Exhibit 23


                    Consent of Independent Public Accountants


We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  Registration  Statement on
Form S-8 (File Nos.  33-1192,  333-42366,  333-58127,  333-61291 and  333-67461)
under the  Securities  Act of 1933 of Telephone  and Data  Systems,  Inc. of our
report  dated May 25, 2001,  on our audits of the  financial  statements  of the
Telephone and Data Systems,  Inc.  Tax-Deferred  Savings Plan as of December 31,
2000  and  1999,  and for the  years  ended  December  31,  2000 and  1999,  and
supporting  schedules as of and for the year ended  December 31, 2000,  which is
included in the annual report on Form 11-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.

                                         McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP


Madison, Wisconsin
June 19, 2001