresariais do Brasil Ltda.
     
Telefónica Internacional S.A.
     
SP Telecom
   
Colômbia Telecomunicações(Telecon)
   
Telefônica Pesquisa e Desenv. Ltda.
   
Other
   
Total 2009
     
2008
 
ASSETS                                                                
                                                                 
Current assets
    13,083       49,474       -       15,121       77       32,326       643,528       448,337  
Trade accounts receivable
    970       -       -       -       43       9,548       523,272       317,915  
Other assets
    12,113       49,474       -       15,121       34       22,778       120,256       130,422  
                                                                 
Noncurrent assets
    1,232       14,841       -       58       67       1,002       23,541       22,863  
Other assets
    1,232       14,841       -       58       67       1,002       23,541       22,863  
                                                                 
Total assets
    14,315       64,315       -       15,179       144       33,328       667,069       471,200  
                                                                 
LIABILITIES
                                                               
Current liabilities
    16,205       154,739       37,962       -       21,328       26,504       866,873       766,177  
Trade accounts payable
    14,610       272       -       -       21,301       19,562       595,153       405,503  
Interest on shareholders’ equity
    -       115,530       37,962       -       -       -       153,492       311,477  
Other liabilities
    1,595       38,937       -       -       27       6,942       118,228       49,197  
                                                                 
Noncurrent liabilities
    2,374       -       -       2,514       4       7,062       15,542       31,875  
Other liabilities
    2,374       -       -       2,514       4       7,062       15,542       31,875  
                                                                 
Total liabilities
    18,579       154,739       37,962       2,514       21,332       33,566       882,415       798,052  
                                                                 
STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                                               
Revenue
    5,066       899       -       -       308       13,220       381,307       384,544  
Telecommunications services
    2,595       -       -       -       73       12,962       376,333       375,122  
Financial income
    -       899       -       -       -       -       899       5,029  
Other operating revenues
    2,471       -       -       -       235       258       4,075       4,393  
                                                                 
Costs and expenses
    (80,022 )     (5,859 )     -       -       (12,974 )     (28,142 )     (2,876,914 )     (2,698,005 )
Cost of services provided
    (26,126 )     -       -       -       (7,699 )     (18,065 )     (2,302,228 )     (2,238,933 )
Selling
    (3,257 )     (1 )     -       -       (4,237 )     (5,105 )     (486,675 )     (428,543 )
General and administrative
    (50,639 )     (5,858 )     -       -       (1,038 )     (942 )     (83,643 )     (22,985 )
Other operating expenses
    -       -       -       -       -       (4,030 )     (4,368 )     (7,544 )
                                                                 

Trade accounts receivable include receivables for telecommunications services, principally Vivo S.A., Atento Brasil S.A., Terra Networks Brasil S.A., Telefonica de Argentina S.A. and Telefónica de España S.A., particularly for long-distance services, and Tiws Brasil Ltda, due the contract of rendering services of rights of use of undersea fiber optic.

Other intercompany receivables in current and non-current assets comprise credits from Telefónica Internacional S.A., Telefonica CTC Chile S.A, Telefônica Serviços Empresariais do Brasil Ltda., Telefônica Telecom Colombia and other group companies, corresponding to services rendered, advisory fees, expenses with salaries and other expenses paid by the Company to be refunded by the related companies.

Trade accounts payable include services provided primarily by Atento Brasil S.A., Vivo S.A., TIWS Brasil Ltda, Terra Networks Brasil S.A., Telefônica Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento do Brasil Ltda., and for international long-distance services provided principally by Telefónica de España S.A. We also highlight the rendering of administrative services in the accounting, financial, human resources, property, logistics and IT areas payable to Telefônica Serviços Empresariais do Brasil Ltda.

Other intercompany payables in current and non-current liabilities are comprised mainly of management and technical services payable to Telefónica Internacional S.A., SP Telecomunicações Holding Ltda., Telefonica Telecom Colombia and reimbursements payable to Tiws Brasil Ltda and Telefônica Serviços Empresariais do Brasil Ltda.

Revenue from telecommunications services comprises mainly billings to Vivo S.A., Terra Networks Brasil S.A. and Atento Brasil S.A.

Other operating revenues are basically from network infrastructure leased to Vivo S.A. and Atento Brasil S.A.

 
F-46

telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
Cost of services provided refers mainly to interconnection and traffic services (mobile terminal) expenses, provided by Vivo S.A., call center management services provided by Atento Brasil S.A. and supply of international transmission infrastructure by Tiws Brasil Ltda.

Selling expenses refer mainly to marketing services by Atento Brasil S.A. and commissions paid to cellular telephone operators with Vivo S.A.

General and administrative expenses refer to administrative management services provided by Telefônica Serviços Empresariais do Brasil Ltda., and management and technical services payable to Telefónica Internacional S.A.


MANAGEMENT FEES

Compensation paid by the Company to its Management and Statutory Officers in 2009 was approximately R$13,500 (R$11,248 in 2008). Of this amount, R$8,700 (R$8,737 in 2008) refers to salaries and fringe benefits, and R$4,800 (R$2,511 in 2008) to bonuses.



31. 
Reserve for Post-Retirement Benefit Plans

The plans sponsored by the Company and the related benefit types are as follows:

Plan
Type (1)
Entity
Sponsor
PBS-A
DB
Sistel
Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. - Telesp, in conjunction with the other companies resulting from the breakup of Telebrás
PAMA/PCE (2)
 
DB
Sistel
Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. - Telesp, in conjunction with the other companies resulting from the breakup of Telebrás
CTB
DB
TELESP
Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. - Telesp
PBS TELESP
DB
VisãoPrev
Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. - Telesp
VISÃO ASSIST
Mixed-type
VisãoPrev
A. Telecom S.A.
VISÃO TELEFÔNICA EMPRESAS
Mixed-type
VisãoPrev
Telefônica Data S.A.
VISÃO TELESP
Mixed-type
VisãoPrev
Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. - Telesp and VisãoPrev
       
(1)DB = Defined Benefit Plan;
DC = Defined Contribution Plan;
Mixed-type plan = Plan that offers both DB and DC-type benefits. Only assets and liabilities relating to these plans’ defined benefit portions will be disclosed in the reconciliations, in compliance with CVM Rule No. 371.

Telesp individually sponsors a defined benefit retirement plan (PBS Telesp Plan), administered by Visão Prev, which covers approximately 0.50% of the Company’s employees. In addition to the supplemental pension benefit, a multiemployer plan (PBS-A) and health care plan (PAMA) are provided to retired employees and their dependents (administered by Fundação Sistel), at shared costs. Contributions to the PBS Telesp Plan are determined based on actuarial valuations prepared by independent actuaries, in accordance with the rules in force in Brazil. The funding procedure is the capitalization method and the sponsor’s contribution is 15.69% of payroll of employees covered by the plan, of which 14.19% is allocated to fund the PBS Telesp Plan and 1.5% to the PAMA Plan.

 
F-47

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
For other Telesp employees, there is an individual defined contribution plan - Visão Telesp Benefit Plan. The Visão Telesp Plan is funded by contributions made by the participants (employees) and by the sponsor which are credited to participants’ individual accounts. Telesp is responsible for bearing all plan’s administrative and maintenance expenses, including participant’s death and disability risks. The Company’s contributions to the Visão Telesp Plan are equal to those of the employees, varying from 2% to 9% of the contribution salary, based on the percentage chosen by the participant.

Additionally, the Company supplements the retirement benefits of certain employees of the former CTB - Companhia Telefônica Brasileira.

During 2009, the Company made contributions to the PBS Telesp Plan in the amount of R$22 (R$28 in 2008) and to Plano Visão Telesp in the amount of R$22,861 (R$20,297 in 2008).

A. Telecom sponsors two private pension plans for defined contribution; namely, one similar to that of Telesp, denominated Visão Assist Benefits Plan, which is granted to approximately 30% of its employees and another, denominated Visão A. Telecom Benefits Plan, whose basic and additional contributions by sponsor correspond to 30% of basic and additional contribution by participants. The contributions of A. Telecom to these plans totaled R$330 (R$313 in 2008).

Telefonica Data S.A. individually sponsors a defined contribution plan similar to that of the Company, the Visão Telefônica Empresas Benefit Plan. Total contributions to this plan amounted to R$652 (R$646 in 2008).

The actuarial valuation of the plans was made in December 2009 and 2008, based on the record of plan members as of August 2009 and 2008, respectively, and the financial information as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, adopting the projected unit credit method. Actuarial gains or losses for each year were immediately recognized in each of the periods. The plan’s assets relate to December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and that for multiemployer plans (PAMA and PSB-A), apportionment of the plan assets was made based on the sponsoring entity’s actuarial liabilities in relation to the plans’ total actuarial liabilities.

Actuarial liabilities recorded by the Company as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

Plan
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
CTB
    23,508       26,482  
PAMA
    168,419       122,288  
Total Consolidated
    191,927       148,770  


a. Reconciliation of assets and liabilities
 
   
2009
 
   
CTB
   
PAMA
(i)
   
PBS-A
(i)
   
PBS
   
Visão Telesp/Assist/TData
 
                               
Total actuarial liabilities
    23,508       238,768       1,082,459       93,098       31,348  
Fair value of assets
    -       70,349       1,479,619       108,062       110,828  
Liabilities (assets), net
    23,508       168,419       (397,160 )     (14,964 )     (79,480 )
                                         
Unrecorded surpluses (ii)
    -       -       397,160       14,964       79,480  
Recorded balance
    23,508       168,419       -       -       -  

 
F-48

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
   
2008
 
   
CTB
   
PAMA
(i)
   
PBS-A
(i)
   
PBS
   
Visão Telesp/Assist/TData
 
                               
Total actuarial liabilities
    26,482       190,541       1,068,380       91,583       28,875  
Fair value of assets
    -       68,253       1,463,441       92,168       93,273  
Liabilities (assets), net
    26,482       122,288       (395,061 )     (585 )     (64,398 )
                                         
Unrecorded surpluses (ii)
    -       -       395,061       585       64,398  
Recorded balance
    26,482       122,288       -       -       -  

 
(i)
Refers to the proportional share of Telesp in the assets and liabilities of the PAMA and PBS-A multiemployer plans.
 
(ii)
Surplus was not recorded by the sponsors as assets in view of limitations imposed by the Private pension management council.


b. Total expenses recognized in income

   
2009
 
   
CTB
   
PAMA
(i)
   
PBS-A
(i) (ii)
   
PBS
   
Visão Telesp/Assist/TData
 
                               
Current service cost
    -       157       -       156       3,752  
Interest cost
    2,503       18,973       104,319       8,935       2,736  
Expected return on plan assets
    -       (7,064 )     (169,599 )     (9,976 )     (10,380 )
Employee contributions
    -       -       -       (21 )     (384 )
      2,503       12,066       (65,280 )     (906 )     (4,276 )
 
     2008  
   
CTB
   
PAMA
(i)
   
PBS-A
(i) (ii)
   
PBS
   
Visão Telesp/Assist/TData
 
                               
Current service cost
    -       187       -       124       2,846  
Interest cost
    2,073       14,532       93,587       7,926       2,258  
Expected return on plan assets
    -       (5,794 )     (156,392 )     (10,701 )     (7,688 )
Employee contributions
    -       -       -       (34 )     (161 )
      2,073       8,925       (62,805 )     (2,685 )     (2,745 )


c. Change in net actuarial liabilities (assets)

   
CTB
   
PAMA
   
PBS-A
   
PBS
   
Visão Telesp/Assist/TData
 
                               
Liabilities (assets) recorded in the balance sheet on December 31, 2007
    20,790       74,636       (563,192 )     (22,331 )     (47,686 )
Expenses in 2008
    2,073       8,925       (62,805 )     (2,685 )     (2,745 )
 
 
F-49

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
Contribution of the Companies in 2008
    (3,323 )     (5 )     -       (328 )     (2,200 )
(Gain)/Loss generated in the period
    6,942       38,732       230,936       24,759       (11,767 )
Overfunding not recorded in the balance sheet
    -       -       (395,061 )     (585 )     (64,398 )
Liabilities recorded in the balance sheet on December 31, 2008
    26,482       122,288       -       -       -  
                                         
Expenses in 2009
    2,503       12,066       (65,280 )     (906 )     (4,276 )
Contribution of the Companies in 2009
    (3,133 )     (15 )     -       (20 )     (2,739 )
(Gain)/Loss generated in the period
    (2,344 )     34,080       63,181       (13,453 )     (8,067 )
Overfunding not recorded in the balance sheet
    -       -       (397,160 )     (14,964 )     (79,480 )
Liabilities recorded in the balance sheet on December 31, 2009
    23,508       168,419       -       -       -  


d. Change in actuarial liabilities

   
CTB
   
PAMA
   
PBS-A
   
PBS
   
Visão Telesp/Assist/TData
 
                               
Actuarial liabilities at December 31, 2007
    20,790       137,634       905,636       76,802       22,561  
Cost of current service
    -       187       -       124       2,846  
Interest in actuarial liabilities
    2,073       14,532       93,587       7,926       2,258  
Benefits paid during the year
    (3,323 )     (7,426 )     (83,746 )     (6,025 )     (764 )
Actuarial (gains)/losses in the year
    6,942       45,614       152,903       12,756       1,974  
                                         
Actuarial liabilities at December 31, 2008
    26,482       190,541       1,068,380       91,583       28,875  
                                         
Cost of current service
    -       157       -       134       3,368  
Interest in actuarial liabilities
    2,503       18,973       104,318       8,935       2,736  
Benefits paid during the year
    (3,133 )     (7,817 )     (84,183 )     (6,341 )     (552 )
Participant’s contributions in the year
    -       -       -       10       224  
Actuarial (gains)/losses in the year
    (2,344 )     36,913       (6,056 )     (1,223 )     (3,303 )
                                         
Actuarial liabilities at December 31, 2009
    23,508       238,767       1,082,459       93,098       31,348  


e. Change in plan assets

   
CTB
   
PAMA
   
PBS-A
   
PBS
   
Visão Telesp/Assist/TData
 
                               
Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2007
    -       62,998       1,468,827       99,133       70,248  
Benefits paid in the year
    (3,323 )     (7,426 )     (83,746 )     (6,025 )     (764 )
Sponsor’s contributions in the year
    3,323       5       -       340       2,406  
Expected return on plan assets in the year
    -       5,794       156,393       10,701       7,689  
Gains/(losses) on assets
    -       6,882       (78,033 )     (11,981 )     13,694  
 
 
F-50

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
   
CTB
   
PAMA
   
PBS-A
   
PBS
   
Visão Telesp/Assist/TData
 
                               
Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2008
    -       68,253       1,463,441       92,168       93,273  
                                         
Benefits paid in the year
    (3,133 )     (7,817 )     (84,183 )     (6,341 )     (552 )
Sponsor’s contributions in the year
    3,133       15       -       30       2,962  
Expected return on plan assets in the year
    -       7,064       169,599       9,976       10,381  
Gains/(losses) on assets
    -       2,833       (69,238 )     12,229       4,764  
                                         
Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2009
    -       70,348       1,479,619       108,062       110,828  

 
f. Expenses estimated for 2010

   
CTB
   
PAMA
   
PBS-A
   
PBS
   
Visão Telesp/Assist/TData
 
                               
Cost of current service
    -       160       -       93       3,933  
Interest cost
    2,148       23,038       102,290       8,803       2,865  
Expected return on assets
    -       (6,490 )     (141,762 )     (11,334 )     (11,970 )
Employee contributions
    -       -       -       (14 )     (270 )
Total expenses (reversals) for 2010
    2,148       16,708       (39,472 )     (2,452 )     (5,442 )


g. Actuarial assumptions

2009
 
Expected return rate on plan assets
 
Future salary increase rate
 
Medical cost increase rate
 
Benefit growth rate
 
  Increase in use of medical services for each additional year of age
 
Expected age established for the use of medical services
 
 Expected age established for retirement
                             
PBS/Visão Telesp/Visão Assist/Visão T.Data
 
10.84%
 
PBS: 6.14%
Visão: 6.79%
 
N/A
 
4.60%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
First age for right to one of the benefits
CTB
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
4.60%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
First date on which it becomes eligible for a Social Security benefit
PAMA
 
9.84%
 
N/A
 
7.73%
 
N/A
 
4.00%
 
5% to reach 52 years and 10 of participation, 3% for each subsequent year, 100% in eligibility for normal retirement
 
N/A
 
PBS-A
 
9.86%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
4.60%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A

Note: All rates are nominal, except for medical services claim frequencies.

 
F-51

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
In addition to the above-mentioned assumptions, other assumptions common to all plans were adopted, as follows:

 
·  
Actuarial liability discount-to-present-value rate: 9.83%;
 
·  
Inflation rate: 4.60%;
 
·  
Capacity factor for salaries and benefits: 98%;
 
·  
Turnover: 0.15/(years of service +1), zero from age 50;
 
·  
Disability entry table: Mercer Disability;
 
·  
Actuarial Table: AT83 segregated by sex; and
 
·  
Disability mortality table: IAPB-57

2008
 
Expected return rate on plan assets
 
Future salary increase rate
 
Medical cost increase rate
 
Benefit growth rate
 
  Increase in use of medical services for each additional year of age
 
Expected age established for the use of medical services
 
 Expected age established for retirement
                             
PBS/Visão Telesp/Visão Assist/Visão T.Data
 
11.15%
 
PBS: 6.44%
Visão: 7.10%
 
N/A
 
4.90%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
First age for right to one of the benefits
CTB
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
4.90%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
First date on which it becomes eligible for a Social Security benefit
PAMA
 
10.88%
 
N/A
 
8.04%
 
N/A
 
4.00%
 
5% to reach 52 years and 10 of participation, 3% for each subsequent year, 100% in eligibility for normal retirement
 
N/A
 
PBS-A
 
11.91%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
4.90%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A

Note: All rates are nominal, except for medical services claim frequencies.

In addition to the above-mentioned assumptions, other assumptions common to all plans were adopted, as follows:

 
·  
Actuarial liability discount-to-present-value rate: 10.14%;
 
·  
Inflation rate: 4.90%;
 
·  
Capacity factor for salaries and benefits: 98%;
 
·  
Turnover: 0.15/(years of service +1), zero from age 50;
 
·  
Disability entry table: Mercer Disability;
 
·  
Actuarial Table: AT83 segregated by sex; and
 
·  
Disability mortality table: IAPB-57


32. 
Insurance

The Company and its subsidiaries’ polices as well as that of the Telefónica Group includes the maintenance of insurance coverage for all assets and liabilities involving significant amounts and high risks based on management’s judgment and following Telefónica S.A.’s corporate program guidelines.

 
F-52

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
Management of the Company and its subsidiaries understand that insurance is provided in amounts deemed sufficient to cover related risks. The main assets, liabilities or interests covered by insurance and their respective amounts are as follows:

Type
 
Insurance coverage
     
Operational risks (with loss of profits)
 
US$11,009,916 mil
Optional civil responsibility - vehicles
 
R$1,000
ANATEL guarantee insurance
 
R$19,996

33. 
Financial Instruments

The table below shows a breakdown of financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2009.
 
   
Consolidated
 
Financial assets
 
Measured at fair value through profit or loss
   
Available for sale
   
Amortized cost
   
Total Book Value
   
Total Fair Value
 
                               
Current assets
                             
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 5)
    2,277,016       -       -       2,277,016       2,277,016  
Derivatives
    575       -       -       575       575  
                                         
Noncurrent assets
                                       
Interests in other companies (note11)
    -       285,059       -       285,059       285,059  
Amounts linked to the National Treasury  Securities (Note 9)
    -       -       12,005       12,005       12,005  
Total financial assets
    2,277,591       285,059       12,005       2,574,655       2,574,655  

   
Consolidated
 
Financial liabilities
 
Amortized cost
   
Hedge
   
Total Book Value
   
Total Fair Value
 
Current liabilities
                       
Loans and financing (Note 14)
    256,753       -       256,753       256,753  
Debentures (Note 15)
    1,510,806       -       1,510,806       1,510,806  
Derivatives
    -       8,389       8,389       8,389  
                                 
Noncurrent liabilities
                               
Loans and financing (Note 14)
    1,752,402       -       1,752,402       1,752,402  
Derivatives
    -       23,282       23,282       23,282  
Total financial liabilities
    3,519,961       31,671       3,551,632       3,551,632  
 
The Company and its subsidiaries made a valuation of their financial assets and liabilities in relation to market values based on available information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, the interpretation of market information, as well as the selection of methodologies, requires considerable judgment and reasonable estimates in order to produce adequate realizable values. As a result, the estimates presented do not necessarily indicate the amounts which might be realized in the current market. The use of different market approaches and/or methodologies for the estimates may have a significant effect on the estimated realizable values.


Interests in other companies

The Company has direct and indirect interests in other companies resulting from the privatization process. These investments, measured at market value, consider the latest quotation available in December 2009 and 2008.

 
F-53

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
The table below shows the composition of investments in other companies at market value as of December 31, 2009 and 2008:

         
Consolidated
 
   
% Partic.
   
2009
   
2008
 
                   
Portugal Telecom
    1.21       227,702       210,431  
Zon Multimédia
    0.52       17,654       19,531  
Other Investments
            39,703       35,416  
                         
Total
            285,059       265,378  
 
Risk Management Policy

The Company is exposed to several market risks as a result of its commercial operations, debts obtained to finance its activities and debt-related financial instruments.

The principal market risk factors that affect the Company’s business are detailed below:

a. Exchange rate risk

This risk arises from the possibility that the Company may incur losses due to exchange rate fluctuations, which would increase the balances of loans financing and purchase commitments denominated in foreign currency and the related financial expenses. In order to minimize the risk of financial liabilities in foreign currency, the Company enters into hedge contracts (swaps) with financial institutions.

The Company’s indebtedness (R$23,006 on December 31, 2009), and the net purchase commitment liabilities denominated in foreign currency (R$3,788 on December 31, 2009) are significantly affected by the foreign exchange rate risk. As of December 31, 2009, 0.65% (13.68% on December 31, 2008) of the debt was denominated in foreign currency (U.S. dollar); the debt as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 was covered by asset positions on currency hedge transactions (swaps for CDI).

 b. Interest rate risk

This risk arises from the possibility that the Company may incur losses due to interest rate fluctuations affecting the Company’s results (debentures) and the short positions of derivatives at floating interest rates to cover the risks of foreign currency-denominated debts.

The debt taken out from BNDES bank is indexed by the TJLP (Long Term Interest Rate quarterly set by the National Monetary Council), which was kept at 6.25% per annum from July 2007 to late June 2009. As of July 2009, it was announced a TJLP rate reduction to 6% per annum, which positively impacted this portion of the debt. Until the end of this year, the rate was kept at 6% per annum.

In order to minimize its exposure to the local variable interest rate (CDI), the Company invests its excess cash, amounting to R$2,266,896 (R$1,709,013 at December 31, 2008), substantially in short-term investments (Bank Deposit Certificates) based on the CDI rate variation. The book values of these instruments approximate market values, since they may be redeemed in the short term. As of December 31, 2009, the Company also contracted CDI + 0.35% of CDI percentage swap with identical flows of those of debentures (Note 15).

telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
c. Debt acceleration risk

As of December 31, 2009, the Company has one financing agreement in force, which contains restrictive clauses (covenants), typically applicable to such agreements, relating to cash generation, debt ratios and other restrictions. The Company has complied with these restrictive clauses in full, and such covenants do not restrict its ability to conduct its ordinary course of business. These covenants – which could otherwise demand payment of liabilities at an earlier time – have been fully performed by the Company, and all economic and financial indexes contractually provided have been achieved.
 
d. Credit risk

This risk arises from the possibility that the Company may incur losses due to the difficulty in receiving amounts billed to its customers. The credit risk on accounts receivable is dispersed. The Company constantly monitors the level of accounts receivable and limits the risk of past-due accounts, interrupting access to telephone lines in case the customer does not pay the related bills in 30 days. Exceptions are made for telecommunication services that must be maintained for security or national defense reasons.

As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s customer portfolio had no subscribers whose receivables were individually higher than 1% of the total accounts receivable from services.

The Company is also subject to credit risk related to temporary cash investments and receivables from swap transactions. The Company reduces this exposure by dispersing it among first-line financial institutions.
 
e. Counterparty credit risk

There is a credit risk from the possibility that the Company may incur losses associated with its receivables from adjustments of swap transactions with financial institutions. To minimize this risk, the Company operates in order to diversify this exposure between counterparties of first line, according to their Credit Policy.

Derivatives

All the Company’s derivative instruments have the objective of providing a hedge against the risk of variation in foreign exchange and internal interest rates arising from financial debts, according to the company’s risk management policy. As such, any changes in risk factors generate an opposite effect on the hedged end. There are no derivative instruments for speculative purposes and liabilities in foreign exchange are hedged.

The Company has internal controls over its derivative instruments, which, according to management, are adequate to control the risks associated with each market strategy. The Company’s results derived from its derivative financial instruments indicate that the risks have been adequately managed.

The Company and its subsidiaries determine the effectiveness of these hedge instruments upon origination and on an ongoing basis (quarterly). As of December 31, 2009, the hedge instruments taken were effective for the debts they are intended to provide coverage. Provided these derivatives contracts qualify as hedge accounting under Technical Pronouncement CPC No. 14 and OCPC 03, the debt covered may also be adjusted at fair value as per the rules applicable to fair value hedge.

telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
Fair value of derivative financial instruments
 
The discounted cash flow method was used to determine the market value of finance liabilities (where  applicable) and derivative instruments (currency and interest rate swap), considering expected settlement of liabilities or realization of assets at the market rates prevailing at balance sheet date.

Fair values are calculated by projecting future operating flows, using BM&F Bovespa curves, and discounting to present value through market DI rates for swaps, as informed by BM&F Bovespa.

The market value of currency coupon swaps vs. CDI were obtained through market currency rates in force at the balance sheet date and projected market rates were obtained from currency coupon curves. The coupon for positions indexed to foreign currencies was determined using the 360-calendar-day straight-line convention; the coupon for positions indexed to CDI was determined using the 252-workday exponential convention.

The consolidated derivative financial instruments shown below are registered with CETIP. All of them are classified as swaps and do not require margin deposits.

     
Notional Value
   
Fair value
   
Accumulated effect
2009
 
Description
Index
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
Amount receivable /
(received)
   
Amount payable /
(paid)
 
                                       
Swap Contracts
                                     
Assets
                                     
Foreign Currency (a)
      26,351       407,944       23,010       511,059       -       -  
Banco do Brasil
EUR
    -       65,000       -       84,799       -       -  
Banco do Brasil
JPY
    -       105,698       -       171,878       -       -  
BES
USD
    3,155       6,967       2,718       7,219       -       -  
Citibank
JPY
    -       147,351       -       129,172       -       -  
Santander
JPY
    -       56,092       -       89,776       -       -  
Votorantim
USD
    23,196       26,836       20,292       28,215       -       -  
                                                   
Variable rates (CDI) (b)
      1,500,000       1,500,000       1,514,243       1,524,371       575       -  
Banco do Brasil
CDI + fixed rate
    500,000       500,000       504,748       508,124       205       -  
HSBC
CDI + fixed rate
    400,000       400,000       403,798       406,499       150       -  
Citibank
CDI + fixed rate
    400,000       400,000       403,798       406,499       142       -  
Votorantim
CDI + fixed rate
    200,000       200,000       201,899       203,249       78       -  
                                                   
Liabilities
                                                 
Variable rates (CDI)
      (26,351 )     (407,944 )     (54,681 )     (451,976 )     -       (31,671 )
Banco do Brasil
CDI
    -       (65,000 )     -       (72,482 )     -       -  
Banco do Brasil
CDI
    -       (105,698 )     -       (114,529 )     -       -  
BES
CDI
    (3,155 )     (6,967 )     (6,547 )     (13,155 )     -       (3,829 )
Citibank
CDI
    -       (147,351 )     -       (137,435 )     -       -  
Santander
CDI
    -       (56,092 )     -       (63,702 )     -       -  
Votorantim
CDI
    (23,196 )     (26,836 )     (48,134 )     (50,673 )     -       (27,842 )
                                                   
Variable rates (CDI)
      (1,500,000 )     (1,500,000 )     (1,513,670 )     (1,525,050 )     -       -  
Banco do Brasil
CDI
    (500,000 )     (500,000 )     (504,543 )     (508,312 )     -       -  
HSBC
CDI
    (400,000 )     (400,000 )     (403,649 )     (406,690 )     -       -  
Citibank
CDI
    (400,000 )     (400,000 )     (403,657 )     (406,712 )     -       -  
Votorantim
CDI
    (200,000 )     (200,000 )     (201,821 )     (203,336 )     -       -  
                                                   
Total registrered
                                    575       (31,671 )

a) Swaps of foreign currency x CDI (asset position on derivative fair value of the R$23,010) – swap operations with several maturities until 2014, with the objective of hedging foreign exchange in loan operations with these characteristics (debt fair value of R$23,007).

b) Swap CDI + 0.35% x CDI percentage swap (asset position on derivative fair value of R$1,514,243) – contracted swap operations maturing until September 2010 with identical flow as that of debentures (Note 15), to cover the risk of fixed spread (0.35%) (fair value of debentures, excluding premium of R$1,514,243).

As of December 31, 2009, the Company no longer has CDI Swap x Prefixed contracts to partially cover fluctuations in internal interest rates in relation to payable swap operations of CDI-exposed derivatives.

The aging list of swap contracts as of December 31, 2009 is as follows:
 
 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

Swap contracts
 
Maturity
       
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013 and thereafter
   
Amount payable/ receivable 31/12/2009
 
                               
Foreign Currency x CDI
    (8,389 )     (7,447 )     (6,738 )     (9,097 )     (31,671 )
BES
    -       (3,829 )     -       -       (3,829 )
VOTORANTIM
    (8,389 )     (3,618 )     (6,738 )     (9,097 )     (27,842 )
                                         
CDI+Spread x CDI
    575       -       -       -       575  
BANCO DO BRASIL
    205       -       -       -       205  
HSBC
    150       -       -       -       150  
CITIBANK
    142       -       -       -       142  
VOTORANTIM
    78       -       -       -       78  

For reporting purposes, the Company adopted the hedge accounting method for all of its foreign currency swaps x CDI. Under this methodology, both the derivative and the hedged item are measured at fair value. The derivatives associated with the debentures were not considered pursuant to this methodology.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, derivative operations generated a net consolidated loss of R$58,035 (Note 28). At December 31, 2009, 100.00% of the Company’s foreign currency denominated debt was covered by asset positions on currency hedge transactions (swaps for CDI), which generated a net consolidated loss of R$59,630. The Company also has operations involving swap – CDI + spread vs. %CDI, in the principal amount of R$1,500,000, to cover fixed debentures spread, which generated gains of R$1,650. Swap operations – CDI vs. pre, generated a net consolidated loss of R$55 during the year.

At December 31, 2009, the balance of R$575 is recorded as assets and R$31,671 as liabilities, recognizing the position of derivatives as of that date.

Gains and losses for the year ended December 31, 2009, grouped by contracts, were posted to profit and loss accounts (Note 28), as required by CVM Instruction No. 475/08.

Sensitivity Analysis of the Company’s risk variables

CVM Instruction requires listed companies to disclose, in addition to the provisions of item 59 of Technical Pronouncement CPC No. 14 - Financial Instruments: Recognition, Measurement and Disclosure, a table showing the sensitivity analysis of each type of market risk inherent in financial instruments considered relevant by management and to which the company is exposed at the closing date of each reporting period, including all operations involving derivative financial instruments.

In compliance with the foregoing, all the operations involving derivative financial instruments were evaluated considering a probable scenario and two scenarios that may adversely impact the Company.

The assumption taken into consideration under the probable scenario was to keep what has been signaled by the market through BM&F Bovespa market curves (currencies and interest rates) on the maturity dates of each transaction. Accordingly, the probable scenario does not provide for any impact on the fair value of the financial instruments above stated. For scenarios II and III, risk variables contemplated 25% and 50% deterioration, respectively, pursuant to the applicable CVM instruction.

Considering that the Company has derivative instruments only to cover its financial debt, the changes in scenarios offset by changes in the related hedged items, thus indicating that the effects are practically null. For these operations, the Company reported the value of the hedged item (debt) and of the hedge derivative financial instrument on separate rows in the sensitivity analysis table in order to provide information on the Company’s net exposure for each of the three mentioned scenarios, as shown below:

telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

Sensitivity Analysis – Net Exposure

Operation
 
Risk
 
Probable
   
25% Decrease
   
50% Decrease
 
                       
Hedge  (Assets)
 
Derivatives (risk of USD decrease)
    23,010       29,232       35,663  
USD-denominated debt
 
Debts (risk of USD increase)
    (23,007 )     (29,229 )     (35,660 )
   
Net Exposure
    3       3       3  
                             
Hedge  (Assets)
 
Derivatives (risk of CDI decrease)
    1,514,243       1,530,641       1,550,921  
CDI-denominated debt
 
Debentures (risk of CDI increase)
    (1,514,243 )     (1,530,641 )     (1,550,921 )
   
Net Exposure
    -       -       -  
                             
Hedge  (Liabilities - CDI)
 
Derivatives (risk of CDI increase)
    (1,568,351 )     (1,588,223 )     (1,612,261 )
   
Net Exposure
    (1,568,351 )     (1,588,223 )     (1,612,261 )
                             
Total net exposure in each scenario         (1,568,348 )     (1,588,220 )     (1,612,258 )
                             
Effect on changes in fair value, net
    -       (19,872 )     (43,910 )

Assumptions for analysis of sensitivity

Risk variable
 
Scenario I
 
Scenario II
 
Scenario III
USD
 
1.741
 
2.177
 
2.612
CDI
 
8.55%
 
10.69%
 
12.83%

The net exposure in CDI shown in the sensitivity analysis does not reflect the Company’s total exposure to the internal interest rate, considering that, as previously mentioned, the Company uses short-term investments based on the CDI rate variation as a partial “natural hedge” (R$2,266,896 at December 31, 2009).

In order to derive the net exposure, all derivatives were considered at market value, as well as their associated debts (hedged items).

While the fair values shown in the table above are based on the status of the portfolio as of December 31, 2009, they do not reflect an estimated realization in view of the market dynamics, always monitored by the Company. The use of different assumptions may significantly impact estimates.

 
34. 
Summary of the differences between Accounting Practices adopted in Brazil (“Brazilian GAAP”) and Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”)

The Company's accounting policies follow accounting practices adopted in Brazil (“Brazilian GAAP”), which are based on the Brazilian Corporate Law (Law No. 6,404/76, as amended) and accounting standards and procedures established by the Brazilian Securities Commission (CVM). A summary of the Company’s principal current accounting policies that differ significantly from U.S. GAAP is set forth below.
 
a.  
Change in basis of presentation

As mentioned in Note 3, the financial statements of the Company, subsidiaries and associates have been prepared based on the accounting practices adopted in Brazil, as well as on the rules issued by the
 
 
F-58

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM), with due regard to the accounting standards set forth in the corporation law (Law No. 6,404/76), which include the new provisions introduced, amended and revoked by Law No. 11,638 and by Provisional Executive Act No. 449 as from January 1, 2008 as permitted by paragraph 10 under CVM Resolution No. 565, which  approved accounting statement CPC 13 – Initial Adoption of Law No. 11,638/07 and of Provisional Executive Act No. 449/08 (turned into Law No. 11,941/09 of May 27, 2009); therefore, the Company financial statements for 2007 have not been presented in conformity with the same accounting practices and, thus, are not comparable.

For the year ended on December 31, 2009 and 2008, the reconciliation of net income and shareholders’equity under Brazilian GAAP to U.S. GAAP reflects the new accounting guidance by the adoption of Law No. 11,638/07. For the year ended on December 31, 2007, the financial data is stated at historical information.

b.  
Monetary Restatement of 1996 and 1997

The Company changed the basis of presentation of its financial statements from the Constant Currency Method to Brazilian GAAP in 2003. Under Brazilian GAAP, the effects of monetary restatement are recorded until December 31, 1995.  Since Brazil was still considered a highly inflationary economy until 1997, the U.S. GAAP reconciliation herein presented includes an adjustment to record monetary restatement up to December 31, 1997. The amortization of the asset appreciation, which was originated from such monetary restatement has been recognized in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. The loss related to monetary restatement on disposal of such assets is classified for U.S. GAAP purposes as a component of other operating expenses.

c.  
Different criteria for capitalizing and depreciating capitalized interest

Until December 31, 1998, under Brazilian GAAP, as applied to companies in the telecommunications industry, interest attributable to construction-in-progress was computed at the rate of 12% per annum of the balance of construction-in-progress and that part which related to interest on third-party loans was credited to interest expense based on actual interest costs with the balance relating to its own capital being credited to capital reserves. Since January 31, 1999, the Company did not capitalize interest attributable to construction-in-progress under Brazilian GAAP.

Under U.S. GAAP, interest incurred on borrowings is capitalized to the extent that borrowings do not exceed construction-in-progress. The credit is a reduction of interest expense. Under U.S. GAAP, capitalized interest is added to the individual assets and is depreciated over their useful lives. Under U.S. GAAP, the amount of interest capitalized excludes the monetary gain associated with the borrowings and the foreign exchange gains and losses on foreign currency borrowings. The U.S. GAAP differences between the accumulated capitalized interest on disposals and the accumulated depreciation on disposals relate to the differences between capitalized interest and related accumulated depreciation under Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, which is included in the net book value of disposed property, plant and equipment.

The effects of these different criteria for capitalizing and depreciating capitalized interest are presented below:

 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Capitalized interest difference
                 
U.S. GAAP capitalized interest:
                 
Interest which would have been capitalized and credited to income under U.S. GAAP (interest incurred on loans from the Company's parent and from third parties, except in years where total loans exceeded total Construction  in progress, when capitalized interest is reduced proportionately)
    63,657       53,940       34,475  
Capitalized interest on disposals
    (35,033 )     (16,971 )     (10,097 )
      28,624       36,969       24,378  
Less Brazilian GAAP capitalized interest:
                       
    Capitalized interest on disposals
    33,848       16,737       10,091  
 
                       
U.S. GAAP difference
    62,472       53,706       34,469  
 
 
F-59

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Depreciation of capitalized interest difference
                       
Capitalized interest on disposals
    (33,848 )     (16,737 )     (10,091 )
                         
Less: Depreciation under U.S. GAAP
    (71,334 )     (167,050 )     (173,888 )
U.S. GAAP difference in accumulated depreciation on disposals
    27,290       13,389       6,240  
      (44,044 )     (153,661 )     (167,648 )
                         
U.S. GAAP difference
    (77,892 )     (170,398 )     (177,739 )
 
 
d. 
Pension and other post-retirement benefits

The Company participates in two multiemployer benefit plans (PBS-A and PAMA) for its retired employees that are operated and administered by SISTEL and provides for the costs of other post-retirement benefits (health-care benefits) based on a fixed percentage of remuneration, as recommended annually by independent actuaries. For purposes of U.S. GAAP, the Company is only required to expense its annual contributions due to multiemployer plans. The Company also sponsors a single-employer defined pension benefit plan (PBS) and, together with its subsidiaries, sponsors single-employer defined contribution pension plans (Visão). Under Visão Plans, besides the contributions to the plans, the Company and its subsidiaries are responsible for funding the risks of death and disability of participants. Under  U.S. GAAP, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions” was applied for the multiemployer plan and the single employer plans were applied with effect from January 1, 1992, because it was not feasible to apply them from the effective date specified in the standard.

Under Brazilian GAAP, if there is sufficient information available, multiemployer defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefits should be accounted as if they were single employer plans. As such, under Brazilian GAAP, the Company recognized actuarial liabilities corresponding to its share in multiemployer plans, while under U.S. GAAP, the Company recognizes only contributions due to the plan each year.

Under Brazilian GAAP, actuarial gains and losses are recognized immediately in income. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company uses the corridor approach.

A summary of the difference between Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP in accrued pension and other post-retirement plans liabilities is as follows:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
U.S. GAAP
   
Brazilian GAAP
   
Accumulated
Difference
   
U.S. GAAP
   
Brazilian GAAP
   
Accumulated
Difference
 
Active employees defined pension – PBS, Visão CTB
    (70,935 )     23,508       (94,443 )     (38,502 )     26,482       (64,984 )
Multiemployer health-care plan – PAMA
    -       168,419       (168,419 )     -       122,288       (122,288 )
Accrued pension (post-retirement benefit)
    (70,935 )     191,927       (262,862 )     (38,502 )     148,770       (187,272 )
 
e. 
Earnings per share

Under Brazilian GAAP, net earnings per share is calculated based on the number of shares outstanding at the balance sheet date.

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company is required to calculate the number of shares based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding over the year.
 
 
F-60

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

Since the preferred and common shareholders have different dividend, voting and liquidation rights, basic and diluted earnings per share have been calculated using the “two-class” method. The “two-class” method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for preferred and common stock according to the dividends to be paid as required by the Company’s bylaws and participation rights in undistributed earnings.

Basic earnings per common share is computed by reducing net income by distributable and undistributable net income available to preferred shareholders and dividing net income available to common shareholders by the number of common shares outstanding. Since preferred shareholders have a liquidation preference over common shareholders, net losses are not allocated to preferred shareholders. Net income available to preferred shareholders is the sum of the preferred stock dividends and the preferred shareholders’ portion of undistributed net income. Undistributed net income is computed by deducting total dividends (the sum of preferred and common stock dividends) from net income. Undistributed net income is shared equally by the preferred and common shareholders on a “pro rata” basis. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had a contingent obligation to issue shares to the controlling shareholder for the amount of the tax benefit realized relating to the merger of Telefônica Data do Brasil Participações Ltda. on November 11, 2008 (See Note 2c) which amounted to R$15,769 under Brazilian Corporate Law (equivalent to 140,054 Common Shares and 245,826 Preferred Shares).
 
The Company's preferred shares are nonvoting except under certain limited circumstances and are entitled to receive dividends that are 10% higher than those attributed to common shares since 2002. For 2009, the Company paid dividends of R$2.997083 (5.182198 in 2008) per preferred share and R$2.724622 (4.711088 in 2008) per common share (See Note 21.f.).

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
       
   
Common
   
Preferred
   
Common
   
Preferred
   
Common
   
Preferred
 
Basic numerator
                                   
  Actual dividends declared
    459,395       1,010,713       794,334       1,747,604       914,859       2,012,773  
  Allocated undistributed
  Earnings
    223,317       491,318       (13,069 )     (28,752 )     (174,233 )     (383,328 )
Allocated U.S. GAAP net income available for common and preferred shareholders
    682,712       1,502,031       781,265       1,718,852       740,626       1,629,445  
Basic denominator
                                               
  Weighted-average shares outstanding
    168,609,291       337,232,189       168,609,291       337,232,189       168,609,292       337,232,189  
  Basic earnings per share
    4.05       4.45       4.63       5.10       4.39       4.83  
                                                 
Diluted Numerator
                                               
  Actual dividends declared
    459,395       1,010,713       794,334       1,747,604       914,859       2,012,773  
  Allocated undistributed
  Earnings
    223,330       491,305       (13,069 )     (28,752 )     (174,233 )     (383,328 )
Allocated U.S. GAAP net income available for common and preferred shareholders
    682,725       1,502,018       781,265       1,718,852       740,626       1,629,445  
Basic denominator
                                               
                                                 
  Weighted-average shares outstanding
    168,721,335       337,428,850       168,638,238       337,276,489       168,609,292       337,232,189  
  Diluted earnings per share
    4.05       4.45       4.63       5.10       4.39       4.83  

 
 
F-61

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

f.  
Disclosure requirements

U.S. GAAP disclosure requirements differ from those required by Brazilian GAAP. However, in these consolidated financial statements, the level of disclosure has been expanded to comply with U.S. GAAP.

g.  
Income taxes

The Company records deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the tax and reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Under Brazilian GAAP, the methods of recording deferred taxes are substantially in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Under Brazilian GAAP, deferred taxes are presented gross, whereas U.S. GAAP requires deferred tax items to be presented net for each company in the consolidated financial statements and for each tax jurisdiction.

The Company recognizes deferred taxes and U.S. GAAP adjustments separately in the reconciliations.

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company and its subsidiaries adopted a new U.S. GAAP accounting guidance for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP accounting guidances related to Accounting for Income Taxes. The Interpretation prescribes a threshold for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken within an income tax return. For each tax position, the enterprise must determine whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is then measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize within the financial statements. No benefits may be recognized for tax positions that do not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. The benefit to be recognized is the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

The Company has no uncertain tax positions for which it has recorded unrecognized income tax benefits; accordingly, there was no impact on the Company’s results of operations from the adoption of it. In addition, the Company does not have any accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. The Company and its subsidiaries will recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in financial expense and other operating expense, respectively.

The Company and its subsidiaries file, separately, income tax returns in the Brazilian federal jurisdiction and are generally no longer subject to federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2004. As a large taxpayer, the Company is under continuous examination by the Brazilian federal tax authorities.

Management does not believe there will be any material changes related to uncertain tax positions over the next 12 months.

h.  
Financial income (expense)

Brazilian GAAP requires financial income (expense) to be shown as part of operating income. Under U.S. GAAP, financial income (expense) would be shown after operating income.

i.  
Permanent assets

Brazilian GAAP had a category of assets entitled “permanent assets”. This was the collective name for all assets on which indexation adjustments were calculated until December 31, 1995 in the corporate and tax accounts of Brazilian companies. As from January 1, 2008, Law No. 11,638/07 became effective and the assets in this classification would be non-current assets, similar to U.S. GAAP.
 
 
F-62

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
Gains or losses on the disposal of permanent assets were recorded under Brazilian GAAP as nonoperating income (expense), net until January 1, 2008. As from this date, with the adoption of Law No. 11,638, gains and losses on disposals of property, plant and equipment were classified as other operating income (expense), similar to U.S. GAAP. For the year ended on December 31, 2007, the Company also classified their to other operating income (expense) for better comparability.

j.  
Offset balances

Under Brazilian GAAP, the amounts of the escrow deposits linked to the reserve for contingencies and taxes payable are shown as deductions from the recorded liabilities. As shown in notes 16 and 19, escrow deposits amounting to R$395,550 and R$431,228 as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, are linked to such reserves. Under U.S. GAAP, they would be presented separately in current or noncurrent assets, instead of contra provision.


k.  
Funds for capitalization

Expansion plan contributions

Expansion plan contributions were the means by which Telesp historically financed the growth of its telecommunications network. The contributions were made by companies or individuals to be connected to the national telephone network. Under Brazilian GAAP, expansion plan contributions received are included in the consolidated balance sheet below equity until proposed subscribers have paid for their telephone connection in full and a general meeting of shareholders approves the capital increases. Until December 31, 1995, expansion plan contributions were indexed from the month received to the date of the next audited balance sheet and transferred to equity when capital stock was issued to the subscriber, at a value per share equal to the book value per share shown in the latest audited balance sheet. From January 1, 1996, indexation was no longer applied and, for contracts signed as from that date, Telesp was allowed the option of using a value per share equal to the market value, when this is higher than the book value. For U.S. GAAP purposes, a portion of the expansion plan contributions would be allocated to shareholders’ equity based on the market value of the shares to be issued to subscribers. The remainder of the expansion plan contributions would be classified as a deferred credit and amortized to reduce depreciation expense from the time the related construction-in-progress was completed.

The Company’s expansion plan contribution program has been terminated, with no contracts being signed after June 30, 1997. Contributions continued to be received through 1999 and the last capital increase occurred in 2000. Since December 31, 2000, there have been no remaining balances of expansion plan contributions to be capitalized.

Donations and subsidies for investments

Under Brazilian GAAP, until January 1, 2008, date of the first adoption by the Company of Law No. 11,638, equipment received free of charge (donations) was recorded at fair value, with a corresponding credit to capital reserve, which was amortized into results of operations based on realization of the corresponding asset. As from that date, donations were recorded at fair value, with a corresponding credit to deferred revenue, which is amortized into results of operations based on realization of the corresponding asset, and the remaining balance existing on December 31, 2007 was kept in capital reserve until its complete realization. For U.S. GAAP purposes, the credit to capital reserves would be classified as a reduction of the related asset and amortized to reduce depreciation expense.
 
l.  
Loans, Financing and Debentures

Under Brazilian GAAP, accrued interest is presented together with the related debt (loans, financing, or debentures). Under U.S. GAAP, accrued interest amounting to R$35,291 and R$43,159 on December 2009 and 2008, respectively, would be classified together with other accruals.
 
 
F-63

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
m.  
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

Under Brazilian GAAP, as from January 1, 2008, with the first adoption of Law No. 11,638, under CPC 01 Impairment on Long-lived Assets, an impairment is recognized on long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, if the expected discounted operating cash flows generated by the respective asset are not sufficient to cover its book value (see Note 4.h.). Under U.S. GAAP, the Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used, when events and circumstances warrant such a review. The carrying value of long-lived assets is considered impaired when the anticipated undiscounted cash flow from such assets is separately identifiable and is less than their carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Under Brazilian GAAP, the amount of goodwill impairment, if any, was measured based on projected undiscounted future operating cash flows until January 1, 2008, date of the first adoption of Law No. 11,638/07. As from this date, under CPC 01  Impairment on Long-Lived Assets,  the Company identifies its reporting unit and determines the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets. The Company then determines the fair value of each reporting unit by expected discounted operating cash flows generated by the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized first to goodwill until it is reduced to zero and then proportionally to other long-lived assets.

Under U.S. GAAP, goodwill is subject to a yearly impairment test. In performing the yearly impairment test, the Company identifies its reporting units and determines the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets. The Company then determines the fair value of each reporting unit and compares it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, a second step of the impairment test is performed, which involves the determination of the implicit fair value of the reporting unit by performing a hypothetical purchase price allocation. If the implicit value of the goodwill exceeds the book value, an impairment is recognized.

On December 31, 2009, the Company performed an impairment test for Long-Lived assets and goodwill under Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, and determined that the recognition of an impairment loss was not required, since the present value of future cash flows was higher than the carrying amount of those assets.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill under U.S. GAAP as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
 
   
Consolidated
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Balance at January 1
    884,440       844,689  
Additions
    -       39,751  
   Balance at December 31
    884,440       884,440  
 
n.  
Research and development costs
 
Under Brazilian GAAP, companies are allowed to capitalize research and development costs. Since 2005, no more research and development costs have been capitalized, and the amortization for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, was R$1,043, R$3,262 and R$4,982, respectively. The capitalized research and development costs are comprised mainly of contributions to the Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento da Telebrás (Research and Development Center of Telebrás). Under U.S. GAAP, these costs would be expensed as incurred.
 
 
F-64

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
o.  
Revenue recognition

Under Brazilian GAAP, revenues from activation fees are recognized upon activation of a customer’s services. Under U.S. GAAP, revenues from activation fees are deferred and amortized over the estimated expected service period of the customer. Incremental direct costs associated with such activation services are deferred and amortized over the same period. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the total balance of deferred activation fees revenues, net of sales taxes and associated costs, amounts to R$420,741 and R$378,471, respectively, and the accumulated amortization amounts to R$363,090 and  R$330,027, respectively.

The interconnection fee paid by the Company to other telecommunication operators related to the use of prepaid telephone cards outside its region is registered as a reduction of the public telephones revenues. According to U.S. GAAP, such payment would be classified as a cost of service. Thus, such difference in accounting principle affects neither the net income nor the shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP.

p.  
Value-added and other sales taxes

Under Brazilian GAAP, value-added and other sales taxes are deducted from gross operating revenue to arrive at net operating revenue. Under U.S. GAAP, certain of these taxes could be recorded as cost of services. Accordingly, this difference in accounting principle has no impact on net income (loss) or upon shareholders’ equity. The impact of this difference under U.S. GAAP was to increase both revenues and cost of services by R$5,778,408, R$5,978,565 and R$5,575,502  for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
q.  
Business combinations

q.1. Merger of  Telefónica Data Brasil Participações Ltda. (“DABR”) and Telefônica Televisão Participações S.A. (“TTP”, formerly Navytree) into the Company

As shown in Note 2c), on November 30, 2008, Telefônica Data Brasil Participações was merged into the Company. As both companies -Telesp and DABR - were under common control and as DABR was a wholly owned subsidiary of the controlling shareholders, such transaction was accounted for under both Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP by the book value of net assets contributed by controlling shareholders in the amount of R$63,397, as follows.:

Captions of shareholders’ equity:
 
Brazilian GAAP
 
   Capital
    282  
   Special premium reserve (i)
    63,074  
   Retained earnings (ii)
    41  
      Total
    63,397  

 
(i)  
Represents the future tax benefit to be earned by amortization of the premium transferred. The portion of special premium reserve corresponding to the benefit may be, at the end of each fiscal year, capitalized to the benefit of the controlling shareholder upon the issue of new shares (see Note 2c).
 
(ii)  
Under U.S. GAAP, this capital contribution was reclassified from retained earnings to capital reserves.

The merger of Telefônica Televisão Participações S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary, into the Company was accounted for by the book value of net assets merged under both Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP. Consequently, this transaction had no impact on consolidated shareholders’ equity, under Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP.

 
F-65

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
q.2. Purchase accounting for the acquisition of Telefônica Televisão Participações S.A. (formerly Navytree Participações Ltda.)

On October 1, 2007, the Company acquired control of Navytree Participações Ltda. (“Navytree”), which has as a wholly owned subsidiary Lightree Sistemas de Televisão Ltda. (“Lightree”), and as affiliates Comercial Cabo TV São Paulo (“Cabo SP”) through Lemontree Participações (“Lemontree”) and TVA Sul Paraná S.A. (“TVA Sul”) through  GTR-T Participações e Empreendimentos S.A. (“GTR”). The purchase price paid was R$897,170, with an additional acquisition cost of R$4,682, totaling R$901,852.

The Company recognized goodwill in the amount of R$848,308. Such goodwill has been amortized under Brazilian GAAP until December 31, 2008 and has been reversed for U.S. GAAP purposes. This transaction was accounted for using the purchase method in accordance with U.S. GAAP, with the purchase price being allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the respective fair value.  For U.S. GAAP purposes, the purchase price of such acquisition was allocated as follows:
 
   
2007
Acquisition
 
Amounts of the historical net assets of Navytree Participações under U.S. GAAP (I)
    51,733  
Fair Value adjustments:
       
    Property, plant and equipment (a)
    (11,312 )
    Intangible assets:
       
Customer portfolio (b)
    68,723  
License (c)
    312,654  
    Deferred Income Tax
    (125,822 )
    Goodwill (d)
    505,688  
Subtotal (II)
    749,931  
         
Investment in associates under equity method (e) (III)
    100,188  
         
    Purchase Price, including direct costs of R$4,682 (I+II+III)
    901,852  


a.  
Amortized over 1.95 years, representing the weighted-average of remaining useful lives of the related assets.
b.  
Amortized over 5.87 years, representing the average customer life.
c.  
MMDS technology license amortized over 15 years due to the provisions of the renewal of the licence granted by ANATEL during 2009.
d.  
Under U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized but subject to an annual impairment test. Under Brazilian GAAP, we recorded goodwill of R$848,308, which was amortized until December 31, 2008.
e.  
Acquisition of shareholdings in associates TV Cabo São Paulo S.A. and TVA Sul Paraná S.A.


The summary of related financial information is as follows:
 
 
F-66

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

Balance Sheet
 
TV Cabo São Paulo S.A.
   
TVA Sul Paraná S.A.
 
   
2007
   
2007
 
Assets
           
Current assets
    45,593       7,671  
Noncurrent assets
    -       21,295  
Permanent Assets
    97,577       10,799  
                 
Total assets
    143,170       39,765  
                 
Liabilities
               
Current liabilities
    61,736       7,867  
Long-term liabilities
    51,337       22,018  
Deferred income
    7,836       1,117  
Total liabilities
    120,909       31,002  


Income Statement
 
TV Cabo São
Paulo S.A.
   
TVA Sul
 Paraná S.A.
 
   
For three-month period ended December 31, 2007
   
For three-month period ended December 31, 2007
 
             
Net operating revenue
    48,196       30,505  
Operating income
    7,024       2,623  
Net income (loss)
    (2,304 )     1,669  
 

Following are the components of the U.S. GAAP adjustment in shareholders’ equity related to such acquisitions as of December 31, 2009 and 2008:

   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Purchase accounting on acquisition of Navytree Participações:
           
Reversal of goodwill recorded under Brazilian GAAP
    (748,929 )     (780,693 )
Property, plant and equipment fair value adjustment
    (11,312 )     (11,312 )
Depreciation of fair value of property, plant and
equipment adjustment
    11,312       7,938  
Customer portfolio intangible asset recorded in U.S. GAAP
    68,723       68,723  
Amortization of customer portfolio
    (26,352 )     (14,640 )
Intangible related to license recorded in U.S. GAAP
    312,654       312,654  
Amortization of MMDS license
    (19,107 )     -  
Goodwill recorded under U.S. GAAP
    505,688       505,688  
Fair value adjustment to investment in associates under equity method
    92,844       91,918  
Deferred income tax
    (159,422 )     (125,822 )
Total of the U.S. GAAP adjustments related to acquisition of Navytree Participações
    26,099       54,454  
 
q.3. Purchase accounting for the merger of Telefônica Data Brasil Holding S.A. (TDBH)

Under Brazilian GAAP, the exchange of all shares issued by the Company to effect a merger with TDBH on April 28, 2006 was recorded based on the book value of the net assets of TDBH, and the purchase price was considered to be the book value of the shares issued. Under U.S. GAAP, the purchase
 
 
F-67

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

price would be the market value of the shares issued by the Company. As Telesp and TDBH were under common control, only the part of noncontrolling equity interests acquired would be recorded at the fair value of the net assets. The difference between the fair value for the minority interest shares and the book value in U.S. GAAP was R$9,264, of which R$5,238 (net of tax) was allocated to surplus value on fixed assets and the remaining balance of which was recognized as goodwill. The depreciation of the surplus value of fixed assets is based on the average depreciation rate for TDBH’s assets.
 
q.4. Reversal of goodwill amortization under Brazilian GAAP

As a result of the corporate restructuring of July 28, 2006, the Company merged goodwill generated from the acquisition of investment at Figueira Administração e Participações S.A., which held telecommunications network operating assets of Banco Itaú S.A. that occurred in 2001.

Under Brazilian GAAP, the goodwill amortization was discontinued on December 31, 2008. Under U.S. GAAP, the positive difference between the amount paid and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed shall be allocated for items which had not been recognized on the balance sheet of the acquired company, as long as meeting all the requirements for recognition. In case of a remaining positive difference, it shall be allocated to goodwill and is not subject to amortization. In the Figueira acquisition, R$205,754 was allocated to intangible assets – Customer Portfolio, which has been amortized over 10 years, and the difference was recognized as goodwill, which cannot be amortized for U.S. GAAP purposes.

q.5. Merged goodwill – Katalyx and Adquira (TDBH)

As a result of the corporate restructuring of July 28, 2006, the Company merged goodwill generated from Katalyx Transportation do Brasil Ltda. and Adquira do Brasil Ltda.’s restructuring, which occurred in 2005. Both companies were controlled by the same TDBH group. According to U.S. GAAP, there is no goodwill generation on a business combination which involves companies under common control.  In this situation, a business combination must be stated at book value of the company acquired or merged.
 
q.6. Business Combination – Santo Genovese

On December 24, 2004, the Company acquired control of Santo Genovese Participações Ltda., a closely held company, and owner of 99.99% of the representative share capital of Atrium Telecomunicações Ltda. The purchase price paid was R$113,440, with an additional acquisition cost of R$2,435, totaling the amount of R$115,875. The consolidated assets and liabilities of Santo Genovese as of December 31, 2004 amounted, respectively to R$34,137 and R$38,082. Santo Genovese’s net operating revenue and net loss for the year ended December 31, 2004 amounted to R$21,663 and R$(1,259), respectively.

The Company initially recognized goodwill in the amount of R$119,820 and classified the goodwill under other assets on the Balance Sheet for the year ended December 31, 2004. Such goodwill was amortized under Brazilian GAAP until December 31, 2008 and has been reversed for U.S. GAAP purposes. This transaction was accounted for using the purchase method in accordance with U.S. GAAP, with the purchase price being allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the respective fair value. Under U.S. GAAP, the allocated fair value related to intangible assets (Customer Portfolio) has being amortized over ten years. For U.S. GAAP purposes, the purchase price of such acquisition was allocated as follows:

 
F-68

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
   
2004
Acquisition
 
Amounts of the historical net assets of Santo Genovese under U.S. GAAP
    (3,945
)
Fair Value adjustments:
       
    Intangible assets – customer portfolio
    55,500  
    Debt
    (5,275
)
    Goodwill
    86,671  
    Deferred Income Tax
    (17,076
)
    Purchase Price
    115,875  


q.7. Reversal of AIX negative goodwill

Under Brazilian GAAP, negative goodwill from the acquisition of Aix de Participações was amortized over two years as from January 1, 2007. Under U.S. GAAP, since the Aix de Participações shareholders’ equity at the date of acquisition was equal to the purchase price, no negative goodwill was generated.
 
q.8. Purchase accounting for the exchange of the Company´s shares for minority interest shares in former subsidiaries Telesp and CTBC

Under Brazilian GAAP, the exchange of all shares issued by the Company for minority interests in Telesp and CTBC was recorded based on the book value of the net assets of Telesp and CTBC, and the purchase price was considered to be the book value of the shares issued. Under U.S. GAAP, the purchase price would be the market value of the shares issued by the Company, and the minority interests acquired would be recorded at the fair value of the net assets. The purchase price of Telesp and CTBC was R$665,692, lower than the net assets acquired. Under U.S. GAAP, this difference reduces the fixed assets. The depreciation expense related to those fixed assets is adjusted in the reconciliation of net income under U.S. GAAP.

q.9. Sale of Ceterp Celular

Under Brazilian GAAP, when Ceterp was purchased, it was recorded at the book value of the net assets of Ceterp, and no distinction was made for Ceterp Celular, the cellular phone business of Ceterp. At the time of the purchase of Ceterp, the Company was obligated to dispose of the cellular business within six months under the regulatory rules in Brazil. Under U.S. GAAP, when a subsidiary acquired in a purchase is intended to be sold within one year of the purchase date, that subsidiary should be recorded at its non-discounted net realizable value. Therefore, under U.S. GAAP, there would be no gain recognized on the sale of Ceterp Celular. The net income under U.S. GAAP has been adjusted to reflect the reversal of the gain of R$84,264, and the effect on the amortization of concession and depreciation of fixed assets.


r. 
Derivative instruments

As mentioned in Note 33, the Company entered foreign currency swap contracts for short and long-term agreements at various exchange rates, in the notional amount of R$14.8 million (US$8.5 million) and R$494.2 million (US$10.9 million, JPY15,042.3 million and EUR24.8 million) at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company also contracted swaps of CDI + 0.35% for the percentage of CDI in the notional amount of R$1,500 million, flows similar to the debentures issued by the company with maturity in September 2010. Under Brazilian GAAP, until December 31, 2007, swap contracts were recorded at the notional amount multiplied by the terms of the contract as if they had been settled at the balance sheet date. As from January 1, 2008, under Brazilian GAAP, all derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value (see Note 4.i).
 
 
F-69

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
Under U.S. GAAP, the Company applies the accounting guidance related to Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.  It must be applied to all derivative instruments and to certain derivative instruments embedded in hybrid instruments and it requires that such instruments be recorded in the balance sheet either as an asset or liability measured at its fair value. Changes in the derivative’s fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.

If the derivative is designated as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives that are considered to be effective, as defined, will either offset the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or will be recorded in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recorded in earnings. Any portion of a change in a derivative’s fair value that is considered to be ineffective, as defined, must be immediately recorded in earnings. Any portion of a change in a derivative’s fair value that the Company has elected to exclude from its measurement of effectiveness, such as the change in time value of option contracts, will also be recorded in earnings.

After January 2003, the Company began designating a portion of new derivative contracts as fair value hedges of its foreign currency denominated debt. The Company is hedging the related foreign currency (U.S. dollar) and interest rate risk associated with such indebtedness.

According to U.S. GAAP, as of December 31, 2009, there are no debts as an item of fair value hedges. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, under U.S. GAAP, the Company had R$468.8 million (JPY15,042.3 million and EUR24.8 million) and R$875.7 million (US$130.5 million, JPY40,029.5 million and EUR4 million), respectively, of notional value cross currency swap contracts designated as fair value hedges of a portion of the Company´s foreign currency denominated debt. The fair value of those swap contracts was R$475.6 million as of December 31, 2008 and R$912.4 million as of December 31, 2007.
 

The Company calculates the effectiveness of the fair value hedges both at inception and on an ongoing basis (i.e., quarterly). Since these derivative contracts qualify for hedge accounting under U.S. GAAP, the gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk adjusts the carrying amount of the hedged item and is recognized in earnings. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, no ineffectiveness was included in earnings and, for the year ended December 31, 2007, the amount of the hedge’s ineffectiveness was R$(1.9 million).

As a consequence of an introduction of new accounting standards for financial instruments (CPC 14 and CPC 13), the Company changed its accounting policies for derivatives under Brazilian GAAP, on January 1, 2008. Although these new accounting standards for derivatives are similar to those under U.S. GAAP, at the time of adoption of ASC 815 on January 1, 2001, the Company had, and still has, a financing from Mediocrédito (Note 14), which matures in 2014, for which it contracted a derivative that at that time was not designated as a fair value hedge under U.S. GAAP. However, it was designated as a fair value hedge under Brazilian GAAP, since January 1, 2008. Therefore, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the adjustment of R$0.7 million, R$2.5 million and R$2.1 million, respectively, reflects the adjustment of mark-to-market of Mediocrédito’s debt as it was qualified as a fair value hedge under Brazilian GAAP, but not for U.S GAAP purposes, which was recorded in the statement of operations as part of financial income/expense.

The Company’s remaining derivative contracts at December 31, 2009 have not been designated as accounting hedges.  There is no difference between the recorded value of the derivative instruments under Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and an adjustment of R$1.25 million as of December 31, 2007. The derivatives designated as fair value hedge and associated with JBIC and Resolution 2770 debts were settled during the year 2009. The results of these derivatives designated as “fair value hedges” are presented in the table with the “effect of derivative instruments on the income statement”.
 
 
F-70

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company decided not to contract hedges to nonfinancial liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. The Company, however, is still monitoring the results of such nonfinancial liabilities and may contract new hedges in the future if such nonfinancial exposure becomes relevant or if the Company so decides for any other reason.

The Company includes the gain or loss on the hedged items related to fair value hedges in the same line item – interest expense – as the offsetting loss or gain on the related interest and foreign currency rate swaps as follows:

In thousands of R$
 
2009
 
Income statement classification
 
Gain/(loss) on swaps
   
Gain/(loss) on borrowings
 
Interest expense
    (48,611 )     38,015  
 
Tabular disclosure of fair values of derivative instruments in a statement of financial position as of  December 31, 2009 is as follows:

In thousands of R$
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
As of December 31,
2009
 
2009
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ACS 815 (a)
               
Interest rate contracts
Other assets
    575  
Other liabilities
    -  
Foreign currency contracts
Other  assets
    -  
Other liabilities
    (31,671 )
                     
Total derivatives not  designated as hedging instruments under ACS 815
      575         (31,671

The effect of derivative instruments on the income statement for the year ended on December 31, 2009 is as follows:

In thousands of R$
   
     
Derivatives in ACS 815  Fair Value Hedging Relationships
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) recognized in income on derivatives
 
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on Derivative
2009
         
Foreign currency contracts
 
Foreign currency gain/(loss)
 
(48,611)
         
Total
     
(48,611)


In thousands of R$
   
     
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ACS 815
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) recognized in income on derivatives
 
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on Derivative
2009
         
Interest rate contracts
 
Interest income/(expense)
 
1,595
Foreign currency contracts
 
Foreign currency gain/(loss)
 
(11,019)
         
Total
     
(9,424)
 
 
F-71

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)


 
The Company has no debts associated with derivatives of protection with contractual clauses that would give rise in both previous assessments on December 31, 2009.

The effect of trading activities on the income statement for the years ended on December 31, 2009 is as follows:

In thousands  of R$
       
       
Trading revenue
Type of  instrument
 
Line item in income statement
 
2009
         
Fixed income/interest rate
 
Interest on financial investments
 
172,163
Total
 
Total
 
172,163
         

 
The Company has direct and indirect ownership interests, arising from the privatization process. Such investments, valued at market value, take into account the last quotation of December 31, 2009 and 2008.
 
s.  
Deferred charges

Pre-operating expenses recorded as deferred charges for Brazilian GAAP have been expensed for U.S. GAAP purposes. The effects of deferred assets amortization on net income for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are R$8,450 and R$5,978, respectively.

t.  
Consolidation method

Under Brazilian GAAP, equity investments in joint ventures are consolidated proportionally, according to the Company’s interest in each joint venture. Under U.S. GAAP, investments in joint ventures would not be consolidated, but rather recorded under the equity method of accounting. For U.S. GAAP, the Company’s investment on the net equity and the equity in net income or loss would be recorded as a single-line item. The investments in Companhia ACT de Participações, Aliança Atlântica and Companhia AIX de Participações had the following impact on the consolidated financial statements for Brazilian GAAP:

Balance Sheet
 
ACT
   
AIX
   
Aliança Atlântica
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Assets
                                   
Current assets
    4       16       5,899       5,233       5,377       6,470  
Noncurrent assets
    -       -       62,803       67,092       -       -  
Permanent assets
    -       -       14,288       15,650       61,531       57,703  
      -                                          
Total assets
    4       16       82,990       87,975       66,908       64,173  
                                                 
Liabilities
                                               
Current liabilities
    -       -       6,336       2,228       447       30  
Long-term liabilities
    -       -       11,861       29,080       -       -  
Deferred income
    -       -               -       -       -  
Total liabilities
    -       -       18,197       31,308       447       30  

 
F-72

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)


Income Statement
 
ACT
   
AIX
   
Aliança Atlântica
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                                                       
Net operating revenue
    26       26       26       9,621       12,340       9,996       -       -       -  
Cost of goods and services
    -       -       -       (7,670 )     (14,670 )     (15,927 )     -       -       -  
Operating expenses
    (23 )     (23 )     (28 )     (1,497 )     (1,923 )     (7,446 )     3,905       4,964       4,964  
Financial revenue (expense), net
    -       -       -       8,619       (4,512 )     (4,656 )     (96 )     160       160  
Other revenues (expenses)
    -       -       -       (7 )     (421 )     -       2,101       (13,929 )     4,161  
Income Tax and Social Contribution
    -       -       -       (1,452 )     (1,217 )     (1,151 )     -       -       -  
Net income
    3       3       (2 )     7,614       (10,403 )     (19,184 )     5,910       (8,805 )     9,285  
 
The company has analyzed its participation in Cabo SP, Lemontree, TVA Sul and GTR-T and the transaction was considered not material under the scope of FIN46 as of December 31, 2009. Those entities are considered under the legal control of Abril Group.

u.  
Comprehensive income

U.S. GAAP establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements.  The objective of the statement is to report all changes in shareholders’ equity that result from transactions and other economic events of the period other than transactions with owners (“comprehensive income”). Comprehensive income is the total net income and other nonowner equity transactions that result in changes in net equity.

For Brazilian GAAP purposes, under CPC Technical Pronouncement No. 02, translation adjustments applicable to a foreign subsidiary are recognized in equity as from January 1, 2008. Under U.S. GAAP, translation adjustments are recognized in equity. The income effects under Brazilian GAAP were reversed for U.S. GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2007.

For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the components of comprehensive income include: foreign currency translation adjustments related to investments that have a functional currency other than Brazilian Reais, adjustment related to unrecognized gain or loss and a net transition obligation, an additional minimum liability calculated in accordance with the accounting guidance “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions” through 2006, and the fair value of available-for-sale equity securities in Portugal Telecom, and other investments which are recorded at fair value for U.S. GAAP purposes.

The following represents the statement of comprehensive income prepared under U.S. GAAP:

 
Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Net Income per U.S. GAAP
    2,184,743       2,500,117       2,370,071  
                         
Other Comprehensive Income:
                       
  Foreign currency translation adjustments – Aliança Atlântica
    (2,963
)
    862       (4,161
)
  Pension Plan – net of tax
    15,856       (14,820
)
    14,166
 
  Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale equity securities – net of tax
    14,686       (24,982
)
    (7,781
)
Total
    27,579       (38,940
)
    2,224  
Comprehensive income
    2,212,322       2,461,177       2,372,295  


v.  
Acquisition of the IP network and I-Telefônica

On December 10, 2002, the Company acquired the assets and customer portfolio for the “IP Comutado” and “Speedy Link” services of Telefônica Empresas S.A. (See Note 13). In 2003, the Company’s subsidiary, A. Telecom S.A. entered into an agreement with an affiliate, Terra Networks Brasil S.A., for the purchase of certain software used to provide free access service to the Internet, called
 
 
F-73

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

I-Telefônica. Under Brazilian GAAP, these transactions were recorded at fair market value of the net assets acquired. Under U.S. GAAP, transfers and exchanges of nonmonetary assets between entities under common control should be recorded at historical cost. Thus, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the difference between fair market value and the historical cost of assets has been recorded directly to shareholders equity as capital distributed.  Subsequent period adjustments reverse the amortization of the fair value recognized under Brazilian GAAP.

w.  
Leases

Atrium Telecomunicações Ltda. (merged into subsidiary A.Telecom) has leased certain computer hardware and switching equipment under a noncancelable lease. Under Brazilian GAAP, all leases were considered to be operating leases, with lease expense recorded when paid until January 1, 2008. As from this date, with the first adoption of Law No. 11,638/07, in conformity with CPC 06 – Leases, approved by CVM Resolution No. 554, dated November 12, 2008, this lease is considered a capital lease. Therefore, for Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, the Company is required to record the asset at the present value of the minimum lease payments with a corresponding debt obligation. Depreciation is recorded over the estimated useful life of the asset. Interest expense is recognized over the life of the lease and payments under the lease are amortized to principal and interest under the effective interest method.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the reconciliation of net income and the reconciliation of shareholders’ equity from Brazilian GAAP to U.S. GAAP reflect the recorded adjustments to capital leases under U.S. GAAP, since under Brazilian GAAP all leases were considered to be operating leases.

x.  
Sale-type lease  – “Posto Informático”

In 2007, A.Telecom, a subsidiary of the Company, began to commercialize an integrated IT solution named “Posto Informático” allowing access to the Internet, the connection of private networks and rental of IT equipment to its customers. Under Brazilian GAAP, until January 1, 2008, date of the first adoption of Law No. 11,638/07, revenue from the provision of this service was recognized in income on a monthly basis as rental services over the term of the contract. As from this date, under CPC Technical Pronouncement No. 6, in the capacity of lessor, the Company executed lease agreements for IT equipment (Posto Informático) that meet the criteria of finance leases. Income from the IT equipment is recognized on the date that such equipment is installed for the present value of lease payments and matched with accounts receivable. Investments made in the acquisition of equipment are recorded as “Inventories” and recognized as lease costs upon installation. The difference between gross and net investment value is recognized as unrealized financial income and the related financial expenses are posted to each period over the lease term reflecting a periodic interest rate on the outstanding liability balance. Access to the internet and the connection of private networks are recognized as revenue on a monthly basis.

Under U.S. GAAP, this transaction is accounted for as a multiple-element arrangement whereby revenues are allocated to the lease and non-lease deliverables included in the bundled arrangement based upon the estimated relative fair values of each element. The revenues from access to the internet and connection of private networks are recognized on a monthly basis as communication services over the term of the lease contract, and the revenue from sale-types lease of IT equipment is recognized when the equipment is installed at the customer’s premises and risks and benefits of ownership have been transferred.
 
y.  
Payment of dividends and interest on capital

In accordance with the Company’s Bylaws, the Board of Directors can approve the distribution of interim dividends and interest on shareholder’s equity throughout the course of the year. Under both Brazilian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, these payments are recognized when they are formally declared by the Board. However, in accordance with Brazilian GAAP, the Company’s financial statements are required to reflect as a liability, dividends that exceed mandatory dividends when they are proposed by management.
 
 
F-74

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

This differs from U.S. GAAP in that, under U.S. GAAP, these payments would be recognized only after they are formally approved at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting that occurs in the following year. Thus, under U.S. GAAP, on December 31, 2009 and 2008, dividends of R$1,251,646 and R$395,109 would be reclassified from liabilities to shareholders’ equity (see Note 17).
 
z.  
Present value discount on noncurrent recoverable VAT (or ICMS)

Under Brazilian GAAP, as from January 1, 2008, noncurrent indirect taxes recoverable (VAT or ICMS) are discounted at present value. Under U.S. GAAP, such assets are not subject to discounting.

 
Net income reconciliation of the difference between U.S. GAAP and Brazilian GAAP
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Consolidated net income as reported under Brazilian GAAP
    2,172,973       2,419,971       2,362,960  
Add (deduct):
                       
Different criteria for:
                       
b) Amortization of monetary restatement of 1996 and 1997
    (36,040 )     (37,127 )     (38,951 )
c) Capitalized interest
    62,472       53,706       34,469  
c) Depreciation of capitalized interest
    (77,892 )     (170,398 )     (177,739 )
k) Contributions to plant expansion:
                       
Amortization and realization of deferred credit and amortization of donations
    22,935       32,837       32,486  
        d) Pension and other post-retirement benefits – See Note 35.f)
    51,567       65,071       28,054  
q.8) Decrease in depreciation expense due to reduction of fixed assets for fair value in excess of purchase price on merger of Telesp and CTBC
    20,666       45,031       45,284  
q.6) Santo Genovese acquisition
                       
    Amortization of customer portfolio
    (5,550 )     (5,550 )     (5,550 )
    Reversal of goodwill amortization under Brazilian GAAP
    -       11,982       11,982  
w) Leasing Santo Genovese (Atrium)
    -       764       (17 )
x) Sale-type lease – “Posto Informático”
    -       -       11,294  
q.9) Merger of Ceterp
                       
       Depreciation of the fair market value of assets
    2,815       2,761       2,777  
n) Deferred research expenses
    1,043       3,262       4,982  
s) Pre-operating expenses included in deferred assets
    -       8,450       5,978  
q.7) Reversal of negative goodwill amortization – AIX
    -       (8,735 )     (8,735 )
r) Derivative instruments
    2,782       (2,754 )     (18,273 )
r) Derivative on purchase commitments
    4,636       4,547       4,383  
o) Deferred revenues from activation fees, net
    (9,207 )     (4,149 )     18,086  
v) Amortization of IP Network
    7,256       7,257       7,255  
v) Amortization of I-Telefonica
    -       7,018       14,162  
q.4) Reversal of goodwill amortization recognized under Brazilian GAAP – TDBH
    -       82,087       87,355  
m) Impairment loss of goodwill Figueira unit
    -       -       (32,625 )
q.4) Intangible asset amortization
    (20,576 )     (20,575 )     (20,577 )
q.3) Surplus value depreciation – TDBH’s minority allocation
    -       (613 )     (5,170 )
q.2) Navytree-Consolidation adjustments and reversal of goodwill amortization
    (9,066 )     51,443       3,011  
k)Donations and subsidies for investment – TDBH
    -       20       228  
z) Reversal of present value discount on noncurrent recoverable VAT
    1,429       2,946       -  
g) Deferred tax on above adjustments
    (7,500 )     (49,135 )     (1,199 )
u) Foreign currency translation adjustment – Aliança Atlântica.
    -       -       4,161  
                         
U.S. GAAP net income
    2,184,743       2,500,117       2,370,071  


 
F-75

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
Net income per share in accordance with U.S. GAAP
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Common shares
                 
    Basic and diluted earnings per share
    4.05       4.63       4.39  
    Weighted average common shares – basic
    168,609,291       168,609,291       168,609,292  
    Weighted average common shares – diluted
    168,721,335       168,638,238       168,609,292  
Preferred shares
                       
    Basic and diluted earnings per share. .
    4.45       5.10       4.83  
    Weighted average preferred shares – basic
    337,232,189       337,232,189       337,232,189  
    Weighted average preferred shares – diluted
    337,428,850       337,276,489       337,232,189  

 
Shareholders' equity reconciliation of the difference between U.S. GAAP and Brazilian GAAP
 
 
F-76

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Total shareholders' equity as reported under Brazilian GAAP .
    10,057,415       10,045,692  
Add (deduct):
               
Different criteria for:
               
b) Monetary restatement of 1996 and 1997
    10,474       46,514  
c) Capitalized interest
    165,176       102,704  
c) Depreciation of capitalized interest
    (154,417 )     (76,525 )
y)Reversal of proposed dividends
    1,251,646       395,109  
k) Contributions to plant expansion:
               
Subscribed capital stock
    215       215  
Deferred credit
               
Expansion plan contributions
    (229,869 )     (232,946 )
Donations and subsidies for investments .
    (165,298 )     (167,511 )
Amortization of deferred credit
               
Expansion plan contributions
    229,868       224,585  
Donations and subsidies for investments
    157,856       145,494  
        d) Pension and other post-retirement benefits
    262,862       187,271  
q.8) Merger of Telesp and CTBC:
               
Fair market value of assets
    (665,692 )     (665,692 )
    Accumulated depreciation related to fair market value of assets
    665,692       645,026  
q.6) Santo Genovese acquisition
               
       Write-Off of the fair market value of liabilities
    5,275       5,275  
       Amortization of customer portfolio.
    (27,750 )     (22,200 )
       Reversal of goodwill amortization under Brazilian GAAP.
    47,928       47,928  
w) Leasing Santo Genovese
    -       -  
x) Sale-type lease – “Posto Informático”
    -       -  
q.9) Merger of Ceterp:
               
Fair market value of assets
    (25,949 )     (25,949 )
Depreciation of the fair market value of assets
    24,927       22,112  
Concession
    (58,315 )     (58,315 )
Amortization of concession
    58,315       58,315  
q.3) Merger of TDBH’s minority interest – purchase accounting:
               
Fair market value of assets allocation
    7,937       7,937  
Deferred income tax on fair market value of assets allocation
    (2,699 )     (2,699 )
Depreciation of the fair market value of assets allocation
    (7,937 )     (7,937 )
Goodwill allocation
    4,026       4,026  
   q.2) Navytree – Consolidation adjustments and reversal of goodwill amortization
    26,099       54,454  
        n) Deferred research expenses
    -       (1,043 )
        s) Pre-operating expenses included in deferred charges
    -       -  
     z) Reversal of present value discount on noncurrent recoverable VAT
    36,372       34,943  
q.7) Reversal of negative goodwill amortization – AIX
    -       -  
        r) Derivative instruments
    (730 )     (3,512 )
        r) Derivative on purchase commitments.
    (19,835 )     (24,471 )
        o) Deferred revenues from activation fees, net
    (57,651 )     (48,444 )
v) Capital distributed – IP Network and I-Telefonica 
               
Cost
    (143,372 )     (143,372 )
Amortization
    121,604       114,348  
q.4) Reversal of goodwill amortization recognized under Brazilian GAAP-TDBH
    244,423       244,423  
  m) Impairment loss of goodwill  Figueira unit
    (32,625 )     (32,625 )
q.4) Intangible asset amortization
    (164,603 )     (144,027 )
k) Donations and subsidies for investment – TDBH
    -       -  
g) Deferred tax effects on above adjustments .
    (100,293 )     (103,914 )
        u) OCI – fair value of available-for-sale equity securities, net of taxes 
    -       -  
q.5) Merged goodwill – Katalyx and Adquira (TDBH)
    (1,440 )     (1,440 )
U.S. GAAP shareholders' equity .
    11,519,635       10,623,749  
 


telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)


 
Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders' equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP
 
   
Shareholders’ equity
 
Balances at December 31, 2006
    10,823,291  
         
Unclaimed dividends
    209,769  
Net income for the year
    2,370,071  
Dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity
    (2,927,631 )
OCI – Pension Plan – net of tax
    14,166  
OCI – Foreign currency translation adjustment – Aliança Atlântica
    (4,161 )
OCI – Fair value of available for sale equity securities – net of tax
    (7,781 )
Balances at December 31, 2007
    10,477,724  
Merger of  DABR on November 30, 2008  
    63,394  
Net income for the year     2,500,117  
Dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity
    (1,925,938
Interest on shareholders’ equity
    (523,600 )
 Withholding income tax on interest on shareholders’ effects     (92,400 )
Unclaimed dividends, net
    163,392  
OCI – Pension Plan – net of tax
    (14,820 )
OCI – Foreign currency translation adjustment – Aliança Atlântica
    862  
OCI – Fair value of available-for-sale equity securities – net of tax
    (24,982 )
Balances at December 31, 2008
    10,623,749  
         
Net income for the year
    2,184,743  
Dividends and interest on shareholders equity
    (865,109 )
Interest on shareholders’ equity
    (514,250 )
Withholding income tax on  interest on shareholders’ effects
    (90,750 )
Unclaimed dividends, net
    153,673  
OCI – Pension Plan – net of tax
    15,856  
OCI – Foreign currency translation adjustment – Aliança Atlântica
    (2,963 )
OCI – Fair value of available-for-sale equity securities – net of tax
    14,686  
Balances at December 31, 2009
    11,519,635  

Disclosure of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balance
 
   
 
 
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
   
 
 
Unrealized
Gain on
Securities,
net of tax
   
 
 
Pension Plan,
net of tax
   
 
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Balance at December 31, 2007
    10,349       101,214       41,539       153,102  
Current period change
    1,306       (37,852 )     (22,455 )     (59,001 )
Income tax on current period change
    (444 )     12,870       7,635       20,061  
Balance at December 31, 2008
    11,211       76,232       26,719       114,162  
Current period change
    (4,489 )     22,252       24,024       41,787  
Income tax on current period change
    1,526       (7,566 )     (8,168 )     (14,208 )
Balance at December 31, 2009
    8,248       90,918       42,575       141,741  
 
 

telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
35.
Additional disclosures required by U.S. GAAP
 
a.
Reconciliation of operating income under Brazilian GAAP to operating income under U.S. GAAP

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Brazilian GAAP operating income
    3,162,281       3,501,664       3,340,446  
Reversal of financial expense, net
    194,643       227,886       306,932  
Reversal of OCI – Foreign currency translation adjustment
    -       -       4,161  
                         
U.S. GAAP adjustments
                       
        Amortization of monetary restatement of 1996 and 1997
    (36,040 )     (37,127 )     (38,951 )
Depreciation of capitalized interest
    (77,892 )     (170,398 )     (177,739 )
Contribution to plant expansion – amortization of deferred credit and donations
    22,935       32,837       32,486  
         Pension and other post-retirement benefits
    51,567       65,071       28,054  
         Sale-type lease – “Posto Informático”
    -       -       9,046  
Decrease in depreciation expense due to reduction of fixed assets for fair value in excess of purchase price on merger of Telesp and CTBC
    20,666       45,031       45,284  
Merger of Ceterp
                       
    Depreciation of the fair market value of assets
    2,815       2,761       2,777  
Deferred research expenses…..
    1,043       3,262       4,982  
Pre-operating expenses included in deferred assets
    -       8,450       5,978  
Reversal of negative goodwill amortization – AIX
    -       (8,735 )     (8,735 )
Deferred revenue on activation fees, net
    (9,207 )     (4,149 )     18,086  
Amortization of IP network
    7,256       7,257       7,255  
Amortization of Itelefonica
    -       7,018       14,162  
Amortization of Santo Genovese’s customer portfolio
    (5,550 )     (5,550 )     (5,550 )
Reversal of goodwill amortization under Brazilian GAAP – Santo Genovese.
    -       11,982       11,982  
Amortization of derivatives on purchase commitments
    4,636       4,547       4,383  
Leasing Santo Genovese
    -       30       296  
Reversal of goodwill amortization under Brazilian GAAP – TDBH
    -       82,087       87,355  
Impairment loss of goodwill Figueira unit 
    -       -       (32,625 )
Customer portfolio amortization ITAÚ
    (20,576 )     (20,575 )     (20,577 )
Surplus value depreciation – TDBH’s minority interest allocation
    -       (613 )     (5,170 )
Navytree – Consolidation adjustments and reversal of goodwill amortization
    (9,066 )     51,443       3,011  
Donations and subsidies for investments TDBH
    -       20       228  
AIX de Participações adjustments – proportional consolidation
    (454 )     4,253       13,377  
ACT de Participações adjustments – proportional consolidation
    (3 )     (3 )     2  
Aliança Atlântica adjustments – proportional consolidation
    (3,905 )     (4,964 )     (4,964 )
Other…
    -       -       (10,519 )
                         
U.S. GAAP operating income
    3,305,149       3,803,485       3,635,453  




telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
b.
Reconciliation of net revenues and costs under Brazilian GAAP to net revenues and costs under U.S. GAAP


1)
Net operating revenue

Net operating revenue under Brazilian GAAP differs from U.S. GAAP on the recognition of revenues from activation fees and value added and other sales taxes, as presented below:

 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net revenue under  Brazilian GAAP
    15,795,775       15,978,985       14,727,562  
Reclassification to cost of services
                       
   Value added and other sales taxes
    5,778,408       5,978,565       5,575,502  
Reclassification of costs of public telephones
    68,541       76,223       108,996  
U.S. GAAP adjustments
                       
   Recognition of deferred revenue on activation fees, net
    (9,207 )     (4,149 )     18,086  
AIX de Participações adjustments – proportional consolidation
    (9,621 )     (12,340 )     (9,996 )
ACT de Participações adjustments – proportional consolidation
    (26 )     (26 )     (26 )
Revenue recognition “Posto Informático”
    -       -       51,845  
Net revenue under U.S. GAAP
    21,623,870       22,017,258       20,471,969  


2)
Cost of services

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Brazilian GAAP cost of services
    (8,955,508 )     (8,726,408 )     (8,029,203 )
Reclassification from net revenues
                       
     Value added and other sales taxes
    (5,778,408 )     (5,978,565 )     (5,575,502 )
Reclassification of costs of public telephones
    (68,541 )     (76,223 )     (108,996 )
U.S. GAAP adjustments
                       
    Amortization of monetary restatement of 1996 and 1997
    (36,040 )     (37,127 )     (38,951 )
    Depreciation of capitalized interest
    (77,892 )     (170,398 )     (177,739 )
    Contribution to plant expansion – amortization of deferred credit
    22,935       32,837       32,486  
Decrease in depreciation expense due to reduction of fixed assets for fair value in excess of purchase price on merger of Telesp and   CTBC
    20,666       45,031       45,284  
    Merger of Ceterp – depreciation of fair market value of assets and concession
    2,815       2,761       2,777  
    Amortization of IP network
    7,256       7,257       7,255  
    Amortization of Itelefonica
    -       7,018       14,162  
    Sale-type lease – “Posto Informático”
    -       -       (42,799 )
    Amortization of Santo Genovese’s customer portfolio
    (5,550 )     (5,550 )     (5,550 )
    Amortization of derivatives on purchase commitments
    4,636       4,547       4,383  
    Leasing Santo Genovese
    -       30       296  
         Intangible assets amortization – ITAÚ
    (20,576 )     (20,575 )     (20,577 )
Surplus value depreciation – TDBH’s minority interest allocation
    -       (613 )     (5,170 )
         Donations and subsidies for investments – TDBH
    -       20       228  
    AIX de Participações adjustments – proportional consolidation
    7,670       14,670       15,928  
    Allowance for reduction to recoverable value of inventories
    (14,878 )     (3,743 )     (5,700 )
    U.S. GAAP cost of services
    (14,891,415 )     (14,905,031 )     (13,887,388 )
    U.S. GAAP gross profit
    6,732,455       7,112,227       6,584,581  
 
 

telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
c.
Total assets and property, plant and equipment under U.S. GAAP

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Total assets
    21,501,631       20,878,000       20,203,482  
                         
Property, plant and equipment
    48,210,228       46,622,801       47,307,200  
Accumulated depreciation
    (38,537,715 )     (36,713,900 )     (36,026,713 )
Net property, plant and equipment
    9,672,513       9,908,901       11,280,487  


d.
Intangible Assets

Following is a summary of the Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization:

   
2009
 
   
Patents and
trademarks
   
Software use
rights
   
Licenses
   
Customer
Portfolio
   
 
Others
 
Gross
    1,536       2,712,773       312,654       329,977       924,252  
Accumulated amortization
    (1,516 )     (2,029,997 )     (19,107 )     (218,704 )     (171,939 )
Net
    20       682,776       293,547       111,273       752,313  
Amortization expense
    1       297,950       19,107       37,837       18,849  
Amortization period
 
10 years
   
5 years
   
15 years
   
10 years
   
5 to 10 years
 



   
2008
 
   
Patents and
 trademarks
   
Software use
 rights
   
Licenses
   
Customer
Portfolio
   
 
Others
 
Gross
    1,536       2,520,983       312,654       329,977       1,464,405  
Accumulated amortization
    (1,515 )     (1,732,047 )     -       (180,868 )     (429,952 )
Net
    21       788,936       312,654       149,109       1,034,453  
Amortization expense
    4       310,642       -       36,999       29,115  
Amortization period
 
10 years
   
5 years
      -    
10 years
   
5 to 10 years
 


The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:

   
Amount
 
2010
    322,212  
2011
    238,318  
2012
    170,631  
2013
    117,307  
2014
    58,874  


e.
Fair Value Measurements (ASC 805)


Under U.S. GAAP, we adopted the new accounting guidance for “Fair Value Measurements” on January 1, 2008, which provides a definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. The standard applies when GAAP requires or allows assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value; therefore, it does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstance.


telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
This new accounting guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices available in active markets (i.e., observable inputs) and the lowest priority to data lacking transparency (i.e., unobservable inputs). Additionally, it requires an entity to consider all aspects of nonperformance risk, including the entity’s own credit standing, when measuring the fair value of a liability.

This new accounting guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy to be used when measuring and disclosing fair value. An instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. Following is a description of the three hierarchy levels:

Level 1 Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. Additionally, the entity must have the ability to access the active market, and the quoted prices cannot be adjusted by the entity.

Level 2 Inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in inactive markets for identical or similar assets or liabilities; or inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data, by correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 Unobservable inputs are supported by little or no market activity. The unobservable inputs represent management’s best assumptions of how market participants would price the assets or liabilities. Generally, Level 3 assets and liabilities are valued using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that require significant judgment or estimation.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

In accordance with this new accounting guidance for “Fair Value Measurements”, we measure our cash equivalents, marketable securities, foreign currency and interest rate derivative swap contracts at fair value. Our cash equivalents and marketable securities are classified within Level 1, because they are valued using quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources and models utilizing market observable inputs. Our foreign currency, interest rate derivative swap contracts and financing and loans assigned as fair value hedge are classified within Level 2 as the valuation inputs are based on quoted prices and market observable data of similar instruments.

The following tables present for each of the fair-value hierarchy levels the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2009 and 2008:

Description
 
 
December 31,
2009
   
Quoted prices in
active markets for
 identical assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets
                       
Cash Equivalents
                       
Short-term investments
    2,266,896       2,266,896       -       -  
Marketable Securities
                               
Portugal Telecom
    227,702       227,702       -       -  
Zon Multimédia
    17,654       17,654       -       -  
Other Investments
    39,703       39,703       -       -  
Foreign currency derivative contracts
                               
Cross-currency interest rate swap agreements
    23,010       -       23,010       -  
Interest rate prefixed swap agreements
    1,514,243       -       1,514,243       -  
Total Assets
    4,089,208       2,551,955       1,537,253       -  
                                 
Liabilities
                               
Loans and financing under fair value hedge
    -       -       -          
Foreign currency derivative contracts
                               
Cross-currency interest rate swap agreements
    54,681       -       54,681          
Interest rate prefixed swap agreements
    1,513,670       -       1,513,670          
Total Liabilities
    1,568,351       -       1,568,351       -  
 

 

telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

The valuation method used for the calculation of fair value of derivative instruments was the discounted cash flow, considering the expected settlements and realization of such financial assets and liabilities at the market rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. For derivative instruments, the method used for the calculation of fair value is presented in more detail in Note 33.

In order to minimize its exposure to the local variable interest rate (CDI), the Company invests its excess cash, amounting to R$2,266.9 million, substantially in short-term investments (Bank Deposit Certificates) based on the CDI rate variation. The book values of these instruments approximate market values, since they may be redeemed in the short term.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, short-term investments generated a gain of R$172.2 million (R$161.9 million as of December 31, 2008), which was included as financial expense, net in our results of operations.

Also, during the year ended December 31, 2009, our derivative contracts generated a net loss of R$58,035, the result of which was generated by a loss of R$59,630 on foreign currency derivative contracts and by a gain of R$1,595 on interest rate derivative swap contracts (CDI x prefixed)  (gain of R$59,082 and loss of R$679 as of December 31, 2008). The net results of operations have been included as a financial expense.

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Goodwill and other long-lived assets held and used are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or earlier if there is an event or change in circumstances which would indicate that the carrying value of these assets could not be fully recovered. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows, we measure the amount of the impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value. These assets are recognized at fair value when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. We estimate fair value based on the best information available, making appropriate estimates, judgments and projections that are considered necessary, including assumptions that market participants will use to value similar assets. The estimation of fair value measured by discounting expected future cash flows at discount rates commensurate with the risk involved is considered level 3 inputs. We do not believe that we have any impairment to our goodwill or other long-lived assets held and used as of December 31, 2009. We believe our estimates and judgments with respect to our goodwill and other long-lived assets held and used are reasonable. Nonetheless, if there was a material change in assumptions used in the determination of such fair values or if there is a material change in the conditions or circumstances that influence such assets, we could be required to record an impairment charge.


f.
Pension and post-retirement benefits

A summary of the liability as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 for the Company’s active employees defined benefit pension plan (PBS/Visão/CTB/Visão Assist) is as follows:
 

 

telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
PBS/Visão Telesp/CTB/Visão Assist/Visão T.Empresas
 
2009
   
2008
 
       Funded status:
           
Accumulated benefit obligation:
           
Vested 
    116,165       116,060  
Nonvested 
    27,651       21,288  
Total 
    143,816       137,348  
Projected benefit obligation 
    147,954       146,939  
Fair value of plan assets 
    (218,889 )     (185,441 )
    Excess of projected obligation (assets)
    (70,935 )     (38,502 )
Accrued pension cost (Asset) 
    (70,935 )     (38,502 )

 
Change in benefit obligation and items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic pension cost
 
   
PBO
   
Unrec.G/(L)
   
Unrec.NTO
 
    Balance at December 31, 2007
    120,153       64,675       (1,737 )
                         
    Service cost
    2,972       -       -  
    Interest cost
    12,257       -       -  
    Amortization
    -       (3,333 )     815  
    Benefit payments and expenses
    (10,112 )     21       -  
    Actuarial (gain)/loss
    21,669       (21,669 )     -  
    Asset experience
    -       1,712       -  
    Business combination – inclusion of T.Empresas
    -       -       -  
    Balance at December 31, 2008
    146,939       41,406       (922 )
                         
    Service cost
    3,503       -       -  
    Interest cost
    14,174       -       -  
    Amortization
    -       (656 )     815  
    Benefit payments and expenses
    (10,027 )     -       -  
Actual participant contribution
    234       -       -  
    Actuarial (gain)/loss
    (6,869 )     6,869       -  
    Asset experience
    -       16,995       -  
    Business combination – inclusion of T.Empresas
    -       -       -  
    Balance at December 31, 2009
    147,954       64,614       (107 )

Disclosure of net periodic pension cost

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
  Service cost (net of employee contributions) 
    3,503       2,776       3,472  
  Interest cost on PBO
    14,174       12,257       11,615  
  Expected return on assets
    (20,355 )     (18,391 )     (15,973 )
  Amortization of initial transition obligation
    815       815       815  
  Amortization of  (gains) losses
    (656 )     (3,333 )     (2,137 )
  Net periodic pension cost
    (2,519 )     (5,876 )     (2,208 )

Change in accrued pension cost
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   Accrued pension cost at beginning of year
    (38,502 )     (49,228 )
   Net periodic pension cost
    (2,519 )     (5,876 )
   Employer contributions
    (5,891 )     (5,852 )
   Business combination – inclusion of T.Empresas
    -       -  
   Other Comprehensive Income defined benefit plans
    (24,023 )     22,454  
   Accrued pension cost at end of year
    (70,935 )     (38,502 )
 
 

telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

Change in plan assets
   
2009
   
2008
 
Plan assets at beginning of year
    185,441       169,381  
Actual contribution
    6,125       6,069  
Actual distributions and expenses
    (10,027 )     (10,112 )
Actual return on plan assets
    37,350       20,103  
Assets acquired in a business combination
    -       -  
Plan assets at end of year
    218,889       185,441  
 
Estimated future benefit payments
 
   
PBS/Visão
   
CTB
   
PBS-A
   
PAMA
 
2010
    11,476       3,319       383,687       71,650  
2011
    11,898       3,229       396,408       79,126  
2012
    12,313       3,121       409,187       87,317  
2013
    12,742       3,000       422,045       96,210  
2014
    13,184       2,868       434,854       105,851  
Years 2015-2019
    72,573       12,167       2,358,695       701,695  

The actuarial assumptions used in 2009 and 2008 are mentioned in Note 31.

Asset allocation
 
The asset allocation for the Company’s defined benefit pension plan (PBS - Telesp) at the end of 2009 and 2008, and the target allocation for 2010, by asset category, are as follows:

   
Target Allocation for
 
Percentage of Plan Assets at Year End
Asset category
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
Equity securities 
    16.3 %     16.3 %     13.5 %
Loans 
    0.2 %     0.2 %     0.2 %
Fixed income 
    83.5 %     83.5 %     86.3 %
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %

The allocation of pension plan assets in Brazil is regulated by the Brazilian federal government.  The primary allocation of a pension plan's portfolio assets is to fixed-income securities.  The plan may also allocate up to 50% of its assets to variable-rate securities and up to 5% of its asset loans to participants.  The company's pension plan managers seek to maximize return on the plan's assets while balancing potential risks in order to guarantee the payment of benefits to the plan participants and to reduce future costs. Based on the foregoing investment considerations, the Company's pension plan managers intend to invest, through 2010, portfolio assets as follows:  83.5% in fixed-rate securities, in order to protect the plans from volatility in the Brazilian equity markets, and limit investments in such markets to 16.3% of the plans' total investments.

The asset mix is the same for both plans (PBS and Visão) and composed of fixed-income, equities and loans.

The range of asset allocation of long-term strategic definition was made based on the results of the choice investment profile offered to the participants. The short-term tactic definition for the asset allocation in the defined ranges above was made based on the valuation of each segment of assets for the next twelve months, in alternative scenarios. The ideal asset allocation is defined in the periodic committees of each one of the asset managers, based on the probability of profitability objective satisfaction in the twelve-month period, associated with the quality assessment of the short-term scenario.

Individually, the returns of the assets are projected based on the model which part of the macroeconomic scenario (global and local) and project the impacts of this scenario to the interest yield behavior (for the several instruments) in the case of fixed income, and for several economic sectors and companies in the case of variable interest income. The integrant assets of each portfolio are selected by the use of statistical models to proportionate returns near of the benchmark returns, always respecting the
 
 
F-85

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
limits of the established Average Quadratic Error Metrics.

The plan’s asset return is the average after-tax return of each asset category weighted by target allocations. Asset categories returns are based on long-term macroeconomic scenarios.

The Company determines the fair value of plan assets using observable market data obtained from independent sources when available. The Company classifies its plan assets according to the fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

The following summarizes the fair value of plan assets by asset category and level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2009:
 
Description 
 
December 31, 
 2009 
 
Quoted prices 
 in active 
 markets for 
 identical assets 
 (Level 1)
 
Significant other 
 observable 
 inputs (Level 2)
 
 
Significant 
 unobservable 
 inputs 
 (Level 3)
Assets 
               
Equity securities:
               
                  Brazilian equities
 
49
 
49
 
 
 Total equity securities
 
   49
 
49
 
-
 
-
                 
Fixed income securities: 
               
                 Other fixed income (a)
 
715
 
 
715
 
 Total fixed income securities
 
715
 
-
 
715
 
-
                 
Other types of investments
               
                 Investment funds (b) 
 
193,577
 
129,476
 
64,101
 
Other investments (c)
 
24,548
 
-
 
24,548
   
Total other types of investments
 
218,125
 
129,476
 
88,649
   
Cash:
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
        Total:
 
218,889
 
129,525
 
89,364
 
-
 
 
 
(a)
This category is comprised of financing and loans to the plan’s participants.

 
(b)
This category includes investments in approximately 83.67% in fixed income securities and 16.33% in equity securities.

 
(c)
This category is comprised of assets used for administrative purposes.

For equity securities, which fall within Level 1, the pricing of the assets traded on the capital market was made through the marked-to-market, where the analysis and the marked-to-market comprehension is more direct, simple and intuitive when the market is organized, as the capital market, when there is an active market (BOVESPA – São Paulo Stock Exchange). The stocks are measured by the last quoted price disclosed by BOVESPA. If there is no trade, the quoted price of prior day is used.

For Brazilian Government bonds, which fall within Level 1, they are priced daily, by interest market rate, and the primary source of information of the interest market rate for measurement is ANDIMA (National Association of the Institutions of the Capital Market), and for corporate bonds, which fall within Level 2, the model of interest value market rate of the pre-fixed corporate bonds is established by the two
 
 
F-86

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
 
factors: interest market rate and the credit spread. The interest market rate is established by the future interest yield of BM&F (Brazilian Mercantile & Futures Exchange) and the credit spread is calculated by the difference, in the issuing date, between the interest market rate and the issuing interest rate. For the variable interest rate bonds, the pricing is daily calculated by the interest market rate and the primary source of the market rate for pricing is also ANDIMA.

Visão Prev plans present risks of concentration of assets only for the portion of Brazilian Federal Government Bonds (approximately 47% of the total asset of the plans), which classification by the major credit risk agencies is investment grade for these assets. Such government bonds are allocated in the investments funds portfolio, in which Visão Prev makes its investments.

A summary of the Sistel pension plan as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 for the multiemployer portion (inactive employees’ pension plan) – PBS-A, is as follows:

 
Pension benefit plan – PBS-A
           
   
2009
   
2008
 
Funded status:
           
Accumulated benefit obligation
           
Vested
    4,860,382       4,977,285  
Projected benefit obligation
    4,860,382       4,977,285  
Fair value of plan assets
    (6,657,857 )     (6,828,191 )
    Plan assets in excess of obligations
    (1,797,475 )     (1,850,906 )

A summary of the post-retirement benefits plan (health-care plan – PAMA) is as follows:

Health-Care Plan – PAMA
           
   
2009
   
2008
 
                Funded Status:
           
Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation:
           
Active participants
    3,761       3,305  
                         Fully eligible active plan participants
    336       386  
Inactive participants
    234,671       186,851  
      238,768       190,542  
Fair value of plan assets
    (70,349 )     (68,254 )
Obligations in excess of plan assets
    168,419       122,288  

In 2009, the Company made contributions to the PAMA in the amount of R$15 (R$5 in 2008 and R$5 in 2007). PBS-A is a noncontributory plan.

g.
Concentrations of risk

The credit risk on accounts receivable is dispersed. The Company constantly monitors the level of accounts receivable and limits the risk of past-due accounts, interrupting access to telephone lines in case the customer does not pay the related bills within 30 days. Exceptions are made for telecommunications services that must be maintained for security or national defense reasons.

For conducting its business, the Company is fully dependent upon the fixed-line telecommunications concession as granted by the Federal Government. The Concession Agreement expired on December 31, 2005, and was renewed on January 1, 2006, for another 20 years. However, the agreement can be changed on December 31, 2010, 2015 and 2020. Such condition allows ANATEL to set up new conditions and new goals for universalization and quality of telecommunication services, according to the conditions in force at those times. Every two years, during a 20-year period, public regime companies will have to pay a renewal charge of 2% of its prior-year SFTC revenue, net of taxes and social contributions.

Approximately 16% of the Company’s employees are members of the main telecommunications industry labor union, Sindicato dos Trabalhadores em Empresas de Telecomunicações e Operadores de
 
 
F-87

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)
 
 
Mesas Telefônicas no Estado de São Paulo, the Labor Union of Employees of Telecommunications Companies and Telecommunications Desk Operators in the State of São Paulo, or SINTETEL, which is associated with the Federação Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Telecomunicações, the National Federation of Telecommunications Workers or FENATTEL. The collective labor agreement was renewed on September 1, 2009 and will expire on August 31, 2010. The Company’s management considers relations with its workforce to be satisfactory. The Company has never experienced a work stoppage that had a material effect on its operations.

There is no concentration of available sources of labor, services, concessions or rights, other than those mentioned above, that could, if suddenly eliminated, severely impact the Company's operations.


h.
Deferred Income taxes

Under Brazilian GAAP, deferred taxes are classified as current or noncurrent based upon the expected period of reversal. Under U.S. GAAP, deferred taxes are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. The classification of our deferred tax assets and liabilities under U.S. GAAP is as follows as of December 31, 2009 and 2008: current deferred tax asset of R$571,357 and R$521,879, respectively, current deferred tax liability of R$293,438 and R$154,787, respectively, noncurrent deferred tax asset of R$681,962 and R$595,898, respectively, and noncurrent deferred tax liability of R$528,304 and R$267,094, respectively.

Additionally, under Brazilian GAAP, Telefônica Data S.A and A.Telecom (subsidiaries of the Company) did not recognize for the year ended December 31, 2009, deferred income tax and social contribution assets of R$106,166 (R$62,512 on December 31, 2008) and R$109,670 (R$35,379 on December 31, 2008),  respectively, as mentioned in Note 7.1, due to the uncertainties involving their realization. Under U.S. GAAP, Telefônica Data S.A. and A.Telecom recorded those amounts, and as a result of the uncertainty involving their realization, a full valuation allowance in the same amount was also recorded in 2009 and 2008.


i.
New accounting pronouncements

 
Recently Adopted Standards
 

 
·
In September 2009, the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) became the source of authoritative U.S. GAAP recognized by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) for nongovernmental entities, except for certain FASB Statements not yet incorporated into ASC. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative U.S. GAAP for registrants. The authoritative guidance mentioned in these financial statements includes the applicable ASC reference.

 
·
In December 2007, FASB also issued new accounting guidance ASC 810 which clarifies that a non-controlling (minority) interest in an Operating Subsidiary is an ownership interest in the entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. It also requires consolidated net income to include the amounts attributable to both the parent and non-controlling interest, with disclosure on the face of the consolidated income statement of the amounts attributed to the parent and to the non-controlling interest. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 (calendar year 2009), with presentation and disclosure requirements applied retrospectively to comparative financial statements. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
 
F-88

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
 
·
ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurement. ASC 820 does not require any new fair value measurements. This statement is initially effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 (calendar year 2008), and is to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the year in which it is initially applied. For all nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and liabilities, the statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 (calendar year 2009). The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
·
ASC 715 “Compensation-retirement Benefits” provides guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans. This guidance is intended to ensure that an employer meets the objectives of the disclosures about plan assets in an employer’s defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan to provide users of financial statements with an understanding of the following: how investment allocation decisions are made; the major categories of plan assets; the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets; the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets; and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. The Company has complied with the disclosure requirements.

 
·
ASC 350 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other” amends the factors to be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of intangible assets under ASC 350. Its intent is to improve the consistency between the useful life of an intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure its fair value. The amendment is effective prospectively for intangible assets acquired or renewed after January 1, 2009. The Company applied the amendment issued in 2008 to acquisitions of intangible assets as from January 1, 2009.

 
·
ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” seeks to improve financial reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures regarding the impact on financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. To achieve this increased transparency, an amendment issued in 2008 requires (i) the disclosure of the fair value of derivative instruments and gains and losses in a tabular format; (ii) the disclosure of derivative features that are credit risk-related; and (iii) cross-referencing within footnote disclosures to enable financial statement users to locate important information about derivative instruments. The Company has complied with disclosure requirements.

 
·
ASC 805 “Business Combination” establishes principles and requirements for how an acquiring entity in a business combination recognizes and measures the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose to investors and other users all of the information needed to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. This statement is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (calendar year 2009).

 
·
ASC 323 “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures” addresses how the initial carrying value of an equity method investment should be determined, how an impairment assessment of an underlying indefinite-lived intangible asset of an equity method investment should be performed, how an equity method investee’s issuance of shares should be accounted for, and how to account for a change in an investment from the equity method to the cost method. ASC 323 was effective in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. ASC 323 is applied prospectively with early application prohibited. The adoption of ASC 323 did not have any impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
F-89

 
telecomunicações de são paulo s.a. – telesp
notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Amounts expressed in thousands of Reais, unless otherwise indicated)

 
 

 
·
In June 2009, the FASB issued a statement that removes the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity (“QSPE”) from former SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, a replacement of former FASB Statement No. 125. The QSPE concept had initially been established to facilitate off-balance sheet treatment for certain securitizations. The new statement also removes the exception from applying the requirements of consolidation accounting for variable interest entities to QSPEs. This new standard has not been incorporated into ASC and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company does not believe that the adoption of this new standard will have a material impact on its financial statements.

 
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In June 2009, the FASB issued a new standard that amends former FIN 46(R) to among other things, require an entity to qualitatively rather than quantitatively assess the determination of the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). This determination should be based on whether the entity has 1) the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the activities of the VIE and 2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Other key changes include: the requirement for an ongoing reconsideration of the primary beneficiary, the criteria for determining whether service provider or decision maker contracts are variable interests, the consideration of kick-out and removal rights in determining whether an entity is a VIE, the types of events that trigger the reassessment of whether an entity is a VIE and the expansion of the disclosures previously required about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities. This new standard has not been incorporated into ASC and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company does not believe that the adoption of this new standard will have a material impact on its financial statements.

 
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In September 2009, the accounting standard regarding multiple deliverable arrangements was updated to require the use of the relative selling price method when allocating revenue in these types of arrangements. This method allows a vendor to use its best estimate of selling price if neither vendor-specific objective evidence nor third-party evidence of selling price exists when evaluating multiple deliverable arrangements. This standard update is effective January 1, 2011 and may be adopted prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified after  the date of adoption or retrospectively for all revenue arrangements for all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this standard update could have on its consolidated financial statements.


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