<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>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1999
<CASH>                                          24,517
<SECURITIES>                                    31,612
<RECEIVABLES>                                   82,325
<ALLOWANCES>                                     6,238
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               138,622
<PP&E>                                         205,004
<DEPRECIATION>                                  19,430
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 368,291
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          148,280
<BONDS>                                        303,990
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             2
<OTHER-SE>                                     (83,981)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   368,291
<SALES>                                        173,257
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               173,257
<CGS>                                          160,810
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  160,810
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              16,907
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (42,682)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     5,576
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (37,106)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (37,106)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0