1. Contacts:
Tele Nordeste Celular Participações S.A.
Paulo Narcélio Simões Amaral
55.81.3216.2591
Fabíola Almeida
55.81.3216.2594
fabiola.almeida@timnordeste.com.br
Polyana Maciel
55.81.3216.2593
polyana.maciel@timnordeste.com.br
TELE NORDESTE CELULAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2001 RESULTS
Recife, Brazil (May 14, 2001) – Tele Nordeste Celular Participações S.A. (NYSE: TND,
BOVESPA: TNEP3, TNEP4) (“Tele Nordeste Celular” or “the Company”), the holding company
controlling the operating companies serving Band A cellular telecommunication clients in the
states of Piauí, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco and Alagoas under the TIM
brand name, announced today its results for the first quarter of 2001 in accordance with
Brazilian GAAP.
• 65.5% of market share at the end of March 2001;
• 39.2% of EBITDA margin in the quarter, reaching R$79.2 million;
• Reduction of 47.1% at the bad debt expenses quarter over quarter.
Operational Highlights
Commercial activities during the first quarter of 2001 resulted in consolidated gross addition of
134,498 clients (of which 97,004, or 72.1%, were prepaid). Accumulated net additions during
the first quarter of 2001 totaled 45,619, all prepaid, as a result of the disconnection of 14,995
clients from the post-paid system. The propose of those disconnection was to clean the clients
base, as a way to reduce and control the bad debt. Excluding those disconnection, the
consolidated net addition for the first quarter of 2001 was 60,614.
The Company had a total of 1,556,619 clients on March 31, 2001, of which 816,603 (52.5%)
were post-paid clients and 740,016 (47.5%) were prepaid clients. The market share at the end
of the first quarter of 2001 was estimated at 65.5%.
The subscriber acquisition cost was R$100 in the first quarter of 2001 compared to R$80 during
the fourth quarter of 2000 and R$169 during the first quarter of 2000.
As a result of the intensification of the collections and billing activities and the adoption of
rigorous collection procedures and polices, the bad debt levels are showing an improvement.
During the first quarter of 2001 the bad debt was 4.8% of gross revenue, against 8.3% during
the fourth quarter of 2000, and 7.2% during the first quarter of 2000.
www.timnordeste.com.br 1

2. In February of 2001, two new services were offered by the Tele Nordeste Celular’s operating
companies: Intelligent Network and WAP.
Intelligent Network is a new conception in business mobile communications. It is a service
designed for companies, that permits the creation of groups of users, promotes the
improvement of the mobile communication and permits the control of generated and received
calls. All in accordance with the company definition.
Wap service is provided through TIMnet, a subsidiary company created with the objective of
develop internet solutions and innovative value added services. Although the technology was
available, this service was not offered before, because the lack of TDMA WAP handsets in the
brazilian market.
Still during the first quarter, the Tele Nordeste Celular’s operating companies introduced two
new tariff plans options for the post-paid service, with very reduced tariffs: the 60 and 90 plans.
These are excellent alternatives for those who are already taking the advantages of being TIM
clients and for new clients who will choose a plan that most attend their requirements.
Financial Highlights
Tele Nordeste Celular’s consolidated net income for the first quarter of 2001 was R$10.1 million
or R$0.03 per 1,000 shares, compared to consolidated net income of R$12.9 million for the
fourth quarter of 2000. This compares to a consolidated net income of R$11.2 million in the first
quarter of 2000.
For the first quarter of 2001, Tele Nordeste Celular reported consolidated EBITDA and EBIT of
R$79.2 million and R$36.9 million, respectively, and an EBITDA margin of 39.2% and an EBIT
margin of 18.3% over the net operating revenues, compared to EBITDA of R$81.9 million and
EBIT of R$39.9 million, representing an EBITDA margin of 37.5% and an EBIT margin of 18.3%
over net operating revenues reported for the fourth quarter of 2000, and EBITDA of R$73.5
million and EBIT of R$47.4 million, representing an EBITDA margin of 34.3% and an EBIT
margin of 22.1% over net operating revenues reported for the first quarter of 2000.
EBITDA (in R$000)
100,0
80,0
60,0
40,0
20,0
0,0
1Q99 2Q99 3Q99 4Q99 1Q00 2Q00 3Q00 4Q00 1Q01
Consolidated net operating revenues in the first quarter of 2001 reached R$202.3 million,
against to R$218.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2000 and R$214.5 million in the first quarter of
2000.
Net consolidated revenues in first quarter of 2001, reduced 7.3% when compared to the fourth
quarter of 2000. This reduction was due to the lowest income traffic volume. During the fourth
quarter of 2000, besides the seasonality common in this period of the year, where the tourism
www.timnordeste.com.br 2

3. increases a lot, there was an additional revenue of roughly R$18 million due to the incoming
traffic not declared in the previous quarters, and recognized only in the fourth quarter of 2000.
Another effected was the month of February, that besides be shorter, in this year the Carnival
was in February. So, the month of February had only 17 business days, provoking a strong
impact in the traffic volume generated during the month.
Another important factor was the reduction of 26.8% in the handsets sales, that reflected the
reduction on the subsidies levels. Considering only the telecom services revenues the reduction
compared to the fourth quarter of 2000 was 6.5%.
For the first quarter of 2000, consolidated net operating revenues decreased 5.7%. This
reduction was mainly due to the lowest volume at the handsets sales, roughly 51.6%. Excluding
the revenue from the handsets sales, the telecom services revenue decreased 2.2%. This
decreased was due to the clients‘ migration from post-paid service to prepaid service, that
generated a decrease in the monthly subscription payments of 18.1%.
Net Operating Expenses (in R$000)
250,0
200,0
150,0
100,0
50,0
0,0
1Q 99 2Q 99 3Q 99 4Q 99 1Q 00 2Q 00 3Q 00 4Q 00 1Q 01
Selected Consolidated Financial Data (in thousands of Reais)
2001 2000
1Q 4Q 1Q
Gross Revenues
- Usage charges 113,530 115,971 131,388
- Monthly subscription payments 42,733 39,942 52,194
- Interconnection 84,993 102,977 61,511
- Sale of handsets and accessories 15,191 20,741 31,375
- Other 1,113 362 2,748
Subtotal 257,560 279,993 279,216
- Taxes (55,300) (61,713) (64,738)
Net Operating Revenue 202,260 218,280 214,478
Cost of services and of goods sold
- Depreciation and amortization (29,973) (29,373) (24,357)
- Personnel (2,481) (1,535) (2,743)
- Materials (137) (122) (125)
- Circuit leasing (8,849) (9,508) (7,989)
- Leases and insurance (2,938) (2,445) (2,222)
- Handsets and accessories (12,545) (15,307) (31,721)
- Fistel (182) (345) (107)
- Plant Support and maintenance (1,761 (5,134) (540)
- Interconnection (27,559) (22,445) (26,130)
- Other (2,114) (1,433) (1,059)
Subtotal (88,539) (87,647) (96,993)
Gross profit 113,721 130,633 117,483
www.timnordeste.com.br 3

4. Consolidated gross profit for the first quarter of 2001 decreased 12.9% compared to the fourth
quarter of 2000. This decrease was due to the effect provoked by the additional revenue from
the incoming traffic accounted in the fourth quarter of 2000. Compared to the first quarter of
2000, the reduction was 3.2%. This reduction was mainly due to the clients’ migration from the
post-paid service to prepaid service, above mentioned.
Gross Profit (in R$000)
140,0
120,0
100,0
80,0
60,0
40,0
20,0
0,0
1Q 99 2Q 99 3Q 99 4Q 99 1Q 00 2Q 00 3Q 00 4Q 00 1Q 01
Selected Financial Data (in thousands of Reais)
2001 2000
1Q 4Q 1Q
Operating Expenses
- Selling 48,110 63,702 52,467
- General and administrative 24,774 24,876 18,247
- Other operating expenses, net 3,897 2,173 (366)
Subtotal 76,781 90,751 70,348
- Net financial expenses (excluding
interest on own capital) 17,114 21,205 20,973
Total, net of interest on own capital 93,895 111,956 91,321
Consolidated net operating expenses decreased 16.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2000
and increased 2.8% compared to the first quarter of 2000. The reduction compared to the fourth
quarter of 2000 was a result of lower commercial expenses, mainly bad debt expenses, and due
to lower financial expenses. The increase compared to the first quarter of 2000, was a result of
bigger general and administrative expenses and the effect of the amortization of the goodwill,
that came from the privatization.
Consolidated bad debt expenses during the first quarter of 2001 reached R$12.3 million,
representing 4.8% of gross revenues and showing a reduction of 47.1% (from R$23.3 million to
R$12.3 million) when compared to the fourth quarter of 2000 and a reduction of 38.8%% when
compared to the first quarter of 2000.
www.timnordeste.com.br 4

5. Net Operating Expenses (in R$000)
150,0
100,0
50,0
0,0
1Q 99 2Q 99 3Q 99 4Q 99 1Q 00 2Q 00 3Q 00 4Q 00 1Q 01
Amortization of Goodwill
On June 30, 2000 Tele Nordeste Celular and its operating companies completed a restructuring
that resulted in the transfer of the premium paid during the privatization process from Bitel
Participações S.A., the parent company of Tele Nordeste Celular, to each one of the operating
companies. This restructuring is aimed at taking advantage of a fiscal benefit estimated at
R$200 million over 8 years, through to 2008, which will be incorporated into their share capital
by the operating companies, with significant financial benefits for them. A proposal for the
merger of the operating companies is awaiting Anatel approval.
During the year 2000, the consolidated amortization of the premium, net of reversal of the
provision for the integrity of shareholder's equity, was R$13.1 million, generating a fiscal benefit
on the order of R$11.0 million.
On March 31, the consolidated amortization of the premium, net of reversal of the provision for
the integrity of shareholder’s equity, was R$6.3 million, generating a fiscal benefit on the order
of R$6.3 million.
Capitalization of the Fiscal Benefit
The Extraordinary General Shareholders Meeting of April 30, 2001 approved the proposal of the
Board of Directors to increase the Tele Nordeste Celular capital in the amount of the fiscal
benefit generated during the year 2000.
The notice to the shareholders about the capital increased was released on May 3, 2001. The
full document is attached.
Capitalization of Retained Profits
The Extraordinary General Shareholders Meeting of April 30, 2001 approved the proposal of the
Board of Directors to increase the Company’s social capital in the amount of R$66.2 million,
which is a part of the retained profits total amount, to attempt the Brazilian laws, about the limit
of the profits reserves in relation of the capital .
www.timnordeste.com.br 5

6. Dividends and Interest on Shareholdes’ Equity
The Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting of April 30, 2001 approved the proposal of the
Board of Directors to payment of interest on shareholders’ equity and complementary dividends.
The proposal approved by the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting distributed annual dividends
equivalent to 25% of the adjusted net income, after deducting 5% (R$1.4 million) for the legal
reserve and adding R$9.9 million from the realizable profit reserve. This represented total
dividends of R$9.2 million, or R$0,03 per 1,000 shares, net of income tax, which will be paid
part as interest on shareholders’ equity as per Brazilian legislation and part as complementary
dividends.
The initial payment date of the above mentioned dividend payment will be June 30. 2001
ARPU
The blended average revenue per user (ARPU), net of taxes, for the first quarter of 2001 was
R$41.83 per month, compared to R$47.07 per month in the fourth quarter of 2000, and R$51.05
per month for the first quarter of 2001. The reduction when compared to the fourth quarter of
2000, was due to the following events occurred on that quarter: disconnection of roughly 58,000
clients and the increase in the incoming traffic. The reduction when compared to the first quarter
of 2000, was due to the increase in the pre-paid clients base. The post-paid ARPU in 2000 was
negatively affected by the blocked lines for credit reasons procedure, which was adopted at the
end of the second quarter of 2000.
In 2001 blocking is carried out on a partial basis, too, and as a result, only incoming traffic
revenues are generated by these clients. In March, the clients base was 47.5% prepaid and
52.5% postpaid.
Competition
The Company estimates that its market share at the end of the first quarter of 2001 was
approximately 65.5% in terms of number of accesses. The penetration rate in the region at the
end of March 2001 was estimated at 9.0%.
Debt Profile
Consolidated debt at March 31, 2001, was R$394.3 million, with R$58.1 million maturing in the
short-term. The debt in foreign currency in the amount of R$148.5 million was totally converted
to Reais and with pre-fixed costs, in line with the Company’s policy of minimizing exposure to
foreign currency risks and interest rate fluctuations.
www.timnordeste.com.br 6

7. Capital Expenditures
During the first quarter of 2001, the company invested R$15.3 million. The investments were
directed to expansion, digitalization and optimization of the network.
On March 31 the Company had 812 radio base stations (RBEs), of which 16 were mobile and
provided service in 307 municipalities that corresponded to coverage of 75% of the population.
Network digitalization was of the order of 74%; that is, 74% of voice channels were digital, with
90% of its clients using digital handsets.
Annexes:
- Announces to the shareholders
- Selected historical statistics
- EBITDA calculus
- Financial statements as of March 31, 2000 and 1999
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are not statements of historical fact only reflect the beliefs and
expectations of the Company’s management. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” forecasts,” predicts,” “plans, ”
“projects,” and similar words are intended to identify these statements, which necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties,
forecast or not by the Company. Accordingly, the actual results of operations of the Company may be different from the Company’s current
expectations, and the reader should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of
the date they are made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments.
www.timnordeste.com.br 7

8. NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS
CAPITAL INCREASE
We inform the Shareholders and the general market that the Extraordinary General
Shareholders Meeting of Tele Nordeste Celular Participações S.A. (“Tele Nordeste Celular” or
the “Company”), on April 30, 2001, approved the increase in the Company’s Capital Stock by
R$10,984,922.49 (ten million, nine-hundred eighty four thousand, nine-hundred twenty-two
Reais and forty-nine cents) to R$ 119,673,193.23 (one-hundred nineteen million, six-hundred
seventy three thousand, one-hundred ninety-three Reais and twenty-three cents), by means of
the capitalization of the tax benefit resulting from amortization of the premium incorporated as a
result of the partial split of Tele Nordeste Celular Participações S.A. (“TNC”), as authorized by
article 7, paragraph 1 of CVM Instructions no. 319/99 and 320/00 and in accordance with clause
8 of the Protocol of Partial Split of TNC.
As provided in the CVM Instructions referred to above and in article 171 of Law 6.404, dated
December 15, 1976, the shares issued in connection with the capitalization are to be delivered
to the controlling shareholder, Bitel Participações S.A., and the remaining shareholders have a
preemptive right to subscribe for such shares. Shareholders who exercise their preemptive right
shall pay directly to Bitel Participações S.A. the corresponding amounts for the exercise of such
preemptive right.
The Shareholders may exercise the preemptive right within 30 (thirty) days beginning on the
date of the publication of this Notice, and the following conditions shall be observed:
1. VALUE OF CAPITAL INCREASE:
R$10,984,922.49 (ten million, nine-hundred eighty four thousand, nine-hundred twenty-two
Reais and forty-nine cents).
2. NUMBER OF SHARES AND TYPE OF SHARES TO BE ISSUED:
3,369,608,000 (three billion, three-hundred sixty-nine million, six-hundred eight thousand)
common shares with no par value, in book-entry form.
3. PRICE OF ISSUANCE AND SUBSCRIPTION:
R$3.26 per 1,000 shares.
4. JUSTIFICATION OF THE ISSUANCE PRICE:
The appraisal of the issuance price for the shares was made based on the average market
value of the shares, in accordance with the quotes of the 10 trading days in the São Paulo Stock
Exchange - BOVESPA counted retroactively as of and including 4/27/2001.
The issuance price will remain fixed during the period of exercise of the preemptive rights.
5. PERIOD FOR EXERCISING THE RIGHT OF PREFERENCE:
Start date: 3/5/2001 End date: 1/6/2001
6. PROPORTION OF RIGHT:
To determine the amount of shares to subscribe, the shareholder shall multiply the number of
shares owned on 4/30/2001 by the following factors:
TYPE OF SHARE OWNED FACTOR PER SHARE TYPE TO BE SUBSCRIBED
Common 0.010076608249 Common
Preferred 0.010076608249 Common
www.timnordeste.com.br 8

9. 7. METHOD OF PAYMENT:
On demand, at the moment of subscription.
8. QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUBSCRIPTION:
8.1- Shareholders who acquired shares before 4/30/2001 will have the right to subscribe.
Shares acquired as of 5/1/2001 will be ex-right of subscription to the acquirer.
8.2- The shareholders who wish to negotiate their subscription rights during the period to
exercise the preemption right shall request the document of assignment of rights, which will be
issued by the Depositary of the book entry shares, Banco Real, or by the Custodian.
8.3- The Custodians may issue only one assignment of nominative right for each subscriber.
8.4- The Custodians may subscribe in their names, as fiduciary owners, up to the amount
corresponding to the shares under custody.
8.5- After the assignment of rights is issued and in the event of a new transfer, a statement on
the back of the assignment document will be required, with a notarized signature.
8.6- Under no circumstances will a copy of the assignment document be accepted.
9. DIVIDENDS:
When the dividends relative to the year of 2001 are paid, the shares resulting from this
subscription will have full right to the dividends.
10. LEFTOVERS:
There will be no leftovers of right of subscription.
11. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Within the period for exercising the preemptive right, the shareholders may go to one of the
branches listed below to request the Share Subscription Bulletin, specifying the number of
shares to be acquired.
12. DOCUMENTATION FOR SUBSCRIPTION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS:
12.1- Individuals: Identification card, taxpayer’s registration (CPF) issued by the Ministry of
Finance and proof of address.
12.2- Legal Entities: Articles of Incorporation or By-laws, as well as minutes evidencing the
election of the company’s representatives, and proof of address.
12.3- In the event of representation by proxy, it will be necessary to present the proxy, in
addition to the documents referred to in the items above concerning the grantor.
13- PLACES OF ATTENDANCE:
Branches of the Bank.
Recife, April 30, 2001.
Paulo Narcélio Simões Amaral
Chief of Financial and
Investor Relations Officer
www.timnordeste.com.br 9

10. Consolidated Statistics
1Q01 4Q00 1Q00
Clients 1,556,619 1,511,000 1,313,252
Net additions 45,619 28,327 125,340
Market share (%) 66 65 69
Market share marginal (%) 77.1 100 40
Growth over same period of the previous year (%) 18.5 27.0 90.4
Estimated population of region (in millions) 26.3 26.3 26.1
Penetration rate (%)
- Tele Nordeste 5.9 5.7 5.0
- Total 9.0 8.7 7.3
Municipalities covered 307 307 289
MOU total 136 166 176
Churn total (%) 5.8 8.2 4.7
Blended ARPU (R$) 41.83 47.07 51.05
SAC - Subscriber acquisition cost (R$) 100.38 79.94 168.63
Digitalization rate (%)
- Network 74 74 56
- Clients 90 87 79
Coverage
- Population 75 75 74
- Geographical area 29 29 28
Workforce 1,648 1,628 1,277
EBITDA (in thousands of Reais)
1Q01 4Q00 1Q00
Net operational revenue 202,260 218,280 214,478
Operational income 19,826 9,269 26,405
Depreciation 35,993 35,597 26,080
Amortization of the goodwill 6,297 6,295 -
Financial income (4,501) (7,099) (4,032)
Financial expenses 21,615 37,712 25,005
EBITDA 79,230 81,774 73,458
% EBITDA 39.17 37.5 34.3
www.timnordeste.com.br 10

11. Balance Sheet
March 31, 2001 and 2000
(in thousands of Reais)
Parent Company Consolidated
03.31.2001 03.31.2000 (*) 03.31.2001 03.31.2000 (*)
Assets
Curent assets
Cash equivalents 178 1,424 69,940 7,624
Trade accounts receivable - - 122,550 169,630
Inventory 28 15 12,636 44,579
Telecommunications companies - - 50,524 36,462
Taxes and contributions receivable 2,171 1,937 37,935 14,759
Deferred income and social contribution taxes 1,080 1,082 43,536 21,677
Dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity 8,662 9,632 - -
Prepaid expenses 66 17 16,265 14,617
Other rights 1,076 1,597 13,813 52,886
13,261 15,704 367,199 362,234
Noncurrent assets
Loan to subsidiaries 15,670 27,232 - -
Tax incentives - - 2,077 1,912
Deferred income and social contribution taxes - - 160,361 -
Amounts in litigation - - 1,083 834
15,670 27,232 163,521 2,746
Permanent assets
Investments 578,622 341,110 - 1
Property, plant and equipment 4,877 4,901 697,250 654,269
Deferred asset - - 3,967 -
583,499 346,011 701,217 654,270
612,430 388,947 1,231,937 1,019,250
(*) Reclassified
www.timnordeste.com.br 11

12. Balance Sheet
March 31, 2001 and 2000
(in thousands of Reais)
Parent Company Consolidated
03.31.2001 03.31.2000 (*) 03.31.2001 03.31.2000 (*)
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Suppliers 862 504 33,032 76,898
Financing and loans - - 58,113 332,370
Debentures 802 594 34,498 45,796
Taxes payable 1,843 1,205 4,893 5,885
Salaries and vacation pay 4,013 10,641 - -
Subsidiaries - - 30,949 9,843
Telecommunications companies 11,594 10,373 18,963 16,625
Dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity 7,371 379 19,827 19,937
Other liabilities
26,485 23,696 200,275 507,354
Noncurrent liabilities
Financing and loans - - 136,147 45,376
Debentures - - 200,000 -
Other liabilities - - 903 93
- - 337,050 45,469
Minority interest - - 108,667 101,176
Shareholders’ equity
Capital stock 108,843 108,943 108,843 108,943
Capital reserves 204,068 - 204,068 -
Profit reserves 170,405 178,922 170,405 178,922
Retained profits 102,629 77,386 102,629 77,386
585,945 365,251 585,945 365,251
612,430 388,947 1,231,937 1,019,250
(*) Reclassified
www.timnordeste.com.br 12

13. Statement of Income
For the quarter end on March 31, 2001 and 2000
(in thousands of Reais)
Parent Company Consolidated
2001 2000 (*) 2001 2000 (*)
Revenues
Telecommunications services and sale of goods - - 257,560 279,216
Deductions
ICMS (tax on distribution of goods and services) - - (42,322) (54,147)
PIS (profit participation program tax) and COFINS (social
security financing contribution) - - (9,156) (10,399)
FUST/FUNTELL (tax on telecommunication services) - - (1,158) -
Discounts - - (2,441) (193)
Returns of goods - - (223) -
Net revenues - - 202,260 214,477
Cost of goods sold and services rendered - - (88,539) (96,993)
Gross profit - - 113,721 117,484
Operating revenues (expenses)
Selling expenses - - (48,110) (52,467)
Administrative and general expenses (4,338) (1,807) (24,774) (18,247)
Financial expenses (89) (57) (21,615) (25,005)
Financial income 84 734 4,501 4,032
Equity in income of subsidiaries 15,389 11,908 - -
Other operating income - - 5,362 818
Other operating expenses (795) (74) (9,259) (210)
Operating income (loss) 10,251 10,704 19,826 26,405
Nonoperating income - 17 157 305
Nonoperating expenses (1) - (141) (198)
Income before reversal of interest on shareholders’ equity
and income and social contribution taxes 10,250 10,721 19,842 26,512
Income and social contribution taxes (189) 439 (4,879) (11,590)
Employee profit sharing - - (487) (241)
Reversal of interest on shareholders’ equity - - - -
Net income (loss) before minority interest 10,061 11,160 14,476 14,681
Minority interest - - (4,415) (3,521)
Net income (loss) 10,061 11,160 10,061 11,160
Net income (loss) per lot of a thousand shares 0.03 0.03
Number of shares at year end (thousands) 334,399,028 334,399,028
(*) Reclassified
www.timnordeste.com.br 13