HickoryTech Deploys SuiteSolution 2.0 Customer Management Software; Wireless CSRs Benefit From Web-based View of Customer

MANKATO, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 24, 2003–HickoryTech Corporation (Nasdaq:HTCO) announced today that it has deployed its SuiteSolution(TM) 2.0 management system for HickoryTech’s Telecom Sector Wireless Services, headquartered in Mankato. This sector provides cellular and personal communications services (PCS) serving territories in southern Minnesota, which cover a population of approximately 700,000 people. SuiteSolution automates the entire order process – capturing customers’ requests, housing customer information, service choices, and service history in a single database. Its web-based front end supports a graphical user-interface (GUI), which allows customer service representatives (CSRs) immediate access to the software via a web-browser.

SuiteSolution was developed by HickoryTech to manage all of its customers with multiple products and services from a single database. SuiteSolution 1.0 was deployed in 2nd Quarter 2002 for HickoryTech’s competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) communities. The migration of HickoryTech’s wireless customers completes phase two of product implementation. The final phase involves conversion of HickoryTech’s 65,000 incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) customers, which is planned for the future.

“Our focus is to deliver on the promise to be a full-service, integrated communications provider,” said John Finke, president of HickoryTech’s Telecom Division. “Once fully implemented, SuiteSolution will impact the way we package and sell our products to the customers we serve, opening doors for us in our markets, allowing us to be a true one-stop shopping experience for our customers.”

“The tools in SuiteSolution will add efficiencies in registering customers and assigning product packages and services on the front end,” said Lane Nordquist, president of HickoryTech’s Information Solutions division. “It will also increase security controls and administrative functions within the back office. From an IT perspective, we take pride in creating a solid product that fits with HickoryTech’s internal business plan and is embraced by the external telecom market.”

There are four main components to SuiteSolution. The system combines a web-based Customer Relationship Manager, a Back Office Manager, a Work Flow Manager and a Directory Application, with proven wireless and wireline billing engines. This approach allows HickoryTech to preserve the investment made in its billing systems while enhancing the tools used to attract and retain subscribers.

HickoryTech’s SuiteSolution is available for external deployment and was recently demonstrated at the annual Rural Cellular Association Convention in Las Vegas in April 2003. Private demonstrations of the product are available online and can be scheduled by contacting the Information Solutions Division at infosolutions@hickorytech.com or by calling 877-974-8325.

About HickoryTech Corporation. HickoryTech Corporation is a diversified communications company headquartered in Mankato, Minn., with nearly 500 employees and operations in Minnesota and Iowa. HickoryTech is in its 106th year of operation with its roots in the local telephone exchange business. From this base, it has expanded into wireless communications, competitive local service, long distance, Internet, information solutions and enterprise solutions. To learn more about HickoryTech Corporation, visit the company’s Web page at www.HickoryTech.com.

Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry in which HickoryTech operates and management’s beliefs and assumptions. The forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and probabilities. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. HickoryTech undertakes no obligation to update any of its forward-looking statements for any reason.