<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                    9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1998
<CASH>                                          80,433
<SECURITIES>                                    85,994
<RECEIVABLES>                                   41,641
<ALLOWANCES>                                    (1,952)
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               215,979
<PP&E>                                          91,601
<DEPRECIATION>                                  (7,263)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 375,701
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           92,442
<BONDS>                                        305,429
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             2
<OTHER-SE>                                     (22,168)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   375,701
<SALES>                                        117,146
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               117,146
<CGS>                                          114,473
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  114,473
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                32,854
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0 
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              14,539
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (38,990)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     6,475
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (32,515)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (32,515)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0