Technology >> CEO Interviews >> May 4, 1998
JOHN STUPKA, President and CEO of Mobile Telecommunication Technologies
Corp. (MTEL), is a twenty-three year telecom veteran. Mr. Stupka came to
Mtel in August 1996 with extensive background in both the wired and
wireless industry segments. Stupka joined Southwest Bell Telephone
Company in 1974 after receiving a BSIE at the University of Oklahoma and
completing a three year military tour. He rapidly advanced through a
series of operating assignments and was appointed to Division Manager in
1979. From 1979 through 1983, he managed various organizations serving
the business customers in Oklahoma. During this same period of time, Mr.
Stupka attended the Bell Advanced Management Program at the University
of Illinois. In January 1984, he was appointed to vice president -
Network for the Southwest Region of AMPS, the AT&T organization that
preceded Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems (SBMS). In October of 1984, he
was promoted to executive vice president and in November of 1985 was
promoted to president & CEO. Under John Stupka's leadership, SBMS gained
wide recognition as the cellular industry's premier company, leading the
industry in both market penetration and operating cash flow. He received
numerous industry honors for his work in expanding the industry. In July
of 1995, he was promoted to senior vice president - Strategic Planning
for SBC Communications. Reporting directly to the SBC Chairman, Mr.
Stupka directed both strategy development and SBC's technology arm, SBC
Technology Resources, Inc. In August of 1996, he accepted the position
of President & CEO of MTEL. The MTEL/SkyTel team has been a leader in
nationwide messaging. MTEL holds two nationwide one-way licenses and
three national nPCS licenses. Additionally, MTEL has been very
successful in securing frequencies and partnerships in Latin America.
This is creating a paging footprint of unparalleled scope. Profile
Corp. and then bring us up to date. What are the key challenges and
opportunities that you see for your company over the next
