10-Q

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 March 31, 2021

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 class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, $.01 par value	TDS	New York Stock Exchange
Depository Shares each representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of 6.625% Series UU Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, $.01 par value	TDSPrU	New York Stock Exchange
6.625% Senior Notes due 2045	TDI	New York Stock Exchange
6.875% Senior Notes due 2059	TDE	New York Stock Exchange
7.000% Senior Notes due 2060	TDJ	New York Stock Exchange
5.875% Senior Notes due 2061	TDA	New 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 filer	☐	Smaller 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 March 31, 2021, is 107,093,000 Common Shares, $.01 par value, and 7,293,000 Series A Common Shares, $.01 par value.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

For the Period Ended March 31, 2021

Index	Page No.
Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	1
Executive Overview	1
Terms Used by TDS	3
Results of Operations – TDS Consolidated	4
UScellular Operations	6
TDS Telecom Operations	10
Liquidity and Capital Resources	15
Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis	19
Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis	20
Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures	21
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates	24
Regulatory Matters	24
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement	25
Risk Factors	27
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	27
Financial Statements (Unaudited)	28
Consolidated Statement of Operations	28
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income	29
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows	30
Consolidated Balance Sheet	31
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity	33
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	35
Controls and Procedures	48
Legal Proceedings	48
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	49
Exhibits	50
Form 10-Q Cross Reference Index	51
Signatures	52

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 months ended March 31, 2021, to the three months ended March 31, 2020. 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, 2020. 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 broadband, video and voice services through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, TDS Telecommunications LLC and TDS Broadband LLC (collectively, TDS Telecom). TDS operates entirely in the United States.

During the first quarter of 2021, TDS modified its reporting segment structure to combine its Wireline and Cable segments into a single reportable segment for TDS Telecom. TDS Telecom believes this presentation better articulates its progress and performance against its strategy, which includes a focus on overall broadband growth and future fiber deployment across its markets. This change also reflects TDS Telecom's progress in aligning its organizational, operational and support structures to leverage one cost base to better support its customers across all of its markets. Prior periods have been updated to conform to this revised presentation. See Note 13 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about TDS' segments.

The global spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) did not have a material impact on TDS' financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The impact of COVID-19 on TDS' future financial results is uncertain, but is not projected to have a material impact. There are many factors, including the severity and duration of the outbreak, as well as other direct and indirect impacts, that could negatively impact TDS.

1

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, 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. Since its founding, TDS has been committed to bringing high-quality communications services to rural and underserved communities.

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, including by deploying 5G technology. 5G technology helps address customers’ growing demand for data services and creates opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency. UScellular's 5G deployment is initially focused on mobility services using its low band spectrum. UScellular has acquired high-band spectrum and is in the process of acquiring mid-band spectrum, which it will deploy in the future to further enable the delivery of 5G services. UScellular has launched commercial 5G services in portions of substantially all of UScellular’s markets and will continue to launch in additional areas in the coming years. 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.

▪TDS Telecom strives to be the preferred broadband provider in its markets with the ability to provide value-added bundling with video and voice service options. TDS Telecom continues to focus on driving growth in its broadband services by investing in fiber deployment in its new expansion markets, as well as in its incumbent markets that have historically utilized copper and coaxial cable technologies.

▪TDS Telecom may also seek to grow its operations through the acquisition of businesses that support and complement its existing markets or by creating entirely new clusters of markets where TDS Telecom can succeed. TDS Telecom intends to avoid markets served by other fiber overbuilders or municipalities which have constructed their own networks with fiber to the home.

2

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 helps address customers’ growing demand for data services and creates 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 105 and 107 – Auction 105 was an FCC auction of 3.5 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in July 2020 and concluded in September 2020. Auction 107 was an FCC auction of 3.7-3.98 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in December 2020 and concluded in February 2021.

▪Broadband Connections – refers to the individual customers provided high-speed internet access through various transmission technologies, including fiber, DSL, dedicated internet circuit technologies or cable modem service.

▪Broadband Penetration – metric which is calculated by dividing total broadband connections by total service addresses.

▪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.

▪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.

▪Expansion Markets – markets utilizing fiber networks in areas where TDS does not serve as the incumbent service provider.

▪FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge – voluntary FCC initiative, through June 30, 2020, 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.

▪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.

▪Incumbent Markets – markets where TDS is positioned as the traditional local telephone or cable company.

▪IPTV – internet protocol television.

▪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.

▪Residential Revenue per Connection – metric which is calculated by dividing total residential revenue by the average number of residential connections and by the number of months in the period.

▪Retail Connections – the sum of UScellular postpaid connections and UScellular prepaid connections.

▪Service Addresses – number of single residence homes, multi-dwelling units, and business locations that are capable of being connected to the TDS network, based on best available information.

▪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 individual customers provided video services.

▪Voice Connections – refers to the individual circuits connecting a customer to TDS' central office facilities that provide voice services or the 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.

3

Results of Operations — TDS Consolidated

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020		2021 vs. 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues
UScellular	$	1,023	$	963	6	%
TDS Telecom	249		240		4	%
All other1	46		58		(21)	%
Total operating revenues	1,318		1,261		4	%
Operating expenses
UScellular	939		913		3	%
TDS Telecom	217		212		2	%
All other1	52		64		(19)	%
Total operating expenses	1,208		1,189		2	%
Operating income (loss)
UScellular	84		50		67	%
TDS Telecom	32		28		12	%
All other1	(6)		(6)		3	%
Total operating income	110		72		52	%
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	42		45		(7)	%
Interest and dividend income	3		6		(44)	%
Interest expense	(53)		(37)		(45)	%
Total investment and other income (expense)	(8)		14		N/M
Income before income taxes	102		86		18	%
Income tax expense	31		3		N/M
Net income	71		83		(14)	%
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	12		14		(9)	%
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	59		69		(15)	%
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	2		—		N/M
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders	$	57	$	69	(18)	%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2	$	338	$	311	9	%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2	$	383	$	362	6	%
Capital expenditures3	$	197	$	292	(32)	%

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.

4

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 $19 million and $22 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, 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 March 31, 2021 and 2020, was 30.1% and 4.2%, respectively. The higher effective tax rate in 2021 as compared to 2020 is due primarily to the income tax benefits of the CARES Act included in the 2020 tax rate, which do not recur as benefits in the 2021 tax rate.

The CARES Act provided 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 provided a tax benefit in excess of the current federal statutory rate of 21%, resulting in a reduction of income tax expense in 2020 and an expected cash refund of taxes paid in prior years.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
(Dollars in millions)
UScellular noncontrolling public shareholders’	$	11	$	12
Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’	1		2
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	$	12	$	14

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 Months Ended

Net income decreased due primarily to higher income tax, interest and operating expenses, partially offset by higher operating revenues. Adjusted EBITDA increased due primarily to higher operating revenues, partially offset by higher 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.

5

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. 

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 5,200 associates

▪4,270 owned towers

▪6,802 cell sites in service

6

Operational Overview

As of March 31,		2021	2020
Retail Connections – End of Period
	Postpaid	4,406,000	4,359,000
	Prepaid	496,000	494,000
	Total	4,902,000	4,853,000

	Q1 2021		Q1 2020		Q1 2021 vs. Q1 2020
Postpaid Activity and Churn
Gross Additions
Handsets	104,000		90,000		16	%
Connected Devices	39,000		42,000		(7)	%
Total Gross Additions	143,000		132,000		8	%
Net Additions (Losses)
Handsets	(3,000)		(20,000)		85	%
Connected Devices	(3,000)		(6,000)		50	%
Total Net Additions (Losses)	(6,000)		(26,000)		77	%
Churn
Handsets	0.92	%	0.95	%
Connected Devices	2.53	%	3.11	%
Total Churn	1.12	%	1.21	%

Total postpaid handset net losses decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, when compared to the same period last year due primarily to (i) higher gross additions as a result of improved promotional offering effectiveness and higher consumer switching activity and (ii) lower handset defections as a result of a reduction in non-pay defections.

Total postpaid connected device net losses decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, when compared to the same period last year due to a decrease in tablet defections, partially offset by a decrease in gross additions due to lower demand for internet related products as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Postpaid Revenue

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020		2021 vs. 2020
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)	$	47.65	$	47.23	1	%
Average Revenue Per Account (ARPA)	$	125.25	$	122.92	2	%

Postpaid ARPU and Postpaid ARPA increased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, when compared to the same period last year, due primarily to (i) an increase in regulatory recovery revenues, (ii) favorable plan and product offering mix, and (iii) an increase in device protection plan revenues. These increases were partially offset by an increase in promotional expense.

7

Financial Overview - UScellular

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020		2021 vs. 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Retail service	$	685	$	671	2	%
Inbound roaming	28		37		(23)	%
Other	58		54		6	%
Service revenues	771		762		1	%
Equipment sales	252		201		26	%
Total operating revenues	1,023		963		6	%
System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	185		180		3	%
Cost of equipment sold	275		217		26	%
Selling, general and administrative	305		335		(9)	%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	170		177		(4)	%
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		4		39	%
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		—		N/M
Total operating expenses	939		913		3	%
Operating income	$	84	$	50	67	%
Net income	$	62	$	72	(14)	%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1	$	258	$	231	12	%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1	$	302	$	281	8	%
Capital expenditures2	$	125	$	236	(47)	%

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.

8

Operating Revenues

(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 months ended March 31, 2021, primarily as a result of an increase in Postpaid ARPU as previously discussed in the Operational Overview section as well as an increase in the average number of postpaid subscribers.

Inbound roaming revenues decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily driven by lower data revenues resulting from lower usage. UScellular expects inbound roaming revenues to continue to decline during 2021 relative to prior year levels.

Other service revenues increased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, resulting from increases in tower rental revenues and miscellaneous other service revenues.

Equipment sales revenues increased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due primarily to an increase in smartphone sales as well as an increase in the average revenue per device for smartphones due to an increase in sales of higher priced smartphones.

System operations expenses

System operations expenses increased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due to higher circuit costs as well as an increase in roaming expense as a result of higher data roaming usage, partially offset by lower data rates.

Cost of equipment sold

Cost of equipment sold increased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due primarily to an increase in smartphone sales as well as an increase in the average cost per device for smartphones due to an increase in sales of higher priced smartphones.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due primarily to decreases in (i) bad debts expense driven by fewer non-pay customers as a result of better credit mix and improved customer payment behavior, as well as a discrete charge that was recorded in March 2020 related to UScellular's participation in the FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge and (ii) advertising expenses.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

Depreciation, amortization, and accretion decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due to certain billing system assets reaching their end of life in 2020, partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense due to increased capital expenditures throughout 2020.

9

TDS TELECOM OPERATIONS

Business Overview

TDS Telecom provides a wide range of communications services utilizing its high-quality telecommunications networks. TDS Telecom's strategy is to provide high-speed broadband services bundled with video and voice services. TDS Telecom seeks to be the leading provider of broadband services in the markets it serves by investing in high-quality networks and providing excellent customer service. TDS Telecom continues to focus on driving growth in its broadband services by investing in fiber deployment in its incumbent markets and in new expansion markets. Services are provided to residential, commercial and wholesale customers in a mix of rural, suburban and metropolitan communities.

OPERATIONS

▪Serves 1.2 million connections in 32 states.

▪Employs approximately 2,900 associates.

10

Operational Overview

As of March 31, 2021, TDS Telecom offered 1Gig service to 55% of its total footprint.

TDS Telecom serves 38% of its wireline service addresses with fiber-to-the-home as of March 31, 2021, compared to 32% a year ago. Expansion markets have increased to 10% of wireline service addresses, up from 5% a year ago.

As of March 31,	2021	2020	2021 vs. 2020
Residential connections
Broadband
Wireline, Incumbent	243,700	230,400	6	%
Wireline, Expansion	24,100	12,300	96	%
Cable	199,500	184,100	8	%
Total Broadband	467,300	426,800	9	%
Video	142,700	143,600	(1)	%
Voice	308,700	313,900	(2)	%
Total Residential Connections	918,700	884,300	4	%
Commercial connections	278,800	302,200	(8)	%
Total connections	1,197,400	1,186,400	1	%

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

Total connections increased due primarily to broadband growth, partially offset by a decrease in competitive local exchange carriers (CLEC) commercial connections.

A majority of TDS Telecom's customers take advantage of bundling options as 64% of customers subscribe to more than one service.

11

Total residential revenue per connection increased 5% due to a higher concentration of broadband connection growth as well as an increase in broadband speeds and price increases. Cable residential revenue per connection exceeds wireline due to a higher mix of video connections.

Residential broadband customers continue to choose higher speeds with 62% taking speeds of 100 Mbps or greater and 6% choosing 1Gig.

Broadband penetration increased to 34% in Wireline and to 46% in Cable due primarily to strong broadband connection growth.

12

Financial Overview - TDS Telecom

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020		2021 vs. 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Residential
Wireline, Incumbent	$	85	$	81	6	%
Wireline, Expansion	7		4		80	%
Cable	65		60		9	%
Total residential	157		144		9	%
Commercial	47		49		(6)	%
Wholesale	45		47		(3)	%
Total service revenues	249		240		4	%
Equipment revenues	—		—		9	%
Total operating revenues	249		240		4	%
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	97		95		2	%
Cost of equipment and products	—		—		(1)	%
Selling, general and administrative	70		65		9	%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	49		52		(5)	%
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	—		—		N/M
Total operating expenses	217		212		2	%
Operating income	$	32	$	28	12	%
Net income	$	24	$	28	(12)	%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1	$	81	$	80	1	%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1	$	81	$	82	(1)	%
Capital expenditures2	$	70	$	54	30	%

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.

13

Operating Revenues

(Dollars in millions)

Residential revenues consist of:

•Broadband services, including internet, security and support services

•Video services, including IPTV, traditional cable programming and satellite offerings

•Voice services

Commercial revenues consist of:

•High-speed and dedicated business internet services

•Video services

•Voice services

Wholesale revenues consist of:

•Network access services primarily to interexchange and wireless carriers for carrying data and voice traffic on TDS Telecom's networks

•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 months ended March 31, 2021, due primarily to growth in broadband connections and price increases, partially offset by a decline in voice connections.

Commercial revenues decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due primarily to declining connections in CLEC markets.

Wholesale revenues decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due primarily to decreased access revenues.

Cost of services

Cost of services increased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due primarily to higher employee expenses and increases in video programming costs, partially offset by a decrease in costs to provide legacy services.

Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due primarily to higher employee expenses, higher information processing costs including the preparation for the implementation of a new customer relationship management system and increases to charges for universal service support.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

Depreciation, amortization and accretion decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due primarily to certain assets becoming fully depreciated partially offset by higher depreciation due to increased capital expenditures on new fiber assets throughout 2020.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

TDS and its subsidiaries operate capital-intensive businesses. 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, other long-term debt, preferred share offerings, 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. However, TDS believes that existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its revolving credit agreements, expected future tax refunds 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 years. 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 telecommunications services, wireless spectrum license acquisitions, capital expenditures, agreements to purchase goods or services, leases, debt service requirements, the repurchase of shares, the payment of dividends, or making additional investments, including new technologies and fiber 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.

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. TDS does not have direct access to UScellular cash.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

(Dollars in millions)

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.

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Financing

Revolving Credit Agreements

In March 2020, TDS entered into a $400 million unsecured revolving credit agreement with certain lenders and other parties and UScellular entered into a $300 million unsecured revolving credit agreement with certain lenders and other parties. Amounts under the revolving credit agreements may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in March 2025. As of March 31, 2021, 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 May 2021, TDS initiated a borrowing of $100 million under its revolving credit agreement.

Term Loan Agreements

In January 2021, TDS borrowed $75 million under its senior term loan credit agreement. In February 2021, UScellular borrowed $217 million under its senior term loan credit agreement. As of March 31, 2021, TDS and UScellular have both borrowed the full amounts available under the senior term loan credit agreements of $200 million and $300 million, respectively. See Note 9 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the senior term loan agreements.

Receivables Securitization Agreement

UScellular, through its subsidiaries, has a receivables securitization agreement to permit securitized borrowings using its equipment installment plan receivables. In March 2021, UScellular borrowed $275 million under its receivables securitization agreement. As of March 31, 2021, UScellular has borrowed the full amount available under the receivables securitization agreement of $300 million. Amounts under the receivables securitization agreement may be repaid and reborrowed from time to time until December 2022, which may be extended from time to time as specified therein. See Note 9 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the receivables securitization agreement.

Financial Covenants

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 March 31, 2021.

Other Long-Term Financing

In 2020, UScellular issued $500 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due in 2069 and $500 million of 5.5% Senior Notes due in 2070. The proceeds from both issuances will be used for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, the purchase of additional wireless spectrum licenses acquired in Auction 107, funding of capital expenditures and retirement of existing debt.

In March 2021, TDS issued 16,800 shares of 6.625% Series UU Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (Preferred Shares) for $25,000 per Preferred Share, for total gross proceeds of $420 million. The Preferred Shares were issued to a depositary to facilitate the issuance of 16,800,000 depositary shares (Depositary Shares), each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share. TDS received net cash proceeds of $406 million after payment of issuance costs of $14 million. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, the funding of capital expenditures associated with TDS Telecom's fiber program and retirement of existing debt. See Note 12 — Shareholders' Equity in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to TDS' Preferred Shares.

In April 2021, TDS announced that it will redeem its outstanding $225 million of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2059 and $300 million of 7.0% Senior Notes due 2060, and UScellular announced that it will redeem its outstanding $275 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2063. At time of redemption, $26 million of interest expense will be recorded related to unamortized debt issuance costs for these notes. The notes are expected to be redeemed on May 12, 2021, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, including accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

TDS and UScellular have in place effective shelf registration statements on Form S-3 to issue senior or subordinated securities and TDS' shelf registration includes preferred shares and depository shares.

16

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 three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:

Capital Expenditures

(Dollars in millions)

UScellular’s capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, were $125 million and $236 million, respectively.

Capital expenditures for the full year 2021 are expected to be between $775 million and $875 million. These expenditures are expected to be used principally for the following purposes:

▪Continue network modernization and 5G deployment;

▪Enhance and maintain UScellular's network coverage, including providing additional speed and capacity to accommodate increased data usage by current customers; and

▪Invest in information technology to support existing and new services and products.

TDS Telecom’s capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, were $70 million and $54 million, respectively.

Capital expenditures for the full year 2021 are expected to be between $425 million and $475 million. These expenditures are expected to be used principally for the following purposes:

▪Continue to expand fiber deployment;

▪Maintain and enhance existing infrastructure including build-out requirements to meet state broadband and A-CAM programs;

▪Upgrade broadband capacity and speeds; and

▪Support success-based spending for broadband and video growth.

TDS intends to finance its capital expenditures for 2021 using primarily Cash flows from operating activities, existing cash balances and, if required, additional debt financing from its 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.

Other Obligations

TDS will require capital for future spending on existing contractual obligations, including long-term debt obligations; Preferred Share obligations; lease commitments; commitments for device purchases, network facilities and transport services; agreements for software licensing; long-term marketing programs; Auction 107 relocation costs and accelerated relocation incentive payments; and other agreements to purchase goods or services.

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.

17

Common Share Repurchase Programs

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, TDS repurchased 162,500 Common Shares for $3 million at an average cost per share of $18.50. As of March 31, 2021, the maximum dollar value of TDS Common Shares that may yet be repurchased under TDS’ program was $182 million. For additional information related to the current TDS repurchase authorization, see Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, UScellular repurchased 54,900 Common Shares for $2 million at an average cost per share of $29.52. As of March 31, 2021, the total cumulative amount of UScellular Common Shares authorized to be repurchased is 4,452,000.

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 three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

2021 Commentary

TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $373 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $165 million due to net income of $71 million adjusted for non-cash items of $230 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $23 million. This was partially offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $159 million. The working capital changes were primarily influenced by the timing of vendor payments and annual associate bonus payments.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $1,480 million. Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment totaled $220 million. Cash payments for wireless spectrum license acquisitions were $1,253 million.

Cash flows provided by financing activities were $942 million, due primarily to the issuance of $420 million of TDS Preferred Shares, $275 million borrowed under the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, $217 million borrowed under the UScellular term loan, and $75 million borrowed under the TDS term loan. These were partially offset by the payment of dividends and the payment of debt and equity issuance costs.

2020 Commentary

TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $40 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $367 million due to net income of $83 million adjusted for non-cash items of $314 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $25 million. This was offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $55 million. The working capital changes were primarily influenced by annual associate bonus payments, an increase in inventory and tax impacts from the CARES Act, partially offset by the timing of vendor payments and collections of customer and agent receivables.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $404 million. Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment totaled $377 million. Cash payments for wireless spectrum license acquisitions were $26 million.

Cash flows used for financing activities were $3 million, due primarily to the repurchase of TDS and UScellular Common Shares and the payment of dividends, partially offset by cash received from the TDS term loan borrowing.

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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. Notable balance sheet changes during 2021 were as follows:

Licenses

Licenses increased $1,286 million due primarily to wireless spectrum license rights acquired through Auction 107. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Accounts payable

Accounts payable decreased $148 million due primarily to vendor payment timing differences.

Accrued compensation

Accrued compensation decreased $59 million due primarily to associate bonus payments in March 2021.

Long-term debt, net

Long-term debt, net increased $567 million due primarily to $275 million borrowed under the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, $217 million borrowed under the UScellular term loan, and $75 million borrowed under the TDS term loan.

Preferred Shares

Preferred Shares increased $408 million due to the issuance of $420 million of TDS Preferred Shares, plus accrued dividends and net of issuance costs.

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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 13 — 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 and Operating income.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
TDS - CONSOLIDATED	2021		2020
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (GAAP)	$	71	$	83
Add back:
Income tax expense	31		3
Interest expense	53		37
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	224		235
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)	379		358
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		4
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		—
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)	383		362
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	42		45
Interest and dividend income	3		6
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)	338		311
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	224		235
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		4
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		—
Operating income (GAAP)	$	110	$	72

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	Three Months Ended March 31,
UScellular	2021		2020
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (GAAP)	$	62	$	72
Add back:
Income tax expense	27		4
Interest expense	39		24
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	170		177
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)	298		277
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		4
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		—
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)	302		281
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	42		45
Interest and dividend income	2		4
Other, net	—		1
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)	258		231
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	170		177
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		4
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		—
Operating income (GAAP)	$	84	$	50

	Three Months Ended March 31,
TDS TELECOM	2021		2020
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (GAAP)	$	24	$	28
Add back:
Income tax expense	8		4
Interest expense	(1)		(1)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	49		52
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)	80		82
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	—		—
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)	81		82
Deduct:
Interest and dividend income	—		2
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)	81		80
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	49		52
Operating income (GAAP)	$	32	$	28

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.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
(Dollars in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP)	$	165	$	367
Less: Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment	220		377
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)	$	(55)	$	(10)

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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 10 — 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, 2020.

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. The new administration may also conduct rulemaking proceedings that may reinstate, in some form, net neutrality rules. TDS cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or the impact on its business.

Spectrum Auctions

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 2021.

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). On February 24, 2021, the FCC announced by public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 254 wireless spectrum licenses for $1,283 million. UScellular paid $30 million of this amount in 2020 and the remainder in March 2021. Additionally, UScellular expects to capitalize costs of approximately $178 million related to the estimated relocation costs and accelerated relocation incentive payments. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 107 are expected to be granted by the FCC in 2021. The spectrum must be cleared by incumbent providers before UScellular can access it. UScellular does not expect to have access to this spectrum until late 2023. Combined with prior mid-band purchases in Auction 105, UScellular will have mid-band spectrum in nearly all of its operating footprint, covering approximately 95% of subscribers.

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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, 2020 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, 2020, 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.

Operational Risk Factors

▪Intense competition involving products, services, pricing, and network speed and technologies could adversely affect TDS’ revenues or increase its costs to compete.

▪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.

▪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’ 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.

▪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.

▪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.

▪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.

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Financial Risk Factors

▪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.

▪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 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.

Regulatory, Legal and Governance Risk Factors

▪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.

▪TDS receives significant regulatory support, and is also subject to numerous surcharges and fees from federal, state and local governments – the applicability and the amount of the support and fees are subject to great uncertainty, including the ability to pass through certain fees to customers, and this uncertainty could 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.

General Risk Factors

▪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.

▪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.

▪The impact of public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on TDS' business is uncertain, but depending on duration and severity could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.

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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, 2020, 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, 2020, 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, 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, 2020.

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, 2020, for additional information, including information regarding required principal payments and the weighted average interest rates related to TDS’ Long-term debt. The changes to such information since December 31, 2020 were as follows: in January 2021 TDS borrowed $75 million under its senior term loan credit agreement, in February 2021 UScellular borrowed $217 million under its senior term loan credit agreement and in March 2021 UScellular borrowed $275 million under its receivables securitization agreement. Such transactions changed the weighted average interest rate on long-term debt obligations to 5.7% at March 31, 2021 from 6.3% at December 31, 2020. In May 2021, TDS initiated a borrowing of $100 million under its revolving credit agreement.

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 March 31, 2021.

27

Financial Statements

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Operations

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Operating revenues
Service	$	1,042	$	1,026
Equipment and product sales	276		235
Total operating revenues	1,318		1,261
Operating expenses
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	299		293
Cost of equipment and products	293		246
Selling, general and administrative	388		411
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	224		235
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		4
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		—
Total operating expenses	1,208		1,189
Operating income	110		72
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	42		45
Interest and dividend income	3		6
Interest expense	(53)		(37)
Total investment and other income (expense)	(8)		14
Income before income taxes	102		86
Income tax expense	31		3
Net income	71		83
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	12		14
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	59		69
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	2		—
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders	$	57	$	69
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	114		115
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders	$	0.49	$	0.60
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	116		116
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders	$	0.48	$	0.59

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

28

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
(Dollars in millions)
Net income	$	71	$	83
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 cost	1		1
Comprehensive income	72		84
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	12		14
Comprehensive income attributable to TDS shareholders	$	60	$	70

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

29

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
(Dollars in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	71	$	83
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	224		235
Bad debts expense	8		34
Stock-based compensation expense	10		11
Deferred income taxes, net	27		75
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(42)		(45)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	23		25
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		4
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		—
Other operating activities	(1)		—
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations
Accounts receivable	17		43
Equipment installment plans receivable	(18)		23
Inventory	8		(52)
Accounts payable	(115)		87
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	9		(9)
Accrued taxes	—		(74)
Accrued interest	9		9
Other assets and liabilities	(69)		(82)
Net cash provided by operating activities	165		367
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment	(220)		(377)
Cash paid for intangible assets	(1,261)		(26)
Cash paid for investments	—		(1)
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	1		—
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,480)		(404)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of long-term debt	567		50
Repayment of long-term debt	—		(2)
Issuance of TDS Preferred Shares	420		—
TDS Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	(1)		(1)
UScellular Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	(1)		—
Repurchase of TDS Common Shares	(3)		(6)
Repurchase of UScellular Common Shares	(2)		(21)
Dividends paid to TDS shareholders	(20)		(19)
Payment of debt and equity issuance costs	(14)		(3)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1)		(1)
Other financing activities	(3)		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	942		(3)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(373)		(40)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period	1,452		474
End of period	$	1,079	$	434

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

30

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheet — Assets

(Unaudited)

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,042	$	1,429
Short-term investments	3		3
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances of $60 and $67, respectively	978		1,004
Other, less allowances of $2 and $2, respectively	119		108
Inventory, net	145		154
Prepaid expenses	114		105
Income taxes receivable	188		187
Other current assets	53		36
Total current assets	2,642		3,026
Assets held for sale	1		2
Licenses	3,924		2,638
Goodwill	547		547
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $75 and $71, respectively	213		213
Investments in unconsolidated entities	497		477
Property, plant and equipment
In service and under construction	13,742		13,659
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	9,791		9,687
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,951		3,972
Operating lease right-of-use assets	1,005		998
Other assets and deferred charges	627		652
Total assets1	$	13,407	$	12,525

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

31

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheet — Liabilities and Equity

(Unaudited)

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	$	6	$	5
Accounts payable	360		508
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	202		193
Accrued interest	25		16
Accrued taxes	67		69
Accrued compensation	73		132
Short-term operating lease liabilities	134		129
Other current liabilities	96		101
Total current liabilities	963		1,153
Liabilities held for sale	—		1
Deferred liabilities and credits
Deferred income tax liability, net	890		863
Long-term operating lease liabilities	941		940
Other deferred liabilities and credits	558		541
Long-term debt, net	3,991		3,424
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features	10		10
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)
Par Value ($0.01 per share)	1		1
Capital in excess of par value	2,488		2,482
Preferred Shares, par value $0.01 per share, $25,000 liquidation preference per share, .017 shares outstanding	408		—
Treasury shares, at cost, 19 Common Shares	(472)		(477)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3)		(4)
Retained earnings	2,830		2,802
Total TDS shareholders' equity	5,252		4,804
Noncontrolling interests	802		789
Total equity	6,054		5,593
Total liabilities and equity1	$	13,407	$	12,525

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

1The consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,244 million and $1,042 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $17 million and $18 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.

32

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		Preferred Shares		Treasury shares		Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		Retained earnings		Total TDS shareholders' equity		Noncontrolling interests		Total equity
(Dollars in millions)
December 31, 2020	$	1	$	2,482	$	—	$	(477)	$	(4)	$	2,802	$	4,804	$	789	$	5,593
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	—		—		—		—		—		59		59		—		59
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		12		12
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—		—		1		—		1		—		1
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.175 per share)	—		—		—		—		—		(20)		(20)		—		(20)
Issuance of TDS Preferred Shares, net of costs	—		—		406		—		—		—		406		—		406
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	—		—		2		—		—		(2)		—		—		—
Repurchase of Common Shares	—		—		—		(3)		—		—		(3)		—		(3)
Dividend reinvestment plan	—		—		—		1		—		—		1		—		1
Incentive and compensation plans	—		4		—		7		—		(9)		2		—		2
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	—		2		—		—		—		—		2		2		4
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		(1)		(1)
March 31, 2021	$	1	$	2,488	$	408	$	(472)	$	(3)	$	2,830	$	5,252	$	802	$	6,054

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

33

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	—		—		—		—		69		69		—		69
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	—		—		—		—		—		—		14		14
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—		1		—		1		—		1
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.170 per share)	—		—		—		—		(19)		(19)		—		(19)
Repurchase of Common Shares	—		—		(6)		—		—		(6)		—		(6)
Dividend reinvestment plan	—		—		1		—		—		1		—		1
Incentive and compensation plans	—		3		4		—		(4)		3		—		3
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	—		18		—		—		—		18		(35)		(17)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—		—		—		—		(1)		(1)
March 31, 2020	$	1	$	2,489	$	(480)	$	(8)	$	2,718	$	4,720	$	729	$	5,449

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

34

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 subsidiaries, TDS Telecommunications LLC and TDS Broadband LLC (collectively, 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 March 31, 2021, are UScellular and TDS Telecom. 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 13 — 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, 2020.

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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and its results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. 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, 2020.

Change in Reportable Segments

During the first quarter of 2021, TDS modified its reporting segment structure to combine its Wireline and Cable segments into a single reportable segment for TDS Telecom. TDS Telecom believes this presentation better articulates its progress and performance against its strategy, which includes a focus on overall broadband growth and future fiber deployment across its markets. This change also reflects TDS Telecom's progress in aligning its organizational, operational and support structures to leverage one cost base to better support its customers across all of its markets. Prior periods have been updated to conform to this revised presentation. See Note 13 — Business Segment Information for additional information on TDS' reportable segments.

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.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,042	$	1,429
Restricted cash included in Other current assets	37		23
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows	$	1,079	$	1,452

35

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.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021	UScellular		TDS Telecom		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Type of service:
Retail service	$	685	$	—	$	—	$	685
Inbound roaming	28		—		—		28
Residential	—		157		—		157
Commercial	—		47		—		47
Wholesale	—		45		—		45
Other service	38		—		16		54
Service revenues from contracts with customers	751		248		16		1,016
Equipment and product sales	252		—		24		276
Total revenues from contracts with customers	1,003		248		40		1,292
Operating lease income	20		1		5		26
Total operating revenues	$	1,023	$	249	$	46	$	1,318

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020	UScellular		TDS Telecom		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Type of service:
Retail service	$	671	$	—	$	—	$	671
Inbound roaming	37		—		—		37
Residential	—		144		—		144
Commercial	—		50		—		50
Wholesale	—		45		—		45
Other service	35		—		18		53
Service revenues from contracts with customers	743		239		18		1,000
Equipment and product sales	201		—		34		235
Total revenues from contracts with customers	944		240		52		1,235
Operating lease income	19		1		6		26
Total operating revenues	$	963	$	240	$	58	$	1,261
Numbers may not foot due to rounding

36

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.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Contract assets	$	13	$	13
Contract liabilities	$	230	$	216

Revenue recognized related to contract liabilities existing at January 1, 2021 was $131 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

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 March 31, 2021 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 2021	$	330
2022	187
Thereafter	184
Total	$	701

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:

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Costs to obtain contracts
Sales commissions	$	136	$	139
Fulfillment costs
Installation costs	11		10
Total contract cost assets	$	147	$	149

Amortization of contract cost assets was $29 million and $31 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and was included in Selling, general and administrative expenses and Cost of services expenses.

37

Note 3 Fair Value Measurements

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 Hierarchy	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
		Book Value		Fair Value		Book Value		Fair Value
(Dollars in millions)
Long-term debt
Retail	2	$	2,753	$	2,814	$	2,753	$	2,809
Institutional	2	535		661		535		707
Other	2	796		796		230		230

Long-term debt excludes lease obligations, 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, 6.95% Senior Notes, 6.25% Senior Notes and 5.5% 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 and receivables securitization agreement. 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 1.31% to 4.48% and 1.35% to 3.75% at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

The fair values of Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and Short-term investments approximate their book values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.

38

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.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$	1,013	$	1,007
Allowance for credit losses	(72)		(78)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	941	$	929
Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)	$	596	$	590
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)	345		339
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	941	$	929

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:

	March 31, 2021										December 31, 2020
	Lowest Risk		Lower Risk		Slight Risk		Higher Risk		Total		Lowest Risk		Lower Risk		Slight Risk		Higher Risk		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Unbilled	$	826	$	99	$	24	$	8	$	957	$	819	$	98	$	22	$	9	$	948
Billed — current	35		5		1		1		42		36		5		1		1		43
Billed — past due	7		4		2		1		14		8		5		2		1		16
Total	$	868	$	108	$	27	$	10	$	1,013	$	863	$	108	$	25	$	11	$	1,007

The balance of the equipment installment plan receivables as of March 31, 2021 on a gross basis by year of origination were as follows:

	2018		2019		2020		2021		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Lowest Risk	$	15	$	202	$	484	$	167	$	868
Lower Risk	1		18		61		28		108
Slight Risk	1		3		12		11		27
Higher Risk	—		1		5		4		10
Total	$	17	$	224	$	562	$	210	$	1,013

Activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows:

	March 31, 2021		March 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period	$	78	$	84
Bad debts expense	3		25
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(9)		(19)
Allowance for credit losses, end of period	$	72	$	90

39

Note 5 Income Taxes

The effective tax rate on Income before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, was 30.1% and 4.2%, respectively. The higher effective tax rate in 2021 as compared to 2020 is due primarily to the income tax benefits of the CARES Act included in the 2020 tax rate, which do not recur as benefits in the 2021 tax rate.

Note 6 Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to TDS common 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 common shareholders were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in basic earnings per share	$	57	$	69
Adjustments to compute diluted earnings:
Noncontrolling interest adjustment	(1)		(1)
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in diluted earnings per share	$	56	$	68
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share:
Common Shares	107		108
Series A Common Shares	7		7
Total	114		115
Effects of dilutive securities	2		1
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share	116		116
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders	$	0.49	$	0.60
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders	$	0.48	$	0.59

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 months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

40

Note 7 Intangible Assets

Activity related to Licenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021, is presented below:

	Licenses
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	2,638
Acquisitions	1,283
Capitalized interest	3
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	3,924

In February 2021, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 254 wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.7-3.98 GHz bands (Auction 107) for $1,283 million. UScellular paid $30 million of this amount in 2020 and the remainder in March 2021. Additionally, UScellular expects to capitalize costs of approximately $178 million related to the estimated relocation costs and accelerated relocation incentive payments. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 107 are expected to be granted by the FCC in 2021. The spectrum must be cleared by incumbent providers before UScellular can access it. UScellular does not expect to have access to this spectrum until late 2023.

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.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Equity method investments	$	475	$	456
Measurement alternative method investments	22		21
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	$	497	$	477

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 March 31,
	2021		2020
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues	$	1,733	$	1,662
Operating expenses	1,280		1,166
Operating income	453		496
Other income (expense), net	12		3
Net income	$	465	$	499

41

Note 9 Debt

Term Loan Agreements

The following table summarizes the term loan credit agreements as of March 31, 2021:

	TDS		UScellular
(Dollars in millions)
Maximum borrowing capacity	$	200	$	300
Amount borrowed	$	200	$	300
Amount available for use	$	—	$	—

Borrowings under the TDS term loan bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.0%. 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.

Borrowings under the UScellular term loan bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%. Principal reductions are due and payable in quarterly installments of $0.75 million beginning in September 2021. The remaining unpaid balance will be due and payable in June 2027.

TDS and UScellular believe that they were in compliance with all of the financial covenants and other requirements set forth in their senior term loan credit agreements as of March 31, 2021.

Receivables Securitization Agreement

At March 31, 2021, UScellular had a receivables securitization agreement for securitized borrowings using its equipment installment receivables for general corporate purposes. Amounts under the receivables securitization agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in December 2022, which may be extended from time to time as specified therein. The outstanding borrowings bear interest at floating rates. In March 2021, UScellular borrowed $275 million under its receivables securitization agreement. As of March 31, 2021, UScellular has borrowed the full amount available under the receivables securitization agreement of $300 million. 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 March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, the USCC Master Note Trust held $446 million of assets available to be pledged as collateral for the receivables securitization agreement.

Other Long-Term Debt

In April 2021, TDS announced that it will redeem its outstanding $225 million of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2059 and $300 million of 7.0% Senior Notes due 2060, and UScellular announced that it will redeem its outstanding $275 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2063. At time of redemption, $26 million of interest expense will be recorded related to unamortized debt issuance costs related to the notes. The notes are expected to be redeemed on May 12, 2021, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, including accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

Revolving Credit Agreements

In May 2021, TDS initiated a borrowing of $100 million under its revolving credit agreement.

42

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, 2020.

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.

43

The following table presents the classification and balances of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	22	$	18
Short-term investments	3		3
Accounts receivable	643		638
Inventory, net	3		3
Other current assets	34		21
Licenses	637		637
Property, plant and equipment, net	98		99
Operating lease right-of-use assets	39		37
Other assets and deferred charges	353		347
Total assets	$	1,832	$	1,803
Liabilities
Current liabilities	$	25	$	26
Long-term operating lease liabilities	35		34
Other deferred liabilities and credits	20		19
Total liabilities	$	80	$	79

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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 $30 million and $69 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of which $10 million in 2021 and $55 million in 2020, 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 the third quarter of 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.

44

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:

Three Months Ended March 31,	2021		2020
(Dollars in millions)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	$	59	$	69
Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's issuance of UScellular shares	(3)		(1)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's repurchases of UScellular shares	—		13
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	(3)		12
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders after transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	$	56	$	81

Note 12 Shareholders' Equity

Preferred Stock

In March 2021, TDS issued 16,800 shares of TDS’ 6.625% Series UU Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (Preferred Shares) for $25,000 per Preferred Share, for total gross proceeds of $420 million. The Preferred Shares were issued to a depositary to facilitate the issuance of 16,800,000 depositary shares (Depositary Shares), each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share. TDS received net cash proceeds of $406 million after payment of issuance costs of $14 million. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, the funding of capital expenditures associated with TDS Telecom's fiber program and retirement of existing debt.

Each holder of Depositary Shares is entitled to a proportional fractional interest in all rights and preferences of the Preferred Shares, including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights. The Preferred Shares have no maturity or mandatory redemption date and are not redeemable at the option of the holders.

Dividends on the Preferred Shares, when declared, will be payable quarterly, on a cumulative basis, beginning on June 30, 2021, at a rate equal to 6.625% per year. As of March 31, 2021, there were no dividends in arrears. The Preferred Shares rank senior to TDS’ Common Shares and junior to all of TDS’ existing and future indebtedness outstanding under the TDS’ credit facilities and unsecured senior notes. Upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation, holders of Preferred Shares are entitled to a liquidating distribution of $25,000 per Preferred Share after satisfaction of liabilities and obligations to creditors. The Preferred Shares do not have voting rights, except under limited conditions.

TDS may, at its option, redeem the Preferred shares (a) in whole or in part, on or after March 31, 2026 at a redemption price of $25,000 per Preferred Share, or (b) in whole but not in part, any time prior to March 31, 2026, within 120 days after a credit rating downgrade as specified in the offering prospectus, at a redemption price of $25,500 per Preferred Share, or (c) in whole or in part, within 120 days of the occurrence of a change in control as specified in the offering prospectus, at a redemption price of $25,000 per Preferred Share, plus, in each case, all accumulated and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) up to the redemption date.

The Preferred Shares are convertible, at the option of the holder, to shares of TDS Common Shares upon a change of control as specified in the offering prospectus. The conversion right is the lesser of (a) Common Shares equal to $25,000 per Preferred Share plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, divided by the TDS Common Stock price, or (b) 2,773.200 Common Shares for each Preferred Share, which represents one-half the conversion rate at the time of closing. In both cases, certain other adjustments and provisions may impact the conversion.

45

Note 13 Business Segment Information

UScellular and TDS Telecom are billed for services they receive from TDS, consisting primarily of information processing, accounting, 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. During the first quarter of 2021, TDS modified its reporting segment structure to combine its Wireline and Cable segments into a single reportable segment for TDS Telecom. TDS Telecom believes this presentation better articulates its progress and performance against its strategy, which includes a focus on overall broadband growth and future fiber deployment across its markets. This change also reflects TDS Telecom's progress in aligning its organizational, operational and support structures to leverage one cost base to better support its customers across all of its markets. Prior periods have been updated to conform to this revised presentation.

Financial data for TDS’ reportable segments for the three month periods ended, or as of March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, is as follows. See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation for additional information. 

Three Months Ended or as of March 31, 2021	UScellular		TDS Telecom		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues
Service	$	771	$	249	$	22	$	1,042
Equipment and product sales	252		—		24		276
Total operating revenues	1,023		249		46		1,318
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	185		97		17		299
Cost of equipment and products	275		—		18		293
Selling, general and administrative	305		70		13		388
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	170		49		5		224
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		—		—		5
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		—		—		(1)
Operating income (loss)	84		32		(6)		110
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	42		—		—		42
Interest and dividend income	2		—		1		3
Interest expense	(39)		1		(15)		(53)
Income (loss) before income taxes	89		33		(20)		102
Income tax expense (benefit)	27		8		(4)		31
Net income (loss)	62		24		(15)		71
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	170		49		5		224
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		—		—		5
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		—		—		(1)
Interest expense	39		(1)		15		53
Income tax expense (benefit)	27		8		(4)		31
Adjusted EBITDA1	$	302	$	81	$	—	$	383
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$	455	$	4	$	38	$	497
Total assets	$	10,148	$	2,377	$	882	$	13,407
Capital expenditures	$	125	$	70	$	2	$	197

46

Three Months Ended or as of March 31, 2020	UScellular		TDS Telecom		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues
Service	$	762	$	240	$	24	$	1,026
Equipment and product sales	201		—		34		235
Total operating revenues	963		240		58		1,261
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	180		95		18		293
Cost of equipment and products	217		—		29		246
Selling, general and administrative	335		65		11		411
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	177		52		6		235
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	4		—		—		4
Operating income (loss)	50		28		(6)		72
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	45		—		—		45
Interest and dividend income	4		2		—		6
Interest expense	(24)		1		(14)		(37)
Other, net	1		—		(1)		—
Income (loss) before income taxes	76		31		(21)		86
Income tax expense (benefit)	4		4		(5)		3
Net income (loss)	72		28		(17)		83
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	177		52		6		235
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	4		—		—		4
Interest expense	24		(1)		14		37
Income tax expense (benefit)	4		4		(5)		3
Adjusted EBITDA1	$	281	$	82	$	(1)	$	362
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$	469	$	4	$	36	$	509
Total assets	$	8,251	$	2,221	$	423	$	10,895
Capital expenditures	$	236	$	54	$	2	$	292

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

1Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (Adjusted EBITDA) is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of 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.

.

47

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 March 31, 2021, 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 three months ended March 31, 2021, 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 the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. 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, 2020, for additional information. There have been no material changes to such information since December 31, 2020.

48

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 first quarter of 2021.

The following table provides certain information with respect to all purchases made by or on behalf of TDS, and any 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.

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1 - 31, 2021	—	$	—	—	$	185,033,191
February 1 - 28, 2021	—	$	—	—	$	185,033,191
March 1 - 31, 2021	162,500	$	18.50	162,500	$	182,026,239
Total for or as of the end of the quarter ended March 31, 2021	162,500	$	18.50	162,500	$	182,026,239

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Exhibits

Exhibit Number	Description of Documents
Exhibit 4.1	Certificate of Designations of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., including Form of Stock Certificate evidencing the 6.625% Series UU Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, filed on March 1, 2021 with the Secretary of the State of Delaware designating the preferences, limitations, voting powers and relative rights of the Series UU Preferred Stock is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to TDS' Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 2021.
Exhibit 4.2	Deposit Agreement, including Form of Depositary Receipt, dated as of March 2, 2021, among Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as depositary, and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts issued thereunder is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to TDS' Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 2021.
Exhibit 4.3	Amendment No. 1 to the Deposit Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2021, among Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as depositary, and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts issued thereunder is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to TDS' Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 8, 2021.
Exhibit 10.1	UScellular 2021 Executive Deferred Compensation Interest Account Plan effective January 1, 2021, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to UScellular's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2021.
Exhibit 10.2	TDS 2021 Officer Bonus Program is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to TDS' Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 17, 2021.
Exhibit 10.3	United States Cellular Corporation 2021 Officer Annual Incentive Plan effective January 1, 2021, is hereby incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to UScellular's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 13, 2021.
Exhibit 31.1	Principal executive officer certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Exhibit 31.2	Principal financial officer certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Exhibit 32.1	Principal executive officer certification pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
Exhibit 32.2	Principal financial officer certification pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
Exhibit 101.INS	XBRL 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.SCH	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
Exhibit 101.PRE	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.CAL	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.LAB	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.DEF	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
Exhibit 104	Cover 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.

50

Form 10-Q Cross Reference Index

Item Number			Page No.
Part I.	Financial Information
	Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)	28	-	33
		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	35	-	46
	Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	1	-	25
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	27
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	48
Part II.	Other Information
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	48
	Item1A.	Risk Factors	27
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	49
	Item 6.	Exhibits	50
Signatures			52

51

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:	May 6, 2021		/s/ LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.
			LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)
Date:	May 6, 2021		/s/ Peter L. Sereda
			Peter L. Sereda Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)
Date:	May 6, 2021		/s/ Anita J. Kroll
			Anita J. Kroll Vice President - Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (principal accounting officer)

52

EX-31.1

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:  May 6, 2021

/s/ LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.

LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.

President and Chief Executive Officer

(principal executive officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Certification ofprincipal financialofficer

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:  May 6, 2021

/s/ Peter L. Sereda

Peter L. Sereda

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(principal financial officer)

EX-32.1

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 first quarter of 2021 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.

May 6, 2021

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.

EX-32.2

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 first quarter of 2021 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

May 6, 2021

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.

XML

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 shares
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
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	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
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	107,093,000
Depository Shares each representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of 6.625% Series UU Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, $.01 par value
Title of 12(b) Security	Depository Shares each representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of 6.625% Series UU Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, $.01 par value
Trading Symbol	TDSPrU
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
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	7,293,000

XML

Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 1,318	$ 1,261
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative	388	411
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	224	235
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5	4
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)	0
Total operating expenses	1,208	1,189
Operating income	110	72
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	42	45
Interest and dividend income	3	6
Interest expense	(53)	(37)
Total investment and other income (expense)	(8)	14
Income before income taxes	102	86
Income tax expense	31	3
Net income	71	83
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	12	14
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	59	69
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	2	0
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders	$ 57	$ 69
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	114	115
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.49	$ 0.60
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	116	116
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.59
Service
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 1,042	$ 1,026
Operating expenses
Cost of goods and services	299	293
Equipment and product sales
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	276	235
Operating expenses
Cost of goods and services	$ 293	$ 246

XML

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 71	$ 83
Change related to retirement plan Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost for the period
Amortization of prior service cost	1	1
Comprehensive income	72	84
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	12	14
Comprehensive income attributable to TDS shareholders	$ 60	$ 70

XML

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 71	$ 83
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	224	235
Bad debts expense	8	34
Stock-based compensation expense	10	11
Deferred income taxes, net	27	75
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(42)	(45)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	23	25
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5	4
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)	0
Other operating activities	(1)	0
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations
Accounts receivable	17	43
Equipment installment plans receivable	(18)	23
Inventory	8	(52)
Accounts payable	(115)	87
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	9	(9)
Accrued taxes	0	(74)
Accrued interest	9	9
Other assets and liabilities	(69)	(82)
Net cash provided by operating activities	165	367
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment	(220)	(377)
Cash paid for intangible assets	(1,261)	(26)
Cash paid for investments	0	(1)
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	1	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,480)	(404)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of long-term debt	567	50
Repayment of long-term debt	0	(2)
Issuance of TDS Preferred Shares	420	0
TDS Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	(1)	(1)
UScellular Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	(1)	0
Repurchase of TDS Common Shares	(3)	(6)
Repurchase of UScellular Common Shares	(2)	(21)
Dividends paid to TDS shareholders	(20)	(19)
Payment of debt and equity issuance costs	(14)	(3)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1)	(1)
Other financing activities	(3)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	942	(3)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(373)	(40)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period	1,452	474
End of period	$ 1,079	$ 434

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 1,042	$ 1,429
Short-term investments		3	3
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances of $60 and $67, respectively		978	1,004
Other, less allowances of $2 and $2, respectively		119	108
Inventory, net		145	154
Prepaid expenses		114	105
Income taxes receivable		188	187
Other current assets		53	36
Total current assets		2,642	3,026
Assets held for sale		1	2
Licenses		3,924	2,638
Goodwill		547	547
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $75 and $71, respectively		213	213
Investments in unconsolidated entities		497	477
Property, plant and equipment
In service and under construction		13,742	13,659
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		9,791	9,687
Property, plant and equipment, net		3,951	3,972
Operating lease right-of-use assets		1,005	998
Other assets and deferred charges		627	652
Total assets	[1]	13,407	12,525
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt		6	5
Accounts payable		360	508
Customer deposits and deferred revenues		202	193
Accrued interest		25	16
Accrued taxes		67	69
Accrued compensation		73	132
Short-term operating lease liabilities		134	129
Other current liabilities		96	101
Total current liabilities		963	1,153
Liabilities held for sale		0	1
Deferred liabilities and credits
Deferred income tax liability, net		890	863
Long-term operating lease liabilities		941	940
Other deferred liabilities and credits		558	541
Long-term debt, net		3,991	3,424
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features		10	10
TDS shareholders’ equity
Series A Common and Common Shares Authorized 290 shares (25 Series A Common and 265 Common Shares) Issued 133 shares (7 Series A Common and 126 Common Shares) Outstanding 114 shares (7 Series A Common and 107 Common Shares) and 115 shares (7 Series A Common and 108 Common Shares), respectively Par Value ($.01 per share)		1	1
Capital in excess of par value		2,488	2,482
Preferred Shares, par value $0.01 per share, $25,000 liquidation preference per share, .017 shares outstanding		408	0
Treasury shares, at cost, 19 Common Shares		(472)	(477)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(3)	(4)
Retained earnings		2,830	2,802
Total TDS shareholders' equity		5,252	4,804
Noncontrolling interests		802	789
Total equity		6,054	5,593
Total liabilities and equity	[1]	$ 13,407	$ 12,525

[1] The consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,244 million and $1,042 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $17 million and $18 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.

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts receivable
Customer and agent allowances		$ 60,000,000	$ 67,000,000
Other allowances		2,000,000	2,000,000
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets accumulated amortization		$ 75,000,000	$ 71,000,000
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	114,000,000
Par value per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Par value per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)		$ 25,000
Outstanding shares (in shares)		17,000.000
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Total assets	[1]	$ 13,407,000,000	$ 12,525,000,000
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	107,000,000
Par value per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Treasury shares at cost (in shares)		19,000,000	19,000,000
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Total assets		$ 1,832,000,000	$ 1,803,000,000
Total liabilities		80,000,000	79,000,000
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity | No recourse
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Total liabilities		17,000,000	18,000,000
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity | Assets held
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Total assets		$ 1,244,000,000	$ 1,042,000,000

[1] The consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,244 million and $1,042 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $17 million and $18 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.

XML

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Series A Common and Common shares	Capital in excess of par value	Preferred Shares	Treasury shares	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Retained earnings	Total TDS shareholders' equity	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 5,404	$ 1	$ 2,468		$ (479)	$ (9)	$ 2,672	$ 4,653	$ 751
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	69						69	69
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	14							0	14
Other comprehensive income	1					1		1
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends	(19)						(19)	(19)
Repurchase of Common Shares	(6)				(6)			(6)
Dividend reinvestment plan	1				1		0	1
Incentive and compensation plans	3		3		4		(4)	3
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	(17)		18					18	(35)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1)							0	(1)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2020	5,449	1	2,489		(480)	(8)	2,718	4,720	729
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020	5,593	1	2,482	$ 0	(477)	(4)	2,802	4,804	789
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	59						59	59
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	12							0	12
Other comprehensive income	1					1		1
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends	(20)						(20)	(20)
Issuance of TDS Preferred Shares, net of costs	406			406				406
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	0			2			(2)	0
Repurchase of Common Shares	(3)				(3)			(3)
Dividend reinvestment plan	1				1			1
Incentive and compensation plans	2		4		7		(9)	2
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	4		2					2	2
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1)							0	(1)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2021	$ 6,054	$ 1	$ 2,488	$ 408	$ (472)	$ (3)	$ 2,830	$ 5,252	$ 802

XML

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.175	$ 0.17

XML

Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

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 subsidiaries, TDS Telecommunications LLC and TDS Broadband LLC (collectively, 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 March 31, 2021, are UScellular and TDS Telecom. 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 13 — 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, 2020.

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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and its results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. 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, 2020.

Change in Reportable Segments

During the first quarter of 2021, TDS modified its reporting segment structure to combine its Wireline and Cable segments into a single reportable segment for TDS Telecom. TDS Telecom believes this presentation better articulates its progress and performance against its strategy, which includes a focus on overall broadband growth and future fiber deployment across its markets. This change also reflects TDS Telecom's progress in aligning its organizational, operational and support structures to leverage one cost base to better support its customers across all of its markets. Prior periods have been updated to conform to this revised presentation. See Note 13 — Business Segment Information for additional information on TDS' reportable segments.

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.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,042	$	1,429
Restricted cash included in Other current assets	37		23
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows	$	1,079	$	1,452

XML

Revenue Recognition

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

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.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021	UScellular		TDS Telecom		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Type of service:
Retail service	$	685	$	—	$	—	$	685
Inbound roaming	28		—		—		28
Residential	—		157		—		157
Commercial	—		47		—		47
Wholesale	—		45		—		45
Other service	38		—		16		54
Service revenues from contracts with customers	751		248		16		1,016
Equipment and product sales	252		—		24		276
Total revenues from contracts with customers	1,003		248		40		1,292
Operating lease income	20		1		5		26
Total operating revenues	$	1,023	$	249	$	46	$	1,318

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020	UScellular		TDS Telecom		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Type of service:
Retail service	$	671	$	—	$	—	$	671
Inbound roaming	37		—		—		37
Residential	—		144		—		144
Commercial	—		50		—		50
Wholesale	—		45		—		45
Other service	35		—		18		53
Service revenues from contracts with customers	743		239		18		1,000
Equipment and product sales	201		—		34		235
Total revenues from contracts with customers	944		240		52		1,235
Operating lease income	19		1		6		26
Total operating revenues	$	963	$	240	$	58	$	1,261
Numbers may not foot due to rounding

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.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Contract assets	$	13	$	13
Contract liabilities	$	230	$	216

Revenue recognized related to contract liabilities existing at January 1, 2021 was $131 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

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 March 31, 2021 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 2021	$	330
2022	187
Thereafter	184
Total	$	701

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:

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Costs to obtain contracts
Sales commissions	$	136	$	139
Fulfillment costs
Installation costs	11		10
Total contract cost assets	$	147	$	149

Amortization of contract cost assets was $29 million and $31 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and was included in Selling, general and administrative expenses and Cost of services expenses.

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Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Note 3 Fair Value Measurements

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 Hierarchy	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
		Book Value		Fair Value		Book Value		Fair Value
(Dollars in millions)
Long-term debt
Retail	2	$	2,753	$	2,814	$	2,753	$	2,809
Institutional	2	535		661		535		707
Other	2	796		796		230		230

Long-term debt excludes lease obligations, 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, 6.95% Senior Notes, 6.25% Senior Notes and 5.5% 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 and receivables securitization agreement. 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 1.31% to 4.48% and 1.35% to 3.75% at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

The fair values of Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and Short-term investments approximate their book values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.

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Equipment Installment Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

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.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$	1,013	$	1,007
Allowance for credit losses	(72)		(78)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	941	$	929
Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)	$	596	$	590
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)	345		339
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	941	$	929

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:

	March 31, 2021										December 31, 2020
	Lowest Risk		Lower Risk		Slight Risk		Higher Risk		Total		Lowest Risk		Lower Risk		Slight Risk		Higher Risk		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Unbilled	$	826	$	99	$	24	$	8	$	957	$	819	$	98	$	22	$	9	$	948
Billed — current	35		5		1		1		42		36		5		1		1		43
Billed — past due	7		4		2		1		14		8		5		2		1		16
Total	$	868	$	108	$	27	$	10	$	1,013	$	863	$	108	$	25	$	11	$	1,007

The balance of the equipment installment plan receivables as of March 31, 2021 on a gross basis by year of origination were as follows:

	2018		2019		2020		2021		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Lowest Risk	$	15	$	202	$	484	$	167	$	868
Lower Risk	1		18		61		28		108
Slight Risk	1		3		12		11		27
Higher Risk	—		1		5		4		10
Total	$	17	$	224	$	562	$	210	$	1,013

Activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows:

	March 31, 2021		March 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period	$	78	$	84
Bad debts expense	3		25
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(9)		(19)
Allowance for credit losses, end of period	$	72	$	90

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Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 5 Income Taxes The effective tax rate on Income before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, was 30.1% and 4.2%, respectively. The higher effective tax rate in 2021 as compared to 2020 is due primarily to the income tax benefits of the CARES Act included in the 2020 tax rate, which do not recur as benefits in the 2021 tax rate.

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Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Note 6 Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to TDS common 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 common shareholders were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in basic earnings per share	$	57	$	69
Adjustments to compute diluted earnings:
Noncontrolling interest adjustment	(1)		(1)
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in diluted earnings per share	$	56	$	68
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share:
Common Shares	107		108
Series A Common Shares	7		7
Total	114		115
Effects of dilutive securities	2		1
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share	116		116
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders	$	0.49	$	0.60
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders	$	0.48	$	0.59

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 months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

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Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Intangible Assets

Note 7 Intangible Assets

Activity related to Licenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021, is presented below:

	Licenses
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	2,638
Acquisitions	1,283
Capitalized interest	3
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	3,924

In February 2021, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 254 wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.7-3.98 GHz bands (Auction 107) for $1,283 million. UScellular paid $30 million of this amount in 2020 and the remainder in March 2021. Additionally, UScellular expects to capitalize costs of approximately $178 million related to the estimated relocation costs and accelerated relocation incentive payments. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 107 are expected to be granted by the FCC in 2021. The spectrum must be cleared by incumbent providers before UScellular can access it. UScellular does not expect to have access to this spectrum until late 2023.

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Investments In Unconsolidated Entities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

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.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Equity method investments	$	475	$	456
Measurement alternative method investments	22		21
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	$	497	$	477

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 March 31,
	2021		2020
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues	$	1,733	$	1,662
Operating expenses	1,280		1,166
Operating income	453		496
Other income (expense), net	12		3
Net income	$	465	$	499

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Debt

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

Note 9 Debt

Term Loan Agreements

The following table summarizes the term loan credit agreements as of March 31, 2021:

	TDS		UScellular
(Dollars in millions)
Maximum borrowing capacity	$	200	$	300
Amount borrowed	$	200	$	300
Amount available for use	$	—	$	—

Borrowings under the TDS term loan bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.0%. 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.

Borrowings under the UScellular term loan bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%. Principal reductions are due and payable in quarterly installments of $0.75 million beginning in September 2021. The remaining unpaid balance will be due and payable in June 2027.

TDS and UScellular believe that they were in compliance with all of the financial covenants and other requirements set forth in their senior term loan credit agreements as of March 31, 2021.

Receivables Securitization Agreement

At March 31, 2021, UScellular had a receivables securitization agreement for securitized borrowings using its equipment installment receivables for general corporate purposes. Amounts under the receivables securitization agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in December 2022, which may be extended from time to time as specified therein. The outstanding borrowings bear interest at floating rates. In March 2021, UScellular borrowed $275 million under its receivables securitization agreement. As of March 31, 2021, UScellular has borrowed the full amount available under the receivables securitization agreement of $300 million. 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 March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, the USCC Master Note Trust held $446 million of assets available to be pledged as collateral for the receivables securitization agreement.

Other Long-Term Debt

In April 2021, TDS announced that it will redeem its outstanding $225 million of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2059 and $300 million of 7.0% Senior Notes due 2060, and UScellular announced that it will redeem its outstanding $275 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2063. At time of redemption, $26 million of interest expense will be recorded related to unamortized debt issuance costs related to the notes. The notes are expected to be redeemed on May 12, 2021, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, including accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

Revolving Credit Agreements

In May 2021, TDS initiated a borrowing of $100 million under its revolving credit agreement.

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Variable Interest Entities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

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, 2020.

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.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	22	$	18
Short-term investments	3		3
Accounts receivable	643		638
Inventory, net	3		3
Other current assets	34		21
Licenses	637		637
Property, plant and equipment, net	98		99
Operating lease right-of-use assets	39		37
Other assets and deferred charges	353		347
Total assets	$	1,832	$	1,803
Liabilities
Current liabilities	$	25	$	26
Long-term operating lease liabilities	35		34
Other deferred liabilities and credits	20		19
Total liabilities	$	80	$	79

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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 $30 million and $69 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of which $10 million in 2021 and $55 million in 2020, 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 the third quarter of 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.

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Noncontrolling Interests

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

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:

Three Months Ended March 31,	2021		2020
(Dollars in millions)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	$	59	$	69
Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's issuance of UScellular shares	(3)		(1)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's repurchases of UScellular shares	—		13
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	(3)		12
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders after transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	$	56	$	81

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Shareholders' Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Shareholders' Equity

Note 12 Shareholders' Equity

Preferred Stock

In March 2021, TDS issued 16,800 shares of TDS’ 6.625% Series UU Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (Preferred Shares) for $25,000 per Preferred Share, for total gross proceeds of $420 million. The Preferred Shares were issued to a depositary to facilitate the issuance of 16,800,000 depositary shares (Depositary Shares), each representing 1/1,000th of a Preferred Share. TDS received net cash proceeds of $406 million after payment of issuance costs of $14 million. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, the funding of capital expenditures associated with TDS Telecom's fiber program and retirement of existing debt.

Each holder of Depositary Shares is entitled to a proportional fractional interest in all rights and preferences of the Preferred Shares, including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights. The Preferred Shares have no maturity or mandatory redemption date and are not redeemable at the option of the holders.

Dividends on the Preferred Shares, when declared, will be payable quarterly, on a cumulative basis, beginning on June 30, 2021, at a rate equal to 6.625% per year. As of March 31, 2021, there were no dividends in arrears. The Preferred Shares rank senior to TDS’ Common Shares and junior to all of TDS’ existing and future indebtedness outstanding under the TDS’ credit facilities and unsecured senior notes. Upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation, holders of Preferred Shares are entitled to a liquidating distribution of $25,000 per Preferred Share after satisfaction of liabilities and obligations to creditors. The Preferred Shares do not have voting rights, except under limited conditions.

TDS may, at its option, redeem the Preferred shares (a) in whole or in part, on or after March 31, 2026 at a redemption price of $25,000 per Preferred Share, or (b) in whole but not in part, any time prior to March 31, 2026, within 120 days after a credit rating downgrade as specified in the offering prospectus, at a redemption price of $25,500 per Preferred Share, or (c) in whole or in part, within 120 days of the occurrence of a change in control as specified in the offering prospectus, at a redemption price of $25,000 per Preferred Share, plus, in each case, all accumulated and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) up to the redemption date.

The Preferred Shares are convertible, at the option of the holder, to shares of TDS Common Shares upon a change of control as specified in the offering prospectus. The conversion right is the lesser of (a) Common Shares equal to $25,000 per Preferred Share plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, divided by the TDS Common Stock price, or (b) 2,773.200 Common Shares for each Preferred Share, which represents one-half the conversion rate at the time of closing. In both cases, certain other adjustments and provisions may impact the conversion.

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Business Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business Segment Information

Note 13 Business Segment Information

UScellular and TDS Telecom are billed for services they receive from TDS, consisting primarily of information processing, accounting, 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. During the first quarter of 2021, TDS modified its reporting segment structure to combine its Wireline and Cable segments into a single reportable segment for TDS Telecom. TDS Telecom believes this presentation better articulates its progress and performance against its strategy, which includes a focus on overall broadband growth and future fiber deployment across its markets. This change also reflects TDS Telecom's progress in aligning its organizational, operational and support structures to leverage one cost base to better support its customers across all of its markets. Prior periods have been updated to conform to this revised presentation.

Financial data for TDS’ reportable segments for the three month periods ended, or as of March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, is as follows. See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation for additional information. 

Three Months Ended or as of March 31, 2021	UScellular		TDS Telecom		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues
Service	$	771	$	249	$	22	$	1,042
Equipment and product sales	252		—		24		276
Total operating revenues	1,023		249		46		1,318
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	185		97		17		299
Cost of equipment and products	275		—		18		293
Selling, general and administrative	305		70		13		388
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	170		49		5		224
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		—		—		5
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		—		—		(1)
Operating income (loss)	84		32		(6)		110
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	42		—		—		42
Interest and dividend income	2		—		1		3
Interest expense	(39)		1		(15)		(53)
Income (loss) before income taxes	89		33		(20)		102
Income tax expense (benefit)	27		8		(4)		31
Net income (loss)	62		24		(15)		71
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	170		49		5		224
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		—		—		5
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		—		—		(1)
Interest expense	39		(1)		15		53
Income tax expense (benefit)	27		8		(4)		31
Adjusted EBITDA1	$	302	$	81	$	—	$	383
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$	455	$	4	$	38	$	497
Total assets	$	10,148	$	2,377	$	882	$	13,407
Capital expenditures	$	125	$	70	$	2	$	197

Three Months Ended or as of March 31, 2020	UScellular		TDS Telecom		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues
Service	$	762	$	240	$	24	$	1,026
Equipment and product sales	201		—		34		235
Total operating revenues	963		240		58		1,261
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	180		95		18		293
Cost of equipment and products	217		—		29		246
Selling, general and administrative	335		65		11		411
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	177		52		6		235
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	4		—		—		4
Operating income (loss)	50		28		(6)		72
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	45		—		—		45
Interest and dividend income	4		2		—		6
Interest expense	(24)		1		(14)		(37)
Other, net	1		—		(1)		—
Income (loss) before income taxes	76		31		(21)		86
Income tax expense (benefit)	4		4		(5)		3
Net income (loss)	72		28		(17)		83
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	177		52		6		235
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	4		—		—		4
Interest expense	24		(1)		14		37
Income tax expense (benefit)	4		4		(5)		3
Adjusted EBITDA1	$	281	$	82	$	(1)	$	362
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$	469	$	4	$	36	$	509
Total assets	$	8,251	$	2,221	$	423	$	10,895
Capital expenditures	$	236	$	54	$	2	$	292

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

1Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (Adjusted EBITDA) is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of 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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Basis of Presentation (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

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 subsidiaries, TDS Telecommunications LLC and TDS Broadband LLC (collectively, 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 March 31, 2021, are UScellular and TDS Telecom. 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 13 — 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, 2020.

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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and its results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. 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, 2020.

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, 2020.

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Basis of Presentation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

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.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,042	$	1,429
Restricted cash included in Other current assets	37		23
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows	$	1,079	$	1,452

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Revenue Recognition (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

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.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021	UScellular		TDS Telecom		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Type of service:
Retail service	$	685	$	—	$	—	$	685
Inbound roaming	28		—		—		28
Residential	—		157		—		157
Commercial	—		47		—		47
Wholesale	—		45		—		45
Other service	38		—		16		54
Service revenues from contracts with customers	751		248		16		1,016
Equipment and product sales	252		—		24		276
Total revenues from contracts with customers	1,003		248		40		1,292
Operating lease income	20		1		5		26
Total operating revenues	$	1,023	$	249	$	46	$	1,318

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020	UScellular		TDS Telecom		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Type of service:
Retail service	$	671	$	—	$	—	$	671
Inbound roaming	37		—		—		37
Residential	—		144		—		144
Commercial	—		50		—		50
Wholesale	—		45		—		45
Other service	35		—		18		53
Service revenues from contracts with customers	743		239		18		1,000
Equipment and product sales	201		—		34		235
Total revenues from contracts with customers	944		240		52		1,235
Operating lease income	19		1		6		26
Total operating revenues	$	963	$	240	$	58	$	1,261
Numbers may not foot due to rounding

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.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Contract assets	$	13	$	13
Contract liabilities	$	230	$	216

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 March 31, 2021 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 2021	$	330
2022	187
Thereafter	184
Total	$	701

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:

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Costs to obtain contracts
Sales commissions	$	136	$	139
Fulfillment costs
Installation costs	11		10
Total contract cost assets	$	147	$	149

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

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 Hierarchy	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
		Book Value		Fair Value		Book Value		Fair Value
(Dollars in millions)
Long-term debt
Retail	2	$	2,753	$	2,814	$	2,753	$	2,809
Institutional	2	535		661		535		707
Other	2	796		796		230		230

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Equipment Installment Plans (Table)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Receivables [Abstract]

Equipment installment plan receivables

The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$	1,013	$	1,007
Allowance for credit losses	(72)		(78)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	941	$	929
Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)	$	596	$	590
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)	345		339
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	941	$	929

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:

	March 31, 2021										December 31, 2020
	Lowest Risk		Lower Risk		Slight Risk		Higher Risk		Total		Lowest Risk		Lower Risk		Slight Risk		Higher Risk		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Unbilled	$	826	$	99	$	24	$	8	$	957	$	819	$	98	$	22	$	9	$	948
Billed — current	35		5		1		1		42		36		5		1		1		43
Billed — past due	7		4		2		1		14		8		5		2		1		16
Total	$	868	$	108	$	27	$	10	$	1,013	$	863	$	108	$	25	$	11	$	1,007

The balance of the equipment installment plan receivables as of March 31, 2021 on a gross basis by year of origination were as follows:

	2018		2019		2020		2021		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Lowest Risk	$	15	$	202	$	484	$	167	$	868
Lower Risk	1		18		61		28		108
Slight Risk	1		3		12		11		27
Higher Risk	—		1		5		4		10
Total	$	17	$	224	$	562	$	210	$	1,013

Equipment installment plans allowance for credit losses

Activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows:

	March 31, 2021		March 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period	$	78	$	84
Bad debts expense	3		25
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(9)		(19)
Allowance for credit losses, end of period	$	72	$	90

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings per share

The amounts used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in basic earnings per share	$	57	$	69
Adjustments to compute diluted earnings:
Noncontrolling interest adjustment	(1)		(1)
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in diluted earnings per share	$	56	$	68
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share:
Common Shares	107		108
Series A Common Shares	7		7
Total	114		115
Effects of dilutive securities	2		1
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share	116		116
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders	$	0.49	$	0.60
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders	$	0.48	$	0.59

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Intangible Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Licenses

Licenses

Activity related to Licenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021, is presented below:

	Licenses
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	2,638
Acquisitions	1,283
Capitalized interest	3
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	3,924

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Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

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.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Equity method investments	$	475	$	456
Measurement alternative method investments	22		21
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	$	497	$	477

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 March 31,
	2021		2020
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues	$	1,733	$	1,662
Operating expenses	1,280		1,166
Operating income	453		496
Other income (expense), net	12		3
Net income	$	465	$	499

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Debt (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Term Loans

The following table summarizes the term loan credit agreements as of March 31, 2021:

	TDS		UScellular
(Dollars in millions)
Maximum borrowing capacity	$	200	$	300
Amount borrowed	$	200	$	300
Amount available for use	$	—	$	—

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Variable Interest Entities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

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.

	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
(Dollars in millions)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	22	$	18
Short-term investments	3		3
Accounts receivable	643		638
Inventory, net	3		3
Other current assets	34		21
Licenses	637		637
Property, plant and equipment, net	98		99
Operating lease right-of-use assets	39		37
Other assets and deferred charges	353		347
Total assets	$	1,832	$	1,803
Liabilities
Current liabilities	$	25	$	26
Long-term operating lease liabilities	35		34
Other deferred liabilities and credits	20		19
Total liabilities	$	80	$	79

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Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

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:

Three Months Ended March 31,	2021		2020
(Dollars in millions)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	$	59	$	69
Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's issuance of UScellular shares	(3)		(1)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's repurchases of UScellular shares	—		13
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	(3)		12
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders after transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	$	56	$	81

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Business Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business segment information

Financial data for TDS’ reportable segments for the three month periods ended, or as of March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, is as follows. See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation for additional information. 

Three Months Ended or as of March 31, 2021	UScellular		TDS Telecom		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues
Service	$	771	$	249	$	22	$	1,042
Equipment and product sales	252		—		24		276
Total operating revenues	1,023		249		46		1,318
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	185		97		17		299
Cost of equipment and products	275		—		18		293
Selling, general and administrative	305		70		13		388
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	170		49		5		224
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		—		—		5
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		—		—		(1)
Operating income (loss)	84		32		(6)		110
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	42		—		—		42
Interest and dividend income	2		—		1		3
Interest expense	(39)		1		(15)		(53)
Income (loss) before income taxes	89		33		(20)		102
Income tax expense (benefit)	27		8		(4)		31
Net income (loss)	62		24		(15)		71
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	170		49		5		224
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		—		—		5
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		—		—		(1)
Interest expense	39		(1)		15		53
Income tax expense (benefit)	27		8		(4)		31
Adjusted EBITDA1	$	302	$	81	$	—	$	383
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$	455	$	4	$	38	$	497
Total assets	$	10,148	$	2,377	$	882	$	13,407
Capital expenditures	$	125	$	70	$	2	$	197

Three Months Ended or as of March 31, 2020	UScellular		TDS Telecom		Corporate, Eliminations and Other		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues
Service	$	762	$	240	$	24	$	1,026
Equipment and product sales	201		—		34		235
Total operating revenues	963		240		58		1,261
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	180		95		18		293
Cost of equipment and products	217		—		29		246
Selling, general and administrative	335		65		11		411
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	177		52		6		235
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	4		—		—		4
Operating income (loss)	50		28		(6)		72
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	45		—		—		45
Interest and dividend income	4		2		—		6
Interest expense	(24)		1		(14)		(37)
Other, net	1		—		(1)		—
Income (loss) before income taxes	76		31		(21)		86
Income tax expense (benefit)	4		4		(5)		3
Net income (loss)	72		28		(17)		83
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	177		52		6		235
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	4		—		—		4
Interest expense	24		(1)		14		37
Income tax expense (benefit)	4		4		(5)		3
Adjusted EBITDA1	$	281	$	82	$	(1)	$	362
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$	469	$	4	$	36	$	509
Total assets	$	8,251	$	2,221	$	423	$	10,895
Capital expenditures	$	236	$	54	$	2	$	292

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

1Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (Adjusted EBITDA) is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of 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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Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Change in reportable segments	Change in Reportable SegmentsDuring the first quarter of 2021, TDS modified its reporting segment structure to combine its Wireline and Cable segments into a single reportable segment for TDS Telecom. TDS Telecom believes this presentation better articulates its progress and performance against its strategy, which includes a focus on overall broadband growth and future fiber deployment across its markets. This change also reflects TDS Telecom's progress in aligning its organizational, operational and support structures to leverage one cost base to better support its customers across all of its markets. Prior periods have been updated to conform to this revised presentation. See Note 13 — Business Segment Information for additional information on TDS' reportable segments.
UScellular
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
TDS ownership of UScellular	82.00%

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Basis of Presentation - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,042	$ 1,429
Restricted cash included in Other current assets	37	23
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows	$ 1,079	$ 1,452	$ 434	$ 474

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Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 1,292	$ 1,235
Operating lease income	26	26
Total operating revenues	1,318	1,261
Transferred over time
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,016	1,000
Transferred over time | Retail service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	685	671
Transferred over time | Inbound roaming
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	28	37
Transferred over time | Residential
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	157	144
Transferred over time | Commercial
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	47	50
Transferred over time | Wholesale
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	45	45
Transferred over time | Other service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	54	53
Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	276	235
UScellular
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,003	944
Operating lease income	20	19
Total operating revenues	1,023	963
UScellular | Transferred over time
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	751	743
UScellular | Transferred over time | Retail service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	685	671
UScellular | Transferred over time | Inbound roaming
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	28	37
UScellular | Transferred over time | Residential
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0
UScellular | Transferred over time | Commercial
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0
UScellular | Transferred over time | Wholesale
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0
UScellular | Transferred over time | Other service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	38	35
UScellular | Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	252	201
TDS Telecom
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	248	240
Operating lease income	1	1
Total operating revenues	249	240
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	248	239
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time | Retail service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time | Inbound roaming
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time | Residential
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	157	144
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time | Commercial
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	47	50
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time | Wholesale
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	45	45
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time | Other service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0
TDS Telecom | Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	40	52
Operating lease income	5	6
Total operating revenues	46	58
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	16	18
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Retail service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Inbound roaming
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Residential
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Commercial
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Wholesale
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Other service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	16	18
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 24	$ 34

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Revenue Recognition - Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract assets	$ 13	$ 13
Contract liabilities	230	$ 216
Revenue recognized	$ 131

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Revenue Recognition - Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 701
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-04-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 330
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period	9 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 187
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]: 2023-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 184
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period

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Revenue Recognition - Contract Cost Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Contract Cost Assets
Contract cost assets	$ 147	$ 149
Sales commissions
Contract Cost Assets
Contract cost assets	136	139
Installation costs
Contract Cost Assets
Contract cost assets	$ 11	$ 10

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Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Capitalized contract cost
Amortization of contract cost assets	$ 29	$ 31

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Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
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%
5.5% Senior Notes | UScellular
Financial Instruments
Interest rate	5.50%
Book Value | Retail
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	$ 2,753	$ 2,753
Book Value | Institutional
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	535	535
Book Value | Other
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	796	230
Fair Value | Level 2 | Retail
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	2,814	2,809
Fair Value | Level 2 | Institutional
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	661	707
Fair Value | Level 2 | Other
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	$ 796	$ 230
Interest rate | Institutional and Other | Minimum
Financial Instruments
Fair value assumption, interest rate	1.31%	1.35%
Interest rate | Institutional and Other | Maximum
Financial Instruments
Fair value assumption, interest rate	4.48%	3.75%

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Equipment Installment Plans - EIP Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$ 1,013	$ 1,007
Allowance for credit losses	(72)	(78)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	941	929
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	596	590
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$ 345	$ 339

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Equipment Installment Plans - Gross Receivables by Credit Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$ 1,013	$ 1,007
2018	17
2019	224
2020	562
2021	210
Unbilled
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	957	948
Billed
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	42	43
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due	14	16
Lowest Risk
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	868	863
2018	15
2019	202
2020	484
2021	167
Lowest Risk | Unbilled
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	826	819
Lowest Risk | Billed
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	35	36
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due	7	8
Lower Risk
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	108	108
2018	1
2019	18
2020	61
2021	28
Lower Risk | Unbilled
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	99	98
Lower Risk | Billed
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	5	5
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due	4	5
Slight Risk
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	27	25
2018	1
2019	3
2020	12
2021	11
Slight Risk | Unbilled
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	24	22
Slight Risk | Billed
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	1	1
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due	2	2
Higher Risk
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	10	11
2018	0
2019	1
2020	5
2021	4
Higher Risk | Unbilled
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	8	9
Higher Risk | Billed
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	1	1
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due	$ 1	$ 1

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Equipment Installment Plans - Allowance for Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Allowance for credit losses
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period	$ 78
Allowance for credit losses, end of period	72
Equipment Installment Plan Receivable
Allowance for credit losses
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period	78	$ 84
Bad debts expense	3	25
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(9)	(19)
Allowance for credit losses, end of period	$ 72	$ 90

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Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	30.10%	4.20%

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Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings per share
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in basic earnings per share	$ 57	$ 69
Noncontrolling interest adjustment	(1)	(1)
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in diluted earnings per share	$ 56	$ 68
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share (in shares)	114	115
Effects of dilutive securities (in shares)	2	1
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share (in shares)	116	116
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.49	$ 0.60
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.59
Common Shares
Earnings per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share (in shares)	107	108
Series A Common Shares
Earnings per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share (in shares)	7	7

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Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (in shares)	4	4

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Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Licenses
Balance, beginning of period	$ 2,638
Acquisitions	1,283
Capitalized interest	3
Balance, end of period	$ 3,924

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Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) license	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Licenses
Cash paid for licenses		$ 1,261	$ 26
Auction 107
Licenses
Licenses won | license		254
Total winning bid		$ 1,283
FCC upfront payment				$ 30
Auction 107 | Subsequent event
Licenses
Cash paid for licenses	$ 178

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Investment in Unconsolidated Entities - Schedule of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity method investments	$ 475		$ 456
Measurement alternative method investments	22		21
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	497	$ 509	$ 477
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenues	1,318	1,261
Operating expenses	1,208	1,189
Operating income	110	72
Other income (expense), net		0
Net income	71	83
Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenues	1,733	1,662
Operating expenses	1,280	1,166
Operating income	453	496
Other income (expense), net	12	3
Net income	$ 465	$ 499

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Debt - Term Loan Facilities (Details) - USD ($)			3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt			$ 0	$ 2,000,000
TDS Term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			200,000,000
Amount borrowed			200,000,000
Amount available for use			$ 0
TDS Term loan facility | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt		$ 500,000
TDS Term loan facility | LIBOR rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread			2.00%
UScellular | UScellular Term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 300,000,000
Amount borrowed			300,000,000
Amount available for use			$ 0
UScellular | UScellular Term loan facility | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt	$ 750,000
UScellular | UScellular Term loan facility | LIBOR rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread			2.25%

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Debt - Receivables Securitization Agreement (Details) - UScellular - Receivables securitization agreement $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount borrowed	$ 275
Maximum borrowing capacity	300
Assets pledged as collateral	$ 446

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Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 12, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021
Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 26
Redemption price rate	100.00%
6.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		6.875%
6.875% Senior Notes | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount redeemed	$ 225
Interest rate	6.875%
7.0% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		7.00%
7.0% Senior Notes | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount redeemed	$ 300
Interest rate	7.00%
7.25% 2063 Senior Notes | UScellular | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount redeemed	$ 275
Interest rate	7.25%

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Debt - Revolving Credit Agreements (Details) $ in Millions	May 01, 2021 USD ($)
Subsequent event | TDS Revolving credit facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount borrowed	$ 100

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Variable Interest Entities - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021		Dec. 31, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,042		$ 1,429
Short-term investments	3		3
Accounts receivable	978		1,004
Inventory, net	145		154
Other current assets	53		36
Licenses	3,924		2,638
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,951		3,972
Operating lease right-of-use assets	1,005		998
Other assets and deferred charges	627		652
Total assets	13,407	[1]	12,525	[1]	$ 10,895
Liabilities
Current liabilities	963		1,153
Long-term operating lease liabilities	941		940
Other deferred liabilities and credits	558		541
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	22		18
Short-term investments	3		3
Accounts receivable	643		638
Inventory, net	3		3
Other current assets	34		21
Licenses	637		637
Property, plant and equipment, net	98		99
Operating lease right-of-use assets	39		37
Other assets and deferred charges	353		347
Total assets	1,832		1,803
Liabilities
Current liabilities	25		26
Long-term operating lease liabilities	35		34
Other deferred liabilities and credits	20		19
Total liabilities	$ 80		$ 79

[1] The consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,244 million and $1,042 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $17 million and $18 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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Variable Interest Entities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, maximum exposure	$ 5		$ 5
Capital contributions, loans or advances	30	$ 69
USCC EIP LLC
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Capital contributions, loans or advances	$ 10	$ 55

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Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
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	$ 59	$ 69
Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's issuance of UScellular shares	(3)	(1)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's repurchases of UScellular shares	0	13
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	(3)	12
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders after transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	$ 56	$ 81

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Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Gross proceeds	$ 420,000,000	$ 0
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)	$ 25,000
Preferred Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued	16,800
Interest rate	6.625%
Shares issued (price per share)	$ 25,000
Gross proceeds	$ 420,000,000
Depositary shares	16,800,000
Net cash proceeds	406,000,000
Issuance costs	14,000,000
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)	$ 25,000
Redemption price per Preferred Share	$ 25,000
Common Shares issued upon conversion	2,773.200
Redemption price after credit rating downgrade | Preferred Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Redemption price per Preferred Share	$ 25,500

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Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021		Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 1,318		$ 1,261
Selling, general and administrative	388		411
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	224		235
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		4
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		0
Operating income	110		72
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	42		45
Interest and dividend income	3		6
Interest expense	(53)		(37)
Other, net			0
Income before income taxes	102		86
Income tax expense (benefit)	31		3
Net income	71		83
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	224		235
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		4
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)		0
Interest expense	53		37
Income tax expense	31		3
Adjusted EBITDA	383		362
Investments in unconsolidated entities	497		509	$ 477
Total assets	13,407	[1]	10,895	$ 12,525	[1]
Capital expenditures	197		292
Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,042		1,026
Cost of goods and services	299		293
Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	276		235
Cost of goods and services	293		246
UScellular
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,023		963
Selling, general and administrative	305		335
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	170		177
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		4
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)
Operating income	84		50
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	42		45
Interest and dividend income	2		4
Interest expense	(39)		(24)
Other, net			1
Income before income taxes	89		76
Income tax expense (benefit)	27		4
Net income	62		72
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	170		177
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5		4
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)
Interest expense	39		24
Income tax expense	27		4
Adjusted EBITDA	302		281
Investments in unconsolidated entities	455		469
Total assets	10,148		8,251
Capital expenditures	125		236
UScellular | Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	771		762
Cost of goods and services	185		180
UScellular | Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	252		201
Cost of goods and services	275		217
TDS Telecom
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	249		240
Selling, general and administrative	70		65
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	49		52
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	0		0
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	0
Operating income	32		28
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	0		0
Interest and dividend income	0		2
Interest expense	1		1
Other, net			0
Income before income taxes	33		31
Income tax expense (benefit)	8		4
Net income	24		28
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	49		52
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	0		0
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	0
Interest expense	(1)		(1)
Income tax expense	8		4
Adjusted EBITDA	81		82
Investments in unconsolidated entities	4		4
Total assets	2,377		2,221
Capital expenditures	70		54
TDS Telecom | Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	249		240
Cost of goods and services	97		95
TDS Telecom | Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0		0
Cost of goods and services	0		0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	46		58
Selling, general and administrative	13		11
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	5		6
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	0		0
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	0
Operating income	(6)		(6)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	0		0
Interest and dividend income	1		0
Interest expense	(15)		(14)
Other, net			(1)
Income before income taxes	(20)		(21)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(4)		(5)
Net income	(15)		(17)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	5		6
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	0		0
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	0
Interest expense	15		14
Income tax expense	(4)		(5)
Adjusted EBITDA	0		(1)
Investments in unconsolidated entities	38		36
Total assets	882		423
Capital expenditures	2		2
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	22		24
Cost of goods and services	17		18
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	24		34
Cost of goods and services	$ 18		$ 29

[1] The consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,244 million and $1,042 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $17 million and $18 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.