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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                                    to
Commission file number 001-14157
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
36-2669023
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(IRS Employer Identification No.)

30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 4000, Chicago, Illinois 60602
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (312) 630-1900
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, $.01 par valueTDSNew York Stock Exchange
6.625% Senior Notes due 2045TDINew York Stock Exchange
6.875% Senior Notes due 2059TDENew York Stock Exchange
7.000% Senior Notes due 2060TDJNew York Stock Exchange
5.875% Senior Notes due 2061TDANew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes
No

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of September 30, 2020, is 107,051,300 Common Shares, $.01 par value, and 7,273,800 Series A Common Shares, $.01 par value.



Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
For the Period Ended September 30, 2020
IndexPage No.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  


Table of Contents

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Executive Overview
The following discussion and analysis compares Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.’s (TDS) financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. It should be read in conjunction with TDS’ interim consolidated financial statements and notes included herein, and with the description of TDS’ business, its audited consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) included in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2019. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers. 
This report contains statements that are not based on historical facts, including the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects” and similar expressions. These statements constitute and represent “forward looking statements” as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. See Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement for additional information.
TDS uses certain “non-GAAP financial measures” and each such measure is identified in the MD&A. A discussion of the reason TDS determines these metrics to be useful and reconciliations of these measures to their most directly comparable measures determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) are included in the Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures section within the MD&A of this Form 10-Q Report.
General
TDS is a diversified telecommunications company that provides high-quality communications services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide. TDS provides wireless services through its 82%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular). TDS also provides wireline and cable services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom). TDS' segments operate entirely in the United States. See Note 12 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about TDS' segments.
The impact of the global spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) on TDS' future operations is uncertain. There are many factors, including the severity and duration of the outbreak, as well as other direct and indirect impacts, that are expected to impact TDS.
See the following areas within this MD&A for additional discussion of the impacts of COVID-19:
Results of Operations — Income tax expense
Business Overview — UScellular
Operational Overview — UScellular
Business Overview — TDS Telecom
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Risk Factors

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TDS Mission and Strategy
TDS’ mission is to provide outstanding communications services to its customers and meet the needs of its shareholders, its people, and its communities. In pursuing this mission, TDS seeks to grow its businesses, create opportunities for its associates and employees, support the communities it serves, and build value over the long-term for its shareholders. Across all of its businesses, TDS is focused on providing exceptional customer experiences through best-in-class services and products and superior customer service.
TDS’ long-term strategy calls for the majority of its operating capital to be reinvested in its businesses to strengthen their competitive positions and financial performance, while also returning value to TDS shareholders primarily through the payment of a regular quarterly cash dividend. 
TDS plans to build shareholder value by continuing to execute on its strategies to build strong, competitive businesses providing high-quality, data-focused services and products. Strategic efforts include:
UScellular offers economical and competitively priced service plans and devices to its customers and is focused on increasing revenues from sales of related products such as accessories and device protection plans and from new services such as home internet. In addition, UScellular is focused on expanding its solutions available to business and government customers. 
UScellular continues to devote efforts to enhance its network capabilities. UScellular will complete its deployment of VoLTE technology in the fourth quarter of 2020. VoLTE technology allows customers to utilize a 4G LTE network for both voice and data services and offers enhanced services such as high definition voice and simultaneous voice and data sessions. 
UScellular has launched commercial 5G services in portions of Iowa, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin and will continue to launch in additional areas throughout 2020 and beyond. 5G technology is expected to help address customers' growing demand for data services as well as create opportunities for new services requiring high speed, reliability and low latency. In addition to the deployment of 5G technology, UScellular is also modernizing its 4G LTE network to further enhance 4G LTE speeds.
UScellular assesses its existing wireless interests on an ongoing basis with a goal of improving the competitiveness of its operations and maximizing its long-term return on capital. As part of this strategy, UScellular actively seeks attractive opportunities to acquire wireless spectrum, including pursuant to FCC auctions such as Auctions 103, 105 and 107.
TDS Telecom’s Wireline business continues to focus on driving growth in its broadband and video services by investing in fiber deployment in new out-of-territory markets and in existing markets. Construction concurrent with sales launches is underway in out-of-territory market clusters in Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. With support from the FCC's A-CAM program and state broadband grants, Wireline is also deploying higher speed broadband to unserved and under-served service addresses in rural areas within its current markets.
TDS Telecom’s Cable business continues to increase its broadband penetration by making network capacity investments, including upgrading to DOCSIS 3.1, and by offering more advanced services in its markets.
TDS Telecom's Wireline and Cable businesses continue to invest in and roll out a next generation video platform called TDS TV+ to enhance video services.
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Terms Used by TDS
The following is a list of definitions of certain industry terms that are used throughout this document:
4G LTE – fourth generation Long-Term Evolution, which is a wireless technology that enables more network capacity for more data per user as well as faster access to data compared to third generation (3G) technology.
5G – fifth generation wireless technology that is expected to help address customers’ growing demand for data services as well as create opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency.
Account – represents an individual or business financially responsible for one or multiple associated connections. An account may include a variety of types of connections such as handsets and connected devices.
Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) – a USF support mechanism for rate-of-return carriers, which provides revenue support through 2028. This support comes with an obligation to build defined broadband speeds to a certain number of locations.
Auctions 103, 105 and 107 – Auction 103 is an FCC auction of 37, 39, and 47 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in December 2019 and concluded in March 2020. Auction 105 is an FCC auction of 3.5 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in July 2020 and concluded in September 2020. Auction 107 is an FCC auction of 3.7-3.98 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that is scheduled to begin in December 2020.
Broadband Connections – refers to the number of Wireline customers provided high-capacity data circuits via various technologies, including DSL and dedicated internet circuit technologies or the Cable billable number of lines into a building for high-speed data services.
Churn Rate – represents the percentage of the connections that disconnect service each month. These rates represent the average monthly churn rate for each respective period.
Connected Devices – non-handset devices that connect directly to the UScellular network. Connected devices include products such as tablets, wearables, modems, and hotspots.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – economic relief package signed into law on March 27, 2020 to address the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19, including a variety of tax provisions.
DOCSIS – Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification is an international telecommunications standard that permits the addition of high-bandwidth data transfer to an existing cable TV (CATV) system. DOCSIS 3.1 is a system specification that increases data transmission rates.
EBITDA – refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted EBITDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.
FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge – voluntary FCC initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of the exceptional circumstance.
Fiber Out-of-Territory Builds – represents construction of facilities-based market expansions outside of TDS' incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) and competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) footprint.
Free Cash Flow – non-GAAP metric defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.
Gross Additions – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, without regard to connections that were terminated during that period.
IPTV – internet protocol television.
ManagedIP Connections – refers to the number of telephone handsets, data lines and IP trunks providing communications using IP networking technology.
Net Additions (Losses) – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, net of connections that were terminated during that period.
OIBDA – refers to operating income before depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted OIBDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.
Postpaid Average Revenue per Account (Postpaid ARPA) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid accounts and by the number of months in the period.
Postpaid Average Revenue per User (Postpaid ARPU) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid connections and by the number of months in the period.
Retail Connections – the sum of UScellular postpaid connections and UScellular prepaid connections.
Universal Service Fund (USF) – a system of telecommunications collected fees and support payments managed by the FCC intended to promote universal access to telecommunications services in the United States.
UScellular Connections – individual lines of service associated with each device activated by a customer. Connections include all types of devices that connect directly to the UScellular network.
Video Connections – represents the number of Wireline customers provided video services. For Cable, generally, a home or business receiving video programming counts as one video connection. In counting bulk residential or commercial connections, such as an apartment building or a hotel, connections are counted based on the number of units/rooms within the building receiving service.
Voice Connections – refers to the individual circuits connecting a customer to Wireline’s central office facilities that provide voice services or the Cable billable number of lines into a building for voice services.
VoLTE – Voice over Long-Term Evolution is a technology specification that defines the standards and procedures for delivering voice communications and related services over 4G LTE networks.
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Wireline Residential Revenue per Connection – metric which is calculated by dividing total Wireline residential revenue by the average number of Wireline residential connections and by the number of months in the period.
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Results of Operations — TDS Consolidated
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 202020192020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019
(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues
UScellular$1,027 $1,031 $2,964 $2,970 
TDS Telecom247 231 %728 695 %
All other1
50 59 (16)%157 175 (10)%
Total operating revenues1,324 1,321 3,849 3,840 
Operating expenses
UScellular962 1,011 (5)%2,796 2,855 (2)%
TDS Telecom219 212 %641 609 %
All other1
56 69 (20)%174 205 (14)%
Total operating expenses1,237 1,292 (4)%3,611 3,669 (2)%
Operating income (loss)   
UScellular65 20 N/M168 115 46 %
TDS Telecom28 20 44 %87 86 %
All other1
(6)(11)45 %(17)(30)39 %
Total operating income87 29 N/M238 171 39 %
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities48 44 10 %138 129 %
Interest and dividend income4 (49)%12 24 (52)%
Gain (loss) on investments3 — N/M3 — N/M
Interest expense(43)(42)(1)%(119)(128)%
Other, net — (60)%(1)— (58)%
Total investment and other income12 38 %33 25 35 %
Income before income taxes99 38 N/M271 196 38 %
Income tax expense6 15 (61)%17 64 (73)%
Net income93 23 N/M254 132 92 %
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax15 N/M42 22 87 %
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders$78 $18 N/M$212 $110 93 %
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2
$310 $274 13 %$938 $872 %
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2
$362 $325 11 %$1,087 $1,025 %
Capital expenditures3
$310 $253 23 %$849 $664 28 %
N/M - Percentage change not meaningful
1Consists of corporate and other operations and intercompany eliminations.
2Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
3Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.
Refer to individual segment discussions in this MD&A for additional details on operating revenues and expenses at the segment level.
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Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities represents TDS’ share of net income from entities in which it has a noncontrolling interest and that are accounted for using the equity method. TDS’ investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (LA Partnership) contributed pretax income of $20 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and $63 million and $60 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. See Note 8 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Income tax expense
The effective tax rate on Income before income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was 5.8% and 39.1%, respectively. The effective tax rate on Income before income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was 6.5% and 32.8%, respectively. The lower effective tax rate in 2020 as compared to 2019 is due primarily to the income tax benefits of the CARES Act enacted on March 27, 2020.
The CARES Act provides retroactive eligibility of bonus depreciation on qualified improvement property put into service after December 31, 2017 and a 5-year carryback of net operating losses generated in years 2018-2020. As the statutory federal tax rate applicable to certain years within the carryback period is 35%, carryback to those years provides a tax benefit in excess of the current federal statutory rate of 21%, resulting in a reduction of income tax expense. TDS projects that the income tax effects of the CARES Act will result in a reduction of income tax expense recognized throughout the 2020 tax year as part of the estimated annual effective tax rate, and a cash refund in 2021 of taxes paid in prior years.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)  
UScellular noncontrolling public shareholders’$15 $$39 $20 
Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’ 3 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax$15 $$42 $22 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax includes the noncontrolling public shareholders’ share of UScellular’s net income, the noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’ share of certain UScellular subsidiaries’ net income and other TDS noncontrolling interests.
Earnings
(Dollars in millions)




Three and Nine Months Ended
Net income increased due primarily to lower operating expenses and the impact of the CARES Act reducing income tax expense. Adjusted EBITDA increased due primarily to lower operating expenses.



*Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
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UScellular OPERATIONS
Business Overview
UScellular owns, operates, and invests in wireless markets throughout the United States. UScellular is an 82%-owned subsidiary of TDS. UScellular’s strategy is to attract and retain wireless customers through a value proposition comprised of a high-quality network, outstanding customer service, and competitive devices, plans, and pricing, all provided with a community focus. 
COVID-19 considerations
COVID-19 impacts on UScellular's business for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 include a reduction in certain components of service revenues and equipment sales, a reduction in sales promotion costs and a reduction in handset subscriber gross additions and defections. The impacts of COVID-19 on this and future periods are expected to negatively affect UScellular’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position. The extent and duration of these impacts are uncertain due to many factors and could be material. Certain impacts on and actions by UScellular related to COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, the following:
Taking action to keep associates safe, including implementing a work-from-home strategy for employees whose jobs can be performed remotely. In addition, to keep associates, customers, and communities safe, UScellular temporarily closes retail stores for enhanced cleanings, continues to operate with reduced store hours, and provides associates with personal protective equipment to be worn during customer interactions. UScellular has also implemented a daily health check process for associates and requires social distancing and mask wearing in all company facilities, including stores. Throughout this period of change, UScellular has continued serving its customers and ensuring its wireless network remains fully operational.
Participation in the FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge, through June 30, 2020, to not turn-off service or charge late fees due to a customer’s inability to pay their bill due to circumstances related to COVID-19. This resulted in a reduction in non-pay defections, as well as reduced service revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. During the third quarter of 2020, certain accounts that were part of the Pledge were terminated due to non-payment. Many of the remaining accounts that were on the Pledge are on payment arrangements of varying durations, and UScellular expects additional terminations due to non-payment in future periods.
Waiving overage charges and certain other charges. This resulted in reduced service revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Supporting the communities in which UScellular operates. Through UScellular’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs, UScellular has contributed to the Boys & Girls Clubs’ COVID-19 Relief Fund to support children, families and communities. These funds are dispersed directly to more than 50 clubs in UScellular’s service regions to support the most immediate needs of youth in areas of importance such as providing food for children who rely on their Boys & Girls Clubs for their dinner, care for children of essential workers and first responders, and digital learning resources. In addition to monetary donations, in-person volunteerism has been replaced by virtual volunteerism, with associates participating in events such as reading for the visually impaired and mentoring for students.
Recognizing income tax benefits associated with the enactment of the CARES Act. This legislation resulted in a reduction to income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and is projected to result in a reduction of income tax expense recognized for the remainder of 2020 as part of the estimated annual effective tax rate, and a cash refund in 2021 of taxes paid in prior years.
Monitoring its supply chain to assess impacts to availability and costs of device inventory and network equipment and services, including monitoring the dependency on third parties to continue network related projects. At this time, UScellular expects to be able to meet customer demand for devices and services and to be able to continue its 4G LTE network modernization and 5G deployment with no significant disruptions.
Tracking increased customer usage. At this time, UScellular believes its network capacity is sufficient to accommodate expected increased usage.
Monitoring roaming behaviors. Both inbound and outbound roaming traffic have been dampened by COVID-19 as wireless customers are reducing travel. The extent to which roaming traffic will be impacted by the pandemic in the future will depend upon governmental mandates and customer behavior in response to the outbreak.
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OPERATIONS


Serves customers with 5.0 million connections including 4.4 million postpaid, 0.5 million prepaid and 0.1 million reseller and other connections
Operates in 21 states
Employs approximately 5,300 associates
4,246 owned towers
6,758 cell sites in service
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Operational Overview
As of September 30,20202019
Retail Connections – End of Period
 Postpaid4,401,000 4,395,000
 Prepaid506,000 510,000
 Total4,907,000 4,905,000
  
Q3 2020Q3 2019Q3 2020 vs. Q3 2019YTD 2020YTD 2019YTD 2020 vs. YTD 2019
Postpaid Activity and Churn
Gross Additions
Handsets102,000 124,000 (18)%277,000 328,000 (16)%
Connected Devices66,000 39,000 69 %152,000 108,000 41 %
Total Gross Additions168,000 163,000 %429,000 436,000 (2)%
Net Additions (Losses)
Handsets (2,000)N/M(17,000)(26,000)35 %
Connected Devices28,000 (17,000)N/M32,000 (51,000)N/M
Total Net Additions (Losses)28,000 (19,000)N/M15,000 (77,000)N/M
Churn
Handsets0.88 %1.09 %0.85 %1.02 %
Connected Devices2.35 %3.44 %2.56 %3.17 %
Total Churn1.06 %1.38 %1.05 %1.29 %
N/M - Percentage change not meaningful
Total postpaid handset net additions increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, when compared to the same period last year. Handset defections decreased as a result of lower consumer switching activity related to COVID-19, as well as a reduction in non-pay defections. Partially offsetting the decrease in defections were lower gross additions resulting from lower consumer switching activity.
Total postpaid connected device net additions increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, when compared to the same period last year. The increase is due to (i) an increase in gross additions due to increased demand for internet related products given a need for remote connectivity related to COVID-19 and (ii) a decrease in tablet defections.
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Postpaid Revenue
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 202020192020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)$47.10 $46.16  %$46.84 $45.82  %
Average Revenue Per Account (ARPA)$123.27 $119.87  %$122.28 $119.39  %

Postpaid ARPU and Postpaid ARPA increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, when compared to the same period last year, due primarily to (i) an increase in device protection plan revenues, (ii) an increase in regulatory recovery revenues, and (iii) having proportionately fewer tablet connections, which on a per-unit basis contribute less revenue than other connected devices and smartphones. In addition, an increase in average connections per account for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, when compared to the same periods last year, contributed to the increase in Postpaid ARPA. These increases were partially offset by the impact of waiving overage charges and late payment and related fees, measures UScellular took to assist customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Financial Overview - UScellular
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
202020192020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019
(Dollars in millions)   
Retail service$674 $663 %$2,004 $1,984 %
Inbound roaming42 54 (23)%119 132 (10)%
Other59 57 %167 156 %
Service revenues775 774 2,290 2,272 %
Equipment sales252 257 (2)%674 698 (3)%
Total operating revenues1,027 1,031 2,964 2,970 
System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)203 199 %580 568 %
Cost of equipment sold257 266 (4)%692 724 (4)%
Selling, general and administrative335 358 (6)%994 1,027 (3)%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 181 (11)%516 524 (2)%
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6 15 %14 13 10 %
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net — N/M (1)N/M
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net N/M — N/M
Total operating expenses962 1,011 (5)%2,796 2,855 (2)%
Operating income$65 $20 N/M$168 $115 46 %
Net income$85 $24 N/M$227 $115 98 %
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1
$232 $208 12 %$698 $651 %
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1
$282 $256 10 %$841 $793 %
Capital expenditures2
$216 $170 27 %$621 $467 33 %
N/M - Percentage change not meaningful
1Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
2Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.
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Operating Revenues
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(Dollars in millions)
Operating Revenues
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
(Dollars in millions)
Service revenues consist of:
Retail Service - Charges for voice, data and value-added services and recovery of regulatory costs
Inbound Roaming - Charges to other wireless carriers whose customers use UScellular’s wireless systems when roaming
Other Service - Amounts received from the Federal USF, tower rental revenues, and miscellaneous other service revenues
Equipment revenues consist of:
Sales of wireless devices and related accessories to new and existing customers, agents, and third-party distributors
Key components of changes in the statement of operations line items were as follows:
Total operating revenues
Retail service revenues increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily as a result of an increase in Postpaid ARPU as previously discussed in the Operational Overview section, partially offset by a decline in the average number of postpaid subscribers.
Inbound roaming revenues decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2020, primarily driven by lower data revenues resulting from lower rates. Inbound roaming revenues decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily driven by lower data revenues, with lower rates partially offset by higher usage. UScellular expects inbound roaming revenues to continue to decline as a result of a decrease in rates, and the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile.
Other service revenues increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, resulting from increases in tower rental revenues and miscellaneous other service revenues.
Equipment sales revenues decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to a decrease in new smartphone and accessory sales, partially offset by an increase in used smartphone sales.
System operations expenses
System operations expenses increased for the three months ended September 30, 2020, due to an increase in roaming expense as a result of higher data roaming usage, partially offset by lower data rates, and an increase in cell site rent expense. System operations expenses increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 due to increased cell site rent expense, non-capitalizable costs to add network capacity and costs to decommission network assets, partially offset by a decrease in roaming expense as a result of lower data rates, partially offset by higher data usage.
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Cost of equipment sold
Cost of equipment sold decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to a decrease in new smartphone and accessory sales, partially offset by an increase in used smartphone sales.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, driven primarily by a decrease in bad debts expense.
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2020, due to certain billing system assets reaching their end of life and lower accelerated depreciation of certain assets due to changes in network technology. Depreciation, amortization, and accretion decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, due to certain billing system assets reaching their end of life, partially offset by accelerated depreciation of certain assets due to changes in network technology.
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TDS TELECOM OPERATIONS
Business Overview
TDS Telecom provides a wide range of communications services to residential and commercial customers. TDS Telecom operates in two segments: Wireline, which includes fiber deployments into new markets, and Cable.
On December 31, 2019, TDS acquired substantially all of the assets of MI Connection Communications System, dba Continuum. Continuum is a cable company that passes approximately 40,000 service addresses in North Carolina and offers complementary broadband, video and voice services.
COVID-19 considerations
The future impacts of COVID-19 are uncertain due to many factors and could be material to TDS Telecom's results of operations, cash flows and financial position. Certain impacts on and actions by TDS Telecom related to COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, the following:
Taking action to keep employees safe, including implementing a work-from-home policy for employees whose jobs can be performed remotely. In addition, to keep employees, customers, and communities safe, TDS Telecom closed certain retail stores and temporarily ceased door-to-door selling. Retail stores that remain open have implemented social distancing and enhanced cleaning measures. In addition, TDS Telecom has expanded safety protocols for front line workers, such as field service technicians and direct salesforce employees as they returned to door-to-door selling in the second quarter. Throughout this period of change, TDS Telecom has continued serving its customers and ensuring its network remains fully operational.
Participation in the FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge, through June 30, 2020, to not turn-off service or charge late fees due to a customer's inability to pay their bill due to circumstances related to COVID-19. TDS Telecom is complying with certain states that have extended no-disconnect orders past the expiration of the FCC Pledge. These actions have not had a significant year-to-date financial impact.
Supporting the communities in which TDS Telecom operates. TDS Telecom has donated to food pantries that serve its regional areas. Food banks across the country are seeing huge increases in demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. TDS Telecom is also helping other organizations that are serving the needs of the communities in which it operates.
Offering 60 days of free broadband service to new customers who are low-income and/or families with children or college age students through April 2020, with free services ending in June 2020. A total of 2,700 customers signed up for the free service during the promotion and the majority have remained customers.
Recognizing income tax benefits associated with the enactment of the CARES Act. This legislation resulted in a reduction to income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and is projected to result in a reduction of income tax expense recognized for the remainder of 2020 as part of the estimated annual effective tax rate, and a cash refund of taxes paid in prior years.
Tracking increased customer demand for broadband services. The demand may fluctuate depending on the severity and duration of the pandemic. At this time, TDS Telecom's network capacity has been sufficient for increased usage.
Door-to-door sales activities in out-of-territory markets were initially impacted by the pandemic leading to a broadened approach that uses increasing online sales and marketing activities. A significant reduction in pre-sales activity could result in a slowing of construction activity.
Monitoring its supply chain to assess impacts to availability of network equipment. At this time, TDS Telecom expects to be able to meet customer demand for on-premise equipment, and to maintain its expected investment levels in fiber and other broadband deployments.
Monitoring the dependency on third parties to continue work on out-of-territory market construction. Various state municipal and vendor restrictions related to COVID-19 could cause delays in municipal permitting, pole access, and other contractor work that could slow down construction plans.
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OPERATIONS


Serves 1.2 million connections in 32 states.
Employs approximately 2,900 employees.
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Financial Overview — TDS Telecom
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 202020192020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019
(Dollars in millions)    
Operating revenues      
Wireline$173 $169 %$512 $512 
Cable74 62 19 %216 184 18 %
TDS Telecom operating revenues1
247 231 %728 695 %
Operating expenses
Wireline150 153 (2)%439 435 %
Cable69 59 17 %202 175 15 %
TDS Telecom operating expenses1
219 212 %641 609 %
TDS Telecom operating income$28 $20 44 %$87 $86 %
Net income$25 $18 37 %$81 $74 %
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2
$78 $69 12 %$240 $228 %
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2
$78 $73 %$243 $238 %
Capital expenditures3
$92 $81 14 %$221 $193 14 %
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
1Includes eliminations between the Wireline and Cable segments.
2Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
3Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.
Operating Revenues
(Dollars in millions)




Total operating revenues
Operating revenues increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to the acquisition of Continuum, Wireline and Cable broadband growth and Wireline video growth which were partially offset by declines in Wireline residential voice and CLEC commercial revenues.



Total operating expenses
Operating expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to expenses related to the addition of Continuum, higher employee expenses and increased plant maintenance and building expenses, as well as a gain on the sale of assets in the first quarter of 2019.
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WIRELINE OPERATIONS
Business Overview
TDS Telecom’s Wireline business provides broadband, video and voice services. These services are provided to residential, commercial, and wholesale customers in a mix of rural, small town and suburban markets, with the largest concentration of its customers in the Upper Midwest and the Southeast. TDS Telecom’s residential strategy is to focus on broadband bundled with video and voice services. In its commercial business, TDS Telecom’s focus is on small- to medium-sized businesses and its sales efforts emphasize providing broadband with voice and video collaboration services.
Operational Overview
Residential Connections
As of September 30,

Total residential connections grew 3% as broadband and video connections grew 8% and 9%, respectively, partially offset by a 2% decline in voice connections.
Residential Broadband Connections by Speeds1
As of September 30,

Residential broadband customers are increasingly choosing higher speeds in Wireline markets with 73% choosing speeds of 10 Mbps or greater and 38% choosing speeds of 100 Mbps or greater.
1    Includes ILEC and out-of-territory
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Residential Revenue per Connection




Residential revenue per connection increased 5% and 4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, due to video and broadband connection growth as well as an increase in broadband speeds and price increases.
Commercial Connections
As of September 30,
Total commercial connections decreased by 8% due primarily to declines in connections in CLEC markets.
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Financial Overview — Wireline
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
202020192020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019
(Dollars in millions)      
Residential$90 $83 %$260 $245 %
Commercial38 41 (8)%115 127 (9)%
Wholesale45 45 %136 139 (2)%
Service revenues173 169 %511 512 
Equipment and product sales — %1 (30)%
Total operating revenues173 169 %512 512 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)69 68 %197 195 %
Cost of equipment and products — (25)%1 (30)%
Selling, general and administrative51 52 (3)%148 148 (1)%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion30 33 (8)%94 99 (5)%
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net — (70)% (8)N/M
Total operating expenses150 153 (2)%439 435 %
Operating income$23 $16 42 %$73 $78 (6)%
Income before income taxes$24 $20 23 %$79 $88 (10)%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1
$53 $49 %$167 $168 (1)%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1
$53 $52 %$169 $177 (4)%
Capital expenditures2
$74 $61 22 %$171 $145 18 %
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
N/M - Percentage change not meaningful
1Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
2Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

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Operating Revenues
(Dollars in millions)




Residential revenues consist of:
Broadband services, including fiber- and copper-based high-speed internet, security and support services
Video services, including IPTV and satellite offerings
Voice services

Commercial revenues consist of:
High-speed and dedicated business internet services
Voice and video services

Wholesale revenues consist of:
Network access services primarily to interexchange and wireless carriers for carrying data and voice traffic on TDS Telecom’s network
Federal and state USF support, including A-CAM
Key components of changes in the statement of operations items were as follows:
Total operating revenues
Residential revenues increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to growth in broadband and video connections, as well as price increases, partially offset by a decline in voice connections.
Commercial revenues decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to declining connections in CLEC markets.
Wholesale revenues remained relatively flat for the three months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to the timing of certain state USF support partially offset by decreased access revenues. Wholesale revenues decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to decreased access revenues, partially offset by the timing of certain state USF support.
Cost of services
Cost of services increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to increases in building and maintenance costs and higher video programming costs, partially offset by a decrease in expenses related to the capitalization of new modems and lower employee-related expenses. Effective January 1, 2020, the cost of most modems, along with associated installation costs, is being capitalized.
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to lower legal and consulting costs, partially offset by increases in advertising costs in the out-of-territory markets.
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Depreciation, amortization and accretion decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to certain assets becoming fully depreciated and extended useful lives assumptions, partially offset by depreciation on new fiber assets.
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
Gain on asset disposals decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, due to the sale of fiber assets in certain CLEC markets during the first quarter of 2019.
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CABLE OPERATIONS
Business Overview
TDS Telecom’s Cable strategy is to expand its broadband services and leverage that growth by bundling with video and voice services. TDS Telecom seeks to be the leading provider of broadband services in its targeted markets by leveraging its core competencies in marketing and network management.
Operational Overview
Cable Connections
As of September 30,






Cable connections grew 12% due to an increase in broadband connections and the acquisition of Continuum, which included 15,800 broadband connections, 9,400 video connections and 5,800 voice connections as of December 31, 2019.
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Financial Overview — Cable
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 202020192020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019
(Dollars in millions)      
Residential$62 $52 21 %$182 $152 20 %
Commercial12 10 13 %34 32 %
Total operating revenues74 62 19 %216 184 18 %
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)31 27 15 %91 79 15 %
Selling, general and administrative18 15 23 %52 44 18 %
Depreciation, amortization and accretion20 17 15 %59 51 15 %
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net — N/M1 (14)%
Total operating expenses69 59 17 %202 175 15 %
Operating income$5 $55 %$14 $76 %
Income before income taxes$5 $36 %$15 $56 %
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1
$25 $20 22 %$73 $60 23 %
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1
$25 $21 20 %$74 $61 21 %
Capital expenditures2
$18 $20 (8)%$49 $48 %
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
N/M - Percentage change not meaningful.
1Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
2Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.
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Operating Revenues
(Dollars in millions)






Residential and Commercial revenues consist of:
Broadband services, including high-speed internet, security and support services
Video services, including traditional cable programming and related services as well as CloudTV
Voice services


Key components of changes in the statement of operations items were as follows:
Total operating revenues
Residential and commercial revenues increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to the acquisition of Continuum ($6 million and $17 million, respectively), as well as growth in broadband connections and price increases.
Cost of services
Cost of services increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to the acquisition of Continuum ($3 million and $9 million, respectively) and employee-related expense.
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to the acquisition of Continuum ($1 million and $2 million, respectively) and increases in employee-related expenses.
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Depreciation, amortization and accretion increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to the acquisition of Continuum ($3 million and $8 million, respectively).

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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
TDS and its subsidiaries operate capital-intensive businesses. Historically, TDS has used internally-generated funds and also has obtained substantial funds from external sources for general corporate purposes. In the past, TDS’ existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its revolving credit and receivables securitization agreements, funds from other financing sources, including term loans and other long-term debt, and cash flows from operating and certain investing and financing activities, including sales of assets or businesses, provided sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility for TDS to meet its normal day-to-day operating needs and debt service requirements, to finance the build-out and enhancement of markets and to fund acquisitions. There is no assurance that this will be the case in the future. See Market Risk for additional information regarding maturities of long-term debt.
TDS has incurred negative free cash flow at times in the past and this could occur in the future, and forecasting future cash flow is more challenging with the various risks and uncertainties related to COVID-19. However, TDS believes that existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its revolving credit, term loan and receivables securitization agreements, and expected cash flows from operating and investing activities will provide sufficient liquidity for TDS to meet its normal day-to-day operating needs and debt service requirements for the coming year. TDS will continue to monitor the rapidly changing business and market conditions and plans to take appropriate actions, as necessary, to meet its liquidity needs.
TDS may require substantial additional capital for, among other uses, funding day-to-day operating needs including working capital, acquisitions of providers of cable, wireless or wireline telecommunications services, IT services or other businesses, wireless spectrum license or system acquisitions, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, the repurchase of shares, the payment of dividends, or making additional investments, including new technologies and out-of-territory builds. It may be necessary from time to time to increase the size of the existing revolving credit agreements, to put in place new credit agreements, or to obtain other forms of financing in order to fund potential expenditures. TDS, through UScellular, made payments related to wireless spectrum auctions in 2020 (see Regulatory Matters - Spectrum Auctions). TDS also expects annual capital expenditures in 2020 to be higher than in 2019, due primarily to investments at UScellular to enhance network speed and capacity and to continue deploying VoLTE and 5G technology in its network, and at TDS Telecom to increase levels of fiber investment. TDS’ liquidity would be adversely affected if, among other things, TDS is unable to obtain financing on acceptable terms, TDS makes significant wireless spectrum license purchases, TDS makes significant business acquisitions, distributions from unconsolidated entities are discontinued or significantly reduced compared to historical levels, or Federal USF and/or other regulatory support payments decline.
TDS’ credit rating currently is sub-investment grade. There can be no assurance that sufficient funds will continue to be available to TDS or its subsidiaries on terms or at prices acceptable to TDS. Insufficient cash flows from operating activities, changes in TDS' credit ratings, defaults of the terms of debt or credit agreements, uncertainty of access to capital, deterioration in the capital markets, reduced regulatory capital at banks which in turn limits their ability to borrow and lend, other changes in the performance of TDS or in market conditions or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to TDS, which could require TDS to reduce its acquisition, capital expenditure and business development programs, reduce the acquisition of wireless spectrum licenses, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases and/or the payment of dividends. Any of the foregoing developments would have an adverse impact on TDS' businesses, financial condition or results of operations. TDS cannot provide assurance that circumstances that could have a material adverse effect on its liquidity or capital resources will not occur.
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Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and money market investments. The primary objective of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents investment activities is to preserve principal. Cash held by UScellular is for use in its operations and acquisition, capital expenditure and business development programs including the purchase of wireless spectrum licenses. TDS does not have direct access to UScellular cash unless UScellular pays a dividend on its common stock.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
(Dollars in millions)




At September 30, 2020, TDS' consolidated Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1,076 million compared to $465 million at December 31, 2019.

The majority of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents are held in bank deposit accounts and in money market funds that purchase only debt issued by the U.S. Treasury or U.S. government agencies.
Financing
In March 2020, TDS entered into a new $400 million unsecured revolving credit agreement with certain lenders and other parties and UScellular entered into a new $300 million unsecured revolving credit agreement with certain lenders and other parties. Amounts under the new revolving credit agreements may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in March 2025. As a result of the new agreements, TDS' and UScellular's previous revolving credit agreements due to expire in May 2023 were terminated. As of September 30, 2020, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreements, except for letters of credit, and TDS’ and UScellular’s unused borrowing capacity was $399 million and $298 million, respectively.
In March 2020, TDS and UScellular amended their senior term loan credit agreements in order to conform the agreements with their revolving credit agreements. There were no significant changes to other key terms of the senior term loan credit agreements. In March 2020, TDS borrowed $50 million under its senior term loan credit agreement. In June 2020, UScellular amended and restated its senior term loan agreement and increased its borrowing capacity to $300 million. There were no significant changes to other key terms of the UScellular senior term loan credit agreement. As of September 30, 2020, TDS' and UScellular's unused borrowing capacity was $150 million and $217 million, respectively.
UScellular, through its subsidiaries, also has a receivables securitization agreement to permit securitized borrowings using its equipment installment plan receivables. In April 2020, UScellular borrowed $125 million under its receivables securitization agreement. The unused capacity under this agreement was $75 million as of September 30, 2020, subject to sufficient collateral to satisfy the asset borrowing base provisions of the agreement. In October 2020, UScellular amended and restated its receivables securitization agreement to increase its total borrowing capacity to $300 million and extend the expiration date of the agreement to December 2022. There were no significant changes to other key terms of the receivables securitization agreement.
TDS and UScellular believe they were in compliance with all of the financial covenants and requirements set forth in their revolving credit agreements, senior term loan credit agreements and receivables securitization agreement as of September 30, 2020.
In August 2020, UScellular issued $500 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due in 2069 for general corporate purposes.
See Note 9 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to TDS' senior term loan, UScellular's receivables securitization agreement and UScellular's 6.25% Senior Notes.
TDS and UScellular have in place effective shelf registration statements on Form S-3 to issue senior or subordinated debt securities.
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Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures (i.e., additions to property, plant and equipment and system development expenditures; excludes wireless spectrum license additions), which include the effects of accruals and capitalized interest, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:

Capital Expenditures
(Dollars in millions)




UScellular’s capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were $621 million and $467 million, respectively.
Capital expenditures for the full year 2020 are expected to be between $850 million and $950 million. These expenditures are expected to be used principally for the following purposes:
Enhance and maintain UScellular's network coverage, including deploying VoLTE technology and providing additional speed and capacity to accommodate increased data usage by current customers;
Continue deploying 5G technology in its network; and
Invest in information technology to support existing and new services and products.

TDS Telecom’s capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were $221 million and $193 million, respectively.
Capital expenditures for the full year 2020 are expected to be between $300 million and $350 million. These expenditures are expected to be used principally for the following purposes:
Continue to expand fiber deployment inside and outside of current footprint;
Maintain and enhance existing infrastructure including build-out requirements to meet state broadband and A-CAM programs;
Upgrade broadband capacity and speeds;
Support success-based spending for broadband and video growth; and
Deploy TDS TV+, a cloud-based video platform.
TDS intends to finance its capital expenditures for 2020 using primarily Cash flows from operating activities, existing cash balances and, if required, additional debt financing from its receivables securitization agreement, senior term loan credit agreements, revolving credit agreements and/or other forms of financing.
Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges
TDS may be engaged from time to time in negotiations (subject to all applicable regulations) relating to the acquisition, divestiture or exchange of companies, properties, wireless spectrum licenses (including pursuant to FCC auctions) and other possible businesses. In general, TDS may not disclose such transactions until there is a definitive agreement.
Variable Interest Entities
TDS consolidates certain “variable interest entities” as defined under GAAP. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these variable interest entities. TDS may elect to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these variable interest entities in future periods in order to fund their operations.

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Common Share Repurchase Programs
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, TDS repurchased 879,409 Common Shares for $14 million at an average cost per share of $15.53. As of September 30, 2020, the maximum dollar value of TDS Common Shares that may yet be repurchased under TDS’ program was $185 million. For additional information related to the current TDS repurchase authorization, see Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, UScellular repurchased 803,836 Common Shares for $23 million at an average cost per share of $29.00. As of September 30, 2020, the total cumulative amount of UScellular Common Shares authorized to be repurchased is 4,507,000.
Contractual and Other Obligations
There were no material changes outside the ordinary course of business between December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2020, to the Contractual and Other Obligations disclosed in MD&A included in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, except for the following items. In March 2020, TDS borrowed $50 million under its senior term loan credit agreement. In April 2020, UScellular borrowed $125 million under its receivables securitization agreement. In August 2020, UScellular issued $500 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due in 2069.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
TDS had no transactions, agreements or other contractual arrangements with unconsolidated entities involving “off-balance sheet arrangements,” as defined by SEC rules, that had or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on its financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
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Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis
TDS operates a capital-intensive business. TDS makes substantial investments to acquire wireless spectrum licenses and properties and to construct and upgrade communications networks and facilities as a basis for creating long-term value for shareholders. In recent years, rapid changes in technology and new opportunities have required substantial investments in potentially revenue‑enhancing and cost-saving upgrades to TDS’ networks. Cash flows may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year due to seasonality, the timing of acquisitions and divestitures, capital expenditures and other factors. The following discussion summarizes TDS' cash flow activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
2020 Commentary
TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased $622 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,166 million due to net income of $254 million adjusted for non-cash items of $871 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $118 million, including $43 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $77 million. The working capital changes were primarily influenced by tax impacts from the CARES Act and annual employee bonus payments, partially offset by the timing of vendor payments and collections of customer and agent receivables.
Cash flows used for investing activities were $1,078 million. Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment totaled $914 million. Cash payments for wireless spectrum license acquisitions were $169 million.
Cash flows provided by financing activities were $534 million, reflecting the issuance of $500 million of 6.25% UScellular Senior Notes, $125 million borrowed under the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, and $50 million borrowed under the TDS term loan. These were partially offset by the repurchase of TDS and UScellular Common Shares, the payment of dividends, and the payment of debt issuance costs.
2019 Commentary
TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $66 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $874 million due to net income of $132 million plus non-cash items of $726 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $100 million, including $33 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $84 million. The more significant working capital changes were increases in accounts receivables and equipment installment plan receivables, offset by an increase to accrued taxes.
Cash flows used for investing activities were $837 million. Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment totaled $631 million. Cash payments for wireless spectrum license acquisitions were $257 million. These were partially offset by Cash received from divestitures and exchanges of $32 million and cash received from the redemption of short-term Treasury bills of $29 million.
Cash flows used for financing activities were $103 million, reflecting the repurchase of $21 million of UScellular Common Shares and ordinary activity such as the payment of dividends and the scheduled repayments of debt.
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Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis
The following discussion addresses certain captions in the consolidated balance sheet and changes therein. This discussion is intended to highlight the significant changes and is not intended to fully reconcile the changes. Changes in financial condition during 2020 were as follows:
Income taxes receivable
Income taxes receivable increased $190 million primarily reflecting future tax refunds attributable to the expected carryback of 2020 net operating losses, as allowed under the CARES Act which was enacted in March 2020.
Deferred income tax liability, net
Deferred income tax liability, net increased $217 million due primarily to full deductibility for tax purposes of qualified property placed in service during the current year.
Long-term debt, net
Long-term debt, net increased $654 million due primarily to $500 million of 6.25% UScellular Senior Notes issued in August 2020, $125 million borrowed under UScellular's receivables securitization agreement in April 2020 and $50 million borrowed under TDS' senior term loan credit agreement in March 2020.
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Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
TDS sometimes uses information derived from consolidated financial information but not presented in its financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP to evaluate the performance of its business. Specifically, TDS has referred to the following measures in this Form 10-Q Report:
EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted OIBDA
Free cash flow

Certain of these measures are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rules. Following are explanations of each of these measures.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are defined as net income adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation below. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to Net income or Cash flows from operating activities, as indicators of cash flows or as measures of liquidity. TDS does not intend to imply that any such items set forth in the reconciliation below are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future.
Adjusted EBITDA is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of assessing their performance. See Note 12 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA as measurements of profitability, and therefore reconciliations to applicable GAAP income measures are deemed appropriate. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are useful measures of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, gains and losses, and other items as presented below as they provide additional relevant and useful information to investors and other users of TDS’ financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of its operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management’s evaluation of business performance. Adjusted EBITDA shows adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, and gains and losses, while Adjusted OIBDA reduces this measure further to exclude Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities and Interest and dividend income in order to more effectively show the performance of operating activities excluding investment activities. The following tables reconcile EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA to the corresponding GAAP measures, Net income or Income before income taxes and Operating income. Income tax expense is not provided at the individual segment level for Wireline and Cable. TDS calculates income tax expense (benefit) for TDS Telecom in total.
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
TDS - CONSOLIDATED2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)   
Net income (GAAP)$93 $23 $254 $132 
Add back:
Income tax expense6 15 17 64 
Interest expense43 42 119 128 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion217 237 685 697 
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)359 317 1,075 1,021 
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6 15 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net —  (1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net  — 
(Gain) loss on investments(3)— (3)— 
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)362 325 1,087 1,025 
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities48 44 138 129 
Interest and dividend income4 12 24 
Other, net — (1)— 
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)310 274 938 872 
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion217 237 685 697 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6 15 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net —  (1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net  — 
Operating income (GAAP)$87 $29 $238 $171 
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Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
UScellular2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Net income (GAAP)$85 $24 $227 $115 
Add back:
Income tax expense4 15 11 55 
Interest expense29 29 76 87 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 181 516 524 
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)279 249 830 781 
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6 14 13 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net —  (1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net  — 
(Gain) loss on investments(3)— (3)— 
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)282 256 841 793 
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities48 44 137 128 
Interest and dividend income2 6 14 
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)232 208 698 651 
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 181 516 524 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6 14 13 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net —  (1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net  — 
Operating income (GAAP)$65 $20 $168 $115 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
TDS TELECOM
2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)
  
Net income (GAAP)
$25 $18 $81 $74 
Add back:
Income tax expense4 13 23 
Interest expense(1)(1)(3)(2)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion49 50 152 150 
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)78 72 243 245 
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net — 1 (7)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)78 73 243 238 
Deduct:
Interest and dividend income1 4 
Other, net — (1)— 
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)78 69 240 228 
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion49 50 152 150 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net — 1 (7)
Operating income (GAAP)
$28 $20 $87 $86 
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
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Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
WIRELINE2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Income before income taxes (GAAP)$24 $20 $79 $88 
Add back:
Interest expense(1)(1)(3)(2)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion30 33 94 99 
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)53 52 169 185 
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net —  (8)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)53 52 169 177 
Deduct:
Interest and dividend income1 4 
Other, net — (1)— 
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)53 49 167 168 
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion30 33 94 99 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net —  (8)
Operating income (GAAP)$23 $16 $73 $78 
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
CABLE2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Income before income taxes (GAAP)$5 $$15 $
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion20 17 59 51 
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)25 21 73 61 
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net — 1 
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)25 21 74 61 
Deduct:
Interest and dividend income — 1 
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)25 20 73 60 
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion20 17 59 51 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net — 1 
Operating income (GAAP)$5 $$14 $
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
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Free Cash Flow
The following table presents Free cash flow, which is defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure which TDS believes may be useful to investors and other users of its financial information in evaluating liquidity, specifically, the amount of net cash generated by business operations after deducting Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment.
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 20202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP)$1,166 $874 
Less: Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment914 631 
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)$252 $243 
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Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
TDS prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. TDS’ significant accounting policies are discussed in detail in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements, Note 2 — Revenue Recognition and Note 11 — Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and TDS’ Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates is discussed in detail in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are included in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information on recent accounting pronouncements.
Regulatory Matters
5G Fund
On October 27, 2020, the FCC adopted rules creating the 5G Fund for Rural America, which will distribute up to $9 billion over ten years to bring 5G wireless broadband connectivity to rural America. The 5G Fund will be implemented through a two-phase competitive process, using multi-round auctions to award support. The winning bidders will be required to meet certain minimum speed requirements and interim and final deployment milestones. The order provides that the 5G Fund be in lieu of the previously proposed fund (the Phase II Connect America Mobility Fund) for the development of 4G LTE. The order also provides that over time a growing percentage of the legacy support a carrier receives must be used for 5G deployment.
UScellular cannot predict at this time when the 5G fund auction will occur, when the phase down period for its existing legacy support from the Federal USF will commence, or whether the 5G fund auction will provide opportunities to UScellular to offset any loss in existing support.
FCC Rulemaking - Restoring Internet Freedom
In December 2017, the FCC approved rules reversing or revising decisions made in the FCC’s 2015 Open Internet and Title II Order (Restoring Internet Freedom). The 2017 action reversed the FCC’s 2015 decision to reclassify Broadband Internet Access Services as telecommunications services subject to regulation under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. The 2017 action also reversed the FCC’s 2015 restrictions on blocking, throttling and paid prioritization, and modified transparency rules relating to such practices. Several parties filed suit in federal court challenging the 2017 actions. On October 1, 2019, the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued an order reaffirming the FCC in most respects, but limiting the FCC's ability to preempt state and local net neutrality laws. On February 19, 2020, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comment on three issues under further consideration by the FCC based on a recent D.C. Circuit decision. On October 27, 2020, the FCC adopted an Order on Remand in response to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit’s remand on the three issues under further consideration by the FCC and found no basis to alter the FCC’s conclusions in the Restoring Internet Freedom Order.
A number of states, including certain states in which TDS operates, have adopted or considered laws intended to reinstate aspects of the foregoing net neutrality regulations that were reversed or revised by the FCC in 2017. To the extent such laws are enacted, it is expected that legal proceedings will be pursued challenging such laws, subject now to the DC Circuit ruling limiting the FCC's preemptive authority in this matter. TDS cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings or the impact on its business.
Spectrum Auctions
On July 11, 2019, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 37, 39 and 47 GHz bands (Auction 103). On March 12, 2020, the FCC announced by public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 237 wireless spectrum licenses for a purchase price of $146 million. In June 2020, the wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 103 were granted by the FCC.
On March 2, 2020, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.5 GHz band (Auction 105). On September 2, 2020, the FCC announced by public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 243 wireless spectrum licenses for a purchase price of $14 million. The wireless spectrum licenses are expected to be granted by the FCC in the fourth quarter of 2020.
On August 7, 2020, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.7-3.98 GHz bands (Auction 107). UScellular filed an application to participate in Auction 107 on September 21, 2020. Bidding in Auction 107 is scheduled to begin on December 8, 2020.
Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
On January 30, 2020, the FCC adopted the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Report and Order, which establishes the framework for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (Auction 904). Auction 904 is a two phase reverse auction to provide funding for high speed fixed broadband service in underserved rural areas. On July 15, 2020, UScellular filed an application to participate in Auction 904. Phase I began on October 29, 2020.
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Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement

This Form 10-Q, including exhibits, contains statements that are not based on historical facts and represent forward-looking statements, as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that TDS intends, expects, projects, believes, estimates, plans or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects” and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying them. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth below, as more fully described under “Risk Factors” in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in this Form 10-Q. Each of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations. However, such factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this document. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. TDS undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You should carefully consider the Risk Factors in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, the following factors and other information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this Form 10-Q to understand the material risks relating to TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TDS' business is uncertain, but depending on its duration and severity it could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.
Intense competition in the markets in which TDS operates could adversely affect TDS’ revenues or increase its costs to compete.
A failure by TDS to successfully execute its business strategy (including planned acquisitions, spectrum acquisitions, fiber builds, divestitures and exchanges) or allocate resources or capital effectively could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Uncertainty in TDS’ future cash flow and liquidity or the inability to access capital, deterioration in the capital markets, other changes in TDS’ performance or market conditions, changes in TDS’ credit ratings or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to TDS, which could require TDS to reduce its construction, development or acquisition programs, reduce the amount of wireless spectrum licenses acquired, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases and/or the payment of dividends.
TDS has a significant amount of indebtedness which could adversely affect its financial performance and in turn adversely affect its ability to make payments on its indebtedness, comply with terms of debt covenants and incur additional debt.
Changes in roaming practices or other factors could cause TDS’ roaming revenues to decline from current levels, roaming expenses to increase from current levels and/or impact TDS’ ability to service its customers in geographic areas where TDS does not have its own network, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
A failure by TDS to obtain access to adequate radio spectrum to meet current or anticipated future needs and/or to accurately predict future needs for radio spectrum could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
To the extent conducted by the FCC, TDS may participate in FCC auctions for additional spectrum or for funding in certain Universal Service programs in the future directly or indirectly and, during certain periods, will be subject to the FCC’s anti-collusion rules, which could have an adverse effect on TDS.
Failure by TDS to timely or fully comply with any existing applicable legislative and/or regulatory requirements or changes thereto could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
An inability to attract people of outstanding talent throughout all levels of the organization, to develop their potential through education and assignments, and to retain them by keeping them engaged, challenged and properly rewarded could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.
TDS’ assets and revenue are concentrated primarily in the U.S. telecommunications industry. Consequently, its operating results may fluctuate based on factors related primarily to conditions in this industry.
TDS’ smaller scale relative to larger competitors that may have greater financial and other resources than TDS could cause TDS to be unable to compete successfully, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.
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Changes in various business factors, including changes in demand, consumer preferences and perceptions, price competition, churn from customer switching activity and other factors, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Advances or changes in technology could render certain technologies used by TDS obsolete, could put TDS at a competitive disadvantage, could reduce TDS’ revenues or could increase its costs of doing business.
Complexities associated with deploying new technologies present substantial risk and TDS’ investments in unproven technologies may not produce the benefits that TDS expects.
TDS receives regulatory support and is subject to numerous surcharges and fees from federal, state and local governments, and the applicability and the amount of the support and fees are subject to great uncertainty, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Changes in TDS’ enterprise value, changes in the market supply or demand for wireless spectrum licenses, wireline or cable markets or IT service providers, adverse developments in the businesses or the industries in which TDS is involved and/or other factors could require TDS to recognize impairments in the carrying value of its wireless spectrum licenses, goodwill, franchise rights and/or physical assets or require re-evaluation of the indefinite-lived nature of such assets.
Costs, integration problems or other factors associated with acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges of properties or wireless spectrum licenses and/or expansion of TDS’ businesses could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
A failure by TDS to complete significant network construction and systems implementation activities as part of its plans to improve the quality, coverage, capabilities and capacity of its network, support and other systems and infrastructure could have an adverse effect on its operations.
Difficulties involving third parties with which TDS does business, including changes in TDS’ relationships with or financial or operational difficulties of key suppliers or independent agents and third party national retailers who market TDS’ services, could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
TDS has significant investments in entities that it does not control. Losses in the value of such investments could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.
A failure by TDS to maintain flexible and capable telecommunication networks or information technology, or a material disruption thereof, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
TDS has experienced, and in the future expects to experience, cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or information technology security of varying degrees on a regular basis, which could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.
Changes in facts or circumstances, including new or additional information, could require TDS to record adjustments to amounts reflected in the financial statements, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Disruption in credit or other financial markets, a deterioration of U.S. or global economic conditions or other events could, among other things, impede TDS’ access to or increase the cost of financing its operating and investment activities and/or result in reduced revenues and lower operating income and cash flows, which would have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Settlements, judgments, restraints on its current or future manner of doing business and/or legal costs resulting from pending and future litigation could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
The possible development of adverse precedent in litigation or conclusions in professional studies to the effect that radio frequency emissions from wireless devices and/or cell sites cause harmful health consequences, including cancer or tumors, or may interfere with various electronic medical devices such as pacemakers, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ wireless business, financial condition or results of operations.
Claims of infringement of intellectual property and proprietary rights of others, primarily involving patent infringement claims, could prevent TDS from using necessary technology to provide products or services or subject TDS to expensive intellectual property litigation or monetary penalties, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Certain matters, such as control by the TDS Voting Trust and provisions in the TDS Restated Certificate of Incorporation, may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of TDS or have other consequences.
The market price of TDS’ Common Shares is subject to fluctuations due to a variety of factors.
Any of the foregoing events or other events could cause revenues, earnings, capital expenditures and/or any other financial or statistical information to vary from TDS’ forward-looking estimates by a material amount.
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Risk Factors
In addition to the information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which could materially affect TDS’ business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this Form 10-Q and the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, may not be the only risks that could affect TDS. Additional unidentified or unrecognized risks and uncertainties could materially adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition and/or operating results. Subject to the foregoing and other than the risk factor set forth below, TDS has not identified for disclosure any material changes to the risk factors as previously disclosed in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TDS' business is uncertain, but depending on its duration and severity it could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.
The impact of the global spread of COVID-19 on TDS' future operations is uncertain. Public health emergencies, such as COVID-19, pose the risk that TDS or its associates, agents, partners and suppliers may be unable to conduct business activities for an extended period of time and/or provide the level of service expected. TDS' ability to attract customers, maintain an adequate supply chain and execute on its business strategies and initiatives could be negatively impacted by this outbreak. Additionally, COVID-19 has caused and could continue to cause increased unemployment, economic downturn and credit market deterioration, all of which could negatively impact TDS. The extent of the impact of COVID-19 on TDS' business, financial condition and results of operations will depend on future circumstances, including the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, actions taken by governmental authorities and other possible direct and indirect consequences, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market Risk
Refer to the disclosure under Market Risk in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, for additional information, including information regarding required principal payments and the weighted average interest rates related to TDS’ Long-term debt. There have been no material changes to such information since December 31, 2019 except the following: in March 2020 TDS borrowed $50 million under its senior term loan credit agreement, in April 2020 UScellular borrowed $125 million under its receivables securitization agreement and in August 2020 UScellular issued $500 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due in 2069. Such transactions changed the weighted average interest rate on long-term debt obligations to 6.3% at September 30, 2020 from 6.7% at December 31, 2019.
See Note 3 — Fair Value Measurements in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the fair value of TDS’ Long-term debt as of September 30, 2020.
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Financial Statements

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Operations
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Operating revenues
Service$1,046 $1,030 $3,088 $3,038 
Equipment and product sales278 291 761 802 
Total operating revenues1,324 1,321 3,849 3,840 
Operating expenses
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)321 313 919 900 
Cost of equipment and products278 295 765 808 
Selling, general and administrative415 439 1,227 1,260 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion217 237 685 697 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6 6 15 5 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net   (1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net 2   
Total operating expenses1,237 1,292 3,611 3,669 
Operating income87 29 238 171 
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities48 44 138 129 
Interest and dividend income4 7 12 24 
Gain (loss) on investments3  3  
Interest expense(43)(42)(119)(128)
Other, net  (1) 
Total investment and other income12 9 33 25 
Income before income taxes99 38 271 196 
Income tax expense6 15 17 64 
Net income93 23 254 132 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax15 5 42 22 
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders$78 $18 $212 $110 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding114 115 114 114 
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.68 $0.15 $1.85 $0.96 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding115 116 115 116 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.66 $0.15 $1.81 $0.93 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)
Net income$93 $23 $254 $132 
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income
Change related to retirement plan
Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost for the period
Amortization of prior service cost1  2 1 
Comprehensive income94 23 256 133 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax15 5 42 22 
Comprehensive income attributable to TDS shareholders$79 $18 $214 $111 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
20202019
(Dollars in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income$254 $132 
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation, amortization and accretion685 697 
Bad debts expense55 80 
Stock-based compensation expense39 47 
Deferred income taxes, net217 23 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities(138)(129)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities118 100 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net15 5 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (1)
(Gain) loss on investments(3) 
Other operating activities1 4 
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations
Accounts receivable26 (42)
Equipment installment plans receivable13 (42)
Inventory2 3 
Accounts payable95 (4)
Customer deposits and deferred revenues(21)(2)
Accrued taxes(156)37 
Accrued interest14 9 
Other assets and liabilities(50)(43)
Net cash provided by operating activities1,166 874 
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment(914)(631)
Cash paid for licenses(169)(257)
Cash received from investments1 29 
Cash paid for investments(1)(11)
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges1 32 
Other investing activities4 1 
Net cash used in investing activities(1,078)(837)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of long-term debt675  
Repayment of long-term debt(8)(16)
TDS Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments(3)(6)
UScellular Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments(11)(8)
Repurchase of TDS Common Shares(14) 
Repurchase of UScellular Common Shares(23)(21)
Dividends paid to TDS shareholders(58)(57)
Payment of debt issuance costs(23)(1)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests(2)(3)
Other financing activities1 9 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities534 (103)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash622 (66)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period474 927 
End of period$1,096 $861 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheet — Assets
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents$1,076 $465 
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances of $69 and $74, respectively
949 1,005 
Other, less allowances of $2 and $2, respectively
107 119 
Inventory, net164 169 
Prepaid expenses109 98 
Income taxes receivable226 36 
Other current assets39 29 
Total current assets2,670 1,921 
Assets held for sale19  
Licenses2,637 2,480 
Goodwill547 547 
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $183 and $167, respectively
219 239 
Investments in unconsolidated entities508 488 
Property, plant and equipment
In service and under construction13,375 12,864 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization9,648 9,337 
Property, plant and equipment, net3,727 3,527 
Operating lease right-of-use assets988 972 
Other assets and deferred charges580 607 
Total assets1
$11,895 $10,781 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheet — Liabilities and Equity
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)  
Current liabilities  
Current portion of long-term debt$3 $10 
Accounts payable399 374 
Customer deposits and deferred revenues168 189 
Accrued interest24 11 
Accrued taxes63 41 
Accrued compensation107 121 
Short-term operating lease liabilities125 116 
Other current liabilities76 100 
Total current liabilities965 962 
 
Deferred liabilities and credits
Deferred income tax liability, net893 676 
Long-term operating lease liabilities938 931 
Other deferred liabilities and credits530 481 
 
Long-term debt, net2,970 2,316 
 
Commitments and contingencies
 
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features10 11 
 
Equity
TDS shareholders’ equity
Series A Common and Common Shares
Authorized 290 shares (25 Series A Common and 265 Common Shares)
Issued 133 shares (7 Series A Common and 126 Common Shares)
Outstanding 114 shares (7 Series A Common and 107 Common Shares) and 115 shares (7 Series A Common and 108 Common Shares), respectively
Par Value ($0.01 per share)
1 1 
Capital in excess of par value2,479 2,468 
Treasury shares, at cost, 19 and 18 Common Shares, respectively
(478)(479)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(7)(9)
Retained earnings2,809 2,672 
Total TDS shareholders' equity4,804 4,653 
 
Noncontrolling interests785 751 
 
Total equity5,589 5,404 
 
Total liabilities and equity1
$11,895 $10,781 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
1The consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,070 million and $915 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $19 million and $20 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of TDS. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.
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Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
 TDS Shareholders  
 
Series A
Common and
Common
shares
Capital in
excess of
par value
Treasury
shares
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Retained
earnings
Total TDS
shareholders'
equity
Noncontrolling
interests
Total equity
(Dollars in millions)        
June 30, 2020$1 $2,472 $(479)$(7)$2,751 $4,738 $765 $5,503 
Cumulative effect of accounting change— — — — 1 1 — 1 
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders
— — — — 78 78 — 78 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity
— — — — —  16 16 
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.170 per share)
— — — — (19)(19)— (19)
Dividend reinvestment plan— 1 1 — (2) —  
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans
— 1 — — — 1 4 5 
Stock-based compensation awards
— 5 — — — 5 — 5 
September 30, 2020$1 $2,479 $(478)$(7)$2,809 $4,804 $785 $5,589 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
 TDS Shareholders  
 
Series A
Common and
Common
shares
Capital in
excess of
par value
Treasury
shares
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Retained
earnings
Total TDS
shareholders'
equity
Noncontrolling
interests
Total equity
(Dollars in millions)        
June 30, 2019$1 $2,438 $(488)$(10)$2,684 $4,625 $768 $5,393 
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders
— — — — 18 18 — 18 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity
— — — — —  5 5 
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.165 per share)
— — — — (19)(19)— (19)
Dividend reinvestment plan
— — 7 — (3)4 — 4 
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans
— 12 — — — 12 (25)(13)
Stock-based compensation awards
— 6 — — — 6 — 6 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
— — — — —  (1)(1)
September 30, 2019$1 $2,456 $(481)$(10)$2,680 $4,646 $747 $5,393 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
 TDS Shareholders  
 
Series A
Common and
Common
shares
Capital in
excess of
par value
Treasury
shares
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Retained
earnings
Total TDS
shareholders'
equity
Noncontrolling
interests
Total equity
(Dollars in millions)        
December 31, 2019$1 $2,468 $(479)$(9)$2,672 $4,653 $751 $5,404 
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders
— — — — 212 212 — 212 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity
— — — — —  43 43 
Other comprehensive income— — — 2 — 2 — 2 
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.510 per share)
— — — — (58)(58)— (58)
Repurchase of Common Shares— — (14)— — (14)— (14)
Dividend reinvestment plan— 1 2 — (1)2 — 2 
Incentive and compensation plans
— — 13 — (16)(3)— (3)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans
— (4)— — — (4)(7)(11)
Stock-based compensation awards
— 14 — — — 14 — 14 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
— — — — —  (2)(2)
September 30, 2020$1 $2,479 $(478)$(7)$2,809 $4,804 $785 $5,589 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
 TDS Shareholders  
 
Series A
Common and
Common
shares
Capital in
excess of
par value
Treasury
shares
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Retained
earnings
Total TDS
shareholders'
equity
Noncontrolling
interests
Total equity
(Dollars in millions)        
December 31, 2018$1 $2,432 $(519)$(10)$2,656 $4,560 $733 $5,293 
Cumulative effect of accounting changes
— — — — 2 2 — 2 
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders
— — — — 110 110 — 110 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity
— — — — —  21 21 
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.495 per share)
— — — — (57)(57)— (57)
Dividend reinvestment plan
— — 18 — (5)13 — 13 
Incentive and compensation plans
— — 20 — (26)(6)— (6)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans
— 10 — — — 10 (5)5 
Stock-based compensation awards
— 14 — — — 14 — 14 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
— — — — —  (2)(2)
September 30, 2019$1 $2,456 $(481)$(10)$2,680 $4,646 $747 $5,393 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 Basis of Presentation
The accounting policies of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, including TDS’ 82%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular) and TDS’ wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom). In addition, the consolidated financial statements include certain entities in which TDS has a variable interest that requires consolidation under GAAP. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
TDS’ business segments reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2020, are UScellular, Wireline, and Cable. TDS’ non-reportable other business activities are presented as “Corporate, Eliminations and Other”, which includes the operations of TDS’ wholly-owned hosted and managed services (HMS) subsidiary, which operates under the OneNeck IT Solutions brand, and its wholly-owned subsidiary Suttle-Straus, Inc. (Suttle-Straus). HMS’ and Suttle-Straus’ financial results were not significant to TDS’ operations. All of TDS’ segments operate only in the United States. See Note 12 — Business Segment Information for summary financial information on each business segment.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by TDS pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, TDS believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed) necessary for the fair statement of TDS’ financial position as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and its results of operations, comprehensive income and changes in equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. TDS has not changed its significant accounting and reporting policies from those disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 except as noted below for the estimation of credit losses.
Restricted Cash
TDS presents restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet to the total of the amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Cash and cash equivalents$1,076 $465 
Restricted cash included in Other current assets20 9 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows$1,096 $474 
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and subsequently amended the standard with additional Accounting Standards Updates, collectively referred to as ASC 326. This standard requires entities to use a new forward-looking, expected loss model to estimate credit losses and requires additional disclosures relating to the credit quality of trade and other receivables. TDS adopted the provisions of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, TDS applied the new accounting standard only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change, if any, as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Accordingly, prior periods have not been recast to reflect the new accounting standard. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of ASC 326 had no material impact on retained earnings.
UScellular’s accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed by customers for wireless services and equipment sales, including sales of certain devices and accessories under installment plans, by agents and third-party distributors for sales of equipment to them, by third party vendors and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used UScellular’s wireless systems.
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TDS Telecom’s accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts owed by customers for services and products provided, by state and federal governments for grants and support funds, and by interexchange carriers for long-distance and data traffic, which TDS Telecom carries on its network.
TDS estimates expected credit losses related to accounts receivable balances based on a review of available and relevant information including current economic conditions, projected economic conditions, historical loss experience, account aging, and other factors that could affect collectability. Expected credit losses are determined for each pool of accounts receivable balances that share similar risk characteristics. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of expected credit losses related to existing accounts receivable. TDS does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (ASU 2018-15). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the existing guidance for capitalizing implementation costs for an arrangement that has a software license. The service element of a hosting arrangement will continue to be expensed as incurred. Any capitalized implementation costs will be amortized over the period of the service contract. TDS' hosting arrangements that are service contracts consist primarily of software used to perform administrative functions. TDS adopted ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020, using the prospective method. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 did not have a significant impact on TDS' financial position or results of operations.
Note 2 Revenue Recognition
Disaggregation of Revenue
In the following table, TDS' revenues are disaggregated by type of service, which represents the relevant categorization of revenues for TDS' reportable segments, and timing of recognition. Service revenues are recognized over time and Equipment and product sales are point in time.
  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$674 $ $ $ $ $674 
Inbound roaming42     42 
Residential 90 62 152  152 
Commercial 38 11 49  49 
Wholesale 45  45  45 
Other service39    18 57 
Service revenues from contracts with customers755 172 74 246 18 1,019 
Equipment and product sales252    26 278 
Total revenues from contracts with customers1,007 173 74 246 44 1,297 
Operating lease income20   1 6 27 
Total operating revenues$1,027 $173 $74 $247 $50 $1,324 
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  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$663 $ $ $ $ $663 
Inbound roaming54     54 
Residential 83 52 135  135 
Commercial 41 10 52  52 
Wholesale 44  44  44 
Other service34    19 53 
Service revenues from contracts with customers751 168 62 230 19 1,001 
Equipment and product sales257    34 291 
Total revenues from contracts with customers1,008 168 62 230 53 1,292 
Operating lease income23 1 1 1 5 29 
Total operating revenues$1,031 $169 $62 $231 $59 $1,321 

  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$2,004 $ $ $ $ $2,004 
Inbound roaming119     119 
Residential 260 182 441  441 
Commercial 115 33 149  149 
Wholesale 135  135  135 
Other service110    51 161 
Service revenues from contracts with customers2,233 510 215 725 51 3,009 
Equipment and product sales674 1  1 86 761 
Total revenues from contracts with customers2,907 511 215 726 137 3,770 
Operating lease income57 1 1 2 20 79 
Total operating revenues$2,964 $512 $216 $728 $157 $3,849 
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  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$1,984 $ $ $ $ $1,984 
Inbound roaming132     132 
Residential 245 152 397  397 
Commercial 127 32 159  159 
Wholesale 137  137  137 
Other service101   (1)54 154 
Service revenues from contracts with customers2,217 510 183 692 54 2,963 
Equipment and product sales698 1  1 103 802 
Total revenues from contracts with customers2,915 511 184 693 157 3,765 
Operating lease income55 1 1 2 18 75 
Total operating revenues$2,970 $512 $184 $695 $175 $3,840 
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
1TDS Telecom Total includes eliminations between the Wireline and Cable segments.
Contract Balances
The following table provides balances for contract assets from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Other current assets and Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions) 
Contract assets$13 $10 
Contract liabilities$189 $197 

Revenue recognized related to contract liabilities existing at January 1, 2020 was $159 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations
The following table includes estimated service revenues expected to be recognized related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. These estimates represent service revenues to be recognized when services are delivered to customers pursuant to service plan contracts and under certain roaming agreements with other carriers. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of September 30, 2020 and may vary from actual results. As practical expedients, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, and contracts with a fixed per-unit price and variable quantity, are excluded from these estimates.
 Service Revenues
(Dollars in millions) 
Remainder of 2020$194 
2021230 
Thereafter272 
Total
$696 
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Contract Cost Assets
TDS expects that commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts are recoverable and, therefore, TDS defers and amortizes these costs. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are expensed as incurred. TDS also incurs fulfillment costs, such as installation costs, where there is an expectation that a future benefit will be realized. Deferred commission fees and fulfillment costs are amortized based on the timing of transfer of the goods or services to which the assets relate, typically the contract term. Contract cost asset balances, which are recorded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, were as follows:
 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions) 
Costs to obtain contracts 
Sales commissions$137 $146 
Fulfillment costs
Installation costs11 11 
Total contract cost assets$148 $157 
Amortization of contract cost assets was $30 million and $91 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, and $31 million and $95 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and was included in Selling, general and administrative expenses and Cost of services expenses.
Note 3 Fair Value Measurements
As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, TDS did not have any material financial or nonfinancial assets or liabilities that were required to be recorded at fair value in its Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP.
The provisions of GAAP establish a fair value hierarchy that contains three levels for inputs used in fair value measurements. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is not representative of its expected performance or its overall risk profile and, therefore, Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets.
TDS has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below.
 Level within the Fair Value HierarchySeptember 30, 2020December 31, 2019
 Book ValueFair ValueBook ValueFair Value
(Dollars in millions)     
Cash and cash equivalents1$1,076 $1,076 $465 $465 
Long-term debt
Retail22,253 2,334 1,753 1,796 
Institutional2535 709 534 594 
Other2259 259 84 84 
The fair values of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments approximate their book values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Long-term debt excludes lease obligations, other installment arrangements, the current portion of Long-term debt and debt financing costs. The fair value of “Retail” Long-term debt was estimated using market prices for TDS’ 7.0% Senior Notes, 6.875% Senior Notes, 6.625% Senior Notes and 5.875% Senior Notes, and UScellular’s 7.25% 2063 Senior Notes, 7.25% 2064 Senior Notes, 6.25% Senior Notes issued in August 2020 and 6.95% Senior Notes. TDS’ “Institutional” debt consists of UScellular’s 6.7% Senior Notes which are traded over the counter. TDS’ “Other” debt consists of senior term loan credit agreements, receivables securitization agreement and other borrowings with financial institutions. TDS estimated the fair value of its Institutional and Other debt through a discounted cash flow analysis using the interest rates or estimated yield to maturity for each borrowing, which ranged from 1.25% to 4.50% and 3.55% to 6.25% at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
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Note 4 Equipment Installment Plans
UScellular sells devices to customers under equipment installment plans over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time or amount of payments, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device and have the remaining unpaid equipment installment contract balance waived, subject to certain conditions, including trading in the original device in good working condition and signing a new equipment installment contract.
The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross$951 $1,008 
Allowance for credit losses(75)(84)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net$876 $924 
Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)$568 $587 
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)308 337 
Equipment installment plan receivables, net$876 $924 
UScellular uses various inputs, including internal data, information from credit bureaus and other sources, to evaluate the credit profiles of its customers. From this evaluation, a credit class is assigned to the customer that determines the number of eligible lines, the amount of credit available, and the down payment requirement, if any. These credit classes are grouped into four credit categories: lowest risk, lower risk, slight risk and higher risk. A customer's assigned credit class is reviewed periodically and a change is made, if appropriate. An equipment installment plan billed amount is considered past due if not paid within 30 days. The balance and aging of the equipment installment plan receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows:
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Lowest Risk
Lower Risk
Slight Risk
Higher Risk
Total
Lowest Risk
Lower Risk
Slight Risk
Higher Risk
Total
(Dollars in millions)
Unbilled$767 $95 $22 $10 $894 $812 $99 $23 $8 $942 
Billed — current34 4 1 1 40 37 5 2 1 45 
Billed — past due8 5 2 2 17 11 6 3 1 21 
Total$809 $104 $25 $13 $951 $860 $110 $28 $10 $1,008 
The balance of the equipment installment plan receivables as of September 30, 2020 on a gross basis by year of origination were as follows:
2017201820192020
Total
(Dollars in millions)
Lowest Risk$1 $84 $337 $387 $809 
Lower Risk 7 39 58 104 
Slight Risk 2 9 14 25 
Higher Risk  4 9 13 
Total$1 $93 $389 $468 $951 
Activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows:
 September 30, 2020September 30, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period$84 $77 
Bad debts expense34 60 
Write-offs, net of recoveries(43)(55)
Allowance for credit losses, end of period$75 $82 
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Note 5 Income Taxes
The effective tax rate on Income before income taxes was 5.8% and 6.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, and 39.1% and 32.8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The lower effective tax rate in 2020 as compared to 2019 is due primarily to the income tax benefits of the CARES Act enacted on March 27, 2020.
The CARES Act provides retroactive eligibility of bonus depreciation on qualified improvement property put into service after December 31, 2017 and a 5-year carryback of net operating losses generated in years 2018-2020. As the statutory federal tax rate applicable to certain years within the carryback period is 35%, carryback to those years provides a tax benefit in excess of the current federal statutory rate of 21%, resulting in a reduction of income tax expense.
Note 6 Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to TDS shareholders by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to TDS shareholders by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period adjusted to include the effects of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities primarily include incremental shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of performance and restricted stock units.
The amounts used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders were as follows:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)   
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders used in basic earnings per share$78 $18 $212 $110 
Adjustments to compute diluted earnings:
Noncontrolling interest adjustment(2)(1)(3)(2)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders used in diluted earnings per share$76 $17 $209 $108 
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share:
Common Shares107 108 107 107 
Series A Common Shares7 7 7 7 
Total114 115 114 114 
Effects of dilutive securities1 1 1 2 
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share115 116 115 116 
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.68 $0.15 $1.85 $0.96 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.66 $0.15 $1.81 $0.93 
Certain Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of performance and restricted stock units were not included in weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the calculation of Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded was 4 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, and 3 million and less than 1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.
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Note 7 Intangible Assets
Activity related to Licenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, is presented below:
Licenses
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2019$2,480 
Acquisitions171 
Transferred to Assets held for sale(18)
Capitalized interest4 
Balance at September 30, 2020$2,637 
In March 2020, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 237 wireless spectrum licenses in the 37, 39 and 47 GHz bands (Auction 103) for $146 million. In June 2020, the wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 103 were granted by the FCC.
Note 8 Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in entities in which TDS holds a noncontrolling interest. TDS’ Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using either the equity method or measurement alternative method as shown in the table below. The carrying value of measurement alternative method investments represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes.
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Equity method investments$487 $467 
Measurement alternative method investments21 21 
Total investments in unconsolidated entities$508 $488 
The following table, which is based on unaudited information provided in part by third parties, summarizes the combined results of operations of TDS’ equity method investments.
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Revenues$1,640 $1,721 $4,889 $5,077 
Operating expenses1,142 1,247 3,407 3,660 
Operating income498 474 1,482 1,417 
Other income (expense), net(3)(2)(2)(4)
Net income$495 $472 $1,480 $1,413 
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Note 9 Debt
Term Loan
In March 2020, TDS borrowed $50 million on its senior term loan credit agreement. This agreement was entered into in January 2020 and amended in March 2020. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings is at a rate of LIBOR plus 200 basis points. Principal reductions are due and payable in quarterly installments of $0.5 million beginning in June 2021. The remaining unpaid balance will be due and payable in January 2027. TDS believes that it was in compliance with all of the financial covenants and other requirements set forth in its senior term loan credit agreement as of September 30, 2020.
Receivables Securitization Agreement
In April 2020, UScellular borrowed $125 million under its receivables securitization agreement, which permits securitized borrowings using its equipment installment plan receivables. The outstanding borrowings bear interest at floating rates. In October 2020, UScellular amended and restated its receivables securitization agreement to increase its total borrowing capacity to $300 million and extend the expiration date of the agreement to December 2022. There were no significant changes to other key terms of the receivables securitization agreement. UScellular believes that it was in compliance with all of the financial covenants and other requirements set forth in its receivables securitization agreement as of September 30, 2020. As of September 30, 2020, the USCC Master Note Trust held $222 million of assets available to be pledged as collateral for the receivables securitization agreement.
Other Long-Term Debt
In August 2020, UScellular issued $500 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due in 2069, and received cash proceeds of $483 million after payment of debt issuance costs of $17 million. These funds will be used for general corporate purposes. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable quarterly beginning in December 2020. UScellular may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time after September 2025 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Note 10 Variable Interest Entities
Consolidated VIEs
TDS consolidates VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by GAAP and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. TDS reviews the criteria for a controlling financial interest at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when events warranting reconsideration occur. These VIEs have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
During 2017, UScellular formed USCC EIP LLC (Seller/Sub-Servicer), USCC Receivables Funding LLC (Transferor) and the USCC Master Note Trust (Trust), collectively the special purpose entities (SPEs), to facilitate a securitized borrowing using its equipment installment plan receivables. Under a Receivables Sale Agreement, UScellular wholly-owned, majority-owned and unconsolidated entities, collectively referred to as “affiliated entities”, transfer device equipment installment plan contracts to the Seller/Sub-Servicer. The Seller/Sub-Servicer aggregates device equipment installment plan contracts, and performs servicing, collection and all other administrative activities related to accounting for the equipment installment plan contracts. The Seller/Sub-Servicer sells the eligible equipment installment plan receivables to the Transferor, a bankruptcy remote entity, which subsequently sells the receivables to the Trust. The Trust, which is bankruptcy remote and isolated from the creditors of UScellular, will be responsible for issuing asset-backed variable funding notes (Notes), which are collateralized by the equipment installment plan receivables owned by the Trust. Given that UScellular has the power to direct the activities of these SPEs, and that these SPEs lack sufficient equity to finance their activities, UScellular is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in the SPEs and, therefore, consolidates them. All transactions with third parties (e.g., issuance of the asset-backed variable funding notes) will be accounted for as a secured borrowing due to the pledging of equipment installment plan contracts as collateral, significant continuing involvement in the transferred assets, subordinated interests of the cash flows, and continued evidence of control of the receivables.
The following VIEs were formed to participate in FCC auctions of wireless spectrum licenses and to fund, establish, and provide wireless service with respect to any FCC wireless spectrum licenses won in the auctions:
Advantage Spectrum, L.P. (Advantage Spectrum) and Sunshine Spectrum, Inc., the general partner of Advantage Spectrum; and
King Street Wireless, L.P. (King Street Wireless) and King Street Wireless, Inc., the general partner of King Street Wireless.
These particular VIEs are collectively referred to as designated entities. The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these VIEs is shared. Specifically, the general partner of these VIEs has the exclusive right to manage, operate and control the limited partnerships and make all decisions to carry on the business of the partnerships. The general partner of each partnership needs the consent of the limited partner, an indirect TDS subsidiary, to sell or lease certain wireless spectrum licenses, to make certain large expenditures, admit other partners or liquidate the limited partnerships. Although the power to direct the activities of these VIEs is shared, TDS has the most significant level of exposure to the variability associated with the economic performance of the VIEs, indicating that TDS is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Therefore, in accordance with GAAP, these VIEs are consolidated.
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TDS also consolidates other VIEs that are limited partnerships that provide wireless service. A limited partnership is a variable interest entity unless the limited partners hold substantive participating rights or kick-out rights over the general partner. For certain limited partnerships, UScellular is the general partner and manages the operations. In these partnerships, the limited partners do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights and, further, such limited partners do not have the authority to remove the general partner. Therefore, these limited partnerships also are recognized as VIEs and are consolidated under the variable interest model.
The following table presents the classification and balances of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet.
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents$19 $19 
Accounts receivable618 637 
Inventory, net3 5 
Other current assets18 7 
Assets held for sale18  
Licenses637 647 
Property, plant and equipment, net108 95 
Operating lease right-of-use assets42 42 
Other assets and deferred charges317 347 
Total assets$1,780 $1,799 
Liabilities
Current liabilities$26 $30 
Long-term operating lease liabilities38 39 
Other deferred liabilities and credits20 13 
Total liabilities$84 $82 
Unconsolidated VIEs
TDS manages the operations of and holds a variable interest in certain other limited partnerships, but is not the primary beneficiary of these entities and, therefore, does not consolidate them under the variable interest model.
TDS’ total investment in these unconsolidated entities was $5 million at both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and is included in Investments in unconsolidated entities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. The maximum exposure from unconsolidated VIEs is limited to the investment held by TDS in those entities.
Other Related Matters
TDS made contributions, loans or advances to its VIEs totaling $113 million and $229 million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, of which $79 million in 2020 and $199 million in 2019, are related to USCC EIP LLC as discussed above. TDS may agree to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these or other VIEs and/or to their general partners to provide additional funding for operations or the development of wireless spectrum licenses granted in various auctions. TDS may finance such amounts with a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under its revolving credit or receivables securitization agreements and/or other long-term debt. There is no assurance that TDS will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all to provide such financial support.
The limited partnership agreement of Advantage Spectrum also provides the general partner with a put option whereby the general partner may require the limited partner, a subsidiary of UScellular, to purchase its interest in the limited partnership. The general partner’s put option related to its interest in Advantage Spectrum will be exercisable in 2021, and if not exercised at that time, will be exercisable in 2022. The greater of the carrying value of the general partner's investment or the value of the put option, net of any borrowings due to TDS, is recorded as Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. Also in accordance with GAAP, minority share of income or changes in the redemption value of the put option, net of interest accrued on the loans, are recorded as a component of Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, in TDS’ Consolidated Statement of Operations.
56

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Note 11 Noncontrolling Interests
The following schedule discloses the effects of Net income attributable to TDS shareholders and changes in TDS’ ownership interest in UScellular on TDS’ equity:
Nine Months Ended September 30,20202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders$212 $110 
Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's issuance of UScellular shares(38)(23)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's repurchases of UScellular shares14 6 
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests(24)(17)
Changes from net income attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests$188 $93 
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Note 12 Business Segment Information
UScellular and TDS Telecom are billed for services they receive from TDS, consisting primarily of information processing, accounting and finance, and general management services. Such billings are based on expenses specifically identified to UScellular and TDS Telecom and on allocations of common expenses. Management believes the method used to allocate common expenses is reasonable and that all expenses and costs applicable to UScellular and TDS Telecom are reflected in the accompanying business segment information on a basis that is representative of what they would have been if UScellular and TDS Telecom operated on a stand-alone basis.
Financial data for TDS’ reportable segments for the three and nine month periods ended, or as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, is as follows. See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation for additional information. 
  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended or as of September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues      
Service$775 $173 $74 $247 $24 $1,046 
Equipment and product sales252    26 278 
Total operating revenues1,027 173 74 247 50 1,324 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)
203 69 31 100 18 321 
Cost of equipment and products257    21 278 
Selling, general and administrative335 51 18 69 11 415 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 30 20 49 7 217 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6     6 
Operating income (loss)65 23 5 28 (6)87 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities48     48 
Interest and dividend income2 1  1 1 4 
Gain (loss) on investments3     3 
Interest expense(29)1  1 (15)(43)
Income (loss) before income taxes89 24 5 29 (19)99 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
4 4 (2)6 
Net income (loss)85 25 (17)93 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 30 20 49 7 217 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6     6 
Gain (loss) on investments(3)    (3)
Interest expense29 (1) (1)15 43 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
4 4 (2)6 
Adjusted EBITDA3
$282 $53 $25 $78 $2 $362 
Investments in unconsolidated entities$467 $4 $ $4 $37 $508 
Total assets$9,180 $1,539 $721 $2,250 $465 $11,895 
Capital expenditures$216 $74 $18 $92 $2 $310 
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  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended or as of September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues
Service$774 $169 $62 $231 $25 $1,030 
Equipment and product sales257    34 291 
Total operating revenues1,031 169 62 231 59 1,321 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)
199 68 27 94 20 313 
Cost of equipment and products266    29 295 
Selling, general and administrative358 52 15 67 14 439 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion181 33 17 50 6 237 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net5    1 6 
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net2     2 
Operating income (loss)20 16 3 20 (11)29 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities44     44 
Interest and dividend income4 3  3  7 
Interest expense(29)1  1 (14)(42)
Income (loss) before income taxes39 20 4 24 (25)38 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
15 5 (5)15 
Net income (loss)24 18 (19)23 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion181 33 17 50 6 237 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net5    1 6 
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net2     2 
Interest expense29 (1) (1)14 42 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
15 5 (5)15 
Adjusted EBITDA3
$256 $52 $21 $73 $(4)$325 
Investments in unconsolidated entities$471 $4 $ $4 $36 $511 
Total assets$8,291 $1,430 $644 $2,066 $524 $10,881 
Capital expenditures$170 $61 $20 $81 $2 $253 
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  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended or as of September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues
Service$2,290 $511 $216 $727 $71 $3,088 
Equipment and product sales674 1  1 86 761 
Total operating revenues2,964 512 216 728 157 3,849 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)
580 197 91 287 52 919 
Cost of equipment and products692 1  1 72 765 
Selling, general and administrative994 148 52 200 33 1,227 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion516 94 59 152 17 685 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net14  1 1  15 
Operating income (loss)168 73 14 87 (17)238 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities137    1 138 
Interest and dividend income6 4 1 4 2 12 
Gain (loss) on investments3     3 
Interest expense(76)3  3 (46)(119)
Other, net (1) (1) (1)
Income (loss) before income taxes238 79 15 94 (61)271 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
11 13 (7)17 
Net income (loss)227 81 (54)254 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion516 94 59 152 17 685 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net14  1 1  15 
Gain (loss) on investments(3)    (3)
Interest expense76 (3) (3)46 119 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
11 13 (7)17 
Adjusted EBITDA3
$841 $169 $74 $243 $3 $1,087 
Capital expenditures$621 $171 $49 $221 $7 $849 
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  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended or as of September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues
Service$2,272 $512 $183 $694 $72 $3,038 
Equipment and product sales698 1  1 103 802 
Total operating revenues2,970 512 184 695 175 3,840 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)
568 195 79 274 58 900 
Cost of equipment and products724 1  1 83 808 
Selling, general and administrative1,027 148 44 193 40 1,260 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion524 99 51 150 23 697 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net13 (8)1 (7)(1)5 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)    (1)
Operating income (loss)115 78 8 86 (30)171 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities128    1 129 
Interest and dividend income14 8 1 9 1 24 
Interest expense(87)2  2 (43)(128)
Income (loss) before income taxes170 88 9 97 (71)196 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
55 23 (14)64 
Net income (loss)115 74 (57)132 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion524 99 51 150 23 697 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net13 (8)1 (7)(1)5 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)    (1)
Interest expense87 (2) (2)43 128 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
55 23 (14)64 
Adjusted EBITDA3
$793 $177 $61 $238 $(6)$1,025 
Capital expenditures$467 $145 $48 $193 $4 $664 
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
1TDS Telecom Total includes eliminations between the Wireline and Cable segments.
2Income tax expense (benefit) is not provided at the individual segment level for Wireline and Cable. TDS calculates income tax expense for “TDS Telecom Total".
3Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (Adjusted EBITDA) is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. TDS believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, gains and losses, and other items as presented above as they provide additional relevant and useful information to investors and other users of TDS' financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of its operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management's evaluation of business performance.
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Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Additional Required Information

Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
TDS maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is processed, recorded, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to TDS’ management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
As required by SEC Rules 13a-15(b), TDS carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of TDS’ disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Based on this evaluation, TDS’ principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that TDS' disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2020, at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in internal controls over financial reporting that have occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, TDS’ internal control over financial reporting.
Legal Proceedings
In April 2018, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) notified TDS that it was conducting inquiries of UScellular and TDS under the federal False Claims Act relating to UScellular’s participation in wireless spectrum license auctions 58, 66, 73 and 97 conducted by the FCC. UScellular is/was a limited partner in several limited partnerships which qualified for the 25% bid credit in each auction. The investigation arose from civil actions under the Federal False Claims Act brought by private parties. In November and December 2019, following the DOJ’s investigation, the DOJ informed TDS and UScellular that it would not intervene in the above-referenced actions. Subsequently, the private party plaintiffs filed amended complaints in both actions in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma and are continuing the action on their own. In July 2020, these actions were transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. TDS and UScellular believe that UScellular’s arrangements with the limited partnerships and the limited partnerships’ participation in the FCC auctions complied with applicable law and FCC rules. At this time, TDS cannot predict the outcome of any proceeding.
Refer to the disclosure under Legal Proceedings in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, for additional information. There have been no material changes to such information since December 31, 2019.
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Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On August 2, 2013, the Board of Directors of TDS authorized, and TDS announced by Form 8-K, a $250 million stock repurchase program for TDS Common Shares. Depending on market conditions, such shares may be repurchased in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act, pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, or pursuant to accelerated share repurchase arrangements, prepaid share repurchases, private transactions or as otherwise authorized. This authorization does not have an expiration date. TDS did not determine to terminate the foregoing Common Share repurchase program, or cease making further purchases thereunder, during the third quarter of 2020.
The maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under this program was $185 million as of September 30, 2020. There were no purchases made by or on behalf of TDS, and no open market purchases made by any "affiliated purchaser" (as defined by the SEC) of TDS, of TDS Common Shares during the quarter covered by this Form 10-Q.
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Exhibits
Exhibit NumberDescription of Documents
Exhibit 4.1
Exhibit 4.2
Exhibit 4.3
Exhibit 10.1
Exhibit 10.2
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2
Exhibit 101.INSXBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
Exhibit 101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
Exhibit 101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
Exhibit 104Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline document.
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Form 10-Q Cross Reference Index
Item NumberPage No.
Part I.Financial Information 
    
 -
  -
    
 -
    
 
    
 
    
Part II. Other Information 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
  TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC. 
  (Registrant) 
     
Date:November 5, 2020 /s/ LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.
   
LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
     
Date:November 5, 2020 /s/ Peter L. Sereda
   
Peter L. Sereda
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
     
Date:November 5, 2020 /s/ Anita J. Kroll
   
Anita J. Kroll
Vice President - Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
(principal accounting officer)
66
Document

Exhibit 31.1
 
Certification of principal executive officer
 
 
I, LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr., certify that:
1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.;
2.    Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.    The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: 
a.    designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.    designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.    evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.    disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.    The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.    all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.    any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date:  November 5, 2020
 /s/ LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr. 
 
LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
 


Document

Exhibit 31.2
 
Certification of principal financial officer
 
 
I, Peter L. Sereda, certify that:
1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.;
2.    Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.    The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: 
a.    designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.    designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.    evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.    disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.    The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.    all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.    any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  November 5, 2020
 /s/ Peter L. Sereda 
 
Peter L. Sereda
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
 


Document

Exhibit 32.1
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63
of Title 18 of the United States Code
 
 
                I, LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr., the principal executive officer of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., certify that (i) the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2020 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and (ii) the information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
 /s/ LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr. 
 LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr. 
 November 5, 2020 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and will be retained by Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

Document

Exhibit 32.2
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63
of Title 18 of the United States Code
 
 
                I, Peter L. Sereda, the principal financial officer of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., certify that (i) the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2020 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and (ii) the information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
 /s/ Peter L. Sereda 
 Peter L. Sereda 
 November 5, 2020 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and will be retained by Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

v3.20.2
Document And Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
shares
Document Type 10-Q
Document Quarterly Report true
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report false
Entity File Number 001-14157
Entity Registrant Name TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
Entity Central Index Key 0001051512
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3
Amendment Flag false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE
Entity Tax Identification Number 36-2669023
Entity Address, Address Line One 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 4000
Entity Address, City or Town Chicago
Entity Address, State or Province IL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 60602
City Area Code (312)
Local Phone Number 630-1900
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer
Smaller Reporting Company false
Emerging Growth Company false
Entity Shell Company false
Common Shares  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Shares, $.01 par value
Trading Symbol TDS
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 107,051,300
6.625% Senior Notes  
Title of 12(b) Security 6.625% Senior Notes due 2045
Trading Symbol TDI
Security Exchange Name NYSE
6.875% Senior Notes  
Title of 12(b) Security 6.875% Senior Notes due 2059
Trading Symbol TDE
Security Exchange Name NYSE
7.0% Senior Notes  
Title of 12(b) Security 7.000% Senior Notes due 2060
Trading Symbol TDJ
Security Exchange Name NYSE
5.875% Senior Notes  
Title of 12(b) Security 5.875% Senior Notes due 2061
Trading Symbol TDA
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Series A Common Shares  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 7,273,800
v3.20.2
Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Operating revenues        
Total operating revenues $ 1,324 $ 1,321 $ 3,849 $ 3,840
Operating expenses        
Selling, general and administrative 415 439 1,227 1,260
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 217 237 685 697
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 6 6 15 5
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net 0 0 0 (1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net 0 2 0 0
Total operating expenses 1,237 1,292 3,611 3,669
Operating income 87 29 238 171
Investment and other income (expense)        
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 48 44 138 129
Interest and dividend income 4 7 12 24
Gain (loss) on investments 3 0 3 0
Interest expense (43) (42) (119) (128)
Other, net 0 0 (1) 0
Total investment and other income 12 9 33 25
Income before income taxes 99 38 271 196
Income tax expense 6 15 17 64
Net income 93 23 254 132
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax 15 5 42 22
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders $ 78 $ 18 $ 212 $ 110
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) 114 115 114 114
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders (in dollars per share) $ 0.68 $ 0.15 $ 1.85 $ 0.96
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) 115 116 115 116
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders (in dollars per share) $ 0.66 $ 0.15 $ 1.81 $ 0.93
Service        
Operating revenues        
Total operating revenues $ 1,046 $ 1,030 $ 3,088 $ 3,038
Operating expenses        
Cost of goods and services 321 313 919 900
Equipment and product sales        
Operating revenues        
Total operating revenues 278 291 761 802
Operating expenses        
Cost of goods and services $ 278 $ 295 $ 765 $ 808
v3.20.2
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]        
Net income $ 93 $ 23 $ 254 $ 132
Change related to retirement plan Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost for the period        
Amortization of prior service cost 1 0 2 1
Comprehensive income 94 23 256 133
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax 15 5 42 22
Comprehensive income attributable to TDS shareholders $ 79 $ 18 $ 214 $ 111
v3.20.2
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities    
Net income $ 254 $ 132
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities    
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 685 697
Bad debts expense 55 80
Stock-based compensation expense 39 47
Deferred income taxes, net 217 23
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities (138) (129)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities 118 100
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 15 5
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net 0 (1)
(Gain) loss on investments (3) 0
Other operating activities 1 4
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations    
Accounts receivable 26 (42)
Equipment installment plans receivable 13 (42)
Inventory 2 3
Accounts payable 95 (4)
Customer deposits and deferred revenues (21) (2)
Accrued taxes (156) 37
Accrued interest 14 9
Other assets and liabilities (50) (43)
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,166 874
Cash flows from investing activities    
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment (914) (631)
Cash paid for licenses (169) (257)
Cash received from investments 1 29
Cash paid for investments (1) (11)
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges 1 32
Other investing activities 4 1
Net cash used in investing activities (1,078) (837)
Cash flows from financing activities    
Issuance of long-term debt 675 0
Repayment of long-term debt (8) (16)
TDS Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments (3) (6)
UScellular Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments (11) (8)
Repurchase of TDS Common Shares (14) 0
Repurchase of UScellular Common Shares (23) (21)
Dividends paid to TDS shareholders (58) (57)
Payment of debt issuance costs (23) (1)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (2) (3)
Other financing activities 1 9
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 534 (103)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 622 (66)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash    
Beginning of period 474 927
End of period $ 1,096 $ 861
v3.20.2
Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,076 $ 465
Accounts receivable    
Customers and agents, less allowances of $69 and $74, respectively 949 1,005
Other, less allowances of $2 and $2, respectively 107 119
Inventory, net 164 169
Prepaid expenses 109 98
Income taxes receivable 226 36
Other current assets 39 29
Total current assets 2,670 1,921
Assets held for sale 19 0
Licenses 2,637 2,480
Goodwill 547 547
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $183 and $167, respectively 219 239
Investments in unconsolidated entities 508 488
Property, plant and equipment    
In service and under construction 13,375 12,864
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization 9,648 9,337
Property, plant and equipment, net 3,727 3,527
Operating lease right-of-use assets 988 972
Other assets and deferred charges 580 607
Total assets [1] 11,895 10,781
Current liabilities    
Current portion of long-term debt 3 10
Accounts payable 399 374
Customer deposits and deferred revenues 168 189
Accrued interest 24 11
Accrued taxes 63 41
Accrued compensation 107 121
Short-term operating lease liabilities 125 116
Other current liabilities 76 100
Total current liabilities 965 962
Deferred liabilities and credits    
Deferred income tax liability, net 893 676
Long-term operating lease liabilities 938 931
Other deferred liabilities and credits 530 481
Long-term debt, net 2,970 2,316
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features 10 11
TDS shareholders’ equity    
Series A Common and Common Shares Authorized 290 shares (25 Series A Common and 265 Common Shares) Issued 133 shares (7 Series A Common and 126 Common Shares) Outstanding 114 shares (7 Series A Common and 107 Common Shares) and 115 shares (7 Series A Common and 108 Common Shares), respectively Par Value ($.01 per share) 1 1
Capital in excess of par value 2,479 2,468
Treasury shares, at cost, 19 and 18 Common Shares, respectively (478) (479)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (7) (9)
Retained earnings 2,809 2,672
Total TDS shareholders' equity 4,804 4,653
Noncontrolling interests 785 751
Total equity 5,589 5,404
Total liabilities and equity [1] $ 11,895 $ 10,781
[1] The consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,070 million and $915 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $19 million and $20 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of TDS. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.
v3.20.2
Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts receivable    
Customer and agent allowances $ 69 $ 74
Other allowances 2 2
Other intangible assets    
Other intangible assets accumulated amortization $ 183 $ 167
TDS shareholders’ equity    
Authorized shares (in shares) 290,000,000 290,000,000
Issued shares (in shares) 133,000,000 133,000,000
Outstanding shares (in shares) 114,000,000 115,000,000
Par value per share (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Variable Interest Entities VIEs    
Total assets [1] $ 11,895 $ 10,781
Series A Common Shares    
TDS shareholders’ equity    
Authorized shares (in shares) 25,000,000 25,000,000
Issued shares (in shares) 7,000,000 7,000,000
Outstanding shares (in shares) 7,000,000 7,000,000
Common Shares    
TDS shareholders’ equity    
Authorized shares (in shares) 265,000,000 265,000,000
Issued shares (in shares) 126,000,000 126,000,000
Outstanding shares (in shares) 107,000,000 108,000,000
Par value per share (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Treasury shares at cost (in shares) 19,000,000 18,000,000
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity    
Variable Interest Entities VIEs    
Total assets $ 1,780 $ 1,799
Total liabilities 84 82
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity | No recourse    
Variable Interest Entities VIEs    
Total liabilities 19 20
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity | Assets held    
Variable Interest Entities VIEs    
Total assets $ 1,070 $ 915
[1] The consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,070 million and $915 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $19 million and $20 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of TDS. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.
v3.20.2
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
Series A Common and Common shares
Capital in excess of par value
Treasury shares
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Retained earnings
Total TDS shareholders' equity
Noncontrolling interests
Retained earnings | ASC 842 $ 2         $ 2 $ 2  
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018 5,293 $ 1 $ 2,432 $ (519) $ (10) 2,656 4,560 $ 733
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders 110         110 110  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity 21           0 21
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends (57)         (57) (57)  
Dividend reinvestment plan 13     18   (5) 13  
Incentive and compensation plans (6)     20   (26) (6)  
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans 5   10       10 (5)
Stock-based compensation awards 14   14       14  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (2)           0 (2)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019 5,393 1 2,456 (481) (10) 2,680 4,646 747
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2019 5,393 1 2,438 (488) (10) 2,684 4,625 768
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders 18         18 18  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity 5           0 5
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends (19)         (19) (19)  
Dividend reinvestment plan 4     7   (3) 4  
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans (13)   12       12 (25)
Stock-based compensation awards 6   6       6  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (1)           0 (1)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019 5,393 1 2,456 (481) (10) 2,680 4,646 747
Retained earnings 2,672              
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019 5,404 1 2,468 (479) (9) 2,672 4,653 751
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders 212         212 212  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity 43           0 43
Other comprehensive income 2       2   2  
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends (58)         (58) (58)  
Repurchase of Common Shares (14)     (14)     (14)  
Dividend reinvestment plan 2   1 2   (1) 2  
Incentive and compensation plans (3)     13   (16) (3)  
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans (11)   (4)       (4) (7)
Stock-based compensation awards 14   14       14  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (2)           0 (2)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020 5,589 1 2,479 (478) (7) 2,809 4,804 785
Retained earnings | ASC 326 1         1 1  
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2020 5,503 1 2,472 (479) (7) 2,751 4,738 765
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders 78         78 78  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity 16           0 16
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends (19)         (19) (19)  
Dividend reinvestment plan 0   1 1   (2) 0  
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans 5   1       1 4
Stock-based compensation awards 5   5       5  
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020 5,589 $ 1 $ 2,479 $ (478) $ (7) $ 2,809 $ 4,804 $ 785
Retained earnings $ 2,809              
v3.20.2
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) [Abstract]        
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends (in dollars per share) $ 0.17 $ 0.165 $ 0.510 $ 0.495
v3.20.2
Basis of Presentation
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Note 1 Basis of Presentation
The accounting policies of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, including TDS’ 82%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular) and TDS’ wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom). In addition, the consolidated financial statements include certain entities in which TDS has a variable interest that requires consolidation under GAAP. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
TDS’ business segments reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2020, are UScellular, Wireline, and Cable. TDS’ non-reportable other business activities are presented as “Corporate, Eliminations and Other”, which includes the operations of TDS’ wholly-owned hosted and managed services (HMS) subsidiary, which operates under the OneNeck IT Solutions brand, and its wholly-owned subsidiary Suttle-Straus, Inc. (Suttle-Straus). HMS’ and Suttle-Straus’ financial results were not significant to TDS’ operations. All of TDS’ segments operate only in the United States. See Note 12 — Business Segment Information for summary financial information on each business segment.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by TDS pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, TDS believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed) necessary for the fair statement of TDS’ financial position as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and its results of operations, comprehensive income and changes in equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. TDS has not changed its significant accounting and reporting policies from those disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 except as noted below for the estimation of credit losses.
Restricted Cash
TDS presents restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet to the total of the amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Cash and cash equivalents$1,076 $465 
Restricted cash included in Other current assets20 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows$1,096 $474 
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and subsequently amended the standard with additional Accounting Standards Updates, collectively referred to as ASC 326. This standard requires entities to use a new forward-looking, expected loss model to estimate credit losses and requires additional disclosures relating to the credit quality of trade and other receivables. TDS adopted the provisions of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, TDS applied the new accounting standard only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change, if any, as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Accordingly, prior periods have not been recast to reflect the new accounting standard. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of ASC 326 had no material impact on retained earnings.
UScellular’s accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed by customers for wireless services and equipment sales, including sales of certain devices and accessories under installment plans, by agents and third-party distributors for sales of equipment to them, by third party vendors and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used UScellular’s wireless systems.
TDS Telecom’s accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts owed by customers for services and products provided, by state and federal governments for grants and support funds, and by interexchange carriers for long-distance and data traffic, which TDS Telecom carries on its network.
TDS estimates expected credit losses related to accounts receivable balances based on a review of available and relevant information including current economic conditions, projected economic conditions, historical loss experience, account aging, and other factors that could affect collectability. Expected credit losses are determined for each pool of accounts receivable balances that share similar risk characteristics. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of expected credit losses related to existing accounts receivable. TDS does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (ASU 2018-15). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the existing guidance for capitalizing implementation costs for an arrangement that has a software license. The service element of a hosting arrangement will continue to be expensed as incurred. Any capitalized implementation costs will be amortized over the period of the service contract. TDS' hosting arrangements that are service contracts consist primarily of software used to perform administrative functions. TDS adopted ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020, using the prospective method. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 did not have a significant impact on TDS' financial position or results of operations.
v3.20.2
Revenue Recognition
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue Recognition
Note 2 Revenue Recognition
Disaggregation of Revenue
In the following table, TDS' revenues are disaggregated by type of service, which represents the relevant categorization of revenues for TDS' reportable segments, and timing of recognition. Service revenues are recognized over time and Equipment and product sales are point in time.
  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$674 $— $— $— $— $674 
Inbound roaming42 — — — — 42 
Residential— 90 62 152 — 152 
Commercial— 38 11 49 — 49 
Wholesale— 45 — 45 — 45 
Other service39 — — — 18 57 
Service revenues from contracts with customers755 172 74 246 18 1,019 
Equipment and product sales252 — — — 26 278 
Total revenues from contracts with customers1,007 173 74 246 44 1,297 
Operating lease income20 — — 27 
Total operating revenues$1,027 $173 $74 $247 $50 $1,324 
  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$663 $— $— $— $— $663 
Inbound roaming54 — — — — 54 
Residential— 83 52 135 — 135 
Commercial— 41 10 52 — 52 
Wholesale— 44 — 44 — 44 
Other service34 — — — 19 53 
Service revenues from contracts with customers751 168 62 230 19 1,001 
Equipment and product sales257 — — — 34 291 
Total revenues from contracts with customers1,008 168 62 230 53 1,292 
Operating lease income23 29 
Total operating revenues$1,031 $169 $62 $231 $59 $1,321 

  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$2,004 $— $— $— $— $2,004 
Inbound roaming119 — — — — 119 
Residential— 260 182 441 — 441 
Commercial— 115 33 149 — 149 
Wholesale— 135 — 135 — 135 
Other service110 — — — 51 161 
Service revenues from contracts with customers2,233 510 215 725 51 3,009 
Equipment and product sales674 — 86 761 
Total revenues from contracts with customers2,907 511 215 726 137 3,770 
Operating lease income57 20 79 
Total operating revenues$2,964 $512 $216 $728 $157 $3,849 
  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$1,984 $— $— $— $— $1,984 
Inbound roaming132 — — — — 132 
Residential— 245 152 397 — 397 
Commercial— 127 32 159 — 159 
Wholesale— 137 — 137 — 137 
Other service101 — — (1)54 154 
Service revenues from contracts with customers2,217 510 183 692 54 2,963 
Equipment and product sales698 — 103 802 
Total revenues from contracts with customers2,915 511 184 693 157 3,765 
Operating lease income55 18 75 
Total operating revenues$2,970 $512 $184 $695 $175 $3,840 
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
1TDS Telecom Total includes eliminations between the Wireline and Cable segments.
Contract Balances
The following table provides balances for contract assets from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Other current assets and Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions) 
Contract assets$13 $10 
Contract liabilities$189 $197 

Revenue recognized related to contract liabilities existing at January 1, 2020 was $159 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations
The following table includes estimated service revenues expected to be recognized related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. These estimates represent service revenues to be recognized when services are delivered to customers pursuant to service plan contracts and under certain roaming agreements with other carriers. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of September 30, 2020 and may vary from actual results. As practical expedients, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, and contracts with a fixed per-unit price and variable quantity, are excluded from these estimates.
 Service Revenues
(Dollars in millions) 
Remainder of 2020$194 
2021230 
Thereafter272 
Total
$696 
Contract Cost Assets
TDS expects that commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts are recoverable and, therefore, TDS defers and amortizes these costs. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are expensed as incurred. TDS also incurs fulfillment costs, such as installation costs, where there is an expectation that a future benefit will be realized. Deferred commission fees and fulfillment costs are amortized based on the timing of transfer of the goods or services to which the assets relate, typically the contract term. Contract cost asset balances, which are recorded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, were as follows:
 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions) 
Costs to obtain contracts 
Sales commissions$137 $146 
Fulfillment costs
Installation costs11 11 
Total contract cost assets$148 $157 
Amortization of contract cost assets was $30 million and $91 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, and $31 million and $95 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and was included in Selling, general and administrative expenses and Cost of services expenses.
v3.20.2
Fair Value Measurements
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements
Note 3 Fair Value Measurements
As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, TDS did not have any material financial or nonfinancial assets or liabilities that were required to be recorded at fair value in its Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP.
The provisions of GAAP establish a fair value hierarchy that contains three levels for inputs used in fair value measurements. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is not representative of its expected performance or its overall risk profile and, therefore, Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets.
TDS has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below.
 Level within the Fair Value HierarchySeptember 30, 2020December 31, 2019
 Book ValueFair ValueBook ValueFair Value
(Dollars in millions)     
Cash and cash equivalents1$1,076 $1,076 $465 $465 
Long-term debt
Retail22,253 2,334 1,753 1,796 
Institutional2535 709 534 594 
Other2259 259 84 84 
The fair values of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments approximate their book values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Long-term debt excludes lease obligations, other installment arrangements, the current portion of Long-term debt and debt financing costs. The fair value of “Retail” Long-term debt was estimated using market prices for TDS’ 7.0% Senior Notes, 6.875% Senior Notes, 6.625% Senior Notes and 5.875% Senior Notes, and UScellular’s 7.25% 2063 Senior Notes, 7.25% 2064 Senior Notes, 6.25% Senior Notes issued in August 2020 and 6.95% Senior Notes. TDS’ “Institutional” debt consists of UScellular’s 6.7% Senior Notes which are traded over the counter. TDS’ “Other” debt consists of senior term loan credit agreements, receivables securitization agreement and other borrowings with financial institutions. TDS estimated the fair value of its Institutional and Other debt through a discounted cash flow analysis using the interest rates or estimated yield to maturity for each borrowing, which ranged from 1.25% to 4.50% and 3.55% to 6.25% at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
v3.20.2
Equipment Installment Plans
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]  
Equipment Installment Plans
Note 4 Equipment Installment Plans
UScellular sells devices to customers under equipment installment plans over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time or amount of payments, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device and have the remaining unpaid equipment installment contract balance waived, subject to certain conditions, including trading in the original device in good working condition and signing a new equipment installment contract.
The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross$951 $1,008 
Allowance for credit losses(75)(84)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net$876 $924 
Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)$568 $587 
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)308 337 
Equipment installment plan receivables, net$876 $924 
UScellular uses various inputs, including internal data, information from credit bureaus and other sources, to evaluate the credit profiles of its customers. From this evaluation, a credit class is assigned to the customer that determines the number of eligible lines, the amount of credit available, and the down payment requirement, if any. These credit classes are grouped into four credit categories: lowest risk, lower risk, slight risk and higher risk. A customer's assigned credit class is reviewed periodically and a change is made, if appropriate. An equipment installment plan billed amount is considered past due if not paid within 30 days. The balance and aging of the equipment installment plan receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows:
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Lowest Risk
Lower Risk
Slight Risk
Higher Risk
Total
Lowest Risk
Lower Risk
Slight Risk
Higher Risk
Total
(Dollars in millions)
Unbilled$767 $95 $22 $10 $894 $812 $99 $23 $$942 
Billed — current34 4 1 1 40 37 45 
Billed — past due8 5 2 2 17 11 21 
Total$809 $104 $25 $13 $951 $860 $110 $28 $10 $1,008 
The balance of the equipment installment plan receivables as of September 30, 2020 on a gross basis by year of origination were as follows:
2017201820192020
Total
(Dollars in millions)
Lowest Risk$$84 $337 $387 $809 
Lower Risk— 39 58 104 
Slight Risk— 14 25 
Higher Risk— — 13 
Total$$93 $389 $468 $951 
Activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows:
 September 30, 2020September 30, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period$84 $77 
Bad debts expense34 60 
Write-offs, net of recoveries(43)(55)
Allowance for credit losses, end of period$75 $82 
v3.20.2
Income Taxes
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Note 5 Income Taxes
The effective tax rate on Income before income taxes was 5.8% and 6.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, and 39.1% and 32.8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The lower effective tax rate in 2020 as compared to 2019 is due primarily to the income tax benefits of the CARES Act enacted on March 27, 2020.
The CARES Act provides retroactive eligibility of bonus depreciation on qualified improvement property put into service after December 31, 2017 and a 5-year carryback of net operating losses generated in years 2018-2020. As the statutory federal tax rate applicable to certain years within the carryback period is 35%, carryback to those years provides a tax benefit in excess of the current federal statutory rate of 21%, resulting in a reduction of income tax expense.
v3.20.2
Earnings Per Share
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings Per Share
Note 6 Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to TDS shareholders by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to TDS shareholders by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period adjusted to include the effects of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities primarily include incremental shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of performance and restricted stock units.
The amounts used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders were as follows:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)   
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders used in basic earnings per share$78 $18 $212 $110 
Adjustments to compute diluted earnings:
Noncontrolling interest adjustment(2)(1)(3)(2)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders used in diluted earnings per share$76 $17 $209 $108 
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share:
Common Shares107 108 107 107 
Series A Common Shares7 7 
Total114 115 114 114 
Effects of dilutive securities1 1 
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share115 116 115 116 
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.68 $0.15 $1.85 $0.96 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.66 $0.15 $1.81 $0.93 
Certain Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of performance and restricted stock units were not included in weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the calculation of Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded was 4 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, and 3 million and less than 1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.
v3.20.2
Intangible Assets
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Intangible Assets
Note 7 Intangible Assets
Activity related to Licenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, is presented below:
Licenses
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2019$2,480 
Acquisitions171 
Transferred to Assets held for sale(18)
Capitalized interest
Balance at September 30, 2020$2,637 
In March 2020, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 237 wireless spectrum licenses in the 37, 39 and 47 GHz bands (Auction 103) for $146 million. In June 2020, the wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 103 were granted by the FCC.
v3.20.2
Investments In Unconsolidated Entities
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
Note 8 Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in entities in which TDS holds a noncontrolling interest. TDS’ Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using either the equity method or measurement alternative method as shown in the table below. The carrying value of measurement alternative method investments represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes.
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Equity method investments$487 $467 
Measurement alternative method investments21 21 
Total investments in unconsolidated entities$508 $488 
The following table, which is based on unaudited information provided in part by third parties, summarizes the combined results of operations of TDS’ equity method investments.
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Revenues$1,640 $1,721 $4,889 $5,077 
Operating expenses1,142 1,247 3,407 3,660 
Operating income498 474 1,482 1,417 
Other income (expense), net(3)(2)(2)(4)
Net income$495 $472 $1,480 $1,413 
v3.20.2
Debt
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Debt
Note 9 Debt
Term Loan
In March 2020, TDS borrowed $50 million on its senior term loan credit agreement. This agreement was entered into in January 2020 and amended in March 2020. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings is at a rate of LIBOR plus 200 basis points. Principal reductions are due and payable in quarterly installments of $0.5 million beginning in June 2021. The remaining unpaid balance will be due and payable in January 2027. TDS believes that it was in compliance with all of the financial covenants and other requirements set forth in its senior term loan credit agreement as of September 30, 2020.
Receivables Securitization Agreement
In April 2020, UScellular borrowed $125 million under its receivables securitization agreement, which permits securitized borrowings using its equipment installment plan receivables. The outstanding borrowings bear interest at floating rates. In October 2020, UScellular amended and restated its receivables securitization agreement to increase its total borrowing capacity to $300 million and extend the expiration date of the agreement to December 2022. There were no significant changes to other key terms of the receivables securitization agreement. UScellular believes that it was in compliance with all of the financial covenants and other requirements set forth in its receivables securitization agreement as of September 30, 2020. As of September 30, 2020, the USCC Master Note Trust held $222 million of assets available to be pledged as collateral for the receivables securitization agreement.
Other Long-Term Debt
In August 2020, UScellular issued $500 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due in 2069, and received cash proceeds of $483 million after payment of debt issuance costs of $17 million. These funds will be used for general corporate purposes. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable quarterly beginning in December 2020. UScellular may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time after September 2025 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.
v3.20.2
Variable Interest Entities
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]  
Variable Interest Entities
Note 10 Variable Interest Entities
Consolidated VIEs
TDS consolidates VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by GAAP and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. TDS reviews the criteria for a controlling financial interest at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when events warranting reconsideration occur. These VIEs have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
During 2017, UScellular formed USCC EIP LLC (Seller/Sub-Servicer), USCC Receivables Funding LLC (Transferor) and the USCC Master Note Trust (Trust), collectively the special purpose entities (SPEs), to facilitate a securitized borrowing using its equipment installment plan receivables. Under a Receivables Sale Agreement, UScellular wholly-owned, majority-owned and unconsolidated entities, collectively referred to as “affiliated entities”, transfer device equipment installment plan contracts to the Seller/Sub-Servicer. The Seller/Sub-Servicer aggregates device equipment installment plan contracts, and performs servicing, collection and all other administrative activities related to accounting for the equipment installment plan contracts. The Seller/Sub-Servicer sells the eligible equipment installment plan receivables to the Transferor, a bankruptcy remote entity, which subsequently sells the receivables to the Trust. The Trust, which is bankruptcy remote and isolated from the creditors of UScellular, will be responsible for issuing asset-backed variable funding notes (Notes), which are collateralized by the equipment installment plan receivables owned by the Trust. Given that UScellular has the power to direct the activities of these SPEs, and that these SPEs lack sufficient equity to finance their activities, UScellular is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in the SPEs and, therefore, consolidates them. All transactions with third parties (e.g., issuance of the asset-backed variable funding notes) will be accounted for as a secured borrowing due to the pledging of equipment installment plan contracts as collateral, significant continuing involvement in the transferred assets, subordinated interests of the cash flows, and continued evidence of control of the receivables.
The following VIEs were formed to participate in FCC auctions of wireless spectrum licenses and to fund, establish, and provide wireless service with respect to any FCC wireless spectrum licenses won in the auctions:
Advantage Spectrum, L.P. (Advantage Spectrum) and Sunshine Spectrum, Inc., the general partner of Advantage Spectrum; and
King Street Wireless, L.P. (King Street Wireless) and King Street Wireless, Inc., the general partner of King Street Wireless.
These particular VIEs are collectively referred to as designated entities. The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these VIEs is shared. Specifically, the general partner of these VIEs has the exclusive right to manage, operate and control the limited partnerships and make all decisions to carry on the business of the partnerships. The general partner of each partnership needs the consent of the limited partner, an indirect TDS subsidiary, to sell or lease certain wireless spectrum licenses, to make certain large expenditures, admit other partners or liquidate the limited partnerships. Although the power to direct the activities of these VIEs is shared, TDS has the most significant level of exposure to the variability associated with the economic performance of the VIEs, indicating that TDS is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Therefore, in accordance with GAAP, these VIEs are consolidated.
TDS also consolidates other VIEs that are limited partnerships that provide wireless service. A limited partnership is a variable interest entity unless the limited partners hold substantive participating rights or kick-out rights over the general partner. For certain limited partnerships, UScellular is the general partner and manages the operations. In these partnerships, the limited partners do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights and, further, such limited partners do not have the authority to remove the general partner. Therefore, these limited partnerships also are recognized as VIEs and are consolidated under the variable interest model.
The following table presents the classification and balances of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet.
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents$19 $19 
Accounts receivable618 637 
Inventory, net3 
Other current assets18 
Assets held for sale18 — 
Licenses637 647 
Property, plant and equipment, net108 95 
Operating lease right-of-use assets42 42 
Other assets and deferred charges317 347 
Total assets$1,780 $1,799 
Liabilities
Current liabilities$26 $30 
Long-term operating lease liabilities38 39 
Other deferred liabilities and credits20 13 
Total liabilities$84 $82 
Unconsolidated VIEs
TDS manages the operations of and holds a variable interest in certain other limited partnerships, but is not the primary beneficiary of these entities and, therefore, does not consolidate them under the variable interest model.
TDS’ total investment in these unconsolidated entities was $5 million at both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and is included in Investments in unconsolidated entities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. The maximum exposure from unconsolidated VIEs is limited to the investment held by TDS in those entities.
Other Related Matters
TDS made contributions, loans or advances to its VIEs totaling $113 million and $229 million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, of which $79 million in 2020 and $199 million in 2019, are related to USCC EIP LLC as discussed above. TDS may agree to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these or other VIEs and/or to their general partners to provide additional funding for operations or the development of wireless spectrum licenses granted in various auctions. TDS may finance such amounts with a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under its revolving credit or receivables securitization agreements and/or other long-term debt. There is no assurance that TDS will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all to provide such financial support.
The limited partnership agreement of Advantage Spectrum also provides the general partner with a put option whereby the general partner may require the limited partner, a subsidiary of UScellular, to purchase its interest in the limited partnership. The general partner’s put option related to its interest in Advantage Spectrum will be exercisable in 2021, and if not exercised at that time, will be exercisable in 2022. The greater of the carrying value of the general partner's investment or the value of the put option, net of any borrowings due to TDS, is recorded as Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. Also in accordance with GAAP, minority share of income or changes in the redemption value of the put option, net of interest accrued on the loans, are recorded as a component of Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, in TDS’ Consolidated Statement of Operations.
v3.20.2
Noncontrolling Interests
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net [Abstract]  
Noncontrolling Interests
Note 11 Noncontrolling Interests
The following schedule discloses the effects of Net income attributable to TDS shareholders and changes in TDS’ ownership interest in UScellular on TDS’ equity:
Nine Months Ended September 30,20202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders$212 $110 
Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's issuance of UScellular shares(38)(23)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's repurchases of UScellular shares14 
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests(24)(17)
Changes from net income attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests$188 $93 
v3.20.2
Business Segment Information
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Business Segment Information
Note 12 Business Segment Information
UScellular and TDS Telecom are billed for services they receive from TDS, consisting primarily of information processing, accounting and finance, and general management services. Such billings are based on expenses specifically identified to UScellular and TDS Telecom and on allocations of common expenses. Management believes the method used to allocate common expenses is reasonable and that all expenses and costs applicable to UScellular and TDS Telecom are reflected in the accompanying business segment information on a basis that is representative of what they would have been if UScellular and TDS Telecom operated on a stand-alone basis.
Financial data for TDS’ reportable segments for the three and nine month periods ended, or as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, is as follows. See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation for additional information. 
  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended or as of September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues      
Service$775 $173 $74 $247 $24 $1,046 
Equipment and product sales252 — — — 26 278 
Total operating revenues1,027 173 74 247 50 1,324 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)
203 69 31 100 18 321 
Cost of equipment and products257 — — — 21 278 
Selling, general and administrative335 51 18 69 11 415 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 30 20 49 217 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net— — — — 
Operating income (loss)65 23 28 (6)87 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities48 — — — — 48 
Interest and dividend income— 
Gain (loss) on investments— — — — 
Interest expense(29)— (15)(43)
Income (loss) before income taxes89 24 29 (19)99 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
(2)
Net income (loss)85 25 (17)93 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 30 20 49 217 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net— — — — 
Gain (loss) on investments(3)— — — — (3)
Interest expense29 (1)— (1)15 43 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
(2)
Adjusted EBITDA3
$282 $53 $25 $78 $$362 
Investments in unconsolidated entities$467 $$— $$37 $508 
Total assets$9,180 $1,539 $721 $2,250 $465 $11,895 
Capital expenditures$216 $74 $18 $92 $$310 
  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended or as of September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues
Service$774 $169 $62 $231 $25 $1,030 
Equipment and product sales257 — — — 34 291 
Total operating revenues1,031 169 62 231 59 1,321 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)
199 68 27 94 20 313 
Cost of equipment and products266 — — — 29 295 
Selling, general and administrative358 52 15 67 14 439 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion181 33 17 50 237 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net— — — 
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net— — — — 
Operating income (loss)20 16 20 (11)29 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities44 — — — — 44 
Interest and dividend income— — 
Interest expense(29)— (14)(42)
Income (loss) before income taxes39 20 24 (25)38 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
15 (5)15 
Net income (loss)24 18 (19)23 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion181 33 17 50 237 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net— — — 
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net— — — — 
Interest expense29 (1)— (1)14 42 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
15 (5)15 
Adjusted EBITDA3
$256 $52 $21 $73 $(4)$325 
Investments in unconsolidated entities$471 $$— $$36 $511 
Total assets$8,291 $1,430 $644 $2,066 $524 $10,881 
Capital expenditures$170 $61 $20 $81 $$253 
  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended or as of September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues
Service$2,290 $511 $216 $727 $71 $3,088 
Equipment and product sales674 — 86 761 
Total operating revenues2,964 512 216 728 157 3,849 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)
580 197 91 287 52 919 
Cost of equipment and products692 — 72 765 
Selling, general and administrative994 148 52 200 33 1,227 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion516 94 59 152 17 685 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net14 — — 15 
Operating income (loss)168 73 14 87 (17)238 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities137 — — — 138 
Interest and dividend income12 
Gain (loss) on investments— — — — 
Interest expense(76)— (46)(119)
Other, net— (1)— (1)— (1)
Income (loss) before income taxes238 79 15 94 (61)271 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
11 13 (7)17 
Net income (loss)227 81 (54)254 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion516 94 59 152 17 685 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net14 — — 15 
Gain (loss) on investments(3)— — — — (3)
Interest expense76 (3)— (3)46 119 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
11 13 (7)17 
Adjusted EBITDA3
$841 $169 $74 $243 $$1,087 
Capital expenditures$621 $171 $49 $221 $$849 
  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended or as of September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues
Service$2,272 $512 $183 $694 $72 $3,038 
Equipment and product sales698 — 103 802 
Total operating revenues2,970 512 184 695 175 3,840 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)
568 195 79 274 58 900 
Cost of equipment and products724 — 83 808 
Selling, general and administrative1,027 148 44 193 40 1,260 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion524 99 51 150 23 697 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net13 (8)(7)(1)
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)— — — — (1)
Operating income (loss)115 78 86 (30)171 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities128 — — — 129 
Interest and dividend income14 24 
Interest expense(87)— (43)(128)
Income (loss) before income taxes170 88 97 (71)196 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
55 23 (14)64 
Net income (loss)115 74 (57)132 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion524 99 51 150 23 697 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net13 (8)(7)(1)
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)— — — — (1)
Interest expense87 (2)— (2)43 128 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
55 23 (14)64 
Adjusted EBITDA3
$793 $177 $61 $238 $(6)$1,025 
Capital expenditures$467 $145 $48 $193 $$664 
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
1TDS Telecom Total includes eliminations between the Wireline and Cable segments.
2Income tax expense (benefit) is not provided at the individual segment level for Wireline and Cable. TDS calculates income tax expense for “TDS Telecom Total".
3Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (Adjusted EBITDA) is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. TDS believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, gains and losses, and other items as presented above as they provide additional relevant and useful information to investors and other users of TDS' financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of its operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management's evaluation of business performance.
v3.20.2
Basis of Presentation (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]  
Principles of Consolidation
The accounting policies of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, including TDS’ 82%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular) and TDS’ wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom). In addition, the consolidated financial statements include certain entities in which TDS has a variable interest that requires consolidation under GAAP. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
TDS’ business segments reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2020, are UScellular, Wireline, and Cable. TDS’ non-reportable other business activities are presented as “Corporate, Eliminations and Other”, which includes the operations of TDS’ wholly-owned hosted and managed services (HMS) subsidiary, which operates under the OneNeck IT Solutions brand, and its wholly-owned subsidiary Suttle-Straus, Inc. (Suttle-Straus). HMS’ and Suttle-Straus’ financial results were not significant to TDS’ operations. All of TDS’ segments operate only in the United States. See Note 12 — Business Segment Information for summary financial information on each business segment.
Basis of Accounting
The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by TDS pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, TDS believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed) necessary for the fair statement of TDS’ financial position as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and its results of operations, comprehensive income and changes in equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. TDS has not changed its significant accounting and reporting policies from those disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 except as noted below for the estimation of credit losses.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts TDS estimates expected credit losses related to accounts receivable balances based on a review of available and relevant information including current economic conditions, projected economic conditions, historical loss experience, account aging, and other factors that could affect collectability. Expected credit losses are determined for each pool of accounts receivable balances that share similar risk characteristics. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of expected credit losses related to existing accounts receivable. TDS does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and subsequently amended the standard with additional Accounting Standards Updates, collectively referred to as ASC 326. This standard requires entities to use a new forward-looking, expected loss model to estimate credit losses and requires additional disclosures relating to the credit quality of trade and other receivables. TDS adopted the provisions of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, TDS applied the new accounting standard only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change, if any, as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Accordingly, prior periods have not been recast to reflect the new accounting standard. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of ASC 326 had no material impact on retained earnings.UScellularIn August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (ASU 2018-15). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the existing guidance for capitalizing implementation costs for an arrangement that has a software license. The service element of a hosting arrangement will continue to be expensed as incurred. Any capitalized implementation costs will be amortized over the period of the service contract. TDS' hosting arrangements that are service contracts consist primarily of software used to perform administrative functions. TDS adopted ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020, using the prospective method. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 did not have a significant impact on TDS' financial position or results of operations.
Revenue from Contract with Customer As practical expedients, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, and contracts with a fixed per-unit price and variable quantity, are excluded from these estimates.TDS expects that commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts are recoverable and, therefore, TDS defers and amortizes these costs. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are expensed as incurred. TDS also incurs fulfillment costs, such as installation costs, where there is an expectation that a future benefit will be realized. Deferred commission fees and fulfillment costs are amortized based on the timing of transfer of the goods or services to which the assets relate, typically the contract term.
Variable Interest Entities TDS consolidates VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by GAAP and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. TDS reviews the criteria for a controlling financial interest at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when events warranting reconsideration occur. These VIEs have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
UScellular  
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]  
Accounts Receivable UScellular’s accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed by customers for wireless services and equipment sales, including sales of certain devices and accessories under installment plans, by agents and third-party distributors for sales of equipment to them, by third party vendors and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used UScellular’s wireless systems.
TDS Telecom Total  
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]  
Accounts Receivable TDS Telecom’s accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts owed by customers for services and products provided, by state and federal governments for grants and support funds, and by interexchange carriers for long-distance and data traffic, which TDS Telecom carries on its network.
v3.20.2
Basis of Presentation (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet to the total of the amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Cash and cash equivalents$1,076 $465 
Restricted cash included in Other current assets20 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows$1,096 $474 
v3.20.2
Revenue Recognition (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of Revenues
In the following table, TDS' revenues are disaggregated by type of service, which represents the relevant categorization of revenues for TDS' reportable segments, and timing of recognition. Service revenues are recognized over time and Equipment and product sales are point in time.
  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$674 $— $— $— $— $674 
Inbound roaming42 — — — — 42 
Residential— 90 62 152 — 152 
Commercial— 38 11 49 — 49 
Wholesale— 45 — 45 — 45 
Other service39 — — — 18 57 
Service revenues from contracts with customers755 172 74 246 18 1,019 
Equipment and product sales252 — — — 26 278 
Total revenues from contracts with customers1,007 173 74 246 44 1,297 
Operating lease income20 — — 27 
Total operating revenues$1,027 $173 $74 $247 $50 $1,324 
  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$663 $— $— $— $— $663 
Inbound roaming54 — — — — 54 
Residential— 83 52 135 — 135 
Commercial— 41 10 52 — 52 
Wholesale— 44 — 44 — 44 
Other service34 — — — 19 53 
Service revenues from contracts with customers751 168 62 230 19 1,001 
Equipment and product sales257 — — — 34 291 
Total revenues from contracts with customers1,008 168 62 230 53 1,292 
Operating lease income23 29 
Total operating revenues$1,031 $169 $62 $231 $59 $1,321 

  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$2,004 $— $— $— $— $2,004 
Inbound roaming119 — — — — 119 
Residential— 260 182 441 — 441 
Commercial— 115 33 149 — 149 
Wholesale— 135 — 135 — 135 
Other service110 — — — 51 161 
Service revenues from contracts with customers2,233 510 215 725 51 3,009 
Equipment and product sales674 — 86 761 
Total revenues from contracts with customers2,907 511 215 726 137 3,770 
Operating lease income57 20 79 
Total operating revenues$2,964 $512 $216 $728 $157 $3,849 
  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$1,984 $— $— $— $— $1,984 
Inbound roaming132 — — — — 132 
Residential— 245 152 397 — 397 
Commercial— 127 32 159 — 159 
Wholesale— 137 — 137 — 137 
Other service101 — — (1)54 154 
Service revenues from contracts with customers2,217 510 183 692 54 2,963 
Equipment and product sales698 — 103 802 
Total revenues from contracts with customers2,915 511 184 693 157 3,765 
Operating lease income55 18 75 
Total operating revenues$2,970 $512 $184 $695 $175 $3,840 
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
1TDS Telecom Total includes eliminations between the Wireline and Cable segments.
Contract with Customer, Assets and Liabilities
The following table provides balances for contract assets from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Other current assets and Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions) 
Contract assets$13 $10 
Contract liabilities$189 $197 
Remaining Performance Obligations
The following table includes estimated service revenues expected to be recognized related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. These estimates represent service revenues to be recognized when services are delivered to customers pursuant to service plan contracts and under certain roaming agreements with other carriers. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of September 30, 2020 and may vary from actual results. As practical expedients, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, and contracts with a fixed per-unit price and variable quantity, are excluded from these estimates.
 Service Revenues
(Dollars in millions) 
Remainder of 2020$194 
2021230 
Thereafter272 
Total
$696 
Contract Cost Assets
TDS expects that commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts are recoverable and, therefore, TDS defers and amortizes these costs. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are expensed as incurred. TDS also incurs fulfillment costs, such as installation costs, where there is an expectation that a future benefit will be realized. Deferred commission fees and fulfillment costs are amortized based on the timing of transfer of the goods or services to which the assets relate, typically the contract term. Contract cost asset balances, which are recorded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, were as follows:
 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions) 
Costs to obtain contracts 
Sales commissions$137 $146 
Fulfillment costs
Installation costs11 11 
Total contract cost assets$148 $157 
v3.20.2
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair value measurements
TDS has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below.
 Level within the Fair Value HierarchySeptember 30, 2020December 31, 2019
 Book ValueFair ValueBook ValueFair Value
(Dollars in millions)     
Cash and cash equivalents1$1,076 $1,076 $465 $465 
Long-term debt
Retail22,253 2,334 1,753 1,796 
Institutional2535 709 534 594 
Other2259 259 84 84 
v3.20.2
Equipment Installment Plans (Table)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]  
Equipment installment plan receivables
The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross$951 $1,008 
Allowance for credit losses(75)(84)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net$876 $924 
Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)$568 $587 
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)308 337 
Equipment installment plan receivables, net$876 $924 
Equipment installment plan receivables credit categories The balance and aging of the equipment installment plan receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows:
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Lowest Risk
Lower Risk
Slight Risk
Higher Risk
Total
Lowest Risk
Lower Risk
Slight Risk
Higher Risk
Total
(Dollars in millions)
Unbilled$767 $95 $22 $10 $894 $812 $99 $23 $$942 
Billed — current34 4 1 1 40 37 45 
Billed — past due8 5 2 2 17 11 21 
Total$809 $104 $25 $13 $951 $860 $110 $28 $10 $1,008 
The balance of the equipment installment plan receivables as of September 30, 2020 on a gross basis by year of origination were as follows:
2017201820192020
Total
(Dollars in millions)
Lowest Risk$$84 $337 $387 $809 
Lower Risk— 39 58 104 
Slight Risk— 14 25 
Higher Risk— — 13 
Total$$93 $389 $468 $951 
Equipment installment plans allowance for credit losses
Activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows:
 September 30, 2020September 30, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period$84 $77 
Bad debts expense34 60 
Write-offs, net of recoveries(43)(55)
Allowance for credit losses, end of period$75 $82 
v3.20.2
Earnings Per Share (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings per share
The amounts used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders were as follows:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)   
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders used in basic earnings per share$78 $18 $212 $110 
Adjustments to compute diluted earnings:
Noncontrolling interest adjustment(2)(1)(3)(2)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders used in diluted earnings per share$76 $17 $209 $108 
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share:
Common Shares107 108 107 107 
Series A Common Shares7 7 
Total114 115 114 114 
Effects of dilutive securities1 1 
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share115 116 115 116 
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.68 $0.15 $1.85 $0.96 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.66 $0.15 $1.81 $0.93 
v3.20.2
Intangible Assets (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Licenses  
Licenses
Activity related to Licenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, is presented below:
Licenses
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2019$2,480 
Acquisitions171 
Transferred to Assets held for sale(18)
Capitalized interest
Balance at September 30, 2020$2,637 
v3.20.2
Investment in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Equity and measurement alternative method investments TDS’ Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using either the equity method or measurement alternative method as shown in the table below. The carrying value of measurement alternative method investments represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes.
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Equity method investments$487 $467 
Measurement alternative method investments21 21 
Total investments in unconsolidated entities$508 $488 
The following table, which is based on unaudited information provided in part by third parties, summarizes the combined results of operations of TDS’ equity method investments.
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Revenues$1,640 $1,721 $4,889 $5,077 
Operating expenses1,142 1,247 3,407 3,660 
Operating income498 474 1,482 1,417 
Other income (expense), net(3)(2)(2)(4)
Net income$495 $472 $1,480 $1,413 
v3.20.2
Variable Interest Entities (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]  
Consolidated VIE assets and liabilities
The following table presents the classification and balances of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet.
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents$19 $19 
Accounts receivable618 637 
Inventory, net3 
Other current assets18 
Assets held for sale18 — 
Licenses637 647 
Property, plant and equipment, net108 95 
Operating lease right-of-use assets42 42 
Other assets and deferred charges317 347 
Total assets$1,780 $1,799 
Liabilities
Current liabilities$26 $30 
Long-term operating lease liabilities38 39 
Other deferred liabilities and credits20 13 
Total liabilities$84 $82 
v3.20.2
Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net [Abstract]  
Noncontrolling interests
The following schedule discloses the effects of Net income attributable to TDS shareholders and changes in TDS’ ownership interest in UScellular on TDS’ equity:
Nine Months Ended September 30,20202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders$212 $110 
Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's issuance of UScellular shares(38)(23)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's repurchases of UScellular shares14 
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests(24)(17)
Changes from net income attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests$188 $93 
v3.20.2
Business Segment Information (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Business segment information
Financial data for TDS’ reportable segments for the three and nine month periods ended, or as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, is as follows. See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation for additional information. 
  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended or as of September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues      
Service$775 $173 $74 $247 $24 $1,046 
Equipment and product sales252 — — — 26 278 
Total operating revenues1,027 173 74 247 50 1,324 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)
203 69 31 100 18 321 
Cost of equipment and products257 — — — 21 278 
Selling, general and administrative335 51 18 69 11 415 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 30 20 49 217 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net— — — — 
Operating income (loss)65 23 28 (6)87 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities48 — — — — 48 
Interest and dividend income— 
Gain (loss) on investments— — — — 
Interest expense(29)— (15)(43)
Income (loss) before income taxes89 24 29 (19)99 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
(2)
Net income (loss)85 25 (17)93 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 30 20 49 217 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net— — — — 
Gain (loss) on investments(3)— — — — (3)
Interest expense29 (1)— (1)15 43 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
(2)
Adjusted EBITDA3
$282 $53 $25 $78 $$362 
Investments in unconsolidated entities$467 $$— $$37 $508 
Total assets$9,180 $1,539 $721 $2,250 $465 $11,895 
Capital expenditures$216 $74 $18 $92 $$310 
  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended or as of September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues
Service$774 $169 $62 $231 $25 $1,030 
Equipment and product sales257 — — — 34 291 
Total operating revenues1,031 169 62 231 59 1,321 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)
199 68 27 94 20 313 
Cost of equipment and products266 — — — 29 295 
Selling, general and administrative358 52 15 67 14 439 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion181 33 17 50 237 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net— — — 
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net— — — — 
Operating income (loss)20 16 20 (11)29 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities44 — — — — 44 
Interest and dividend income— — 
Interest expense(29)— (14)(42)
Income (loss) before income taxes39 20 24 (25)38 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
15 (5)15 
Net income (loss)24 18 (19)23 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion181 33 17 50 237 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net— — — 
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net— — — — 
Interest expense29 (1)— (1)14 42 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
15 (5)15 
Adjusted EBITDA3
$256 $52 $21 $73 $(4)$325 
Investments in unconsolidated entities$471 $$— $$36 $511 
Total assets$8,291 $1,430 $644 $2,066 $524 $10,881 
Capital expenditures$170 $61 $20 $81 $$253 
  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended or as of September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues
Service$2,290 $511 $216 $727 $71 $3,088 
Equipment and product sales674 — 86 761 
Total operating revenues2,964 512 216 728 157 3,849 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)
580 197 91 287 52 919 
Cost of equipment and products692 — 72 765 
Selling, general and administrative994 148 52 200 33 1,227 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion516 94 59 152 17 685 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net14 — — 15 
Operating income (loss)168 73 14 87 (17)238 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities137 — — — 138 
Interest and dividend income12 
Gain (loss) on investments— — — — 
Interest expense(76)— (46)(119)
Other, net— (1)— (1)— (1)
Income (loss) before income taxes238 79 15 94 (61)271 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
11 13 (7)17 
Net income (loss)227 81 (54)254 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion516 94 59 152 17 685 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net14 — — 15 
Gain (loss) on investments(3)— — — — (3)
Interest expense76 (3)— (3)46 119 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
11 13 (7)17 
Adjusted EBITDA3
$841 $169 $74 $243 $$1,087 
Capital expenditures$621 $171 $49 $221 $$849 
  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended or as of September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues
Service$2,272 $512 $183 $694 $72 $3,038 
Equipment and product sales698 — 103 802 
Total operating revenues2,970 512 184 695 175 3,840 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)
568 195 79 274 58 900 
Cost of equipment and products724 — 83 808 
Selling, general and administrative1,027 148 44 193 40 1,260 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion524 99 51 150 23 697 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net13 (8)(7)(1)
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)— — — — (1)
Operating income (loss)115 78 86 (30)171 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities128 — — — 129 
Interest and dividend income14 24 
Interest expense(87)— (43)(128)
Income (loss) before income taxes170 88 97 (71)196 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
55 23 (14)64 
Net income (loss)115 74 (57)132 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion524 99 51 150 23 697 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net13 (8)(7)(1)
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)— — — — (1)
Interest expense87 (2)— (2)43 128 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
55 23 (14)64 
Adjusted EBITDA3
$793 $177 $61 $238 $(6)$1,025 
Capital expenditures$467 $145 $48 $193 $$664 
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
1TDS Telecom Total includes eliminations between the Wireline and Cable segments.
2Income tax expense (benefit) is not provided at the individual segment level for Wireline and Cable. TDS calculates income tax expense for “TDS Telecom Total".
3Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (Adjusted EBITDA) is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. TDS believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, gains and losses, and other items as presented above as they provide additional relevant and useful information to investors and other users of TDS' financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of its operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management's evaluation of business performance.
v3.20.2
Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details)
Sep. 30, 2020
UScellular  
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]  
TDS ownership of UScellular 82.00%
v3.20.2
Basis of Presentation - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,076 $ 465    
Restricted cash included in Other current assets 20 9    
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows $ 1,096 $ 474 $ 861 $ 927
v3.20.2
Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers $ 1,297 $ 1,292 $ 3,770 $ 3,765
Operating lease income 27 29 79 75
Total operating revenues 1,324 1,321 3,849 3,840
Transferred over time        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 1,019 1,001 3,009 2,963
Transferred over time | Retail service        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 674 663 2,004 1,984
Transferred over time | Inbound roaming        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 42 54 119 132
Transferred over time | Residential        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 152 135 441 397
Transferred over time | Commercial        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 49 52 149 159
Transferred over time | Wholesale        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 45 44 135 137
Transferred over time | Other service        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 57 53 161 154
Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 278 291 761 802
UScellular        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 1,007 1,008 2,907 2,915
Operating lease income 20 23 57 55
Total operating revenues 1,027 1,031 2,964 2,970
UScellular | Transferred over time        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 755 751 2,233 2,217
UScellular | Transferred over time | Retail service        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 674 663 2,004 1,984
UScellular | Transferred over time | Inbound roaming        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 42 54 119 132
UScellular | Transferred over time | Residential        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
UScellular | Transferred over time | Commercial        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
UScellular | Transferred over time | Wholesale        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
UScellular | Transferred over time | Other service        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 39 34 110 101
UScellular | Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 252 257 674 698
TDS Telecom Total        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 246 230 726 693
Operating lease income 1 1 2 2
Total operating revenues 247 231 728 695
TDS Telecom Total | Transferred over time        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 246 230 725 692
TDS Telecom Total | Transferred over time | Retail service        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
TDS Telecom Total | Transferred over time | Inbound roaming        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
TDS Telecom Total | Transferred over time | Residential        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 152 135 441 397
TDS Telecom Total | Transferred over time | Commercial        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 49 52 149 159
TDS Telecom Total | Transferred over time | Wholesale        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 45 44 135 137
TDS Telecom Total | Transferred over time | Other service        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 (1)
TDS Telecom Total | Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 1 1
TDS Telecom Wireline        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 173 168 511 511
Operating lease income 0 1 1 1
Total operating revenues 173 169 512 512
TDS Telecom Wireline | Transferred over time        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 172 168 510 510
TDS Telecom Wireline | Transferred over time | Retail service        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
TDS Telecom Wireline | Transferred over time | Inbound roaming        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
TDS Telecom Wireline | Transferred over time | Residential        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 90 83 260 245
TDS Telecom Wireline | Transferred over time | Commercial        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 38 41 115 127
TDS Telecom Wireline | Transferred over time | Wholesale        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 45 44 135 137
TDS Telecom Wireline | Transferred over time | Other service        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
TDS Telecom Wireline | Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 1 1
TDS Telecom Cable        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 74 62 215 184
Operating lease income 0 1 1 1
Total operating revenues 74 62 216 184
TDS Telecom Cable | Transferred over time        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 74 62 215 183
TDS Telecom Cable | Transferred over time | Retail service        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
TDS Telecom Cable | Transferred over time | Inbound roaming        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
TDS Telecom Cable | Transferred over time | Residential        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 62 52 182 152
TDS Telecom Cable | Transferred over time | Commercial        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 11 10 33 32
TDS Telecom Cable | Transferred over time | Wholesale        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
TDS Telecom Cable | Transferred over time | Other service        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
TDS Telecom Cable | Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 44 53 137 157
Operating lease income 6 5 20 18
Total operating revenues 50 59 157 175
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 18 19 51 54
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Retail service        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Inbound roaming        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Residential        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Commercial        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Wholesale        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 0 0 0 0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Other service        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers 18 19 51 54
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales        
Disaggregation of revenue        
Revenue from contracts with customers $ 26 $ 34 $ 86 $ 103
v3.20.2
Revenue Recognition - Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]    
Contract assets $ 13 $ 10
Contract liabilities 189 $ 197
Revenue recognized $ 159  
v3.20.2
Revenue Recognition - Performance Obligations (Details)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2020
USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 696
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-10-01  
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 194
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period 3 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01  
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 230
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01  
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 272
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period
v3.20.2
Revenue Recognition - Contract Cost Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Contract Cost Assets    
Contract cost assets $ 148 $ 157
Sales commissions    
Contract Cost Assets    
Contract cost assets 137 146
Installation costs    
Contract Cost Assets    
Contract cost assets $ 11 $ 11
v3.20.2
Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Capitalized contract cost        
Amortization of contract cost assets $ 30 $ 31 $ 91 $ 95
v3.20.2
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Financial Instruments    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,076 $ 465
7.0% Senior Notes    
Financial Instruments    
Interest rate 7.00%  
6.875% Senior Notes    
Financial Instruments    
Interest rate 6.875%  
6.625% Senior Notes    
Financial Instruments    
Interest rate 6.625%  
5.875% Senior Notes    
Financial Instruments    
Interest rate 5.875%  
7.25% 2063 Senior Notes | UScellular    
Financial Instruments    
Interest rate 7.25%  
7.25% 2064 Senior Notes | UScellular    
Financial Instruments    
Interest rate 7.25%  
6.25% Senior Notes | UScellular    
Financial Instruments    
Interest rate 6.25%  
6.95% Senior Notes | UScellular    
Financial Instruments    
Interest rate 6.95%  
6.7% Senior Notes | UScellular    
Financial Instruments    
Interest rate 6.70%  
Book Value    
Financial Instruments    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,076 465
Book Value | Retail    
Financial Instruments    
Long-term debt 2,253 1,753
Book Value | Institutional    
Financial Instruments    
Long-term debt 535 534
Book Value | Other    
Financial Instruments    
Long-term debt 259 84
Fair Value | Level 1    
Financial Instruments    
Cash and cash equivalents 1,076 465
Fair Value | Level 2 | Retail    
Financial Instruments    
Long-term debt 2,334 1,796
Fair Value | Level 2 | Institutional    
Financial Instruments    
Long-term debt 709 594
Fair Value | Level 2 | Other    
Financial Instruments    
Long-term debt $ 259 $ 84
Interest rate | Institutional and Other | Minimum    
Financial Instruments    
Fair value assumption, interest rate 1.25% 3.55%
Interest rate | Institutional and Other | Maximum    
Financial Instruments    
Fair value assumption, interest rate 4.50% 6.25%
v3.20.2
Equipment Installment Plans - EIP Receivables (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 951 $ 1,008
Allowance for credit losses (75) (84)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net 876 924
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)    
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables, net 568 587
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)    
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 308 $ 337
v3.20.2
Equipment Installment Plans - Gross Receivables by Credit Category (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 951 $ 1,008
2017 1  
2018 93  
2019 389  
2020 468  
Unbilled    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables 894 942
Billed    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables 40 45
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due 17 21
Lowest Risk    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross 809 860
2017 1  
2018 84  
2019 337  
2020 387  
Lowest Risk | Unbilled    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables 767 812
Lowest Risk | Billed    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables 34 37
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due 8 11
Lower Risk    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross 104 110
2017 0  
2018 7  
2019 39  
2020 58  
Lower Risk | Unbilled    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables 95 99
Lower Risk | Billed    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables 4 5
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due 5 6
Slight Risk    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross 25 28
2017 0  
2018 2  
2019 9  
2020 14  
Slight Risk | Unbilled    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables 22 23
Slight Risk | Billed    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables 1 2
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due 2 3
Higher Risk    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross 13 10
2017 0  
2018 0  
2019 4  
2020 9  
Higher Risk | Unbilled    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables 10 8
Higher Risk | Billed    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Equipment installment plan receivables 1 1
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due $ 2 $ 1
v3.20.2
Equipment Installment Plans - Allowance for Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Allowance for credit losses    
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period $ 84  
Allowance for credit losses, end of period 75  
Equipment Installment Plan Receivable    
Allowance for credit losses    
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period 84 $ 77
Bad debts expense 34 60
Write-offs, net of recoveries (43) (55)
Allowance for credit losses, end of period $ 75 $ 82
v3.20.2
Income Taxes (Details)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]            
Effective tax rate     5.80% 39.10% 6.50% 32.80%
Statutory federal income tax rate 21.00% 35.00%        
v3.20.2
Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings per share        
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders used in basic earnings per share $ 78 $ 18 $ 212 $ 110
Noncontrolling interest adjustment (2) (1) (3) (2)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders used in diluted earnings per share $ 76 $ 17 $ 209 $ 108
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share (in shares) 114 115 114 114
Effects of dilutive securities (in shares) 1 1 1 2
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share (in shares) 115 116 115 116
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders (in dollars per share) $ 0.68 $ 0.15 $ 1.85 $ 0.96
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders (in dollars per share) $ 0.66 $ 0.15 $ 1.81 $ 0.93
Common Shares        
Earnings per share        
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share (in shares) 107 108 107 107
Series A Common Shares        
Earnings per share        
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share (in shares) 7 7 7 7
v3.20.2
Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares
shares in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]        
Antidilutive securities (in shares) 4 3 4  
Maximum        
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]        
Antidilutive securities (in shares)       1
v3.20.2
Intangible Assets (Details)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
USD ($)
Licenses  
Balance, beginning of period $ 2,480
Acquisitions 171
Transferred to Assets held for sale (18)
Capitalized interest 4
Balance, end of period $ 2,637
v3.20.2
Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - Auction 103 - UScellular
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
USD ($)
license
Licenses  
Licenses won | license 237
Total winning bid | $ $ 146
v3.20.2
Investment in Unconsolidated Entities - Schedule of Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]          
Equity method investments $ 487   $ 487   $ 467
Measurement alternative method investments 21   21   21
Total investments in unconsolidated entities 508 $ 511 508 $ 511 $ 488
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]          
Revenues 1,324 1,321 3,849 3,840  
Operating expenses 1,237 1,292 3,611 3,669  
Operating income 87 29 238 171  
Other income (expense), net 0 0 (1) 0  
Net income 93 23 254 132  
Equity Method Investments          
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]          
Revenues 1,640 1,721 4,889 5,077  
Operating expenses 1,142 1,247 3,407 3,660  
Operating income 498 474 1,482 1,417  
Other income (expense), net (3) (2) (2) (4)  
Net income $ 495 $ 472 $ 1,480 $ 1,413  
v3.20.2
Debt (Details) - USD ($)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Jun. 01, 2021
Oct. 23, 2020
Apr. 02, 2020
Mar. 19, 2020
TDS Term loan facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Amount borrowed         $ 50,000,000
Receivables securitization agreement | UScellular          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Amount borrowed       $ 125,000,000  
Assets pledged as collateral $ 222,000,000        
6.25% Senior Notes | UScellular          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal amount $ 500,000,000        
Interest rate 6.25%        
Cash proceeds $ 483,000,000        
Debt issuance cost $ 17,000,000        
LIBOR rate | TDS Term loan facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Contractual spread 2.00%        
Subsequent event | Receivables securitization agreement | UScellular          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Maximum borrowing capacity     $ 300,000,000    
Subsequent event | Installment payment agreement | TDS Term loan facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Long-term debt   $ 500,000      
v3.20.2
Variable Interest Entities - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Assets      
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,076 $ 465  
Accounts receivable 949 1,005  
Inventory, net 164 169  
Other current assets 39 29  
Assets held for sale 19 0  
Licenses 2,637 2,480  
Property, plant and equipment, net 3,727 3,527  
Operating lease right-of-use assets 988 972  
Other assets and deferred charges 580 607  
Total assets 11,895 [1] 10,781 [1] $ 10,881
Liabilities      
Current liabilities 965 962  
Long-term operating lease liabilities 938 931  
Other deferred liabilities and credits 530 481  
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities      
Assets      
Cash and cash equivalents 19 19  
Accounts receivable 618 637  
Inventory, net 3 5  
Other current assets 18 7  
Assets held for sale 18 0  
Licenses 637 647  
Property, plant and equipment, net 108 95  
Operating lease right-of-use assets 42 42  
Other assets and deferred charges 317 347  
Total assets 1,780 1,799  
Liabilities      
Current liabilities 26 30  
Long-term operating lease liabilities 38 39  
Other deferred liabilities and credits 20 13  
Total liabilities $ 84 $ 82  
[1] The consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,070 million and $915 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $19 million and $20 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of TDS. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.
v3.20.2
Variable Interest Entities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]      
Investment in unconsolidated entities, maximum exposure $ 5   $ 5
Capital contributions, loans or advances 113 $ 229  
USCC EIP LLC      
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]      
Capital contributions, loans or advances $ 79 $ 199  
v3.20.2
Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net [Abstract]        
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders $ 78 $ 18 $ 212 $ 110
Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests        
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's issuance of UScellular shares     (38) (23)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's repurchases of UScellular shares     14 6
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests     (24) (17)
Changes from net income attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests     $ 188 $ 93
v3.20.2
Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Sep. 30, 2020
Sep. 30, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues $ 1,324 $ 1,321 $ 3,849 $ 3,840  
Selling, general and administrative 415 439 1,227 1,260  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 217 237 685 697  
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 6 6 15 5  
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net 0 0 0 (1)  
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net 0 2 0 0  
Operating income 87 29 238 171  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 48 44 138 129  
Interest and dividend income 4 7 12 24  
Gain (loss) on investments 3 0 3 0  
Interest expense (43) (42) (119) (128)  
Other, net 0 0 (1) 0  
Income before income taxes 99 38 271 196  
Income tax expense (benefit) 6 15 17 64  
Net income 93 23 254 132  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 217 237 685 697  
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 6 6 15 5  
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net 0 0 0 (1)  
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net 0 2 0 0  
(Gain) loss on investments (3) 0 (3) 0  
Interest expense 43 42 119 128  
Income tax expense 6 15 17 64  
Adjusted EBITDA 362 325 1,087 1,025  
Investments in unconsolidated entities 508 511 508 511 $ 488
Total assets 11,895 [1] 10,881 11,895 [1] 10,881 $ 10,781 [1]
Capital expenditures 310 253 849 664  
Service          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 1,046 1,030 3,088 3,038  
Cost of goods and services 321 313 919 900  
Equipment and product sales          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 278 291 761 802  
Cost of goods and services 278 295 765 808  
UScellular          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 1,027 1,031 2,964 2,970  
Selling, general and administrative 335 358 994 1,027  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 161 181 516 524  
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 6 5 14 13  
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net       (1)  
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net   2      
Operating income 65 20 168 115  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 48 44 137 128  
Interest and dividend income 2 4 6 14  
Gain (loss) on investments 3   3    
Interest expense (29) (29) (76) (87)  
Other, net     0    
Income before income taxes 89 39 238 170  
Income tax expense (benefit) 4 15 11 55  
Net income 85 24 227 115  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 161 181 516 524  
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 6 5 14 13  
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net       (1)  
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net   2      
(Gain) loss on investments (3)   (3)    
Interest expense 29 29 76 87  
Income tax expense 4 15 11 55  
Adjusted EBITDA 282 256 841 793  
Investments in unconsolidated entities 467 471 467 471  
Total assets 9,180 8,291 9,180 8,291  
Capital expenditures 216 170 621 467  
UScellular | Service          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 775 774 2,290 2,272  
Cost of goods and services 203 199 580 568  
UScellular | Equipment and product sales          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 252 257 674 698  
Cost of goods and services 257 266 692 724  
TDS Telecom Total          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 247 231 728 695  
Selling, general and administrative 69 67 200 193  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 49 50 152 150  
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 0 0 1 (7)  
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net       0  
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net   0      
Operating income 28 20 87 86  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 0 0 0 0  
Interest and dividend income 1 3 4 9  
Gain (loss) on investments 0   0    
Interest expense 1 1 3 2  
Other, net     (1)    
Income before income taxes 29 24 94 97  
Income tax expense (benefit) 4 5 13 23  
Net income 25 18 81 74  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 49 50 152 150  
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 0 0 1 (7)  
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net       0  
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net   0      
(Gain) loss on investments 0   0    
Interest expense (1) (1) (3) (2)  
Income tax expense 4 5 13 23  
Adjusted EBITDA 78 73 243 238  
Investments in unconsolidated entities 4 4 4 4  
Total assets 2,250 2,066 2,250 2,066  
Capital expenditures 92 81 221 193  
TDS Telecom Total | Service          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 247 231 727 694  
Cost of goods and services 100 94 287 274  
TDS Telecom Total | Equipment and product sales          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 0 0 1 1  
Cost of goods and services 0 0 1 1  
TDS Telecom Wireline          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 173 169 512 512  
Selling, general and administrative 51 52 148 148  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 30 33 94 99  
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 0 0 0 (8)  
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net       0  
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net   0      
Operating income 23 16 73 78  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 0 0 0 0  
Interest and dividend income 1 3 4 8  
Gain (loss) on investments 0   0    
Interest expense 1 1 3 2  
Other, net     (1)    
Income before income taxes 24 20 79 88  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 30 33 94 99  
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 0 0 0 (8)  
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net       0  
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net   0      
(Gain) loss on investments 0   0    
Interest expense (1) (1) (3) (2)  
Adjusted EBITDA 53 52 169 177  
Investments in unconsolidated entities 4 4 4 4  
Total assets 1,539 1,430 1,539 1,430  
Capital expenditures 74 61 171 145  
TDS Telecom Wireline | Service          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 173 169 511 512  
Cost of goods and services 69 68 197 195  
TDS Telecom Wireline | Equipment and product sales          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 0 0 1 1  
Cost of goods and services 0 0 1 1  
TDS Telecom Cable          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 74 62 216 184  
Selling, general and administrative 18 15 52 44  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 20 17 59 51  
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 0 0 1 1  
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net       0  
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net   0      
Operating income 5 3 14 8  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 0 0 0 0  
Interest and dividend income 0 0 1 1  
Gain (loss) on investments 0   0    
Interest expense 0 0 0 0  
Other, net     0    
Income before income taxes 5 4 15 9  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 20 17 59 51  
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 0 0 1 1  
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net       0  
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net   0      
(Gain) loss on investments 0   0    
Interest expense 0 0 0 0  
Adjusted EBITDA 25 21 74 61  
Investments in unconsolidated entities 0 0 0 0  
Total assets 721 644 721 644  
Capital expenditures 18 20 49 48  
TDS Telecom Cable | Service          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 74 62 216 183  
Cost of goods and services 31 27 91 79  
TDS Telecom Cable | Equipment and product sales          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 0 0 0 0  
Cost of goods and services 0 0 0 0  
Corporate, Eliminations and Other          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 50 59 157 175  
Selling, general and administrative 11 14 33 40  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 7 6 17 23  
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 0 1 0 (1)  
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net       0  
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net   0      
Operating income (6) (11) (17) (30)  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 0 0 1 1  
Interest and dividend income 1 0 2 1  
Gain (loss) on investments 0   0    
Interest expense (15) (14) (46) (43)  
Other, net     0    
Income before income taxes (19) (25) (61) (71)  
Income tax expense (benefit) (2) (5) (7) (14)  
Net income (17) (19) (54) (57)  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 7 6 17 23  
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 0 1 0 (1)  
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net       0  
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net   0      
(Gain) loss on investments 0   0    
Interest expense 15 14 46 43  
Income tax expense (2) (5) (7) (14)  
Adjusted EBITDA 2 (4) 3 (6)  
Investments in unconsolidated entities 37 36 37 36  
Total assets 465 524 465 524  
Capital expenditures 2 2 7 4  
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Service          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 24 25 71 72  
Cost of goods and services 18 20 52 58  
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Equipment and product sales          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total operating revenues 26 34 86 103  
Cost of goods and services $ 21 $ 29 $ 72 $ 83  
[1] The consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,070 million and $915 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $19 million and $20 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of TDS. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.