Exhibit 99.4

Filed by CenturyTel, Inc.
Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933 and
Deemed filed under Rule 14a-12 of the Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Company: CenturyTel, Inc., File #1-7784

|  | FINAL |  | 10.27.08
|  | CenturyTel Employee Letter |  |
|  | Dear CenturyTel Employee: |  |
|  | I am pleased to announce that earlier today CenturyTel and EMBARQ reached an agreement where
|  | CenturyTel will acquire EMBARQ in a tax free, stock-for-stock transaction that will create one of the
|  | leading communications companies in the United States. Together, we will have an operating presence in
|  | 33 states with approximately eight million access lines, two million broadband customers and 250,000
|  | video subscribers. |  |
|  | This transaction combines two communications companies with customer-focused, industry-leading
|  | capabilities. Bringing CenturyTel and EMBARQ together diversifies our revenues and provides us with
|  | expanded networks, talent and financial resources. In this currently difficult economic environment, we
|  | are truly excited to have this opportunity to create a stronger, more diverse company with the ability to
|  | deliver an expanded range of products and services to our customers. |  |
|  | We know EMBARQ well, and we have worked alongside them to address matters of importance to our
|  | industry. Its complete suite of communications services includes reliable voice, high-speed Internet,
|  | wireless and satellite television services. We also share with EMBARQ and its dedicated employees a
|  | strong commitment to serving our customers and communities. |  |
|  | The key to the success of our business has been – and will continue to be – you, our valued employees. I
|  | believe this transaction enhances the long-term stability of the combined company and will result in
|  | enhanced opportunities for many employees from both CenturyTel and EMBARQ. I look forward to
|  | working with you and, following the closing, our new colleagues from EMBARQ as we continue to
|  | deliver industry leading results. |  |
|  | We anticipate closing this transaction in mid-year 2009, subject to receipt of the necessary approvals from
|  | both companies’ shareholders and regulators. In the interim, I am sure you will have many questions and
|  | we are committed to making every effort to keep you up-to-date on important developments. Attached is
|  | a copy of the press release we issued this morning that will provide further details about the transaction.
|  | Many of the key decisions about how we will integrate CenturyTel and EMBARQ have not yet been
|  | made, but we expect a smooth transition. I can tell you that our corporate headquarters will remain in
|  | Monroe and I will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer. Stewart Ewing will continue to serve as
|  | Chief Financial Officer and Karen Puckett will continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer. |  |
|  | This transaction will likely create some interest by the media and other third parties. As always, it is
|  | important for us to speak with one voice. If you receive any inquiries from the media or other questions
|  | from outside CenturyTel, please forward them to Tony Davis at 318-388-9525. |  |

|  | I hope you share my enthusiasm about this exciting transaction. I want to thank all of you for your
|  | continued diligence, support and focus on providing our customers with the world class service that they
|  | have come to expect. |  |