-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----
Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR
Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov
Originator-Key-Asymmetric:
 MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen
 TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB
MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA,
 CdQ+LPlv8olnsGqVFgaZlF61U7RO2Q75pal7WPx8Pv+wWueE4PnzXRjab0IULk/k
 fTXiuWZyPNjzyP/Ay98PjQ==

<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000018926-03-000057.txt : 20030828
<SEC-HEADER>0000018926-03-000057.hdr.sgml : 20030828
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20030828180226
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000018926-03-000057
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	3
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20030826
FILED AS OF DATE:		20030828

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			GOFF STACEY W
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001260767

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		3
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-07784
		FILM NUMBER:		03872088

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		100 CENTRUY TEL DRIVE
		CITY:			MONROE
		STATE:			LA
		ZIP:			71203
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3183889539

ISSUER:		

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			CENTURYTEL INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000018926
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS (NO RADIO TELEPHONE) [4813]
		IRS NUMBER:				720651161
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			LA
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		P O BOX 4065
		STREET 2:		100 CENTURYTEL DR
		CITY:			MONROE
		STATE:			LA
		ZIP:			71203
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3183889000

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		100 CENTURYTEL DR
		STREET 2:		P O BOX 4065
		CITY:			MONROE
		STATE:			LA
		ZIP:			71203

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES INC
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19920703

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	CENTRAL TELEPHONE & ELECTRONICS CORP
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19720512
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>3
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>gof250.xml
<TEXT>
<XML>
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>
    <schemaVersion>X0201</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>3</documentType>
	<periodOfReport>2003-08-26</periodOfReport>
    <noSecuritiesOwned>0</noSecuritiesOwned>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0000018926</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>CENTURYTEL INC</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>CTL</issuerTradingSymbol>
	</issuer>
	<reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001260767</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>GOFF STACEY W</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>100 CENTURYTEL DRIVE</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>MONROE</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>LA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>71203</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
            <reportingOwnerRelationship>
			<isDirector>0</isDirector>
			<isOfficer>1</isOfficer>
			<isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
			<isOther>0</isOther>
			<officerTitle>Sr. VP, Gen. Counsel</officerTitle>
		</reportingOwnerRelationship>
	</reportingOwner>
	<nonDerivativeTable>
		<nonDerivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Common Stock</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>554.09</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>I</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value>By 401(k)</value>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</nonDerivativeHolding>
		<nonDerivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Common Stock</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>485.47</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>I</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value>By ESOP</value>
					<footnoteId id="F1"/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</nonDerivativeHolding>
		<nonDerivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Common Stock</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<postTransactionAmounts>
				<sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
					<value>347.5</value>
				</sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
			</postTransactionAmounts>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>I</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value>By Stock Bonus Plan</value>
					<footnoteId id="F2"/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</nonDerivativeHolding>
	</nonDerivativeTable>
	<derivativeTable>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Employee Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>23.03</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<value>1999-01-29</value>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2008-01-29</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>3825.00</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Employee Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>34.63</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<value>2001-02-21</value>
				<footnoteId id="F3"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2010-02-21</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>9400.00</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Employee Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>26.18</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<value>2002-03-21</value>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2011-03-21</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>5000.00</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Employee Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>28.03</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<value>2002-05-21</value>
				<footnoteId id="F4"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2011-05-21</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>8000.00</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Employee Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>32.99</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<value>2003-02-25</value>
				<footnoteId id="F5"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2012-02-25</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>18000.00</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Employee Stock Option (right to buy)</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>26.95</value>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<value>2004-03-14</value>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<value>2013-03-14</value>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>29000.00</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
		<derivativeHolding>
			<securityTitle>
				<value>Phantom Stock Units</value>
			</securityTitle>
			<conversionOrExercisePrice>
				<value>0.00</value>
				<footnoteId id="F7"/>
			</conversionOrExercisePrice>
			<exerciseDate>
				<footnoteId id="F6"/>
			</exerciseDate>
			<expirationDate>
				<footnoteId id="F6"/>
			</expirationDate>
			<underlyingSecurity>
				<underlyingSecurityTitle>
					<value>Common Stock</value>
				</underlyingSecurityTitle>
				<underlyingSecurityShares>
					<value>9.80</value>
				</underlyingSecurityShares>
			</underlyingSecurity>
			<ownershipNature>
				<directOrIndirectOwnership>
					<value>D</value>
				</directOrIndirectOwnership>
				<natureOfOwnership>
					<value/>
				</natureOfOwnership>
			</ownershipNature>
		</derivativeHolding>
	</derivativeTable>
	<footnotes>
		<footnote id="F1">As of December 31, 2002, the most recent statement available.</footnote>
		<footnote id="F2">As of December 31, 2002, the most recent statement available.</footnote>
		<footnote id="F3">One-third of the Stock Options are exercisable 2/21/2001, one-third are exercisable on 2/21/2002, and one-third are exercisable on 2/21/2003.</footnote>
		<footnote id="F4">One-third of the Stock Options are exercisable 5/21/02, one-third are exercisable 5/21/03, and one-third are exercisable 5/21/04.</footnote>
		<footnote id="F5">One-third of the Stock Options are exercisable 2/25/03, one-third are exercisable 2/25/04, and one-third are exercisable 2/25/05.</footnote>
		<footnote id="F6">The reported phantom stock units were acquired under CTE's excess benefit plan and will be settled upon the reporting person's termination of service.</footnote>
		<footnote id="F7">Security converts on a 1-to-1 basis.</footnote>
	</footnotes>
	<remarks>
	</remarks>
	<ownerSignature>
		<signatureName>By: Kay C. Buchart, Attorney-In-Fact</signatureName>
		<signatureDate>2003-08-28</signatureDate>
	</ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>

</XML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-24
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>goffpoa.txt
<TEXT>
Power of Attorney


Know all by these presents, that the undersigned (the ""Reporting Person"")
hereby constitutes and appoints Kay Buchart as the Reporting Person's true
and lawful attorney-in-fact to:

	(1) execute for and on behalf of the Reporting Person, in the
Reporting Person's capacity as an officer or trustee of CenturyTel, Inc. (the
""Company""), Forms 3, 4, and 5 in accordance with Section 16(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules thereunder;

	(2) do and perform and all acts for and on behalf of the Reporting
Person which may be necessary or desirable to complete and execute any
such Form 3, 4 or 5 and timely file such form with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission and any stock exchange or similar
authority; and

	(3) take any other action of any type whatsoever in connection with
the foregoing which, in the opinion of such attorney-in-fact, may be of
benefit to, and in the best interest of, or legally required by, the Reporting
Person.

The Reporting Person hereby grants to each such attorney-in-fact full
power and authority to do and perform any and every act and thing
whatsoever requisite, necessary, or proper to be done in the exercise of any
of the rights and powers herein granted, as fully to all intents and purposes
as the Reporting Person might or could do if personally present, with full
power of Substitution or revocation, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that such attorney-in-fact, or such attorney-in-facts substitute or
substitutes, shall lawfully do or cause to be done by the virtue of this power
of attorney and the rights and powers herein granted.  The Reporting Person
acknowledges that the foregoing attorneys-in-fact, in serving in such
capacity at the request of the Reporting Person, are not assuming, nor is the
company assuming, any of the Reporting Persons responsibilities to comply
with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

This Power of attorney shall remain in full force and effect until the
Reporting Person is no longer required to file Forms 3, 4 and 5 with respect
to the Reporting Person's holdings of and transactions in securities issued
by the Company, unless earlier revoked by the Reporting Person in a signed
writing delivered to the foregoing attorney-in-fact.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Reporting Person has caused this Power of
Attorney to be executed as of this 26st of August, 2003.




	STACEY W. GOFF


</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----
