10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

[x] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018

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 001-09712

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	62-1147325
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

8410 West Bryn Mawr, Chicago, Illinois 60631

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Registrant's Telephone Number: (773) 399-8900

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, $1 par value	New York Stock Exchange
6.95% Senior Notes Due 2060	New York Stock Exchange
7.25% Senior Notes Due 2063	New York Stock Exchange
7.25% Senior Notes Due 2064	New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

	Yes	No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.	[x]	[  ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.	[  ]	[x]
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.	[x]	[  ]
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).	[x]	[  ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.	[  ]

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	[x]
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.		[  ]
	Yes	No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).	[  ]	[x]

As of June 30, 2018, the aggregate market value of the registrant's Common Shares held by non-affiliates was approximately $537 million, based upon the closing price of the Common Shares on June 30, 2018, of $37.04, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange. For purposes hereof, it was assumed that each director, executive officer and holder of 10% or more of any class of voting equity security of U.S. Cellular is an affiliate.

The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of January 31, 2019, is 53,299,700 Common Shares, $1 par value, and 33,005,900 Series A Common Shares, $1 par value.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Those sections or portions of the registrant's 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders (Annual Report), filed as Exhibit 13 hereto, and of the registrant’s Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement (Proxy Statement) to be filed prior to April 30, 2019, for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held May 21, 2019, are herein incorporated by reference into Parts II and III of this report.

United States Cellular Corporation

Annual Report on Form 10-K

For the Period Ended December 31, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I			Page No.
	Item 1.	Business	1
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	7
	Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	19
	Item 2.	Properties	19
	Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	19
	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	19
Part II
	Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	20
	Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	20
	Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	20
	Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	20
	Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	20
	Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	20
	Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	21
	Item 9B.	Other Information	21
Part III
	Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	22
	Item 11.	Executive Compensation	22
	Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	22
	Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	22
	Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	22
Part IV
	Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	23
	Item 16.	Form 10-K Summary	27

PART I

Item 1.  Business

General

United States Cellular Corporation (U.S. Cellular) provides wireless telecommunications services to customers with 5.0 million connections in 22 states collectively representing a total population of 31 million. U.S. Cellular operates in one reportable segment, and all of its wireless operating markets are in the United States.

▪ U.S. Cellular’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 local focus.

▪ U.S. Cellular Common Shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “USM.”

▪ U.S. Cellular is a majority-owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE: TDS).  As of December 31, 2018, TDS owns 82% of U.S. Cellular’s Common Shares, has the voting power to elect all of the directors of U.S. Cellular and controls over 96% of the voting power in matters other than the election of directors of U.S. Cellular.

▪ U.S. Cellular was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware in 1983.

The map below highlights areas of operation of U.S. Cellular’s consolidated operating markets.

1

Customers, Services and Products

Customers.  U.S. Cellular provides service to postpaid and prepaid customers from a variety of demographic segments.  U.S. Cellular focuses on retail consumers, government entities, and small-to-mid-size business customers in industries such as construction, retail, agriculture, professional services and real estate.  These customers are served primarily through U.S. Cellular’s retail and direct sales channels.  U.S. Cellular builds customer loyalty by offering high-quality network services, outstanding customer-focused support services, competitive pricing, and other benefits as discussed further in “Marketing, Customer Service, and Sales and Distribution Channels” below.

Services.  U.S. Cellular’s customers are able to choose from a variety of national plans with voice, messaging and data usage options and pricing that are designed to fit different customer needs, usage patterns and budgets. Helping a customer find the right plan is an important element of U.S. Cellular’s brand positioning. In 2018, U.S. Cellular introduced the Unlimited with Payback plan that provides a monthly bill credit to postpaid customers if they have used less than 3 gigabytes of data per line. U.S. Cellular’s national plans price all domestic calls as local calls, regardless of where they are made or received in the United States, with no long distance or roaming charges, made possible by roaming agreements with other wireless carriers. See “Network Technology, Roaming, and System Design” section below for further discussion related to roaming. 

U.S. Cellular’s portfolio of smartphones, tablets and other connected devices is a key part of its strategy to deliver wireless devices that allow customers to stay productive, entertained and connected on the go; these devices are backed by U.S. Cellular’s high-speed fourth generation (4G) Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network.  U.S. Cellular’s 4G LTE network features smartphone messaging, data and internet services that allow customers to access the internet; text, picture and video message; utilize GPS navigation; and browse and download thousands of applications to customize their wireless devices to fit their lifestyles.  U.S. Cellular’s Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) technology, which has been launched successfully in multiple markets, enables customers to utilize the 4G LTE network for both voice and data services, and offers enhanced services such as high definition voice and simultaneous voice and data sessions. U.S. Cellular also offers advanced wireless solutions to consumers and business and government customers, including a growing suite of connected machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions and software applications across the categories of monitor and control (e.g., sensors and cameras), business automation/operations (e.g., e-forms), communication (e.g., enterprise messaging, back-up router for business continuity services) and asset management (e.g., telematics, fleet management).  U.S. Cellular intends to continue to further enhance these offerings for customers in 2019 and beyond.

Devices and Products.  U.S. Cellular offers a comprehensive range of wireless devices such as handsets, tablets, mobile hotspots, home phones and routers for use by its customers.  U.S. Cellular offers wireless devices that are compatible with its 4G LTE and third generation (3G) networks and are compliant with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enhanced wireless 911 requirements.  In addition, U.S. Cellular also offers a wide range of accessories, including wireless essentials such as cases, screen protectors, chargers, and memory cards as well as an assortment of consumer electronics such as headphones, smart speakers, wearables and home automation products (e.g., cameras, sensors, and thermostats).

Throughout 2018, new postpaid handset sales to retail consumers were made primarily under equipment installment plans (EIP); business and government customers may continue to purchase equipment under alternative plans subject to a service contract.  For certain installment plans, after a specified period of time or number of payments, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device prior to reaching the end of the installment term, thus enabling customers to access the latest smartphones and provide a better overall customer experience. 

U.S. Cellular also offers accessories for purchase on installment plans. These plans allow new and existing postpaid customers to purchase certain accessories payable over a specified time period. These accessory installment plans are available through U.S. Cellular company-owned retail stores, telesales channels, and agent channels using direct fulfillment with U.S. Cellular’s inventory.

U.S. Cellular continues to offer device service programs that provide customers a simple process to replace a defective device. U.S. Cellular also offers its Trade-In program where U.S. Cellular buys consumers’ used equipment, Device Protection+ program, which includes overnight delivery of a replacement device for damaged, lost and stolen devices, Device Protection+ Advanced program, which includes 100GB of data backup, TechSupport+, and AppleCare services for Apple iOS customers.

U.S. Cellular offers a full array of iconic smartphones with options for both Android and iOS customers.  U.S. Cellular continues to bolster its expanding smartphone portfolio with the Samsung Galaxy S® 9/9+ and Note 9, the iPhone® XS/XS Max and XR, the LG V40 ThinQ, and the Motorola Z3 Play.  Along with the iconic devices, U.S. Cellular supports the larger ecosystem of Samsung and Apple devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch, the Samsung Gear Sport and the Apple Watch Series 4.  For tablets, U.S. Cellular offers the full complement of iPads and the Samsung Galaxy Tab series.  U.S. Cellular’s smartphone offerings play a significant role in attracting customers and driving data service usage and revenues. U.S. Cellular also offers additional services and products that utilize U.S. Cellular's network, including feature phones, mobile hotspots, LTE wireless routers, LTE wireless cameras, and home phones.     

U.S. Cellular purchases wireless devices and accessory products from a number of original equipment manufacturers and distributors, including Samsung, Apple, Motorola, LG, Kyocera, Inseego, Netgear, Tessco, Voicecomm and Superior.  U.S. Cellular manages relationships with its suppliers to ensure best possible pricing and identifies opportunities for promotional support.  U.S. Cellular does not own significant product warehousing and distribution infrastructure; rather, it contracts with third party providers for the majority of its product warehousing, distribution and direct customer fulfillment activities.  U.S. Cellular also contracts with third party providers for services related to its device service programs.

2

U.S. Cellular continuously monitors the financial condition of its wireless device and accessory suppliers.  Since U.S. Cellular has a diversified portfolio of products from more than one supplier, U.S. Cellular does not expect the financial condition of any single supplier to affect its ability to offer a competitive portfolio of wireless devices and accessories for sale to customers.

Marketing, Customer Service, and Sales and Distribution Channels

Marketing and Advertising.  U.S. Cellular’s marketing plan is focused on acquiring, retaining and growing customer relationships by maintaining a high-quality wireless network, providing outstanding customer service, and offering a comprehensive portfolio of services and products built around customer needs at fair prices with a local focus.  U.S. Cellular believes that creating positive relationships with its customers enhances their wireless experience and builds customer loyalty.  U.S. Cellular currently offers several customer-centric programs and services to customers. 

To attract potential new customers and retain existing customers, and increase their usage of U.S. Cellular’s services, U.S. Cellular’s advertising is directed at increasing the public awareness of the U.S. Cellular brand, knowledge of the outstanding network that works in places where other carriers do not have coverage, and understanding of the wireless services it offers. U.S. Cellular supplements its advertising with a focused public relations program that improves overall brand sentiment and awareness, encourages engagement, supports sales of services and products, and builds preference and loyalty for the U.S. Cellular brand.  The approach combines national and local media relations in mainstream and social media channels with market-wide activities, events, and sponsorships.

U.S. Cellular focuses its charitable giving on initiatives relevant to consumers in its service areas.  These initiatives include programs that focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities for youth in the communities U.S. Cellular serves and often involve collaboration with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Customer Service.  U.S. Cellular manages customer retention by focusing on outstanding customer service through the development of processes that are customer-friendly, extensive training of frontline sales and support associates and the implementation of retention programs.

U.S. Cellular currently operates four regional customer care centers in its operating markets with personnel who are responsible for customer service activities, and a national financial services center with personnel who perform credit and other customer payment activities.  U.S. Cellular also contracts with third parties that provide additional customer care and financial services support.

Sales and Distribution Channels.  U.S. Cellular supports a multi-faceted distribution program, including retail sales, direct sales, third-party national retailers, and independent agents, plus a website and telesales.

Company retail store locations are designed to market wireless services and products to the consumer and small business segments in a setting familiar to these types of customers.  As of December 31, 2018, retail sales associates work in 259 U.S. Cellular-operated retail stores and kiosks.  Direct sales representatives sell traditional wireless services as well as Internet of Things (IoT) and M2M products and solutions to medium- and large-sized businesses and government entities.  Additionally, the U.S. Cellular website enables customers to purchase wireless devices online.

U.S. Cellular maintains an ongoing training program to improve the effectiveness of retail sales associates and direct sales representatives by focusing their efforts on obtaining customers by facilitating the sale of appropriate packages for the customer’s expected usage and value-added services that meet the individual needs of the customer.

U.S. Cellular has relationships with exclusive and non-exclusive agents (collectively “agents”), which are independent businesses that obtain customers for U.S. Cellular on a commission basis.  At December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular had contracts with these businesses aggregating 436 locations.  U.S. Cellular provides support and training to its agents to increase customer satisfaction and to ensure a consistent customer experience.  U.S. Cellular’s agents are generally in the business of selling wireless devices, wireless service packages and other related products.  No single agent accounted for 10% or more of U.S. Cellular’s operating revenues during the past three years.

U.S. Cellular services and products also are offered through third-party national and on-line retailers.  Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Family Dollar and Dollar General offer U.S. Cellular services and products at select retail locations in U.S. Cellular’s service areas. U.S. Cellular continues to explore new relationships with additional third-party retailers as part of its strategy to expand distribution. 

Seasonality.  Seasonality in operating expenses may cause operating income to vary from quarter to quarter.  U.S. Cellular’s operating expenses tend to be higher in the fourth quarter due to increased marketing and promotional activities during the holiday season.

Competition

The wireless telecommunication industry is highly competitive.  U.S. Cellular competes directly with several wireless service providers in each of its markets.  In general, there are between two and four competitors in each wireless market in which U.S. Cellular provides service, excluding resellers and mobile virtual network operators (MVNO).  In its footprint, U.S. Cellular competes to varying degrees against each of the national wireless companies: Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility, Sprint, and T-Mobile USA, in addition to a few smaller regional carriers in specific areas of its footprint.  All of the national competitors have substantially greater financial and other resources than U.S. Cellular.  In addition, U.S. Cellular competes with other companies that use alternative communication technology and services to provide similar services and products. 

3

Since each of these wireless competitors operates on systems using spectrum licensed by the FCC and has comparable technology and facilities, competition among wireless service providers for customers is principally on the basis of types of services and products, price, size of area covered, network quality, network speed and responsiveness of customer service.  U.S. Cellular employs a customer satisfaction strategy that includes maintaining an outstanding wireless network throughout its markets.  U.S. Cellular owns and operates low-band spectrum (less than 1 GHz) that covers the majority of its footprint and enables more efficient coverage in rural areas (compared to spectrum above 1 GHz), which strengthens its network quality positioning.  To the extent existing competitors or new entrants hold or acquire such spectrum in U.S. Cellular markets, U.S. Cellular could face increased competition over time. In addition, industry deployment of fifth generation (5G) technology could introduce increased competition from industry participants on bases such as network speed and new product offerings.

The use of national advertising and promotional programs by the top four wireless service providers is a source of additional competitive and pricing pressures in all U.S. Cellular markets, even if those operators do not provide direct service in a particular market.  Over the past year, competition among top carriers has continued to be robust, with the top four carriers offering unlimited plans as well as device price reductions.  In addition, in the current wireless environment, U.S. Cellular’s ability to compete depends on its ability to continue to offer national voice and data plans.  U.S. Cellular provides wireless services comparable to the national competitors, but the national wireless companies operate in a wider geographic area and are able to provide such services over a wider area on their own networks than U.S. Cellular can offer on its network.  Although U.S. Cellular offers similar coverage area as these competitors, U.S. Cellular incurs roaming charges for data sessions and calls made in portions of the coverage area which are not part of its network, thereby increasing its cost of operations.  U.S. Cellular depends on roaming agreements with other wireless carriers to provide voice and data roaming capabilities in areas not covered by U.S. Cellular’s network.  Similarly, U.S. Cellular provides roaming services on its network to other wireless carriers’ customers who travel within U.S. Cellular’s coverage areas and receives revenue from other carriers for the provision of these services.

Convergence of connectivity is taking place on many levels, including wireless devices that can act as wireless or wireline replacement devices and the incorporation of wireless “hot spot” technology in wireless devices making internet access seamless regardless of location.  Although less directly a substitute for other wireless services, wireless data services such as Wi-Fi may be adequate for those who do not need mobile wide-area roaming or full two-way voice services. If the trend toward convergence continues, U.S. Cellular is at a competitive disadvantage to larger competitors, including the national wireless carriers, traditional cable companies, MVNOs and other potential large new entrants with much greater financial and other resources in adapting to such convergence.  Cable companies have begun to compete in the wireless market.  Most notably, Comcast and Charter currently offer wireless services.

U.S. Cellular’s approach in 2019 and in future years will be to focus on the unique needs and attitudes of its customers towards wireless service.  U.S. Cellular will deliver high-quality services and products at competitive prices and intends to continue to differentiate itself by seeking to provide an overall outstanding customer experience, founded on a high-quality network.  U.S. Cellular’s ability to compete successfully in the future will depend upon its ability to anticipate and respond to changes related to new service offerings, consumer preferences, competitors’ pricing strategies and new product offerings, technology, demographic trends, economic conditions and its access to adequate spectrum resources.

Network Technology, Roaming, and System Design

Technology.  Wireless telecommunication systems transmit voice, data, graphics and video through the transmission of signals over networks of radio towers using radio spectrum licensed by the FCC.  Access to local, regional, national and worldwide telecommunications networks is provided through system interconnections.  A high-quality network, supported by continued investments in that network, will remain an important factor for U.S. Cellular to remain competitive.

VoLTE technology allows customers to utilize a 4G LTE network for both voice and data services, and offers enhanced services such as high definition voice and simultaneous voice and data sessions. In addition, the deployment of VoLTE technology expands U.S. Cellular’s ability to offer roaming services to other wireless carriers. VoLTE technology has been launched successfully in California, Iowa, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin, and deployments in several additional operating markets will occur in 2019.

5G technology is expected to help address customers’ growing demand for data services as well as create opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency. U.S. Cellular is committed to continuous technology innovation and continues to prepare for deployment of 5G technology beginning in 2019, including commencing a trial utilizing 5G standards and equipment on its core LTE network in the fourth quarter of 2018. U.S. Cellular is partnering with leading companies in the wireless infrastructure and handset ecosystem to provide rich 5G experiences for customers. In addition, in the markets where U.S. Cellular commercially deploys 5G technology, which will include communities of various sizes, customers using U.S. Cellular’s 4G LTE network will experience increased network speed due to U.S. Cellular's modernization efforts. The deployment of 5G technology will require substantial investments in spectrum and U.S. Cellular’s networks to remain competitive.

Roaming.  A secondary source of revenue for U.S. Cellular is from customers of other wireless operators who roam on its network. Inter-carrier roaming agreements are negotiated between the wireless operators to enable customers who are in a wireless service area other than the customer’s home service area to place or receive a call or text message, or to use data services, in that service area.  U.S. Cellular has entered into reciprocal roaming agreements with operators of other wireless systems covering virtually all systems with Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology in the United States.  In addition, U.S. Cellular has entered into reciprocal 4G LTE roaming agreements with national wireless companies and, as a result, a majority of U.S. Cellular customers currently have access to nationwide 4G LTE service. 

4

Another digital technology, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), has a larger installed base of customers worldwide.  U.S. Cellular customers now have the ability to roam on GSM carriers with voice, data and text messaging in Canada, Mexico and internationally.  Both CDMA and GSM technologies are being succeeded by 4G LTE, VoLTE and 5G technology.  

System Design and Construction.  U.S. Cellular designs and constructs its systems in a manner it believes will permit it to provide high-quality service to substantially all types of compatible wireless devices.  Designs are based on engineering studies which relate to specific markets, in support of the larger network.  Network reliability is given careful consideration and extensive backup redundancy is employed in many aspects of U.S. Cellular’s network design.  Route diversity, redundant equipment, ring topology and extensive use of emergency standby power also are used to enhance network reliability and minimize service disruption from any particular network element failure.

In accordance with its strategy of building and strengthening its operating market areas, U.S. Cellular has selected high-capacity, carrier-class digital wireless switching systems that are capable of serving multiple markets through a single mobile telephone switching office.  Centralized equipment, used for network and data management, is located in high-availability facilities supported by multiple levels of power and network redundancy.  U.S. Cellular’s systems are designed to incorporate Internet Protocol (IP) packet-based Ethernet technology, which allows for increased data capacity and a more efficient network.  Interconnection between the mobile telephone switching office and the cell sites utilizes Ethernet technology for nearly all 4G LTE sites, over fiber or microwave links.

As a result of increasing demand for high–speed data and the deployment of 5G technology, U.S. Cellular expects to acquire additional spectrum licenses and to make significant investments in its network to provide sufficient capacity and throughput.

Construction of wireless systems is capital-intensive, requiring substantial investment for land and improvements, buildings, towers, mobile telephone switching offices, cell site equipment, transport equipment, engineering and installation.  U.S. Cellular primarily uses its own personnel to engineer each wireless system it owns and operates, and engages contractors to construct the facilities.

The costs (inclusive of the costs to acquire licenses) to develop the systems which U.S. Cellular operates have historically been financed primarily through proceeds from debt offerings, with cash generated by operations, and proceeds from the sales of wireless interests and other non-strategic assets.

Business Development Strategy

U.S. Cellular operates a regional wireless network. U.S. Cellular’s interests in wireless licenses include both direct interests whereby U.S. Cellular is the licensee and investment interests in entities which are licensees; together, these direct and investment interests involve operating and non-operating licenses covering 30 states and a total population of approximately 50 million at December 31, 2018.

U.S. Cellular’s business development strategy is to obtain interests in or access to wireless licenses in its current operating markets and in areas that are adjacent to or in close proximity to its other wireless licenses, thereby building larger geographic operating market areas.  U.S. Cellular believes that the acquisition of additional licenses within its current operating markets will enhance its network capacity and speed to meet its customers’ growing demand for data services.  From time to time, U.S. Cellular has divested outright or included in exchanges for other wireless interests certain consolidated and investment interests that were considered less essential to its current and expected future operations.  As part of its business development strategy, U.S. Cellular may periodically be engaged in negotiations relating to the acquisition, exchange or disposition of companies, strategic properties, investment interests or wireless spectrum.

The FCC conducts auctions through which additional spectrum is made available for the provision of wireless services.  Historically, U.S. Cellular has participated in certain FCC auctions both directly and indirectly through its limited partnership interests. At its open meeting on August 2, 2018, the FCC adopted a public notice establishing procedures for two auctions of Millimeter Wave spectrum licenses in the 28 GHz and 24 GHz bands. The 28 GHz auction (Auction 101), which commenced on November 14, 2018 and closed on January 24, 2019, offered two 425 MHz licenses in the 28 GHz band over portions of the United States that do not have incumbent licensees. The 24 GHz auction (Auction 102) will offer up to seven 100 MHz licenses in the 24 GHz band in Partial Economic Areas covering most of the United States. Upfront payments for Auction 102 were due by February 19, 2019, and bidding in Auction 102 is scheduled to begin on March 14, 2019. U.S. Cellular filed applications to participate in both auctions on September 18, 2018, and was announced as a qualified bidder for Auction 101 on October 31, 2018. The FCC has not announced qualified bidders for Auction 102. Also, at the open meeting on August 2, 2018, the FCC adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in preparation for an additional Millimeter Wave auction offering licenses in the 37, 39 and 47 GHz bands. FCC statements indicate plans to hold this auction in the second half of 2019. The spectrum auctioned in each of these Millimeter Wave auctions is expected to be used primarily to deliver 5G technology.

Regulation

U.S. Cellular’s operations are subject to federal, state and local regulation.  Key regulatory considerations are discussed below.

U.S. Cellular provides various wireless services, including voice and data services, pursuant to licenses granted by the FCC.  The construction, operation and transfer of wireless systems in the United States are regulated to varying degrees by the FCC pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Communications Act).  The FCC currently does not require wireless carriers to comply with a number of statutory provisions otherwise applicable to common carriers that provide, originate or terminate interstate or international telecommunications.  However, the FCC has enacted regulations governing construction and operation of wireless systems, licensing (including renewal of licenses) and technical standards for the provision of wireless services under the Communications Act.

5

Wireless licenses segmented by geographic areas are granted by the FCC.  The completion of acquisitions, involving the transfer of control of all or a portion of a wireless system, requires prior FCC approval.  The FCC determines on a case-by-case basis whether an acquisition of wireless licenses is in the public interest.  Wireless licenses are granted generally for a ten year term or, in some cases, for a twelve or fifteen year term.  The FCC establishes the standards for conducting comparative renewal proceedings between a wireless license holder seeking renewal of its license and challengers filing competing applications.  All of U.S. Cellular’s licenses for which it applied for renewal since 1995 have been renewed.  U.S. Cellular expects to continue to meet the criteria of the FCC’s license renewal process.

As part of its data services, U.S. Cellular provides internet access.  Such internet access services may be subject to different regulatory requirements than other wireless services.

Although the Communications Act generally pre-empts state and local governments from regulating the entry of, or the rates charged by, wireless carriers, certain state and local governments regulate other terms and conditions of wireless services, including billing, termination of service arrangements, imposition of early termination fees, advertising, network outages, the use of handsets while driving, zoning, land use, privacy, data security and consumer protection.  Further, the Federal Aviation Administration also regulates the siting, lighting and construction of transmitter towers and antennae.

Reference is made to Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K under “Regulatory Matters” for information regarding any significant recent developments and proposals relating to the foregoing regulatory matters.

Debt Securities

The following securities trade on the NYSE: U.S. Cellular’s 6.95% Senior Notes due 2060 trade under the symbol “UZA,” U.S. Cellular’s 7.25% Senior Notes due 2063 trade under the symbol “UZB,” and U.S. Cellular’s 7.25% Senior Notes due 2064 trade under the symbol “UZC.” U.S. Cellular’s 6.7% Senior Notes due 2033 are traded over the counter and are not listed on any stock exchange.

Employees

U.S. Cellular had approximately 5,600 full-time and part-time employees as of December 31, 2018.  None of U.S. Cellular’s employees are represented by labor organizations.  U.S. Cellular considers its relationship with its employees to be good.

Location and Company Information

U.S. Cellular executive offices are located at 8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60631.  U.S. Cellular’s telephone number is 773-399-8900.  U.S. Cellular’s website address is www.uscellular.com.  U.S. Cellular files with, or furnishes to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, as well as various other information.  Investors may access, free of charge, through the Investor Relations portion of the website, U.S. Cellular’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practical after such material is filed electronically with the SEC. The public may also view electronic filings of U.S. Cellular by accessing SEC filings at www.sec.gov.

6

Item 1A.  Risk Factors 

PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

SAFE HARBOR CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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 U.S. Cellular 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 those set forth below under “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-K. Each of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s 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. U.S. Cellular 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 following risk factors and other information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this Form 10-K to understand the material risks relating to U.S. Cellular’s business.

Risk Factors

1) Intense competition in the markets in which U.S. Cellular operates could adversely affect U.S. Cellular’s revenues or increase its costs to compete.

Competition in the wireless industry is intense and is expected to intensify in the future due to multiple factors such as increasing market penetration, decreasing customer churn rates, introduction of new products, new competitors and changing prices. There is competition in pricing; handsets and other devices; network quality, coverage, speed and technologies, including 5G technology; distribution; new entrants; and other categories. In particular, wireless competition includes aggressive promotional pricing to induce customers to switch carriers, which could result in switching activity and churn. U.S. Cellular’s ability to compete effectively will depend, in part, on its ability to anticipate and respond to various competitive factors affecting the telecommunications industry. In addition, unlimited plans and other data pricing constructs across the industry may limit U.S. Cellular’s ability to monetize future growth in data usage. U.S. Cellular anticipates that these competitive factors may cause the prices for services and products to decline and the costs to compete to increase. Most of U.S. Cellular’s competitors are national or global telecommunications companies that are larger than U.S. Cellular, possess greater financial and other resources, possess more extensive coverage areas and more spectrum within their coverage areas, and market other services with their communications services that U.S. Cellular does not offer. U.S. Cellular's competitors are actively marketing their deployment of 5G and as a result, are raising consumer awareness of the technology. If U.S. Cellular cannot keep pace with its competitors in deploying 5G or other comparable offerings, or if U.S. Cellular's deployment of 5G technology does not result in significant incremental revenues, U.S. Cellular's financial condition, results of operations or ability to do business could be adversely affected. Further, other companies that currently are less competitive may also add more efficient low-band spectrum to become more competitive in U.S. Cellular’s primary markets. In particular, to the extent that existing competitors or new entrants acquired low-band (600 MHz) spectrum or deploy newer wireless technologies in U.S. Cellular markets, U.S. Cellular could face increased competition over time. In addition, U.S. Cellular may face competition from technologies that may be introduced in the future. New technologies, services and products that are more commercially effective than the technologies, services and products offered by U.S. Cellular may be developed. Further, new technologies may be proprietary such that U.S. Cellular is not able to adopt such technologies. There can be no assurance that U.S. Cellular will be able to compete successfully in this environment. 

Sources of competition to U.S. Cellular’s business typically include two to four competing wireless telecommunications service providers in each market, wireline telecommunications service providers, cable companies, resellers (including MVNO), and providers of other alternate telecommunications services. Many of U.S. Cellular’s wireless competitors and other competitors have substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, sales, purchasing and distribution resources than U.S. Cellular.

If U.S. Cellular does not adapt to compete effectively in such a highly competitive environment, such competitive factors could result in product, service, pricing or cost disadvantages and could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

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2) A failure by U.S. Cellular to successfully execute its business strategy (including planned acquisitions, spectrum acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges) or allocate resources or capital effectively could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations. 

U.S. Cellular is a regional wireless carrier, but competes primarily against much larger national wireless carriers with much greater resources. Its business strategy in attempting 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 local focus has not resulted in, and in the future may not result in, performance that achieves returns in line with or above its cost of capital. U.S. Cellular’s current forecast indicates that U.S. Cellular will not achieve a return on capital that exceeds its cost of capital in the foreseeable future. U.S. Cellular also might be unable to adopt technologies, services and products as fast as its larger competitors. As a result, consumers who are eager to adopt new technologies, services and products more quickly may select U.S. Cellular’s competitors rather than U.S. Cellular as their service provider. To the extent that U.S. Cellular does not attract or retain these types of customers, U.S. Cellular could be at a competitive disadvantage and have a customer base that generates lower profit margins relative to its competition.

The successful execution of strategy and optimal capital allocation decisions depend on various internal and external factors, many of which are not in U.S. Cellular’s control. U.S. Cellular’s ability to achieve projected financial results by implementing and executing its business strategy and optimally allocating its assets and capital could be affected by such factors. Such factors include but are not limited to pricing practices by competitors, relative scale, purchasing power, roaming and other strategic agreements, wireless device availability, timing of introduction of wireless devices, access to spectrum, emerging technologies, changes in tax or import tariff regulations and other factors. In addition, there is no assurance that U.S. Cellular’s strategy will be successful. Even if U.S. Cellular executes its business strategy as intended, such strategy may not be successful in the long term at achieving growth in customers, revenues, net income, or generating a return on capital greater than U.S. Cellular’s cost of capital. A failure by U.S. Cellular to execute its business strategy successfully or to allocate resources or capital optimally could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s wireless business, financial condition or results of operations.

3) Uncertainty in U.S. Cellular’s future cash flow and liquidity or the inability to access capital, deterioration in the capital markets, other changes in U.S. Cellular’s performance or market conditions, changes in U.S. Cellular’s credit ratings or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to U.S. Cellular, which could require U.S. Cellular to reduce its construction, development or acquisition programs, reduce the amount of spectrum licenses acquired, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases.

U.S. Cellular operates a capital-intensive business. Historically, U.S. Cellular has used internally-generated funds and also has obtained substantial funds from external sources for general corporate purposes. In the past, U.S. Cellular’s existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its revolving credit agreement, receivables securitization agreement, funds from other financing sources, including a term loan and other long-term debt, and cash flows from operating and certain investing and financing activities, including sales of assets or businesses, provided sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility for U.S. Cellular 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. It may be necessary from time to time to increase the size of the existing revolving credit agreement, to put in place new credit agreements, or to obtain other forms of financing in order to fund potential expenditures. U.S. Cellular’s liquidity would be adversely affected if, among other things, U.S. Cellular is unable to obtain short or long-term financing on acceptable terms, U.S. Cellular makes significant spectrum license purchases, U.S. Cellular makes significant capital investments, U.S. Cellular makes significant business acquisitions, the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (LA Partnership) discontinues or significantly reduces distributions compared to historical levels, or Federal USF and/or other regulatory support payments decline.

U.S. Cellular’s credit rating currently is sub-investment grade. U.S. Cellular has incurred negative free cash flow (defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment) at times in the past and this could occur in the future. U.S. Cellular may require substantial additional capital for, among other uses, funding day-to-day operating needs including working capital, acquisitions of providers of wireless telecommunications services, spectrum license or system acquisitions, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, the repurchase of shares, or making additional investments. There can be no assurance that sufficient funds will continue to be available to U.S. Cellular or its subsidiaries on terms or at prices acceptable to U.S. Cellular. Insufficient cash flows from operating activities, changes in U.S. Cellular's credit ratings, defaults of the terms of debt or credit agreements, uncertainty of access to capital, deterioration in the capital markets, reduced regulatory capital at banks which in turn limits their ability to borrow and lend, other changes in the performance of U.S. Cellular or in market conditions or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to U.S. Cellular, which could require U.S. Cellular to reduce its acquisition, capital expenditure and business development programs, reduce the acquisition of spectrum licenses, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases. U.S. Cellular cannot provide assurance that circumstances that could have a material adverse effect on its liquidity or capital resources will not occur. Any of the foregoing would have an adverse impact on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

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4) U.S. Cellular 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.

U.S. Cellular has a significant amount of indebtedness and may need to incur additional indebtedness. U.S. Cellular’s level of indebtedness could have important consequences. For example, it (i) may limit U.S. Cellular’s ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures or general corporate purposes, particularly if the ratings assigned to its debt securities by rating organizations are revised downward; (ii) will require U.S. Cellular to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to the payment of interest and principal on its debt, reducing the funds available to U.S. Cellular for other purposes including expansion through acquisitions, capital expenditures, marketing spending and expansion of its business; and (iii) may limit U.S. Cellular’s flexibility to adjust to changing business and market conditions and make U.S. Cellular more vulnerable to a downturn in general economic conditions as compared to U.S. Cellular’s competitors. U.S. Cellular’s ability to make scheduled payments on its indebtedness or to refinance it will depend on its financial and operating performance, which, in turn, is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and other factors beyond its control. In addition, U.S. Cellular’s leverage may put it at a competitive disadvantage to some of its competitors that are not as leveraged.

U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement, term loan agreement and receivables securitization agreement require U.S. Cellular to comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants, including certain financial covenants. Depending on the actual financial performance of U.S. Cellular, there is a risk that U.S. Cellular could fail to satisfy the required financial covenants. If U.S. Cellular breaches a financial or other covenant of any of these agreements, it would result in a default under that agreement, and could involve a cross-default under other debt instruments. This could in turn cause the affected lenders to accelerate the repayment of principal and accrued interest on any outstanding debt under such agreements and, if they choose, terminate the agreement. If appropriate, U.S. Cellular may request the applicable lenders for an amendment of financial covenants in the U.S. Cellular agreements, in order to provide additional financial flexibility to U.S. Cellular, and may also seek other changes to such agreements. There is no assurance that the lenders will agree to any amendments. If the lenders agree to amendments, this may result in additional payments or higher interest rates payable to the lenders and/or additional restrictions. Restrictions in such debt instruments may limit U.S. Cellular’s operating and financial flexibility.

As a result, U.S. Cellular’s level of indebtedness, restrictions contained in debt instruments and/or possible breaches of covenants, defaults, and acceleration of indebtedness could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition, revenues, results of operations and cash flows.

5) Changes in roaming practices or other factors could cause U.S. Cellular's roaming revenues to decline from current levels, roaming expenses to increase from current levels and/or impact U.S. Cellular's ability to service its customers in geographic areas where U.S. Cellular does not have its own network, which could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular's business, financial condition or results of operations.

U.S. Cellular’s service revenues include roaming revenues related to the use of U.S. Cellular’s network by other carriers’ customers who travel within U.S. Cellular’s coverage areas. Changes in FCC rules or actions, industry practices or the network footprints of carriers due to mergers, acquisitions or network expansions could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s roaming revenues. For example, consolidation among other carriers which have network footprints that currently overlap U.S. Cellular’s network could decrease the amount of roaming revenues for U.S. Cellular.

Similarly, U.S. Cellular's customers can access another carrier’s digital system automatically only if the other carrier allows U.S. Cellular's customers to roam on its network. U.S. Cellular relies on roaming agreements with other carriers to provide roaming capability to its customers in areas of the U.S. and internationally outside of its service areas and to improve coverage withinselected areas of U.S. Cellular's network footprint. Such agreements cover traditional voice services as well as data services. Although U.S. Cellular currently has long-term roaming agreements with certain other carriers, these agreements generally are subject to renewal and termination if certain events occur. FCC rules and orders impose certain requirements on wireless carriers to offer certain roaming arrangements to other carriers. However, carriers frequently disagree on what is required. Although U.S. Cellular has entered into 4G LTE and VoLTE roaming agreements with national carriers, there is no assurance that U.S. Cellular will be able to maintain these agreements and/or enter into new agreements with other carriers to provide roaming services using 4G LTE or other technologies or that it will be able to do so on reasonable or cost-effective terms. Additionally, as other carriers begin to deploy 5G on their respective networks, there is no assurance that U.S. Cellular will be able to enter into 5G roaming agreements with other carriers at reasonable or cost-effective terms.

Some competitors may be able to obtain lower roaming rates than U.S. Cellular is able to obtain because they have larger data usage or call volumes or may be able to reduce roaming charges by providing service principally over their own networks. In addition, the quality of service that a wireless carrier delivers to a U.S. Cellular customer while roaming may be inferior to the quality of service U.S. Cellular provides, the price charged for an international roaming call may not be competitive with prices other wireless carriers charge for such call, U.S. Cellular’s customers may not be able to use some of the advanced features, such as voicemail notification or data applications, that U.S. Cellular’s customers enjoy when making calls on U.S. Cellular’s network, and U.S. Cellular customers’ service experience may be negatively impacted, particularly when accessing data services, upon reaching a defined allotment of high-speed usage. U.S. Cellular’s rate of adoption of new technologies, such as those enabling high-speed data and voice services, could affect its ability to enter into or maintain roaming agreements with other carriers. In addition, U.S. Cellular’s wireless technology may not be compatible with technologies used by other carriers, which may limit the ability of U.S. Cellular to enter into voice or data roaming agreements with such other carriers. Carriers whose customers roam on U.S. Cellular’s network could switch their business to new operators or, over time, to their own networks. Changes in roaming usage patterns, rates for roaming usage, or roaming relationships with other carriers could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s roaming revenues and/or expenses.

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To the extent that other carriers expand their networks in U.S. Cellular’s service areas, the roaming arrangements between U.S. Cellular and these other carriers could become less strategic for them. That is, these other carriers will have fewer or less extensive geographic areas where roaming services are required by their customers and, as a result, the roaming arrangements could become less critical to serving their customer base. This presents a risk to U.S. Cellular in that, to the extent U.S. Cellular is not able to enter into economically viable roaming arrangements with these other carriers, this could impact U.S. Cellular’s ability to service its customers in geographic areas where U.S. Cellular does not have its own network.

If U.S. Cellular’s roaming revenues decline, or its roaming expenses increase, or if U.S. Cellular is unable to obtain or maintain roaming agreements with other carriers that contain pricing and other terms that are competitive and acceptable to U.S. Cellular and that satisfy U.S. Cellular’s quality and interoperability requirements, its business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

6) A failure by U.S. Cellular 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 U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

U.S. Cellular’s business depends on the ability to use portions of the radio spectrum licensed by the FCC. U.S. Cellular could fail to obtain access to sufficient spectrum capacity, including spectrum needed to support 5G technology, in new or existing markets, whether through FCC auctions or other transactions, in order to meet the anticipated spectrum requirements associated with increased demand for existing services, especially increases in customer demand for data services, and to enable deployment of next-generation services. U.S. Cellular believes that this increased demand for data services reflects a trend that will continue for the foreseeable future. Data usage, including usage under unlimited plans, could exceed current forecasts resulting in a need for increased investment in spectrum or network. U.S. Cellular could fail to accurately forecast its future spectrum requirements considering changes in plan offerings, customer usage patterns, technology requirements and the expanded demands of new services. Such a failure could have an adverse impact on the quality of U.S. Cellular’s services or U.S. Cellular’s ability to roll out such future services in some markets, or could require that U.S. Cellular curtail existing services in order to make spectrum available for next-generation services. Spectrum constrained providers could be effectively capped in increasing market share. As spectrum constrained providers gain customers, they use up their network capacity. Since they lack spectrum, they can respond to demand only by adding cell sites, which is capital intensive, adds fixed operating costs, is limited by zoning considerations, and ultimately may not be cost effective.

U.S. Cellular may acquire access to spectrum through a number of alternatives, including acquisitions, exchanges and participation in spectrum auctions. U.S. Cellular may participate in spectrum auctions conducted by the FCC in the future. As required by law, the FCC has conducted auctions for licenses to use some parts of the radio spectrum. The decision to conduct auctions, and the determination of what spectrum frequencies will be made available for auction and the determination of geographic size of licenses, are made by the FCC pursuant to laws that it administers. The FCC may not be able to allocate spectrum sufficient to meet the demands of all those wishing to obtain licenses for new market entry or to expand their spectrum holdings to meet the expanding demand for data services or to address other spectrum constraints. Due to factors such as geographic size of licenses and auction bidders that may raise prices beyond acceptable levels, U.S. Cellular may not be successful in FCC auctions in obtaining access to the spectrum that it believes is necessary to implement its business and technology strategies.

In addition, newly auctioned spectrum may not be compatible with existing spectrum, and vendors may not create suitable products to use such spectrum. Further, access to spectrum licenses won in FCC auctions may not be available on a timely basis. Such access is dependent upon the FCC actually granting licenses won, which can be delayed for various reasons. Furthermore, newly licensed spectrum may not be available for immediate use since the radio operations of incumbent users, including in some cases government agencies, may need to be relocated to other portions of the radio spectrum, and/or the newly licensed spectrum may be subject to sharing and coordination obligations. U.S. Cellular also may seek to acquire radio spectrum through purchases and exchanges with other spectrum licensees. However, U.S. Cellular may not be able to acquire sufficient spectrum through these types of transactions, and U.S. Cellular may not be able to complete any of these transactions on favorable terms.

7) To the extent conducted by the FCC, U.S. Cellular may participate in FCC auctions for additional spectrum or for funding in certain Universal Service programs in the future directly or indirectly and, during certain periods, will be subject to the FCC’s anti-collusion rules, which could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular.

From time to time, the FCC has conducted auctions through which additional spectrum is made available for the provision of wireless services, or through which universal service support funding is dispersed. U.S. Cellular has participated in such auctions in the past and may participate in other auctions conducted by the FCC in the future. FCC anti-collusion rules place certain restrictions on business communications and disclosures by participants in an FCC auction. These anti-collusion rules may restrict the normal conduct of U.S. Cellular’s business, U.S. Cellular’s acquisition, divestiture, exchange and other corporate development activity and/or disclosures by U.S. Cellular relating to an FCC auction. The restrictions could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

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8) Failure by U.S. Cellular to timely or fully comply with any existing applicable legislative and/or regulatory requirements or changes thereto could adversely affect U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

U.S. Cellular’s operations are subject to varying degrees of regulation by the FCC, state public utility commissions and other federal, state and local regulatory agencies and legislative bodies. Changes in the administration of the various regulatory agencies and legislative bodies could result in different policies with respect to many federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to changes to fiscal and tax policies, trade policies and tariffs on import goods. New or amended regulatory requirements could increase U.S. Cellular’s costs and divert resources from other initiatives. Adverse decisions, increased regulation, or changes to existing regulation by regulatory bodies could negatively impact U.S. Cellular’s operations by, among other things, permitting greater competition or limiting U.S. Cellular’s ability to engage in certain sales or marketing activities, or retention and recruitment of skilled resources. New regulatory mandates or enforcement may require unexpected or increased capital expenditures, lost revenues, higher operating expenses or other changes. Court decisions and rulemakings could have a substantial impact on U.S. Cellular’s operations, including rulemakings on broadband access to the internet, intercarrier access compensation and state and federal support funding. Litigation and different objectives among federal and state regulators could create uncertainty and delay U.S. Cellular’s ability to respond to new regulations. Further, wireless licenses are subject to renewal by the FCC and could be revoked in the event of a violation of applicable laws or regulatory requirements. Also, although FCC rules relating to net neutrality have been repealed, some state legislators and regulators are seeking to or have already enacted state laws to reinstate net neutrality regulations and other rules. Interpretation and application of these rules, including conflicts between federal and state laws, may result in additional costs for compliance and may limit opportunities to derive profits from certain business practices or resources. Additionally, in June 2018, California adopted the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The CCPA is a broad data privacy law which grants consumers new rights over their own personal data and allows access, porting, and data deletion. The CCPA also authorizes the California State Attorney General to enforce those rights including assessing civil penalties. U.S. Cellular is required to comply with the CCPA requirements by January 1, 2020. U.S. Cellular is evaluating the effects that compliance with the CCPA will have on its business. Compliance with the CCPA, and with similar legislation that could be adopted by other states or the federal government, could increase U.S. Cellular’s costs and divert resources from other initiatives. For additional information related to U.S. Cellular’s regulatory environment, see Risk Factor Number 15 below and “Regulatory Matters” in Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K.

U.S. Cellular attempts to timely and fully comply with all regulatory requirements. However, U.S. Cellular is unable to predict the future actions of the various legislative and regulatory bodies that govern U.S. Cellular, but such actions could have adverse effects on U.S. Cellular’s business. Any failure by U.S. Cellular to timely or fully comply with any regulatory requirements could adversely affect U.S. Cellular’s financial condition, results of operations or ability to do business.

9) 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 U.S. Cellular's business, financial condition or results of operations.

U.S. Cellular’s business is highly technical and competition for skilled talent in the wireless industry is intense. Due to competition and/or limited supply for qualified management, technical, sales and other personnel, there can be no assurance that U.S. Cellular will be able to continue to attract and/or retain people of outstanding potential for the development of its business. The loss of the services of existing key personnel due to competition and/or retirements as well as the failure to recruit additional qualified personnel in a timely manner could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

The market for highly skilled leaders in the wireless industry also is extremely competitive. The future success of U.S. Cellular and its business depends in substantial part on U.S. Cellular’s ability to recruit, hire, motivate, develop, and retain talented and highly skilled leaders for all areas of its organization. The loss of any of U.S. Cellular’s key leaders could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations. Effective succession planning is also important to U.S. Cellular’s long-term success. Failure to ensure effective transfer of knowledge and smooth transition involving key employees could also adversely affect U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

10) U.S. Cellular’s assets and revenue are concentrated in the U.S. wireless telecommunications industry. Consequently, its operating results may fluctuate based on factors related primarily to conditions in this industry.

The U.S. wireless telecommunications industry is facing significant change and an uncertain operating environment. U.S. Cellular’s focus on the U.S. wireless telecommunications industry, together with its positioning relative to larger competitors with greater resources within the industry, may represent increased risk for investors due to the lack of diversification. This could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s ability to attain and sustain long-term, profitable revenue growth and could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations.

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11) U.S. Cellular’s smaller scale relative to larger competitors that may have greater financial and other resources than U.S. Cellular could cause U.S. Cellular to be unable to compete successfully, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.

There has been a trend in the telecommunications and related industries towards consolidation of service providers through acquisitions, reorganizations and joint ventures. This trend could continue, leading to larger competitors over time. U.S. Cellular has smaller scale efficiencies compared to larger competitors. U.S. Cellular may be unable to compete successfully with larger companies that have substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, sales, purchasing and distribution resources or that offer more services than U.S. Cellular, which could adversely affect U.S. Cellular’s revenues and costs of doing business. Specifically, U.S. Cellular’s smaller scale relative to most of its competitors could have the following impacts, among others:

▪ Low profit margins and returns on investment that are below U.S. Cellular’s cost of capital;

▪ Increased operating costs due to lack of leverage with vendors;

▪ Inability to successfully deploy 5G or other wireless technologies, or to realize significant incremental revenues from their deployment;

▪ Limited opportunities for strategic partnerships as potential partners are focused on wireless companies with greater scale and scope;

▪ Limited access to content;

▪ Limited ability to influence industry standards;

▪ Reduced ability to invest in research and development of new services and products;

▪ Vendors may deem U.S. Cellular non-strategic and not develop or sell services and products to U.S. Cellular, particularly where technical requirements differ from those of larger companies;

▪ Limited access to intellectual property; and

▪ Other limited opportunities such as for software development or third party distribution.

U.S. Cellular’s business increasingly depends on access to content for data and access to new wireless devices being developed by vendors. U.S. Cellular’s ability to obtain such access depends in part on other parties. If U.S. Cellular is unable to obtain timely access to new content or wireless devices being developed by vendors, its business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

As a result of the foregoing, U.S. Cellular’s smaller scale relative to larger competitors could adversely affect U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

12) Changes in various business factors, including changes in demand, customer preferences and perceptions, price competition, churn from customer switching activity and other factors, could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Changes in any of several factors could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations. These factors include, but are not limited to:

▪ Demand for or usage of services, particularly data services;

▪ Customer preferences, including type of wireless devices;

▪ Customer perceptions of network quality and performance;

▪ The pricing of services, including an increase in price-based competition;

▪ The overall size and growth rate of U.S. Cellular’s customer base;

▪ Penetration rates;

▪ Churn rates;

▪ Selling expenses;

▪ Net customer acquisition and retention costs;

▪ Customers’ ability to pay for wireless service and the potential impact on bad debts expense;

▪ Roaming agreements and rates;

▪ Third-party vendor support;

▪ Capacity constraints;

▪ The mix of services and products offered by U.S. Cellular and purchased by customers; and

▪ The costs of providing services and products.

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13) Advances or changes in technology could render certain technologies used by U.S. Cellular obsolete, could put U.S. Cellular at a competitive disadvantage, could reduce U.S. Cellular’s revenues or could increase its costs of doing business.

The telecommunications industry is experiencing significant changes in technologies and services expected by customers, as evidenced by evolving industry standards, ongoing improvements in the capacity and quality of digital technology, shorter development cycles for new services and products, and enhancements and changes in end-user requirements and preferences. Widespread deployment of new technologies, including 5G technology, could cause the technology used on U.S. Cellular’s wireless networks to become less competitive or obsolete. Further, fixed-mobile convergence services that combine wireline broadband services with mobile services represent a competitive threat. If the trend toward convergence continues, U.S. Cellular is at a competitive disadvantage to larger competitors, including the national wireless carriers and other potential large new entrants with much greater financial and other resources in adapting to such convergence. Future technological changes or advancements may enable other wireless technologies to equal or exceed U.S. Cellular’s current levels of service and render its system infrastructure obsolete. For example, the timing, cost, and availability of CDMA enabled devices and other CDMA ecosystem support needs, including voice roaming on other carrier networks, may inhibit U.S. Cellular’s ability to maintain 3G wireless voice service until it is fully replaced by VoLTE. U.S. Cellular may not be able to respond to such changes and implement new technology on a timely or cost-effective basis, which could reduce its revenues or increase its costs of doing business. If U.S. Cellular cannot keep pace with these technological changes or other changes in the telecommunications industry over time, its financial condition, results of operations or ability to do business could be adversely affected.

14) Complexities associated with deploying new technologies present substantial risk and U.S. Cellular investments in unproven technologies may not produce the benefits that U.S. Cellular expects.

U.S. Cellular has completed the transition to 4G LTE and has implemented 4G LTE as well as VoLTE roaming agreements with national carriers. VoLTE technology has been launched successfully in California, Iowa, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin, and deployments in several additional markets will occur in 2019. In addition, U.S. Cellular has successfully tested 5G technology in both indoor and outdoor environments. The deployment of 5G technology will require substantial investments in U.S. Cellular's wireless networks to remain competitive in the industry. Transition to 5G or other new technologies involves significant time, cost and risk, and anticipated products and revenues may not be realized. Furthermore, the wireless business experiences rapid technology changes and new services and products. If U.S. Cellular fails to effectively deploy new wireless technologies, services or products on a timely basis, this could have an adverse impact on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Furthermore, it is not certain that U.S. Cellular’s investments in various new, unproven technologies and the related service and product offerings will be effective. The markets for some of these services, products and solutions may still be emerging and the overall potential for these markets, including revenues to be realized, may be uncertain. If customer demand for these new services, products and solutions does not develop as expected, U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

15) U.S. Cellular receives regulatory support and is subject to numerous surcharges and fees from federal, state and local governments, and the applicability and the amount of the support and fees are subject to great uncertainty, which could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Telecommunications companies may be designated by states, or in some cases by the FCC, as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) to receive universal service support payments if they provide specified services in “high cost” areas. U.S. Cellular has been designated as an ETC in certain states and received $92 million in high cost support for service to high cost areas in 2018.

In 2011, the FCC released an order (USF Order) to: reform its universal service and intercarrier compensation mechanisms; establish a new, broadband-focused support mechanism; and propose further rules to advance reform. For a discussion of the USF Order and risks to such regulatory support, see “Regulatory Matters - FCC Mobility Fund Phase II Order” in Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference herein. If the foregoing regulatory support is reduced from current levels, this could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or operating results.

Telecommunications providers pay a variety of surcharges and fees on their gross revenues from interstate and intrastate services, including USF fees and common carrier regulatory fees.

The division of services between interstate services and intrastate services, including the divisions associated with Federal USF fees, is a matter of interpretation and may in the future be contested by the FCC or state authorities. The FCC also may change in the future the basis on which Federal USF fees are charged. The Federal government and many states also apply transaction-based taxes to sales of telecommunications services and products and to purchases of telecommunications services from various carriers. In addition, state regulators and local governments have imposed and may continue to impose various surcharges, taxes and fees on telecommunications services. The applicability of these surcharges and fees to U.S. Cellular’s services is uncertain in many cases and jurisdictions may contest whether U.S. Cellular has assessed and remitted those monies correctly. Periodically, state and federal regulators may increase or change the surcharges and fees U.S. Cellular currently pays. In some instances, U.S. Cellular passes through these charges to its customers. However, Congress, the FCC, state regulatory agencies or state legislatures may limit the ability to pass through transaction-based tax liabilities, regulatory surcharges and regulatory fees imposed on U.S. Cellular to customers. U.S. Cellular may or may not be able to recover some or all of those taxes from its customers and the amount of taxes may deter demand for its services or increase its cost to provide service which could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition or operating results. 

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16) Performance under device purchase agreements could have a material adverse impact on U.S. Cellular's business, financial condition or results of operations.

U.S. Cellular has entered into purchase commitments with certain vendors and may enter into similar purchase commitments with other vendors in the future. If U.S. Cellular is unable to sell all of the devices that it is required to purchase under such agreements, or if it is unable to sell them at the prices it projects, its business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

17) Changes in U.S. Cellular’s enterprise value, changes in the market supply or demand for wireless licenses, adverse developments in the business or the industry in which U.S. Cellular is involved and/or other factors could require U.S. Cellular to recognize impairments in the carrying value of its licenses and/or physical assets.

A large portion of U.S. Cellular’s assets consists of indefinite-lived intangible assets in the form of licenses. U.S. Cellular also has substantial investments in long-lived assets such as property, plant and equipment. U.S. Cellular reviews its licenses and other long-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. An impairment loss may need to be recognized to the extent the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value of such assets. The amount of any such impairment loss could be significant and could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s reported financial results for the period in which the loss is recognized. The estimation of fair values requires assumptions by management about factors that are uncertain. Different assumptions for these factors could create materially different results.

18) Costs, integration problems or other factors associated with acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges of properties or licenses and/or expansion of U.S. Cellular’s business could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

As part of U.S. Cellular’s operating strategy, U.S. Cellular from time to time may be engaged in the acquisition, divestiture or exchange of companies, businesses, strategic properties, wireless spectrum or other assets. U.S. Cellular may change the markets in which it operates and the services that it provides through such acquisitions, divestitures and/or exchanges. In general, U.S. Cellular may not disclose the negotiation of such transactions until a definitive agreement has been reached.

These transactions commonly involve a number of risks, including:

▪ Identification of attractive companies, businesses, properties, spectrum or other assets for acquisition or exchange, and/or the selection of U.S. Cellular’s businesses or assets for divestiture or exchange;

▪ Competition for acquisition targets and the ability to acquire or exchange businesses at reasonable prices;

▪ Inability to make acquisitions that would achieve sufficient scale to be competitive with competitors with greater scale;

▪ Possible lack of buyers for businesses or assets that U.S. Cellular desires to divest and the ability to divest or exchange such businesses or assets at reasonable prices;

▪ Ability to negotiate favorable terms and conditions for acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges;

▪ Significant expenditures associated with acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges;

▪ Risks associated with integrating new businesses or markets, including risks relating to cybersecurity and privacy;

▪ Ability to enter markets in which U.S. Cellular has limited or no direct prior experience and competitors have stronger positions;

▪ Ability to integrate and manage businesses that are engaged in activities other than traditional wireless service; 

▪ Uncertain revenues and expenses associated with acquisitions, with the result that U.S. Cellular may not realize the growth in revenues, anticipated cost structure, profitability, or return on investment that it expects;

▪ Difficulty of integrating the technologies, services, products, operations and personnel of the acquired businesses, or of separating such matters for divested businesses or assets;

▪ Diversion of management’s attention;

▪ Disruption of ongoing business;

▪ Impact on U.S. Cellular’s cash and available credit lines for use in financing future growth and working capital needs;

▪ Inability to retain key personnel;

▪ Inability to successfully incorporate acquired assets and rights into U.S. Cellular’s service offerings;

▪ Inability to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies;

▪ Possible conditions to approval by the FCC, the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Department of Justice; and

▪ Impairment of relationships with employees, customers or vendors.

No assurance can be given that U.S. Cellular will be successful with respect to its acquisition, divestiture or exchange strategies or initiatives. If U.S. Cellular is not successful with respect to its acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges, its business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

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19) A failure by U.S. Cellular 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.

U.S. Cellular’s business plan includes significant construction activities and enhancements to its network, support and other systems and infrastructure. Additionally, the deployment of new wireless technologies, including 5G, may require substantial investments in U.S. Cellular's wireless network. As U.S. Cellular deploys, expands and enhances its network, it may need to acquire additional spectrum. Also, as U.S. Cellular continues to build out and enhance its network, U.S. Cellular must, among other things, continue to:

▪ Lease, acquire or otherwise obtain rights to cell and switch sites;

▪ Obtain zoning variances or other local governmental or third-party approvals or permits for network construction;

▪ Complete and update the radio frequency design, including cell site design, frequency planning and network optimization, for each of U.S. Cellular’s markets; and

▪ Improve, expand and maintain customer care, network management, billing and other financial and management systems.

Any difficulties encountered in completing these activities, as well as problems in vendor equipment availability, technical resources, system performance or system adequacy, could delay implementation and deployment of new technologies, delay expansion of operations and product capabilities in new or existing markets or result in increased costs. Failure to successfully deploy new technologies, including 5G, and/or build-out and enhance U.S. Cellular’s network, support facilities and other systems and infrastructure in a cost-effective manner, and in a manner that satisfies customer expectations for quality and coverage, could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, business prospects, financial condition or results of operations.

20) Difficulties involving third parties with which U.S. Cellular does business, including changes in U.S. Cellular's relationships with or financial or operational difficulties of key suppliers or independent agents and third party national retailers who market U.S. Cellular’s services, could adversely affect U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

U.S. Cellular has relationships with independent agents and third party national retailers who market U.S. Cellular services. If such relationships are seriously harmed or if such parties experience financial difficulties, including bankruptcy, U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

U.S. Cellular depends upon certain vendors to provide it with equipment (including wireless devices), services or content to continue its network construction and upgrades, and to operate its business. U.S. Cellular does not have operational or financial control over such key suppliers and has limited influence with respect to the manner in which these key suppliers conduct their businesses. If these key suppliers experience financial difficulties or file for bankruptcy or experience other operational difficulties, they may be unable to provide equipment, services or content to U.S. Cellular on a timely basis, or at all, or they may otherwise fail to honor their obligations to U.S. Cellular. Furthermore, consolidation among key suppliers may result in less competition and higher prices or the discontinuation of support for equipment owned by U.S. Cellular.

Regulations regarding the use of “conflict minerals” mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries may affect some of U.S. Cellular’s suppliers. These regulations may limit the availability of conflict free minerals and, as a result, U.S. Cellular may not be able to obtain products in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices from its vendors who utilize such minerals in the manufacture of products. In such cases, U.S. Cellular may be unable to maintain and upgrade its network or provide services and products to its customers in a competitive manner, or could suffer other disruptions to its business. In that event, U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. 

In addition, operation of U.S. Cellular’s supply chain and management of its inventory require accurate forecasting of customer growth and demand, which has become increasingly challenging. If overall demand for wireless devices or the mix of demand for wireless devices is significantly different than U.S. Cellular’s expectations, U.S. Cellular could face inadequate or excess supplies of particular models of wireless devices. This could result in lost sales opportunities or an excess supply of inventory. Either of these situations could adversely affect U.S. Cellular’s revenues, costs of doing business, results of operations or financial condition.

Also, U.S. Cellular has other arrangements with third parties, including arrangements pursuant to which U.S. Cellular outsources certain support functions to third party vendors. Operational problems associated with such functions, including any failure by the vendor to provide the required level of service under the outsourcing arrangements, including possible cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or information technology security or privacy, could have adverse effects on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

21) U.S. Cellular has significant investments in entities that it does not control. Losses in the value of such investments could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s financial condition or results of operations.

U.S. Cellular has significant investments in entities that it does not control, including equity investments and interests in certain variable interest entities. U.S. Cellular’s interests in such entities do not provide U.S. Cellular with control over the business strategy, financial goals, network build-out plans or other operational aspects of these entities. U.S. Cellular cannot provide assurance that these entities will operate in a manner that will increase or maintain the value of U.S. Cellular’s investments, that U.S. Cellular’s proportionate share of income from these investments will continue at the current level in the future or that U.S. Cellular will not incur losses from the holding of such investments. Losses in the values of such investments or a reduction in income from these investments could adversely affect U.S. Cellular’s financial condition or results of operations. In addition, certain investments have historically contributed significant cash flows to U.S. Cellular and a reduction or suspension of such cash flows could adversely affect U.S. Cellular’s financial condition.

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22) A failure by U.S. Cellular to maintain flexible and capable telecommunication networks or information technology, or a material disruption thereof, could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

U.S. Cellular relies extensively on its telecommunication networks and information technology to operate and manage its business, process transactions and summarize and report results. These networks and technology become obsolete over time and must be upgraded, replaced and/or otherwise enhanced over time. Enhancements must be more flexible and dependable than ever before. All of this is capital intensive and challenging. A failure by U.S. Cellular to maintain flexible and capable telecommunication networks or information technology could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

The increased provision of data services has introduced significant new demands on U.S. Cellular’s network and also has increased complexities related to network management. Further, the increased provision of data services on U.S. Cellular’s networks has created an increased level of risk related to quality of service. This is due to the fact that many customers increasingly rely on data communications to execute and validate transactions. As a result, redundancy and geographical diversity of U.S. Cellular’s network facilities are critical to providing uninterrupted service. Also, the speed of repair and maintenance procedures in the event of network interruptions is critical to maintaining customer satisfaction. U.S. Cellular’s ability to maintain high-quality, uninterrupted service to its customers is critical, particularly given the increasingly competitive environment and customers’ ability to choose other service providers. 

In addition, U.S. Cellular’s networks and information technology and the networks and information technology of vendors on which U.S. Cellular relies are subject to damage or interruption due to various events, including power outages, computer, network and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, security breaches, hackers and other cyber security risks, catastrophic events, natural disasters, errors or unauthorized actions by employees and vendors, flawed conversion of systems, disruptive technologies and technology changes. 

23) U.S. Cellular 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 U.S. Cellular's business, financial condition or results of operations.

U.S. Cellular experiences cyber-attacks of varying degrees on a regular basis. These include cyber-attacks intended to wrongfully obtain private and valuable information, or cause other types of malicious events, including denial of service attacks which may cause U.S. Cellular's services to be disrupted or unavailable to customers. U.S. Cellular maintains administrative, technical and physical controls, as well as other preventative actions, to reduce the risk of security breaches. Although to date U.S. Cellular has not discovered a material security breach, these efforts may be insufficient to prevent a material security breach stemming from future cyber-attacks. If U.S. Cellular’s or its vendors’ networks and information technology are not adequately adapted to changes in technology or are damaged or fail to function properly, and/or if U.S. Cellular’s or its vendors’ security is breached or otherwise compromised, U.S. Cellular could suffer adverse consequences, including theft, destruction or other loss of critical and private data, including customer and/or employee data, interruptions or delays in its operations, inaccurate billings, inaccurate financial reporting, and significant costs to remedy the problems. If U.S. Cellular’s or its vendors’ systems become unavailable or suffer a security breach of customer or other data, U.S. Cellular may be required to expend significant resources and take various actions to address the problems, including notification under data privacy laws and regulations, may be subject to fines, sanctions and litigation, and its reputation and operating results could be adversely affected. U.S. Cellular continues to experience denial of service attacks.  Although U.S. Cellular has implemented and continues to enhance its protection and recovery measures in response to such attacks, these efforts may be insufficient to prevent a material denial of service attack in the future. Any material disruption in U.S. Cellular’s networks or information technology, including security breaches, could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

24) Changes in facts or circumstances, including new or additional information, could require U.S. Cellular to record adjustments to amounts reflected in the financial statements, which could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

The preparation of financial statements requires U.S. Cellular to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. U.S. Cellular bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions and information that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Changes in facts or circumstances, including new or additional information, could require U.S. Cellular to record charges in excess of amounts accrued in the financial statements, if any, which could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

25) Disruption in credit or other financial markets, a deterioration of U.S. or global economic conditions or other events could, among other things, impede U.S. Cellular’s 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 U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Disruptions in the credit and financial markets, declines in consumer confidence, increases in unemployment, declines in economic growth, increased tariffs on import goods and uncertainty about corporate earnings could have a significant negative impact on the U.S. and global financial and credit markets and the overall economy. Such events could have an adverse impact on financial institutions resulting in limited access to capital and credit for many companies. Furthermore, economic uncertainties make it very difficult to accurately forecast and plan future business activities. Changes in economic conditions, changes in financial markets, changes in U.S. trade policies, deterioration in the capital markets or other factors could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition, revenues, results of operations and cash flows.

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26) 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 U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

U.S. Cellular is regularly involved in a number of legal and policy proceedings before the FCC and various state and federal courts. Such legal and policy proceedings can be complex, costly, protracted and highly disruptive to business operations by diverting the attention and energies of management and other key personnel.

The assessment of legal and policy proceedings is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events. Additionally, amounts ultimately received or paid upon settlement or resolution of litigation and other contingencies may differ materially from amounts accrued in the financial statements. Depending on a range of factors, these or similar proceedings could impose restraints on U.S. Cellular’s current or future manner of doing business. Such potential outcomes could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s financial condition, results of operations or ability to do business.

27) 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 U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Media reports and certain professional studies have suggested that certain radio frequency emissions from wireless devices may be linked to various health problems, including cancer or tumors, and may interfere with various electronic medical devices, including hearing aids and pacemakers. U.S. Cellular is a party to and may in the future be a party to lawsuits against wireless carriers and other parties claiming damages for alleged health effects, including cancer or tumors, arising from wireless phones or radio frequency transmitters. Concerns over radio frequency emissions may discourage use of wireless devices or expose U.S. Cellular to potential litigation. In addition, the FCC or other regulatory authorities may adopt regulations in response to concerns about radio frequency emissions. Any resulting decrease in demand for wireless services, costs of litigation and damage awards or regulation could have an adverse effect on U. S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

In addition, some studies have indicated that some aspects of using wireless devices while driving may impair drivers’ attention in certain circumstances, making accidents more likely. These concerns could lead to potential litigation relating to accidents, deaths or serious bodily injuries, any of which could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

28) Claims of infringement of intellectual property and proprietary rights of others, primarily involving patent infringement claims, could prevent U.S. Cellular from using necessary technology to provide products or services or subject U.S. Cellular to expensive intellectual property litigation or monetary penalties, which could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

U.S. Cellular faces possible effects of industry litigation relating to patents, other intellectual property or otherwise, that may restrict U.S. Cellular’s access to devices or network equipment critical to providing services to customers. If technology that U.S. Cellular uses in products or services were determined by a court to infringe a patent or other intellectual property right held by another person, U.S. Cellular could be precluded from using that technology and could be required to pay significant monetary damages. U.S. Cellular also may be required to pay significant royalties to such person to continue to use such technology in the future. The successful enforcement of any intellectual property rights, or U.S. Cellular’s inability to negotiate a license for such rights on acceptable terms, could force U.S. Cellular to cease using the relevant technology and offering services incorporating the technology. Any litigation to determine the validity of claims that U.S. Cellular’s products or services infringe or may infringe intellectual property rights of another, regardless of their merit or resolution, could be costly and divert the effort and attention of U.S. Cellular’s management and technical personnel. Regardless of the merits of any specific claim, U.S. Cellular cannot give assurance that it would prevail in litigation because of the complex technical issues and inherent uncertainties in intellectual property litigation. Although U.S. Cellular generally seeks to obtain indemnification agreements from vendors that provide it with technology, there can be no assurance that any claim of infringement will be covered by an indemnity or that U.S. Cellular will be able to recover all or any of its losses and costs under any available indemnity agreements. Any claims of infringement of intellectual property and proprietary rights of others could prevent U.S. Cellular from using necessary technology to provide its services or subject U.S. Cellular to expensive intellectual property litigation or monetary penalties, which could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

29) There are potential conflicts of interests between TDS and U.S. Cellular.

TDS owns over 80% of the combined total of both classes of common stock of U.S. Cellular, including a majority of the outstanding Common Shares and 100% of the Series A Common Shares, and controls over 96% of their combined voting power. As a result, TDS is effectively able to elect all of U.S. Cellular’s eleven directors and otherwise control the management and operations of U.S. Cellular. Six of the eleven directors of U.S. Cellular are also directors of TDS and/or executive officers of TDS and/or U.S. Cellular. Directors and officers of TDS who are also directors or officers of U.S. Cellular, and TDS as U.S. Cellular’s controlling shareholder, are in positions involving the possibility of conflicts of interest with respect to certain transactions concerning U.S. Cellular. When the interests of TDS and U.S. Cellular diverge, TDS may exercise its influence in its own best interests.

U.S. Cellular and TDS have entered into contractual arrangements governing certain transactions and relationships between them. Some of these agreements were executed prior to the initial public offering of U.S. Cellular’s Common Shares and were not the result of arm’s-length negotiations. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the terms and conditions of these agreements are as favorable to U.S. Cellular as could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in this Form 10-K.

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Conflicts of interest may arise between TDS and U.S. Cellular when faced with decisions that could have different implications for U.S. Cellular and TDS, including technology decisions, financial budgets, the payment of distributions by U.S. Cellular, agreements or transactions between TDS and U.S. Cellular, business activities and other matters. TDS also may take action that favors its other businesses and the interests of its shareholders over U.S. Cellular’s wireless business and the interests of U.S. Cellular shareholders and debt holders. Because TDS controls U.S. Cellular, conflicts of interest could be resolved in a manner adverse to U.S. Cellular and its other shareholders or its debt holders.

The U.S. Cellular Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that, so long as not less than 500,000 Series A Common Shares are outstanding, U.S. Cellular, without the written consent of TDS, shall not, directly or indirectly own, invest or otherwise have an interest in, lease, operate or manage any business other than a business engaged solely in the construction of, the ownership of interests in and/or the management of wireless telephone systems. This limitation on the scope of U.S. Cellular’s potential business could hurt the growth of U.S. Cellular’s business. This restriction would preclude U.S. Cellular from pursuing attractive related or unrelated business opportunities unless TDS consents in writing. TDS has no obligation to consent to any business opportunities proposed by U.S. Cellular and may withhold its consent in its own best interests.

30) Certain matters, such as control by TDS and provisions in the U.S. Cellular Restated Certificate of Incorporation, may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of U.S. Cellular or have other consequences.

The control of U.S. Cellular by TDS may tend to deter non-negotiated tender offers or other efforts to obtain control of U.S. Cellular and thereby deprive shareholders of opportunities to sell shares at prices higher than those prevailing in the market.

The U.S. Cellular Restated Certificate of Incorporation also contains provisions which may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of U.S. Cellular without the support of TDS or without meeting various other conditions. In particular, the authorization of multiple classes of capital stock with different voting rights could prevent shareholders from profiting from an increase in the market value of their shares as a result of a change in control of U.S. Cellular by delaying or preventing such change in control.

The U.S. Cellular Restated Certificate of Incorporation also authorizes the U.S. Cellular Board of Directors to designate and issue Preferred Shares in one or more classes or series from time to time. Generally, no further action or authorization by the shareholders is necessary prior to the designation or issuance of the additional Preferred Shares authorized pursuant to the U.S. Cellular Restated Certificate of Incorporation unless applicable laws or regulations would require such approval in a given instance. Such Preferred Shares could be issued in circumstances that would serve to preserve TDS’ control of U.S. Cellular.

The provisions of the U.S. Cellular Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the existence of different classes of capital stock and voting rights could result in the exclusion of U.S. Cellular Common Shares from certain major stock indices at some point in the future, unless U.S. Cellular is grandfathered by such stock indices or qualifies for some other exception.

31) The market price of U.S. Cellular’s Common Shares is subject to fluctuations due to a variety of factors.

Factors that may affect the future market price of U.S. Cellular’s Common Shares include:

▪ General economic conditions, including conditions in the credit and financial markets;

▪ Industry conditions;

▪ Fluctuations in U.S. Cellular’s quarterly customer additions, churn rate, revenues, results of operations or cash flows;

▪ Variations between U.S. Cellular’s actual financial and operating results and those expected by analysts and investors; and

▪ Announcements by U.S. Cellular’s competitors.

Any of these or other factors could adversely affect the future market price of U.S. Cellular’s Common Shares, or could cause the future market price of U.S. Cellular’s Common Shares to fluctuate from time to time.

32) Any of the foregoing events or other events could cause revenues, earnings, capital expenditures and/or any other financial or statistical information to vary from U.S. Cellular’s forward-looking estimates by a material amount.

From time to time, U.S. Cellular may disclose forward-looking information, including estimates of future operating revenues; various measures of income before income taxes; and/or capital expenditures. Any such forward-looking information includes consideration of known or anticipated changes to the extent disclosed, but dynamic market conditions and/or other unknown or unanticipated events, including but not limited to the risks discussed above, could cause such estimates to differ materially from the actual amounts.

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Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2.  Properties

U.S. Cellular has properties located throughout the United States. U.S. Cellular’s mobile telephone switching offices, cell sites, cell site equipment, call centers and retail stores are located primarily in U.S. Cellular’s operating markets and are either owned or leased by U.S. Cellular, one of its subsidiaries, or the partnership, limited liability company or corporation which holds the license issued by the FCC.

As of December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular’s Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, totaled $2,202 million.

U.S. Cellular considers the properties owned or leased by it and its subsidiaries to be maintained in good operating condition and suitable and adequate for its business operations.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

U.S. Cellular is involved or may be involved from time to time in legal proceedings before the FCC, other regulatory authorities, and/or various state and federal courts. If U.S. Cellular believes that a loss arising from such legal proceedings is probable and can be reasonably estimated, an amount is accrued in the financial statements for the estimated loss. If only a range of loss can be determined, the best estimate within that range is accrued; if none of the estimates within that range is better than another, the low end of the range is accrued. The assessment of the expected outcomes of legal proceedings is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events. The legal proceedings are reviewed at least quarterly to determine the adequacy of accruals and related financial statement disclosures. The ultimate outcomes of legal proceedings could differ materially from amounts accrued in the financial statements. See Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market, holder, dividend and performance graph information is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report section entitled “Shareholder Information.”

U.S. Cellular has not paid any cash dividends in recent periods and currently intends to retain all earnings for use in U.S. Cellular’s business.

Information relating to Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities is set forth below.

In November 2009, U.S. Cellular announced by Form 8-K that the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular authorized the repurchase of up to 1,300,000 Common Shares on an annual basis beginning in 2009 and continuing each year thereafter, on a cumulative basis. In December 2016, the U.S. Cellular Board amended this authorization to provide that, beginning on January 1, 2017, the authorized repurchase amount with respect to a particular year will be any amount from zero to 1,300,000 Common Shares, as determined by the Pricing Committee of the Board of Directors, and that if the Pricing Committee did not specify an amount for any year, such amount would be zero for such year. The Pricing Committee has not specified any increase in the authorization since that time. The Pricing Committee was also authorized to decrease the cumulative amount of the authorization at any time, but has not taken any action to do so at this time. The authorization provides that share repurchases will be made pursuant to open market purchases, block purchases, private purchases, or otherwise, depending on market prices and other conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date. U.S. Cellular did not determine to terminate the foregoing Common Share repurchase program, as amended, or cease making further purchases thereunder, during the fourth quarter of 2018.

The maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under this program was 5,901,000 as of December 31, 2018. There were no purchases made by or on behalf of U.S. Cellular, and no open market purchases made by any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined by the SEC) of U.S. Cellular, of U.S. Cellular Common Shares during the quarter ended December 31, 2018.

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report section entitled “Selected Consolidated Financial Data.”

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report section entitled “Market Risk.”

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report sections entitled “Consolidated Statement of Operations,” “Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows,” “Consolidated Balance Sheet,” “Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity,” “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting,” “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” and “Consolidated Quarterly Information (Unaudited).” The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income was not included because comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 equaled net income.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

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Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

U.S. Cellular maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under 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 U.S. Cellular’s 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 Rule 13a-15(b), U.S. Cellular 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 U.S. Cellular’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that U.S. Cellular’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2018, at the reasonable assurance level.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. U.S. Cellular’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). U.S. Cellular’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the issuer; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the issuer are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and, where required, the board of directors of the issuer; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the issuer’s assets that could have a material effect on the interim or annual consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of U.S. Cellular’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, U.S. Cellular conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the criteria established in the 2013 version of Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management has concluded that U.S. Cellular maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in the 2013 version of InternalControl — Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.

The effectiveness of U.S. Cellular’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in the firm’s report which is incorporated by reference into Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K from Exhibit 13 filed herewith.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in U.S. Cellular’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, U.S. Cellular’s internal control over financial reporting, except as follows: U.S. Cellular implemented internal controls during the fourth quarter of 2018 to ensure that, upon adoption of the new lease accounting standard, leases will be properly evaluated and any impacts to the financial statements will be recognized in accordance with this new accounting standard effective January 1, 2019.

Item 9B.  Other Information

The following information is being provided to update prior disclosures made pursuant to the requirements of Form 8-K, Item 2.03 – Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation Under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

U.S. Cellular entered into a revolving credit agreement on May 10, 2018. A description of U.S. Cellular's revolving credit agreement is included in U.S. Cellular's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 10, 2018, and is incorporated by reference herein.

U.S. Cellular did not borrow or repay any cash amounts under its revolving credit facility in the fourth quarter of 2018 or through the filing date of this Form 10-K, and had no cash borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2018, or as of the filing date of this Form 10-K.

Further, U.S. Cellular did not borrow or repay any cash amounts under its receivables securitization facility in the fourth quarter of 2018 or through the filing date of this Form 10-K, and had no cash borrowings outstanding under its receivables securitization facility as of December 31, 2018, or as of the filing date of this Form 10-K.

21

PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Incorporated by reference from Proxy Statement sections entitled “Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance,” “Executive Officers” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

Incorporated by reference from Proxy Statement section entitled “Executive and Director Compensation.”

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Incorporated by reference from Proxy Statement sections entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans.”

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Incorporated by reference from Proxy Statement sections entitled “Corporate Governance” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Incorporated by reference from Proxy Statement section entitled “Fees Paid to Principal Accountants.”

22

PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)	The following documents are filed as part of this report:
	(1)	Financial Statements
		Consolidated Statement of Operations	Annual Report*
		Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows	Annual Report*
		Consolidated Balance Sheet	Annual Report*
		Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity	Annual Report*
		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	Annual Report*
		Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting	Annual Report*
		Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP	Annual Report*
		Consolidated Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	Annual Report*
		*Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13.
	(2)	Financial Statement Schedules
			Location
		Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership and Subsidiary Financial Statements	S-1
		Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — Ernst & Young LLP	S-2
		Consolidated Balance Sheets	S-3
		Consolidated Statements of Income	S-4
		Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital	S-5
		Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	S-6
		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	S-7
		All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or not required or because the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
	(3)	Exhibits
		The exhibits set forth below are filed as a part of this Report.  Compensatory plans or arrangements are identified below with an asterisk.

23

Exhibit Number	Description of Documents
3.1	Restated Certificate of Incorporation, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 10, 2014.
3.2	Restated Bylaws are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 14, 2018.
4.1	Restated Certificate of Incorporation incorporated herein as Exhibit 3.1.
4.2	Restated Bylaws are incorporated herein as Exhibit 3.2.
4.3(a)	Revolving Credit Agreement, among U.S. Cellular, Toronto Dominion (Texas) LLC, as administrative agent, and the other lenders thereto, dated as of May 10, 2018, including Schedules and Exhibits, including the form of the subsidiary Guaranty and Subordination Agreement, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to U.S. Cellular's Form 8-K dated May 10, 2018.
4.3(b)	First Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, among U.S. Cellular, Toronto Dominion (Texas) LLC, as administrative agent and the other lenders thereto, dated as of January 30, 2019.
4.4(a)	Indenture for Senior Debt Securities dated June 1, 2002, between U.S. Cellular and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., formerly known as BNY Midwest Trust Company of New York (BNY) is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form S-3 dated May 31, 2013 (File No. 333-188971).
4.4(b)	Form of Third Supplemental Indenture dated December 3, 2003, between U.S. Cellular and BNY Midwest Trust Company, relating to $444,000,000 of U.S. Cellular’s 6.7% Senior Notes due 2033, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 3, 2003.
4.4(c)	Form of Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated June 21, 2004, between U.S. Cellular and BNY Midwest Trust Company, relating to $100,000,000 of U.S. Cellular’s 6.7% Senior Notes due 2033, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 21, 2004.
4.4(d)	Form of Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 9, 2011, between U.S. Cellular and BNY Midwest Trust Company, related to $342,000,000 of U.S. Cellular’s 6.95% Senior Notes due 2060, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 9, 2011.
4.4(e)	Form of Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 8, 2014, between U.S. Cellular and BNY Midwest Trust Company, related to $275,000,000 of U.S. Cellular’s 7.25% Senior Notes due 2063, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to U.S. Cellular’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated December 2, 2014.
4.4(f)	Form of Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 23, 2015, between U.S. Cellular and BNY Midwest Trust Company, related to $300,000,000 of U.S. Cellular’s 7.25% Senior Notes due 2064, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to U.S. Cellular’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated November 17, 2015.
4.5	Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities between U.S. Cellular and BNY is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 16, 2013.
4.6(a)	Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement, among U.S. Cellular and CoBank, ACB, as administrative agent, and the other lenders thereto, dated as of June 15, 2016, including Schedules and Exhibits, including the forms of the subsidiary Guaranty and Subordination Agreement, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to U.S. Cellular's Form 8-K dated June 15, 2016.
4.6(b)	First Amendment to Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement, among U.S. Cellular, Cobank, ACB, as administrative agent, and the other lenders thereto, dated as of May 10, 2018, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to U.S. Cellular's Form 8-K dated May 10, 2018.
4.6(c)	Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement, among U.S. Cellular, Cobank, ACB, as administrative agent, and the other lenders thereto, dated as of January 30, 2019.
4.7	Master Indenture for asset-backed notes by and among USCC Master Note Trust, USCC Services, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee, dated December 20, 2017, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Form 8-K dated December 20, 2017.
4.8	Supplemental Indenture for Series 2017-VFN Floating Rate Asset-Backed Notes by and among USCC Master Note Trust, USCC Services, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, dated December 20, 2017, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to U.S. Cellular’s Form 8-K dated December 20, 2017.
9.1	Amendment and Restatement (dated April 22, 2005) of Voting Trust Agreement dated June 30, 1989 is hereby incorporated by reference to the Exhibit filed on Amendment No. 3 to the Schedule 13D dated May 2, 2005, filed by the trustees of such voting trust with respect to TDS Common Shares.
10.1***	Tax Allocation Agreement between U.S. Cellular and TDS is hereby incorporated by reference to an exhibit to U.S. Cellular’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-16975).
10.2	Cash Management Agreement between U.S. Cellular and TDS dated December 15, 2017.
10.3***	Registration Rights Agreement between U.S. Cellular and TDS is hereby incorporated by reference to an exhibit to U.S. Cellular’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-16975).

24

10.4***	Exchange Agreement between U.S. Cellular and TDS, as amended, is hereby incorporated by reference to an exhibit to U.S. Cellular’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-16975).
10.5***	Intercompany Agreement between U.S. Cellular and TDS is hereby incorporated by reference to an exhibit to U.S. Cellular’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-16975).
10.6***	Employee Benefit Plans Agreement between U.S. Cellular and TDS is hereby incorporated by reference to an exhibit to U.S. Cellular’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-16975).
10.7***	Insurance Cost Sharing Agreement between U.S. Cellular and TDS is hereby incorporated by reference to an exhibit to U.S. Cellular’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-16975).
10.8(a)*	TDS Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated, effective January 1, 2009, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to TDS’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 27, 2008.
10.8(b)*	Amendment Number One to the TDS Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to TDS’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 15, 2012.
10.8(c)*	Amendment Number Two to the TDS Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to TDS’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 3, 2014.
10.9*	U.S. Cellular Amended and Restated Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to U.S. Cellular’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017.
10.10*	U.S. Cellular 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit C to the U.S. Cellular Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement dated April 15, 2009, which was filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on April 15, 2009.
10.11(a)*	U.S. Cellular 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the U.S. Cellular Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement dated April 12, 2016, which was filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on April 12, 2016.
10.11(b)*	Amendment No. 1 to U.S. Cellular 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the U.S. Cellular Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement dated April 12, 2016, which was filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on April 12, 2016.
10.11(c)*	Amendment No. 2 to U.S. Cellular 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
10.12*	U.S. Cellular Form of Long-Term Incentive Plan Executive Deferred Compensation Agreement —Phantom Stock Account for officers is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 14, 2013.
10.13(a)*	U.S. Cellular Executive Deferred Compensation Interest Account Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 10, 2007.
10.13(b)*	First Amendment to U.S. Cellular Executive Deferred Compensation Interest Account Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 9, 2008.
10.13(c)*	Second Amendment to U.S. Cellular Executive Deferred Compensation Interest Account Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12(c) to U.S. Cellular’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
10.13(d)*	Election Form for U.S. Cellular Executive Deferred Compensation Interest Account Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12(d) to U.S. Cellular’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
10.14*	U.S. Cellular Form of Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for the President and CEO, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 3, 2017.
10.15*	U.S. Cellular Form of Long-Term Incentive Plan 2018 Performance Award Agreement for the President and CEO, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 12, 2018.
10.16*	U.S. Cellular Form of Long-Term Incentive Plan 2018 Performance Award Agreement for Officers other than the President and CEO, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 12, 2018.
10.17*	U.S. Cellular Form of Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Officers other than the President and CEO, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 13, 2017.
10.18*	U.S. Cellular 2018 Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan effective January 1, 2018, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 19, 2018.
10.19*	U.S. Cellular 2018 Officer Annual Incentive Plan effective January 1, 2018, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 19, 2018.

25

10.20*	Guidelines for the Determination of Annual Bonus for President and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Cellular, are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 19, 2014.
10.21*	Letter Agreement dated July 25, 2013, between U.S. Cellular and Kenneth R. Meyers is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25, 2013.
10.22**	Master Service Agreement entered into by United States Cellular Corporation and Amdocs Software Systems Limited on August 17, 2010, to develop a Billing and Operational Support System (B/OSS) with a new point-of-sale system to consolidate billing on one platform, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to U.S. Cellular’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010.
10.23**	Software License and Maintenance Agreement entered into by United States Cellular Corporation and Amdocs Software Systems Limited on August 17, 2010, to develop a Billing and Operational Support System (B/OSS) with a new point-of-sale system to consolidate billing on one platform, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to U.S. Cellular’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010.
10.24**	Master Statement of Work, dated as of November 25, 2014, between U.S. Cellular and Amdocs Software Systems, Ltd., is hereby incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.26 to U.S. Cellular’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
10.25	Series 2017-VFN Note Purchase Agreement by and among USCC Receivables Funding LLC, as transferor, USCC Master Note Trust, as issuer, USCC Services, LLC, as Servicer, U.S. Cellular as guarantor, and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent for owners of the notes, dated December 20, 2017, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to U.S. Cellular’s Form 8-K dated December 20, 2017.
10.26	Performance Guaranty and Parent Undertaking Agreement by U.S. Cellular in favor of the Guaranteed Parties defined therein, dated December 20, 2017, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to U.S. Cellular’s Form 8-K dated December 20, 2017.
10.27	Amended and Restated Trust Agreement between USCC Receivables Funding LLC, as transferor, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to U.S. Cellular’s Form 8-K dated December 20, 2017.
10.28*	Form of Retention Agreement for Steven T. Campbell and Jay M. Ellison, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to U.S. Cellular's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 1, 2018.
10.29*	Form of Letter Agreement Effective May 22, 2018, between U.S. Cellular and Deirdre C. Drake is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to U.S. Cellular's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 22, 2018.
13	Incorporated portions of 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders.
21	Subsidiaries of U.S. Cellular.
23.1	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.2	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Ernst & Young LLP.
31.1	Principal executive officer certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2	Principal financial officer certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1	Principal executive officer certification pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
32.2	Principal financial officer certification pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
*	Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**	Portions of this Exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of an application for confidential treatment pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The application for confidential treatment has been granted.
***	Indicates a paper filing prior to the adoption of EDGAR.

26

Item 16.  Form 10-K Summary

None.

27

LOS ANGELES SMSA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND SUBSIDIARY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

U.S. Cellular owns a 5.5% limited partnership interest in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership and Subsidiary, and accounts for such interest by the equity method. The partnership’s consolidated financial statements were obtained by U.S. Cellular as a limited partner.

S-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Partners of Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership and Subsidiary (the Partnership) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, changes in partners' capital and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Partnership at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

ASU No. 2016-15

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2018 the Partnership retrospectively changed its method of presenting certain cash receipts and cash payments in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows as a result of the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.

ASU No. 2014-09

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2018 the Partnership changed its method for recognizing revenue as a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and the amendments in ASUs 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10 and 2016-12, using the modified retrospective method.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Partnership’s auditor since 2014.

Orlando, Florida

February 22, 2019

S-2

Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership and Subsidiary

Consolidated Balance Sheets - As of December 31, 2018 and 2017

(Dollars in Thousands)	2018		2017
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Due from affiliate	$	256,812	$	218,838
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $21,886 and $26,916	434,399		423,285
Prepaid expenses and other	203,571		40,916
Total current assets	894,782		683,039
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - NET	1,998,538		1,936,038
WIRELESS LICENSES	2,075,448		2,075,448
OTHER ASSETS - NET	432,483		349,484
TOTAL ASSETS	$	5,401,251	$	5,044,009
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	142,805	$	158,099
Contract liabilities and other	175,863		174,965
Financing obligation	13,185		12,926
Deferred rent	13,347		8,360
Total current liabilities	345,200		354,350
LONG TERM LIABILITIES:
Financing obligation	111,868		111,318
Deferred rent	143,586		141,410
Other liabilities	29,264		7,841
Total long term liabilities	284,718		260,569
Total liabilities	629,918		614,919
PARTNERS' CAPITAL
General Partner's interest	1,908,533		1,771,636
Limited Partners' interest	2,862,800		2,657,454
Total partners' capital	4,771,333		4,429,090
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL	$	5,401,251	$	5,044,009

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

S-3

Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Income - For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016

(Dollars in Thousands)	2018		2017		2016
OPERATING REVENUES:
Service revenues	$	3,766,062	$	3,791,371	$	3,996,989
Equipment revenues	1,153,954		982,251		930,690
Other	275,896		246,322		256,917
Total operating revenues	5,195,912		5,019,944		5,184,596
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Cost of service (exclusive of depreciation)	1,115,475		1,107,614		1,070,302
Cost of equipment	1,212,952		1,174,858		1,193,924
Depreciation	369,874		355,696		356,848
Selling, general and administrative	1,095,048		1,168,978		1,278,205
Total operating expenses	3,793,349		3,807,146		3,899,279
OPERATING INCOME	1,402,563		1,212,798		1,285,317
OTHER INCOME:
Interest income (expense), net	13,332		2,857		(6,552		)
Other	2,702		1,631		–
Total other income	16,034		4,488		(6,552		)
NET INCOME	$	1,418,597	$	1,217,286	$	1,278,765
Allocation of Net Income:
General Partner	$	567,439	$	486,914	$	511,507
Limited Partners	$	851,158	$	730,372	$	767,258

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

S-4

Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital - For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016

(Dollars in Thousands)
	General Partner			Limited Partners
	AirTouch Cellular Inc.			AirTouch Cellular Inc.			Cellco Partnership			United States Cellular Investment Corporation of Los Angeles			Total Partners' Capital
BALANCE - January 1, 2016	$	1,433,215		$	1,515,626		$	437,131		$	197,067		$	3,583,039
Distributions	(210,000		)	(222,075		)	(64,050		)	(28,875		)	(525,000		)
Net Income	511,507			540,917			156,009			70,332			1,278,765
BALANCE - January 1, 2017	$	1,734,722		$	1,834,468		$	529,090		$	238,524		$	4,336,804
Distributions	(450,000		)	(475,875		)	(137,250		)	(61,875		)	(1,125,000		)
Net Income	486,914			514,912			148,509			66,951			1,217,286
BALANCE - December 31, 2017	$	1,771,636		$	1,873,505		$	540,349		$	243,600		$	4,429,090
ASC 606 opening balance sheet adjustment	67,058			70,914			20,453			9,221			167,646
Distributions	(497,600		)	(526,212		)	(151,768		)	(68,420		)	(1,244,000		)
Net Income	567,439			600,067			173,069			78,022			1,418,597
BALANCE - December 31, 2018	$	1,908,533		$	2,018,274		$	582,103		$	262,423		$	4,771,333

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

S-5

Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016

(Dollars in Thousands)	2018			2017			2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	$	1,418,597		$	1,217,286		$	1,278,765
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	369,874			355,696			356,848
Imputed interest on financing obligation	11,686			12,374			12,284
Provision for uncollectible accounts	43,847			56,505			71,925
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(39,867		)	(36,907		)	(153,704		)
Prepaid expenses and other	(614,263		)	(388,907		)	(68,871		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(2,541		)	(54,321		)	24,685
Contract liabilities and other	25,715			14,531			(6,099		)
Deferred rent	8,956			(5,159		)	(4,010		)
Other liabilities	22,716			7,683			41
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,244,720			1,178,781			1,511,864
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	(575,351		)	(434,350		)	(449,005		)
Fixed asset transfers out	130,228			15,648			23,453
Acquisition of wireless licenses	—			—			(1,697		)
Collections on deferred purchase price and purchased receivables	9,331			86,009			83,453
Collection on beneficial interest - net	483,924			229,330			—
Change in due from affiliate	(37,974		)	63,008			(281,846		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	10,158			(40,355		)	(625,642		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Change in due to affiliate	—			—			(348,724		)
Repayments of financing obligation	(10,878		)	(13,426		)	(12,498		)
Distributions	(1,244,000		)	(1,125,000		)	(525,000		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,254,878		)	(1,138,426		)	(886,222		)
CHANGE IN CASH	—			—			—
CASH - Beginning of year	—			—			—
CASH - End of year	$	—		$	—		$	—
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST	$	—		$	—		$	2,576
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Accruals for capital expenditures	$	13,004		$	25,757		$	15,621

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

S-6

Los Angeles SMSALimited Partnershipand Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016

(Dollars in Thousands)

1. ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (Los Angeles SMSA) and Los Angeles Edge LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Los Angeles SMSA (collectively, the “Partnership”). The principal activity of Los Angeles SMSA, formed in 1984, is to provide cellular service in the Los Angeles metropolitan statistical area. Los Angeles Edge LLC was formed during 2015 and was a bankruptcy remote special purpose entity (SPE), created for the purpose of selling wireless device payment plan agreement receivables to third parties (see Note 4). The Los Angeles Edge LLC entity was dissolved on March 29, 2018 and as of this date the Partnership consists of only Los Angeles SMSA.

In accordance with the partnership agreement, AirTouch Cellular Inc., an affiliate of Cellco Partnership (Cellco), and general partner of the Partnership, is responsible for managing the operations of the Partnership.

The partners and their respective ownership percentages of the Partnership as of December 31, 2018 were as follows:

General Partner:
AirTouch Cellular Inc.	40	%
Limited Partners:
AirTouch Cellular Inc.	42.3	%
Cellco Partnership	12.2	%
United States Cellular Investment Corporation of Los Angeles	5.5	%

Cellco is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Verizon Communications Inc. (Verizon).  Substantially all of the Partnership’s transactions represent transactions with, or processed by, Cellco and/or certain other affiliates (collectively, Verizon Wireless).

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Consolidation –The method of accounting applied to investments involves an evaluation of all significant terms of the investments that explicitly grant or suggest evidence of control or influence over the operations of the investee. The consolidated financial statements include the Partnership’s subsidiary which was a variable interest entity (VIE) where Los Angeles SMSA was deemed to be the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated (see Note 4).

Use of estimates – The consolidated financial statements are prepared using U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Examples of significant estimates include: the allowance for uncollectible accounts, the recoverability of property, plant and equipment, the recoverability of wireless licenses and other long-lived assets, fair values of financial instruments, and beneficial interest.

Revenue recognition – The Partnership earns revenue from contracts with customers, primarily through the provision of telecommunications services and through the sale of wireless equipment. These revenues are accounted for under Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which we adopted on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. This standard update, along with related subsequently issued updates, clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for GAAP. The standard update also amended the guidance for the recognition of costs to obtain customer contracts such that incremental costs of obtaining customer contracts will be deferred and amortized consistent with the transfer of the related good or service.

We also earn revenues that are not accounted for under Topic 606 from leasing arrangements (such as those from towers) and the interest on equipment financed under a device payment plan agreement when sold to the customer by an authorized agent.

The Partnership earns revenue primarily by providing access to and usage of our telecommunications network and selling equipment. Performance obligations in a typical contract, as determined in accordance with Topic 606, with a customer include service and equipment.

We offer our wireless services through a variety of plans on a postpaid or prepaid basis. For wireless service, we recognize revenue using an output method, either as the service allowance units are used or as time elapses, because it reflects the pattern by which we satisfy our performance obligation through the transfer of service to the customer. Monthly service is generally billed in advance, which results in a contract liability. See Note 3 for additional information. For postpaid plans where monthly usage exceeds the allowance, the overage usage represents options held by the customer for incremental services and the usage-based fee is recognized when the customer exercises the option (typically on a month-to-month basis), which is recorded as a contract asset.

S-7

We sell wireless devices and accessories. Equipment revenue is generally recognized when the products are delivered to and accepted by the customer, as this is when control passes to the customer. In addition to offering the sale of equipment on a standalone basis, we have two primary offerings through which customers pay for a wireless device, in connection with a service contract: fixed-term plans and device payment plans.

Under a fixed-term plan, the customer is sold the wireless device without any upfront charge or at a discounted price in exchange for entering into a fixed-term service contract (typically for a term of 24 months or less). This plan is currently only offered to business channel customers.

Under a device payment plan, the customer is sold the wireless device in exchange for a non-interest bearing installment note, which is repaid by the customer, typically over a 24-month term, and concurrently enters into a month-to-month contract for wireless service. Customers may be offered certain promotions that provide billing credits applied over a specified term, contingent upon the customer maintaining service. The credits are included in the transaction price, which are allocated to the performance obligations based on their relative selling price, and are recognized when earned.

A financing component exists in both our fixed-term plans and device payment plans because the timing of the payment for the device, which occurs over the contract term, differs from the satisfaction of the performance obligation, which occurs at contract inception upon transfer of device to the customer. We periodically assess, at the contract level, the significance of the financing component inherent in our fixed-term and device payment plan receivable based on qualitative and quantitative considerations related to our customer classes. These considerations include assessing the commercial objective of our plans, the term and duration of financing provided, interest rates prevailing in the marketplace, and credit risks of our customer classes, all of which impact our selection of appropriate discount rates. Based on current facts and circumstances, we determined that the financing component in our existing Wireless direct channel device payments and fixed-term contracts with customers is not significant and therefore is not accounted for separately. See Note 4 for additional information on the interest on equipment financed on a device payment plan agreement when sold to the customer by an authorized agent in our indirect channel.

Roaming revenue reflects service revenue earned by the Partnership when customers not associated with the Partnership operate in the service area of the Partnership and use the Partnership’s network. The roaming rates with third-party carriers associated with those customers are based on agreements with such carriers. The roaming rates and methodology to determine roaming revenues charged by the Partnership to Verizon Wireless are established by Verizon Wireless on a periodic basis and may not reflect current market rates (see Note 8).

Other revenues primarily consist of certain fees billed to customers for surcharges and elected services. The Partnership recognizes taxes imposed by governmental authorities on revenue-producing transactions between the Partnership and its customers, which are passed through to the customers, on a net basis.

Wireless contracts– Total contract revenue, which represents the transaction price for service and equipment, is allocated between service and equipment revenue based on their estimated standalone selling prices. The Partnership estimates the standalone selling price of the device or accessory to be its retail price excluding subsidies or conditional purchase discounts. The Partnership estimates the standalone selling price of service to be the price that is offered to customers on month-to-month contracts that can be cancelled at any time without penalty (i.e., when there is no fixed-term for service) or when service is procured without the concurrent purchase of a device. In addition, the Partnership also assesses whether the service term is impacted by certain legally enforceable rights and obligations in the contract with customers, such as penalties that a customer would have to pay to early terminate a fixed-term contract or billing credits that would cease if the month-to-month wireless service is canceled. The assessment of these legally enforceable rights and obligations involves judgment and impacts the determination of the transaction price and related disclosures.

From time to time, customers may be offered certain promotions that provide customers on device payment plans with the right to upgrade to a new device after paying a specified portion of their device payment plan agreement amount and trading in their device in good working order. The Partnership accounts for this trade-in right as a guarantee obligation. The full amount of the trade-in right's fair value is recognized as a guarantee liability and results in a reduction to the revenue recognized upon the sale of the device. The guarantee obligation was insignificant to the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2018 and 2017. The total transaction price is reduced by the guarantee obligation, which is accounted for outside the scope of Topic 606, and the remaining transaction price is allocated between the performance obligations within the contract.

Fixed-term plans generally include the sale of a wireless device at subsidized prices. This results in the creation of a contract asset at the time of sale, which represents the recognition of equipment revenue in excess of amounts billed.

For device payment plans, billing credits are accounted for as consideration payable to a customer and are included in the determination of total transaction price, resulting in a contract liability.

Verizon Wireless may provide a right of return on products and services for a short time period after a sale. These rights are accounted for as variable consideration when determining the transaction price, and accordingly the Partnership recognizes revenue based on the estimated amount to which the Partnership expects to be entitled after considering expected returns. Returns and credits are estimated at contract inception and updated at the end of each reporting period as additional information becomes available. Verizon Wireless also may provide credits or incentives on our products and services for contracts with resellers, which are accounted for as variable consideration when estimating the amount of revenue to recognize. These amounts are insignificant to the consolidated financial statements.

S-8

For certain bundled offerings/transactions involving third-party service providers, the Partnership evaluates gross versus net considerations by assessing indicators of control. These promotions have not been significant.

Operating expenses – Operating expenses include expenses incurred directly by the Partnership, as well as an allocation of selling, general and administrative, and other operating expenses incurred by Verizon Wireless on behalf of the Partnership. Employees of Verizon Wireless provide services on behalf of the Partnership. These employees are not employees of the Partnership, therefore, operating expenses include direct and allocated charges of salary and employee benefit costs for the services provided to the Partnership. Verizon Wireless believes such allocations are calculated in accordance with the Partnership agreement and are determined using a reasonable method of allocating such costs (see Note 8). In 2018 and 2017, allocations were principally based on total subscribers; in 2016, allocations were based on total subscribers, the Partnership’s percentage of certain revenue streams, and customer gross additions or minutes-of-use. The impact of the change in allocation factors was insignificant to the consolidated financial statements.

Cost of roaming, included in cost of service, reflects costs incurred by the Partnership when customers associated with the Partnership operate and use a network in a service area not associated with the Partnership. The roaming rates with third-party carriers are based on agreements with such carriers. The roaming rates and methodology to determine roaming costs charged to the Partnership by Verizon Wireless are established by Verizon Wireless on a periodic basis and may not reflect current market rates (see Note 8).

Cost of equipment is recorded upon sale of the related equipment at Verizon Wireless’s cost basis. Inventory is wholly owned by Verizon Wireless until the moment of sale and is not recorded in the consolidated financial statements of the Partnership.

Maintenance and repairs – The cost of maintenance and repairs, including the cost of replacing minor items not constituting substantial betterments, is charged principally to cost of service as these costs are incurred.

Advertising costs –Costs for advertising products and services as well as other promotional and sponsorship costs are allocated from Verizon Wireless and are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses in the periods, in which they are incurred (see Note 8).

Income taxes – The Partnership is treated as a pass-through entity for income tax purposes and, therefore, is not subject to federal, state or local income taxes. Accordingly, no provision has been recorded for income taxes in the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements. The results of operations, including taxable income, gains, losses, deductions and credits, are allocated to and reflected on the income tax returns of the respective partners.

The Partnership files partnership income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and local jurisdictions. The Partnership remains subject to examination by tax authorities for tax years as early as 2015. It is reasonably possible that various current tax examinations will conclude or require reevaluations of the Partnership’s tax positions during this period. An estimate of the range of the possible change cannot be made until these tax matters are further developed or resolved.

Due from affiliate – Due to/from affiliate principally represents the Partnership’s cash position with Verizon Wireless. Verizon Wireless manages, on behalf of the Partnership, all operating, investing and financing activities, of the Partnership. As such, the change in due from affiliate is reflected as an investing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

In addition, cost of equipment and other operating expenses incurred by Verizon Wireless on behalf of the Partnership, as well as property, plant and equipment and wireless license transactions with affiliates, are charged to the Partnership through this account. Interest income on due from affiliate is based on the short term Applicable Federal Rate which was approximately 2.3%, 1.2% and 0.7% for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Interest expense on balances due to affiliate is based on the short-term Applicable Federal Rate of approximately 2.3% in 2018. In previous years, interest expense on due to affiliate balances was based on Verizon Wireless’s average cost of borrowing from Verizon which was approximately 4.7% and 4.8% in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Included in interest income (expense), net is interest income of $12,666, $5,928, and $1,390 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to due to from affiliate. Interest expense of $0, $0, and $2,683 was incurred during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, all of which was capitalized.

Allowance for uncollectible accounts – Accounts receivable are recorded in the consolidated financial statements at cost, net of an allowance for credit losses, with the exception of indirect-channel device payment plan loans. We maintain allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, including our direct-channel device payment plan agreement receivables, for estimated losses resulting from the failure or inability of customers to make required payments. Indirect-channel device payment loans are considered financial instruments and are initially recorded at fair value net of imputed interest, and credit losses are recorded as incurred. However, loan balances are assessed annually for impairment and an allowance is recorded if the loan is considered impaired.

The Partnership’s allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and includes consideration of the credit worthiness and financial condition of those customers. The Partnership records an allowance to reduce the receivables to the amount that is reasonably believed to be collectible. The Partnership also records an allowance for all other receivables based on multiple factors including historical experience with bad debts, the general economic environment and the aging of such receivables. Similar to traditional service revenue accounting treatment, the Partnership records direct device payment plan agreement bad debt expense based on an estimate of the percentage of equipment revenue that will not be collected. This estimate is based on a number of factors including historical write-off experience, credit quality of the customer base and other factors such as macroeconomic conditions. The Partnership monitors the aging of accounts with device payment plan agreement receivables and writes-off account balances if collection efforts are unsuccessful and future collection is unlikely.

S-9

Property, plant and equipment, and depreciation – Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Property, plant and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis.

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated life of the improvement or the remaining term of the related lease, calculated from the time the asset was placed in service.

When depreciable assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are deducted from the property, plant and equipment accounts and any gains or losses on disposition are recognized in income. Transfers of property, plant and equipment between Verizon Wireless and affiliates are recorded at net book value on the date of the transfer with an offsetting entry included in due from affiliate.

Interest associated with the construction of network-related assets is capitalized. Capitalized interest is reported as a reduction in interest expense and depreciated as part of the cost of the network-related assets.

Verizon Wireless continues to assess the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment and though the timing and extent of current deployment plans are subject to ongoing analysis and modification, we believe that the current estimates of useful lives are reasonable.

Other assets – Other assets, net primarily includes beneficial interest and long-term device payment plan agreement receivables, net of allowances of $13,142 and $12,261 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively (see Note 4).

Impairment – All long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If any indications of impairment are present, the Partnership would test for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset group to the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset group. If those net undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying amount, the next step would be to determine the fair value of the asset and record an impairment, if any. The Partnership re-evaluates the useful-life determinations for these long-lived assets each year to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to their remaining useful lives.

Wireless licenses – Wireless licenses provide the Partnership with the exclusive right to utilize the designated radio frequency spectrum to provide wireless communications services. In addition, Verizon Wireless maintains wireless licenses that provide the Partnership with the right to utilize the designated radio frequency spectrum to provide wireless communications services to the Partnership’s customers. While licenses are issued for a fixed time, generally ten years, such licenses are subject to renewal by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). License renewals, which are managed by Verizon Wireless, have historically occurred routinely and at nominal cost. Moreover, Verizon Wireless determined that there are currently no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that limit the useful life of the wireless licenses. As a result, wireless licenses are treated as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. The useful life determination for wireless licenses is re-evaluated each year to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. When evaluating for impairment, Verizon Wireless and the Partnership (to the extent it owns more than one license) aggregate wireless licenses into one single unit of accounting, since they are utilized on an integrated basis.

The average remaining renewal period of the Partnership’s wireless license portfolio was 7.6 years as of December 31, 2018.

Interest expense, if any, incurred while qualifying activities are performed to ready wireless licenses for their intended use is capitalized as part of wireless licenses. The capitalization period ends when the development is discontinued or substantially complete and the license is ready for its intended use.

Verizon Wireless, tests its’ wireless licenses balance for potential impairment annually or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. In 2018, Verizon Wireless performed a quantitative impairment assessment for its aggregate wireless licenses, which consisted of comparing the estimated fair value of its aggregate wireless licenses to the aggregated carrying amount as of the test date.

In 2017 and 2016, Verizon Wireless performed a qualitative impairment assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of aggregate wireless licenses was less than the carrying amount. As part of the assessment, several qualitative factors were considered, including market transactions, the business enterprise value of Verizon Wireless, macroeconomic conditions (including changes in interest rates and discount rates), industry and market considerations (including industry revenue and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) margin projections), the projected financial performance of Verizon Wireless, as well as other factors.

In addition, Verizon Wireless allocates to the Partnership, based on a reasonable methodology, any impairment loss recognized by Verizon Wireless for licenses included in Verizon Wireless’s national footprint. Verizon Wireless’s impairment assessments in 2018, 2017, and 2016 indicated that the fair value of its wireless licenses exceeded the carrying value and, therefore did not result in an impairment.

In 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Partnership also performed a qualitative impairment assessment similar to that described for its aggregate wireless licenses and confirmed the licenses were not impaired.

Financial instruments – The carrying value of the Partnership’s wireless device payment plan agreement receivables and beneficial interest approximates fair value.

S-10

Fair value measurements – Fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The three-tier hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value, which prioritizes the inputs used in the methodologies of measuring fair value for assets and liabilities, is as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

Level 3 - No observable pricing inputs in the market

Financial assets and financial liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their categorization within the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the Partnership did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Distributions – The Partnership is required to make distributions to its partners based upon the Partnership’s operating results, due to/from affiliate status and financing needs as determined by the General Partner at the date of the distribution, which are typically made in arrears.

Variable interest entities (VIEs) – VIEs are entities that lack sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, have equity investors that do not have the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights, do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses or do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. The Partnership consolidates the assets and liabilities of VIEs when it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the party that has the power to make the decisions that most significantly affect the economic performance of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Recently adopted accounting standards – In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This standard update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice for these issues. Among the updates, this standard update requires cash receipts from payments on a transferor’s beneficial interests in securitized trade receivables to be classified as cash inflows from investing activities. This standard update is effective as of the first quarter of 2019; however, early adoption is permitted, and as allowed the Partnership early adopted in the first quarter of 2018. The amendment relating to beneficial interests in securitization transactions impacted the Partnership’s presentation of collections of certain beneficial interest from sales of wireless device payment plan agreement receivables in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon adoption of this standard update in the first quarter of 2018, the Partnership retrospectively reclassified approximately $39,848 and $212,987 of deferred purchase price and beneficial interest collections, respectively, from cash flows from operating activities to cash flows from investing activities in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $81,670 of deferred purchase price for the year ended December 31, 2016.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This standard update, along with related subsequently issued updates, clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for GAAP. The standard update also amends current guidance for the recognition of costs to obtain customer contracts such that incremental costs of obtaining customer contracts are deferred and amortized consistent with the transfer of the related good or service. The standard update intends to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues; improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets; and provide more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements. The Partnership adopted this standard update on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. As this method requires that the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard be recognized at the date of adoption, the Partnership recorded the cumulative effect of $167,646 as an adjustment to the January 1, 2018 opening balance of Partners’ capital.

See Note 3 for additional information related to revenues and contract costs, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures required under Topic 606.

The cumulative effect of the changes made to our consolidated balance sheet for the adoption of Topic 606 was as follows:

(dollars in thousands)	At December 31, 2017	Adjustments due to Topic 606		At January 1, 2018
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	423,285	313		423,598
Prepaid expenses and other	40,916	84,068		124,984
Other assets - net	349,484	59,194		408,678
Contract liabilities and other	174,965	(24,816	)	150,149
Other liabilities	7,841	745		8,586
Partners' capital	4,429,090	167,646		4,596,736

S-11

Recently issued accounting standards–In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This standard update requires that certain financial assets be measured at amortized cost net of an allowance for estimated credit losses such that the net receivable represents the present value of expected cash collection. In addition, this standard update requires that certain financial assets be measured at amortized cost reflecting an allowance for estimated credit losses expected to occur over the life of the assets. The estimate of credit losses must be based on all relevant information including historical information, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the amounts. This standard update is effective as of the first quarter of 2020; however, early adoption is permitted. The Partnership is currently evaluating the impact that this standard update will have on its various financial instruments that include, but are not limited to, device payment plan agreement receivables and service receivables.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This standard update was issued to increase transparency and improve comparability by requiring entities to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases, with certain exceptions. In addition, through improved disclosure requirements, the standard update will enable users of financial statements to further understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This standard update allows for a modified retrospective application and is effective as of the first quarter of 2020; however, early adoption is permitted. Entities are allowed to apply the modified retrospective approach (1) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented in the financial statements with the cumulative-effect adjustment recognized at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented or (2) retrospectively at the beginning of the period of adoption through a cumulative-effect adjustment. The Partnership will adopt this standard on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings recorded at the beginning of the period of adoption. Therefore, upon adoption, the Partnership will recognize and measure leases without revising comparative period information or disclosure. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply.

The Partnership has completed its assessment of the transition practical expedients offered by the standard. These practical expedients lessen the transitional burden of implementing the standard update by not requiring a reassessment of certain conclusions reached under existing lease accounting guidance. Accordingly, we will apply these practical expedients and will not reassess: (1) whether an expired or existing contract is a lease or contains an embedded lease; (2) lease classification of an expired or existing lease; (3) initial direct costs for an existing lease; and (4) whether an existing or expired land easement is or contains a lease if it has not historically been accounted for as a lease. We have identified and implemented a new system solution to meet the requirements of the new standard and have identified and implemented processes and internal controls to meet the standards reporting and disclosure requirements.

Upon adoption of this standard, there will be a significant impact in our consolidated balance sheet as the Partnership expects to recognize a right-of-use asset and liability related to substantially all operating lease arrangements of between $665 million and $765 million. The Partnership’s current operating lease portfolio included in this range is primarily comprised of network equipment including towers, distributed antenna systems and small cells, real estate, and equipment leases. In addition, the Partnership expects a lower amount of lease costs to qualify as initial direct costs under the new standard which will result in an immediate recognition of expense instead of recognition of expense over time.

Subsequent events – Events subsequent to December 31, 2018 have been evaluated through February 22, 2019, the date the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.

S-12

3. REVENUE AND CONTRACT COSTS

The Partnership earns revenue from contracts with customers, primarily through the provision of telecommunications and other services and through the sale of wireless equipment. The Partnership accounts for these revenues under Topic 606, which was adopted on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. Revenue is disaggregated on the consolidated Statements of Income by products and services, which we view as the relevant categorization of revenues for the Partnership. There are also revenues earned that are not accounted for under Topic 606 including from leasing arrangements (such as those for towers), and the interest on equipment financed on a device payment plan agreement when sold to the customer by an authorized agent. During 2018, revenues from arrangements that were not accounted for under Topic 606 were insignificant to the consolidated financial statements.

The Partnership applied the new revenue recognition standard to customer contracts not completed at the date of initial adoption. For incomplete contracts that were modified before the date of adoption, the Partnership elected to use the practical expedient available under the modified retrospective method, which allows us to aggregate the effect of all modifications when identifying satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price and allocating transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations for the modified contract at transition. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while amounts reported for prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under accounting standards in effect for those periods.

Prior to the adoption of Topic 606, we were required to limit the revenue recognized when a wireless device was sold to the amount of consideration that was not contingent on the provision of future services, which was typically limited to the amount of consideration received from the customer at the time of sale. Under Topic 606, the total consideration in the contract is allocated between wireless equipment and service based on their relative standalone selling prices. This change primarily impacts our arrangements that include sales of wireless devices at subsidized prices in conjunction with a fixed-term plan, also known as the subsidy model, for service. Accordingly, under Topic 606, generally more equipment revenue is recognized upon sale of the equipment to the customer and less service revenue is recognized over the contract term than was previously recognized under the prior "Revenue Recognition" (Topic 605) standard. At the time the equipment is sold, this allocation results in the recognition of a contract asset equal to the difference between the amount of revenue recognized and the amount of consideration received from the customer. As of January 2017, we no longer offer consumers new fixed-term plans with subsidized equipment pricing; however, we continue to offer fixed-term plans to our business customers.

Topic 606 also requires the deferral of incremental costs incurred to obtain a customer contract, which are then amortized to expense, as a component of selling, general and administrative expense, over the respective periods of expected benefit. As a result, a significant amount of our sales commission costs, which were historically expensed as incurred under previous accounting, are now deferred and amortized under Topic 606.

Finally, under Topic 605, at the time of the sale of a device, we imputed risk adjusted interest on the device payment plan agreement receivables. We recorded the imputed interest as a reduction to the related accounts receivable and interest income was recognized over the financed device payment term. Under Topic 606, while there continues to be a financing component in both the fixed-term plans and device payment plans, also known as the installment model, we have determined that this financing component for our customer classes in the direct channel is not significant and therefore we no longer impute interest for these contracts. This change results in additional revenue recognized upon the sale of wireless devices and no interest income recognized over the device payment term.

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A reconciliation of the adjustments from the adoption of Topic 606 relative to Topic 605 on certain impacted financial statement line items in our consolidated statement of income and balance sheet were as follows:

	At December 31, 2018
(dollars in thousands)	As reported		Balances without adoption of Topic 606		Adjustments
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Due from affiliate	$	346,326	$	331,618	$	14,708
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	434,399		423,383		11,016
Prepaid expenses and other	177,520		55,387		122,133
OTHER ASSETS NET	369,021		280,809		88,212
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Contract liabilities and other	$	175,863	$	198,085	$	(22,222	)
LONG TERM LIABILITIES:
Other liabilities	29,264		35,443		(6,179		)
PARTNERS' CAPITAL
General Partners' interest	$	1,908,533	$	1,802,744	$	105,789
Limited Partners' interest	2,862,800		2,704,118		158,682

	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
(dollars in thousands)	As reported		Balances without adoption of Topic 606		Adjustments
OPERATING REVENUE:
Service revenues	$	3,766,062	$	3,818,424	$	(52,362	)
Equipment revenues	1,153,954		1,060,106		93,848
Other	275,896		278,334		(2,438		)
Total Operating Revenues	5,195,912		5,156,864		39,048
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Cost of equipment	$	1,212,952	$	1,206,710	$	6,242
Selling, general and administrative	1,095,048		1,159,066		(64,018		)
NET INCOME	$	1,418,597	$	1,321,773	$	96,824

Remaining performance obligations – When allocating the total contract transaction price to identified performance obligations, a portion of the total transaction price may relate to service performance obligations which were not satisfied or are partially satisfied as of the end of the reporting period. Below we disclose information relating to these unsatisfied performance obligations. The Partnership has elected to apply certain practical expedients available under Topic 606, including the option to exclude the expected revenues arising from unsatisfied performance obligations related to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less, which primarily relate to certain month-to-month service contracts.

Additionally, certain contracts provide customers the option to purchase additional services. The fee related to the additional services is recognized when the customer exercises the option (typically on a month-to-month basis).

Customer contracts are generally either month-to-month and cancellable at any time (typically under a device payment plan) or contain terms greater than one month (typically under a fixed-term plan). Additionally, customers may incur charges based on usage or may purchase additional optional services in conjunction with entering into a contract which can be cancelled at any time and therefore are not included in the transaction price. When a service contract is longer than one month, the service contract term will generally be two years or less.

The customers also include other telecommunications companies who utilize Verizon Wireless’s network to resell wireless service to their respective end customers. Reseller arrangements occur on a month-to-month basis or include a stated contract term, which generally extends longer than two years. Arrangements with a stated contract term generally include an annual minimum revenue

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commitment over the term of the contract for which revenues will be recognized in future periods.

At December 31, 2018, the transaction price related to unsatisfied performance obligations expected to be recognized for 2019, 2020 and thereafter was $445,832, $162,829 and insignificant, respectively.

Accounts receivable and contract balances – The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the time of billing to the customers. Receivables presented in the consolidated balance sheet represent an unconditional right to consideration. Contract balances represent amounts from an arrangement when either the Partnership has performed, by transferring goods or services to the customer in advance of receiving all or partial consideration for such goods and services from the customer, or the customer has made payment to the Partnership in advance of obtaining control of the goods and/or services promised to the customer in the contract.

Contract assets primarily relate to the Partnership’s rights to consideration for goods or services provided to the customers but for which there is not an unconditional right at the reporting date. Under a fixed-term plan, the total contract revenue is allocated between wireless services and equipment revenues, as discussed above. In conjunction with these arrangements, a contract asset is created, which represents the difference between the amount of equipment revenue recognized upon sale and the amount of consideration received from the customer. The contract asset is recognized as accounts receivable as wireless services are provided and billed. The Partnership has the right to bill the customer as service is provided over time, which results in the right to the payment being unconditional. The contract asset balances are presented in the consolidated balance sheet as prepaid expenses and other and other assets - net. The Partnership assesses the contract assets for impairment on an annual basis and will recognize an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount is not recoverable. The impairment charge related to contract assets was insignificant for the year ended December 31, 2018. The December 31, 2018 contract asset balance included increases throughout the year resulting from new contracts offset by contract assets reclassified to a receivable and insignificant other changes.

Contract liabilities arise when customers are billed and the Partnership receives consideration in advance of providing the goods or services promised in the contract. The majority of the contract liability at January 1, 2018 was recognized during 2018 as these contract liabilities primarily relate to advanced billing for fixed monthly fees for service that are recognized within the following month. Other insignificant contract liabilities include deferrals of upfront fees that are recognized straight line over the contract term or material right period. The contract liability balances are presented in the consolidated balance sheet as contract liabilities and other and other liabilities.

The balance of receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities recorded in our consolidated balance sheet were as follows:

(dollars in thousands)	At January 1, 2018		At December 31, 2018
Receivables(1)	$	211,388	$	206,856
Device payment plan agreement receivables(2)	1,678		162,619
Contract assets	46,964		41,193
Contract liabilities	148,797		178,905

(1) Balances do not include receivables related to the following contracts: leasing arrangements (such as towers) and the interest on equipment financed on a device payment plan agreement when sold to the customer by an authorized agent.

(2) Included in device payment plan agreement receivables presented in Note 4. Balances do not include receivables related to contracts completed prior to January 1, 2018 and receivables derived from the sale of equipment on a device payment plan through an authorized agent.

Contract costs – As discussed in Note 2, Topic 606 requires the recognition of an asset for incremental costs to obtain a customer contract, which are then amortized to expense, over the respective periods of expected benefit. The Partnership recognizes a contract asset for incremental deferred commission expenses paid to internal sales personnel and agents in conjunction with obtaining customer contracts, as well as a contract asset for incremental deferred commission expense paid to affiliated markets when customers purchase equipment from affiliated markets. The costs are only deferred when it is determined the commissions are, in fact, incremental and would not have been incurred absent the customer contract. Costs to obtain a contract are amortized and recorded ratably as commission expense over the period representing the transfer of goods or services to which the assets relate. Costs to obtain contracts are amortized over two to three years, as such costs are typically incurred each time a customer upgrades.

We determine the amortization periods for our costs incurred to obtain a customer contract at a portfolio level due to the similarities within these customer contract portfolios.

Other costs, such as general costs or costs related to past performance obligations, are expensed as incurred.

Deferred contract costs are classified as current or non-current within prepaid expenses and other assets, respectively. The balances of deferred contract costs as of December 31, 2018, included in our consolidated balance sheet were as follows:

(dollars in thousands)	2018
Prepaid expenses	$	99,062
Other assets	70,062
Total	$	169,124

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For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Partnership recognized expense of $97,782 associated with the amortization of deferred contract costs, primarily within selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income.

The Partnership assesses deferred contract costs for impairment on an annual basis. An impairment charge is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of a deferred cost exceeds the remaining amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for the goods and services related to the cost, less the expected costs related directly to providing those goods and services that have not yet been recognized as expenses. There have been no impairment charges recognized for the year ended December 31, 2018.

4. WIRELESS DEVICEPAYMENTPLANS

Under the Verizon Wireless device payment program, eligible Partnership customers can purchase wireless devices under a device payment plan agreement. Customers that activate service on devices purchased under the device payment program pay lower service fees as compared to those under fixed-term service plans, and their device payment plan charge is included on their wireless monthly bill. As of January 2017, the Partnership no longer offers consumers new fixed-term service plans for phones; however, the Partnership continues to offer fixed-term plans to business customers.

Wireless device payment plan agreement receivables– The following table displays device payment plan agreement receivables, net, that are recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

	2018			2017
Device payment plan agreement receivables, gross	$	332,680		$	311,677
Unamortized imputed interest	(7,196		)	(15,430		)
Device payment plan agreement receivables, net of unamortized imputed interest	325,484			296,247
Allowance for credit losses	(24,869		)	(33,897		)
Device payment plan agreement receivables, net	$	300,615		$	262,350
Classified on the consolidated balance sheets:
Accounts receivable, net	$	159,289		$	140,895
Other assets, net	141,326			121,455
Device payment plan agreement receivables, net	$	300,615		$	262,350

Verizon Wireless may offer certain promotions that allow a customer to trade in their owned device in connection with the purchase of a new device. Under these types of promotions, the customer receives a credit for the value of the trade-in device. In addition, Verizon Wireless may provide the customer with additional future credits that will be applied against the customer’s monthly bill as long as service is maintained. The Partnership recognizes a liability for the trade-in device measured at fair value, which is determined by considering several factors, including the weighted-average selling prices obtained in recent resales of similar devices eligible for trade-in. Future credits are recognized when earned by the customer. Device payment plan agreement receivables, net does not reflect the trade-in device liability. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the amount of trade-in liability was insignificant to the consolidated financial statements.

From time to time, customers may be offered certain marketing promotions that allow customers to upgrade to a new device after paying down a specified portion of the required device payment plan agreement amount as well as trading in their device in good working order. When a customer enters into a device payment plan agreement with the right to upgrade to a new device, the Partnership accounts for this trade-in right as a guarantee obligation. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the amount of the trade-in right guarantee obligation was insignificant to the consolidated financial statements.

For indirect channel contracts with customers, we impute risk adjusted interest on the device payment plan agreement receivables. We record the imputed interest as a reduction to the related accounts receivable. Interest income, which is included within other revenue in the consolidated statements of income, is recognized over the financed device payment term. See Note 3 for additional information on financing considerations with respect to direct channel contracts with customers.

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When originating device payment plan agreements, Verizon Wireless uses internal and external data sources to create a credit risk score to measure the credit quality of a customer and to determine eligibility for the device payment program. If a customer is either new to Verizon Wireless or has less than 210 days of customer tenure (a new customer), the credit decision process relies more heavily on external data sources. If the customer has 210 days or more of customer tenure (an existing customer), the credit decision process relies on internal data sources. The Partnership’s experience has been that the payment attributes of longer-tenured customers are highly predictive in estimating their ability to pay in the future. External data sources include obtaining a credit report from a national consumer credit reporting agency, if available. Internal data and/or credit data obtained from the credit reporting agencies is used to create a custom credit risk score. The custom credit risk score is generated automatically (except with respect to a small number of applications where the information needs manual intervention) from the applicant’s credit data using Verizon Wireless proprietary custom credit models, which are empirically derived and demonstrably and statistically sound. The credit risk score measures the likelihood that the potential customer will become severely delinquent and be disconnected for non-payment. For a small portion of new customer applications, a traditional credit report is not available from one of the national credit reporting agencies because the potential customer does not have sufficient credit history. In those instances, alternate credit data is used for the risk assessment.

Based on the custom credit risk score, we assign each customer to a credit class, each of which has specified offers of credit including an account level spending limit and either a maximum amount of credit allowed per device or a required down payment percentage. During the fourth quarter of 2018 the Partnership moved all customers, new and existing, from a required down payment percentage, between zero and 100%, to a maximum amount of credit per device.

Subsequent to origination, the Partnership monitors delinquency and write-off experience as key credit quality indicators for its portfolio of device payment plan agreement receivables and fixed-term service plans. The extent of collection efforts with respect to a particular customer are based on the results of proprietary custom empirically derived internal behavioral-scoring models that analyze the customer’s past performance to predict the likelihood of the customer falling further delinquent. These customer-scoring models assess a number of variables, including origination characteristics, customer account history and payment patterns. Based on the score derived from these models, accounts are grouped by risk category to determine the collection strategy to be applied to such accounts. The Partnership continuously monitors collection performance results and the credit quality of device payment plan agreement receivables based on a variety of metrics, including aging. The Partnership considers an account to be delinquent and in default status if there are unpaid charges remaining on the account on the day after the bill’s due date.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the balance and aging of the device payment plan agreement receivables on a gross basis was as follows:

	2018		2017
Unbilled	$	317,307	$	292,834
Billed:
Current	12,270		15,500
Past Due	3,103		3,343
Device payment plan agreement receivables, gross	$	332,680	$	311,677

Activity in the allowance for credit losses for the device payment plan agreement receivables was as follows:

	2018			2017
Balance at January 1	$	33,897		$	36,026
Provision for uncollectible accounts	23,932			42,873
Write-offs	(21,035		)	(40,181		)
Allowance related to receivables sold	(16,803		)	(3,800		)
Other	4,878			(1,021		)
Balance at December 31	$	24,869		$	33,897

Receivables purchase agreement– In 2015 and 2016, Verizon Wireless established programs pursuant to a Receivables Purchase Agreement (original RPA), to sell from time to time, on an uncommitted basis, eligible device payment plan agreement receivables to a group of primarily relationship banks (Purchasers) on both a revolving and non-revolving basis, collectively the Programs. Under the Programs, Los Angeles SMSA would transfer the eligible receivables to Los Angeles Edge (Seller or SPE), who would transfer the device payment plan agreement receivables to the Purchasers for upfront cash proceeds and additional consideration upon settlement of the receivables, referred to as the deferred purchase price. In December 2017, the original RPA and all other related transaction documents were terminated and as of December 31, 2017 neither Verizon Wireless nor the Los Angeles SMSA have continuing involvement with any of the receivables sold under the original RPA program.

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There were no sales of device payment plan agreement receivables under the Programs during 2017. During 2016, the Partnership sold $178,981 of receivables, net of allowance and imputed interest, under the original RPA. The Partnership received cash proceeds from new transfers of $132,483 and cash proceeds from reinvested collections of $36,855 and recorded a deferred purchase price of $23,873. The deferred purchase price assets obtained as a result of sales under the original RPA were recorded in our consolidated balance sheets as an other asset at fair value, based on the remaining device payment amounts expected to be collected, adjusted, as applicable, for the time value of money and by the timing and estimated value of the device trade-in in connection with upgrades. The estimated value of the device trade-in considered prices expected to be offered to the Partnership by independent third parties. This estimate contemplated changes in value after the launch of a device. The fair value measurements were considered to be Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The collection of the deferred purchase price was contingent on collections from customers.

The sales of receivables under the original RPA did not have a significant impact on our consolidated statements of income. The cash proceeds received from the Purchasers were recorded within Cash flows provided by operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Collections of deferred purchase price were $86,009 during 2017, and $83,453 during 2016. During 2017, Verizon Wireless repurchased all outstanding receivables previously sold to the Purchasers in exchange for the obligation to pay the associated deferred purchase price to the wholly-owned subsidiaries that are bankruptcy remote special purpose entities (Sellers). At December 31, 2017, the deferred purchase price receivable was fully satisfied. Collections following the repurchase of receivables was $9,331 during 2018, and insignificant during 2017. Collections of both deferred purchase price and repurchased receivables were recorded within cash flows used in investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Asset Backed Securities – Beginning in September of 2016, Verizon Wireless (through its affiliates) has and continues to offer notes and enter into financing facilities collateralized by device payment plan agreement receivables (collectively, “Asset Backed Securities” or “ABS” arrangements) with a number of financial institutions, and through registered debt. In connection with these ABS arrangements, Los Angeles SMSA transfers device payment plan receivables to a Trust entity through a two-step transfer - in which Los Angeles SMSA first sells eligible device payment plan receivables to Verizon ABS LLC, a securitization SPE wholly owned and consolidated by Verizon Wireless pursuant to a Receivable Purchase Agreement (RPA), and from Verizon ABS LLC to a designated Trust entity (also wholly owned and consolidated by Verizon Wireless). Los Angeles SMSA has also entered into Transfer and Servicing Agreements with the Verizon ABS LLC and Verizon Wireless governing the ongoing servicing of the receivables after their sale to Verizon ABS LLC.

The receivables sold to the Trust entities through this two step transfer are no longer considered assets of the Partnership. The proceeds received from the ABS arrangements are recorded within cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Under the terms of the ABS arrangements, the lenders make advances under asset-backed loans backed by device payment plan agreement receivables. There is a two year revolving period, which may be extended, during which Verizon Wireless may transfer additional receivables to Verizon ABS LLC. Subject to certain conditions, Verizon Wireless may also remove receivables from Verizon ABS LLC. Verizon Wireless may prepay the outstanding amounts of the loans without penalty, but in certain cases, with breakage costs. In such instances, as a result of the True-up Trust agreements between Verizon Wireless, Los Angeles SMSA, and the other Verizon legal entities originating device payment plan receivables (collectively, the “Originators”), each Originator is required to contribute a proportional portion of the prepayment based on its respective share of the debt. In consideration for any such prepayment contributions, the Partnership receives additional beneficial interest in the sold receivables. Additionally, the Partnership may receive repayments of beneficial interest in the form of proportional draw downs as well as excess cash collections.The Partnership collections on beneficial interest - net are recorded within cash flows from investing activities on the Partnership’s consolidated statement of cash flows.

During 2018, 2017 and 2016, Verizon Wireless sold $830,795, $706,729 and $389,800, respectively, of device payment plan agreement receivables related to the Partnership, net of allowances and imputed interest, to Verizon ABS LLC, and received proceeds of $358,148, $368,238 and $331,454 respectively, beneficial interest and insignificant gains and losses. The Partnership recorded a short-term beneficial interest of $43,684 in prepaid expenses and other for 2018, none in 2017 or 2016, as well as a long-term beneficial interest of $138,074, $174,077 and $56,359 for 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, which was recorded within other assets - net on the consolidated balance sheets.

Variable interest entities (VIEs)– Under the ABS arrangements, the Trust’s sole business consists of holding collected receivables that are sold by the Partnership to Verizon Wireless affiliates under the terms of the ABS arrangements. The activity of servicing the receivables and distribution of the cash collected is the activity that has the most significant impact on the Trust. Verizon Wireless is the master and special servicer for the receivables but does not have a direct variable interest in the Trust. The Partnership holds a beneficial interest in the Trust, which represents the residual interest in the Trust and, as such are, variable interests. Since Verizon Wireless maintains decision making rights as servicer and has an obligation to absorb losses, it is the primary beneficiary in the Trust.

Beneficial interest–Under the ABS arrangements, the beneficial interest is initially recorded at fair value, based on the remaining device payment amounts expected to be collected, adjusted, as applicable, for the time value of money and credit risk. The initial fair value measurements are considered to be Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The collection of the beneficial interest is contingent on collections from customers.

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Continuing involvement – Verizon Wireless has continuing involvement with the sold receivables as it services the receivables pursuant to the ABS arrangements on behalf of the Partnership. Verizon Wireless services the related receivables, including facilitating customer payment collection in exchange of an insignificant servicing fee. While servicing the receivables, the same policies and procedures are applied to the sold receivables that apply to owned receivables, and the Partnership continues to maintain normal relationships with its customers. The credit quality of the customers Verizon Wireless continues to service was consistent throughout the periods presented.

In addition, the Partnership has continuing involvement related to the sold receivables as the Partnership is responsible for absorbing additional credit losses pursuant to the agreements. Credit losses on receivables sold were $17,359 during 2018, $11,176 during 2017 and insignificant to the consolidated financial statements during 2016. The Partnership’s maximum exposure to loss related to the sold receivables is limited to the amount of the outstanding beneficial interest, which was $181,757 and $174,077 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The maximum exposure to loss represents an estimated loss that would be incurred under severe, hypothetical circumstances whereby the Partnership would not receive the total portion of the proceeds withheld by the Trust. As the Partnership believes the probability of these circumstances occurring is remote, the maximum exposure to loss is not an indication of the Partnership’s expected loss.

The outstanding device payment plan agreement receivables derecognized from the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets, but which Verizon Wireless continues to service, was $690,576 and $629,686 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

	2018			2017
Land	$	7,716		$	7,716
Buildings and improvements (15-45 years)	1,108,936			1,031,746
Wireless plant and equipment (3-50 years)	4,084,825			4,383,737
Furniture, fixtures and equipment (3-10 years)	58,986			62,653
Leasehold improvements (5-7 years)	494,914			466,657
	5,755,377			5,952,509
Less: accumulated depreciation	(3,756,839		)	(4,016,471		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,998,538		$	1,936,038

Capitalized network engineering costs of $28,812 and $23,414, were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Construction in progress, included in certain classifications shown above, principally consisting of wireless plant and equipment, and amounted to $156,637 and $122,335, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Depreciation expense of $369,869, $355,692 and $354,329 was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017and 2016, respectively.

6. TOWER MONETIZATION TRANSACTION

During March 2015, Verizon completed a transaction with American Tower Corporation (ATC), pursuant to which, ATC acquired exclusive rights to lease and operate approximately 11,300 of Verizon Wireless’s wireless towers and corresponding ground leases for an upfront payment of $5.0 billion (not in thousands). Under the terms of the lease agreements, ATC has exclusive rights to lease and operate the towers over an average term of approximately 28 years. As the ATC leases expire, ATC has fixed-price purchase options to acquire these towers based on their fair market values at the end of the lease terms. Verizon Wireless has subleased capacity on the towers from ATC for a minimum of ten years at current market rates, with options to renew. The Partnership participated in this arrangement and has leased 538 towers to ATC for an upfront payment of $221,653, which was accounted for as deferred rent and as a financing obligation. The $95,634 accounted for as deferred rent represents unearned rental income and relates to the portion of the towers for which the right-of-use has passed to ATC. The deferred rent is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the Partnership’s average lease term of 30 years. The $126,635 accounted for as a financing obligation relates to the portion of the towers that continue to be occupied and used for the Partnership’s network operations. The Partnership makes a sublease payment to ATC of $1.9 per month per site, with annual increases of 2%. During 2018, 2017, and 2016, the Partnership made $12,914, $13,426 and $12,498, respectively, of sublease payments to ATC, which are recorded as repayments of financing obligation on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Partnership continues to include the towers in property, plant and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheets and depreciates them accordingly. In addition, the minimum future payments for the ground leases of approximately $227,408 have been included in our operating lease commitments. As part of the rights obtained during the transaction, ATC is responsible for the payment of the leases, and we do not expect to be required to make payments unless ATC becomes unable to do so.

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the balance of deferred rent was $84,944 and $85,618, respectively. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the balance of the financing obligation was $125,053 and $124,244, respectively.

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7. CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

	2018		2017
Accounts payable	$	130,669	$	144,549
Accrued liabilities	12,137		13,550
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	142,806	$	158,099

Contract liabilities and other consists of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

	2018		2017
Contract liabilities	$	160,626	$	145,795
Customer deposits	14,737		26,693
Guarantee liability, net	500		2,477
Contract liabilities and other	$	175,863	$	174,965

8. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND RELATED PARTIES

In addition to fixed-asset purchases, substantially all of service revenues, equipment revenues, other revenues, cost of service, cost of equipment and selling, general and administrative expenses of the Partnership represent transactions processed by Verizon Wireless, on behalf of the Partnership, or represent transactions with affiliates. These transactions consist of: (1) revenues and expenses that pertain to the Partnership, which are processed by Verizon Wireless and directly attributed to or directly charged to the Partnership; (2) roaming revenue when customers of Verizon Wireless use the network of the Partnership or roaming cost when the Partnership’s customers use the network of Verizon Wireless; (3) certain revenues and expenses that are processed or incurred by Verizon Wireless, that are allocated to the Partnership principally based on total subscribers in 2018 and 2017 and based on factors such as total subscribers, the Partnership’s percentage of revenue streams, and gross customer additions or minutes of use in 2016; and (4) service arrangements with Verizon Wireless where the Partnership has the ability to utilize certain spectrum. These transactions do not necessarily represent arm’s-length transactions and may not represent all revenues and costs that would be present if the Partnership operated on a stand-alone basis. Verizon Wireless periodically reviews the methodology and allocation bases for allocating certain revenues, operating costs and selling, general and administrative expenses to the Partnership. Resulting changes, if any, in the allocated amounts have historically not been significant, other than the roaming revenue and cost impacts discussed below.

Service revenues – Service revenues include monthly customer billings processed by Verizon Wireless on behalf of the Partnership and roaming revenues relating to customers of other affiliated markets that are specifically identified to the Partnership. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, roaming revenues were $527,038, $510,521, and $486,262, respectively. During 2017, Verizon Wireless updated its roaming rates and methodology for determining roaming volumes charged for postpaid, prepaid and reseller roaming revenue, resulting in a net decrease of $145,797 in roaming revenue as compared to prior periods. Service revenues also include usage and certain revenue reductions, including revenue concessions and bill incentive credits, that are processed by Verizon Wireless, and allocated to the Partnership based on certain factors deemed appropriate by Verizon Wireless.

Equipment revenues – Equipment revenues include equipment sales processed by Verizon Wireless and specifically identified to the Partnership, as well as certain handset and accessory revenues, contra-revenues including equipment concessions, and equipment manufacturer rebates that are processed by Verizon Wireless and allocated to the Partnership based on certain factors deemed appropriate by Verizon Wireless. The Partnership also recognizes commission revenue on the sale of devices to customers whose service contract is with an affiliate market.

Cost of service – Cost of service includes roaming costs relating to the Partnership’s customers roaming in other affiliated markets. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 roaming costs were $651,083, $637,264, and $619,985, respectively. During 2017, Verizon Wireless updated its roaming rates and methodology for determining roaming amounts charged for postpaid, prepaid and reseller roaming cost, resulting in a net decrease of $182,169 to roaming cost as compared to prior periods. Cost of service also includes cost of telecom and long-distance that are incurred by Verizon Wireless and allocated to the Partnership based on certain factors deemed appropriate by Verizon Wireless. The Partnership also has service arrangements to utilize additional spectrum owned by Verizon Wireless. See Notes 2 and 9 for further information regarding these arrangements.

Cost of equipment – Cost of equipment is recorded at Verizon Wireless’s cost basis (see Note 2). Cost of equipment includes certain costs related to handsets, accessories and other costs incurred by Verizon Wireless and allocated to the Partnership based on certain factors deemed appropriate by Verizon Wireless.

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Selling, general and administrative – Selling, general and administrative expenses include commissions, customer billing, customer care, and salaries that are specifically identified to the Partnership, as well as costs incurred by Verizon Wireless and allocated to the Partnership based on certain factors deemed appropriate by Verizon Wireless. The Partnership was allocated $94,132, $100,183, and $113,300 in advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Property, plant and equipment – Property, plant and equipment includes assets purchased by Verizon Wireless and directly charged to the Partnership as well as assets transferred between Verizon Wireless and the Partnership (see Note 2).

9. COMMITMENTS

Verizon Wireless, on behalf of the Partnership, and the Partnership itself have entered into operating leases for facilities and equipment used in their operations. Lease contracts include renewal options that include rent payment adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index, as well as annual and end-of-lease term adjustments. Rent expense is recorded on a straight-line basis. The noncancellable lease term used to calculate the amount of the straight-line rent expense is generally determined to be the initial lease term, including any optional renewal terms that are reasonably assured of occurring. Leasehold improvements related to these operating leases are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the noncancellable lease term. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Partnership incurred a total of $147,944, $134,337 and $125,754 respectively, of rent expense related to these operating leases, which is included in cost of service and selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of income depending on the nature of the facility and equipment.

Aggregate future minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating leases, excluding renewal options that are not reasonably assured of occurring, for the years shown are as follows:

Years	Amount
2019	$	140,933
2020	120,811
2021	101,862
2022	85,934
2023	72,359
2024 and thereafter	406,711
Total minimum payments	$	928,610

The Partnership has also entered into certain agreements with Verizon Wireless to utilize certain spectrum from Verizon Wireless that overlaps the Los Angeles metropolitan statistical area. Total expense under these spectrum service arrangements amounted to $126,288 in 2018, $125,608 in 2017, and $124,943 in 2016 which is included in cost of service in the consolidated statements of income.

Based on the terms of these service arrangements as of December 31, 2018, future spectrum service arrangement obligations to Verizon Wireless are as follows:

Years	Amount
2019	$	116,359
2020	106,439
2021	106,996
2022	107,562
2023	108,138
2024 and thereafter	867,690
Total minimum payments	$	1,413,184

S-21

10. CONTINGENCIES

Verizon Wireless and the Partnership are subject to lawsuits and other claims, including class actions, product liability, patent infringement, intellectual property, antitrust, partnership disputes and claims involving relations with resellers and agents. Verizon Wireless is also currently defending lawsuits filed against it and other participants in the wireless industry, alleging various adverse effects as a result of wireless phone usage. Various consumer class-action lawsuits allege that Verizon Wireless violated certain state consumer-protection laws and other statutes and defrauded customers through misleading billing practices or statements. These matters may involve indemnification obligations by third parties and/or affiliated parties covering all or part of any potential damage awards against Verizon Wireless and the Partnership and/or insurance coverage. All of the above matters are subject to many uncertainties, and the outcomes are not currently predictable.

The Partnership may incur or be allocated a portion of the damages that may result upon adjudication of these matters if the claimants prevail in their actions. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Partnership had no accrual for any pending matters. An estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss with respect to these matters as of December 31, 2018 cannot be made at this time due to various factors typical in contested proceedings, including: (1) uncertain damage theories and demands; (2) a less-than-complete, factual record; (3) uncertainty concerning legal theories and their resolution by courts or regulators and (4) the unpredictable nature of the opposing party and its demands. Verizon Wireless and the Partnership continuously monitor these proceedings as they develop and will adjust any accrual or disclosure as needed. It is not expected that the ultimate resolution of any pending regulatory or legal matter in future periods will have a material effect on the financial condition of the Partnership, but it could have a material effect on the results of operations for a given reporting period.

S-22

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION
By:	/s/ Kenneth R. Meyers
	Kenneth R. Meyers President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)
By:	/s/ Steven T. Campbell
	Steven T. Campbell Executive Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (principal financial officer)
By:	/s/ Douglas W. Chambers
	Douglas W. Chambers Chief Accounting Officer (principal accounting officer)
By:	/s/ Jeffrey S. Hoersch
	Jeffrey S. Hoersch Vice President and Controller

Dated: February 22, 2019

Power of Attorney

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr. as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place, and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do so and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all the said attorney-in fact and agent or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature	Title	Date
/s/ LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.	Director	February 22, 2019
LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.
/s/ Kenneth R. Meyers	Director	February 22, 2019
Kenneth R. Meyers
/s/ Steven T. Campbell	Director	February 22, 2019
Steven T. Campbell
/s/ Walter C. D. Carlson	Director	February 22, 2019
Walter C. D. Carlson
/s/ J. Samuel Crowley	Director	February 22, 2019
J. Samuel Crowley
/s/ Ronald E. Daly	Director	February 22, 2019
Ronald E. Daly
/s/ Harry J. Harczak, Jr.	Director	February 22, 2019
Harry J. Harczak, Jr.
/s/ Gregory P. Josefowicz	Director	February 22, 2019
Gregory P. Josefowicz
/s/ Peter L. Sereda	Director	February 22, 2019
Peter L. Sereda
/s/ Cecelia D. Stewart	Director	February 22, 2019
Cecelia D. Stewart
/s/ Kurt B. Thaus	Director	February 22, 2019
Kurt B. Thaus

EX-4.3(B)

Exhibit 4.3(b)

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT - TECHNICAL

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT - TECHNICAL (this "Amendment"), is entered into as of January 30, 2019 among UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), the other Loan Parties party hereto, and TORONTO DOMINION (TEXAS) LLC, as Administrative Agent.

R E C I T A L S:

A.    The Borrower, the Lenders, the Swing Line Lender, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent entered into that certain Credit Agreement dated as of May 10, 2018 (as consented to by the Limited Consent to Credit Agreement dated as of December 19, 2018 and as amended, restated or substituted from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"). Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement.

B.    The Administrative Agent and the Borrower have jointly identified a mistake in Section 7.02(c) of the Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the last paragraph of Section 10.01 of the Agreement, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent now desire to modify the Agreement to cure such mistake, subject to the performance and observance in full of each of the covenants, terms and conditions and in reliance upon all of the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties, set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants, terms and conditions, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties, in each case contained herein, the parties hereto agree hereby as follows:

ARTICLE I

Section 1.01    AMENDMENT TO SECTION 7.02.Section 7.02(c) of the Credit Agreement is amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

(c)    in addition to Investments permitted by subsections (a) and (b) preceding, Investments of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in any Subsidiary (except Investments pursuant to this subsection (c) in a Securitization Entity and any of its Subsidiaries are not permitted unless such Investments are made during a Guaranty Release Period) so long as in each case such Investments are (i) made in the ordinary course of business to fund operating expenses of such Subsidiary (including, without limitation, purchases of inventory in the ordinary course of business and capital expenditures incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices but only to the extent they are Ordinary Capital Expenditures) and (ii) consistent with past practices of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing shall permit intercompany obligations, including intercompany loans, incurred in the ordinary course of business by and among the Borrower or any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower, on the one hand, and any other wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower, on the other hand, in each case only to the extent arising from time to time in connection with any Receivables Securitization otherwise permitted under this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

Section 2.01    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; NO EVENT OF DEFAULT. By its execution and delivery hereof, each Loan Party represents and warrants that, as of the date hereof:

(a)    the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties contained in Article V of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document furnished in connection herewith or therewith, shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, to the extent any such representation or warranty is qualified as to "materiality" or "Material Adverse Effect" shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the Amendment Effective Date (as defined below), after giving effect to the amendments contemplated in this Amendment as if such representations and warranties were being made on and as of the Amendment Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 of the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01 of the Credit Agreement;

(b)    no event has occurred and is continuing which constitutes a Default;

(c)    (i) each Loan Party has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Amendment, (ii) this Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party, and (iii) this Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is a party thereto in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other applicable laws relating to or affecting generally the enforcement of creditors' rights and except to the extent that availability of the remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought;

(d)    the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, and the consummation of any transactions contemplated herein or therein, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not and will not (i) contravene any material term of any of such Person's Organization Documents; (ii) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (A) any Contractual Obligation, including, but not limited to, any bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments, to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (B) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (iii) violate any applicable law to which such Person is subject, except in each case referred to in subsections (ii) and (iii) above to the extent that any such conflict, breach, contravention, creation, requirement or violation could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(e)    no approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, any Loan Party of this Amendment other than those already obtained or performed; and

(f)    the Organization Documents of the Loan Parties and the resolutions of such Loan Parties attached to the officer's certificate most recently delivered to the Administrative Agent have not been modified or rescinded and remain in full force and effect.

ARTICLE III

Section 3.01    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EFFECTIVENESS. The parties hereto agree that this Amendment shall not be effective until the satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent:

(a)    the Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of this Amendment duly completed, executed and delivered by the Borrower and the other Loan Parties;

(b)    the Administrative Agent shall receive evidence of concurrent consummation of a related amendment among Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, which shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent;

(c)    the Administrative Agent shall receive evidence of concurrent consummation of a related amendment among the Borrower, and CoBank, ACB, as administrative agent, which shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent;

(d)    the Administrative Agent shall have received payment of all reasonable and invoiced out‑of‑pocket fees and expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable and invoiced fees, charges and disbursements of a single counsel for the Administrative Agent in reasonable detail, and one local counsel in each relevant jurisdiction), in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Amendment; and

(e)    each of the representations and warranties made in this Amendment shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, to the extent any such representation or warranty is qualified as to "materiality" or "Material Adverse Effect" shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the Amendment Effective Date (as defined below), both before and after giving effect to the amendments contemplated by this Amendment as if such representations and warranties were being made on and as of the Amendment Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 of the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01 of the Credit Agreement.

ARTICLE IV

Section 4.01    MISCELLANEOUS.

(a)    RATIFICATION OF LOAN DOCUMENTS. Except for the specific amendments, releases, consents and waivers expressly set forth in this Amendment, the terms, provisions, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment shall not in any manner operate as a waiver of, consent to or amendment of any other term, provision, condition or covenant of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.

(b)    AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE. This Amendment shall become effective when the Administrative Agent has received counterparts of this Amendment executed by the Borrower, the other Loan Parties, and the Administrative Agent and each of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3.01 in this Amendment has been satisfied (the "Amendment Effective Date"), whether or not this Amendment has been executed and delivered by each and every Lender named on a signature pages attached hereto.

(c)    REFERENCES TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT. Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, each reference in the Credit Agreement to "this Agreement", "hereunder" or in any other Loan Document to the "Credit Agreement" or "thereunder", or words of like import shall mean and be a reference to the Credit Agreement, as affected and amended hereby.

(d)    EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS. This Amendment may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Amendment by facsimile or other electronic imaging means (e.g. "pdf" or "tif") shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Amendment.

(e)    GOVERNING LAW; BINDING EFFECT. THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. This Amendment shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

(f)    HEADINGS. Section headings in this Amendment are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Amendment for any other purpose.

(g)    TIME OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essence of this Amendment and the Loan Documents.

(h)    LOAN DOCUMENT.This Amendment is a Loan Document and subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement.

(i)    ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THIS AMENDMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES.

REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers effective as of the Amendment Effective Date.

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION
By:	/s/ Steven T. Campbell
	Steven T. Campbell
	Executive Vice President - Finance, Chief Financial Officers and Treasurer
By:	/s/ Peter L. Sereda
	Peter L. Sereda
	Authorized Representative, and Senior Vice President - Finance of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., Parent Company of United States Cellular Corporation
USCC FINANCIAL L.L.C
USCC SERVICES, LLC
USCC PURCHASE, LLC
HARDY CELLULAR TELEPHONE COMPANY
USCC FIRST RESPONDER, INC.
IOWA RSA #3, INC.
IOWA RSA #12, INC.
MCDANIEL CELLULAR TELEPHONE COMPANY
USCC WIRELESS INVESTMENT, INC.
USCOC OF OREGON RSA #5, INC.
USCOC OF WASHINGTON-4, INC.
UNITED STATES CELLULAR INVESTMENT COMPANY, LLC
By:	/s/ Steven T. Campbell
	Steven T. Campbell
	Vice President and Treasurer
VERMONT RSA NO. 2-B2, INC.
By:	/s/ Steven T. Campbell
	Steven T. Campbell
	President and Treasurer
CELLVEST, INC.
By:	/s/ Peter L. Sereda
	Peter L. Sereda
	Treasurer
USCOC OF JACK/WIL, INC.
By:	/s/ Steven T. Campbell
	Steven T. Campbell
	Vice President and Treasurer

TORONTO DOMINION (TEXAS) LLC, as Administrative Agent
By:	/s/ Alice Mare
Name:	Alice Mare
Title	Authorized Signatory

EX-4.6(C)

Exhibit 4.6(c)

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT - TECHNICAL

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT - TECHNICAL (this "Second Amendment"), is entered into as of January 30, 2019 among UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), the other Loan Parties party hereto, and COBANK, ACB, as Administrative Agent.

R E C I T A L S:

A.    The Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders have entered into that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2016 (as amended by that certain First Amendment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2018, and as further amended, modified, supplemented, extended or restated from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”).

B.    The Administrative Agent and the Borrower have jointly identified a mistake in Section 7.02(c) of the Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the last paragraph of Section 10.01 of the Agreement, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent now desire to modify the Agreement to cure such mistake, subject to the performance and observance in full of each of the covenants, terms and conditions and in reliance upon all of the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties, set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants, terms and conditions, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties, in each case contained herein, the parties hereto agree hereby as follows:

ARTICLE I

Section 1.01    AMENDMENT TO SECTION 7.02.Section 7.02(c) of the Credit Agreement is amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

(c)    in addition to Investments permitted by subsections (a) and (b) preceding, Investments of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in any Subsidiary (except Investments pursuant to this subsection (c) in a Securitization Entity and any of its Subsidiaries are not permitted unless such Investments are made during a Guaranty Release Period) so long as in each case such Investments are (i) made in the ordinary course of business to fund operating expenses of such Subsidiary (including, without limitation, purchases of inventory in the ordinary course of business and capital expenditures incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices but only to the extent they are Ordinary Capital Expenditures) and (ii) consistent with past practices of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing shall permit intercompany obligations, including intercompany loans, incurred in the ordinary course of business by and among the Borrower or any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower, on the one hand, and any other wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower, on the other hand, in each case only to the extent arising from time to time in connection with any Receivables Securitization otherwise permitted under this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

Section 2.01    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; NO EVENT OF DEFAULT. By its execution and delivery hereof, each Loan Party represents and warrants that, as of the date hereof:

(a)    the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties contained in Article V of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document furnished in connection herewith or therewith, shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, to the extent any such representation or warranty is qualified as to "materiality" or "Material Adverse Effect" shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the Second Amendment Effective Date (as defined below), after giving effect to the amendments contemplated in this Second Amendment as if such representations and warranties were being made on and as of the Second Amendment Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 of the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01 of the Credit Agreement;

(b)    no event has occurred and is continuing which constitutes a Default;

(c)    (i) each Loan Party has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Second Amendment, (ii) this Second Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party, and (iii) this Second Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is a party thereto in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other applicable laws relating to or affecting generally the enforcement of creditors' rights and except to the extent that availability of the remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought;

(d)    the execution, delivery and performance of this Second Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, and the consummation of any transactions contemplated herein or therein, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not and will not (i) contravene any material term of any of such Person's Organization Documents; (ii) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (A) any Contractual Obligation, including, but not limited to, any bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments, to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (B) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (iii) violate any applicable law to which such Person is subject, except in each case referred to in subsections (ii) and (iii) above to the extent that any such conflict, breach, contravention, creation, requirement or violation could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(e)    no approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, any Loan Party of this Second Amendment other than those already obtained or performed; and

(f)    the Organization Documents of the Loan Parties and the resolutions of such Loan Parties attached to the officer's certificate most recently delivered to the Administrative Agent have not been modified or rescinded and remain in full force and effect.

ARTICLE III

Section 3.01    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EFFECTIVENESS. The parties hereto agree that this Second Amendment shall not be effective until the satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent:

(a)    the Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of this Second Amendment duly completed, executed and delivered by the Borrower and the other Loan Parties;

(b)    the Administrative Agent shall receive evidence of concurrent consummation of a related amendment among (i) Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and (ii) the Borrower and Toronto Dominions (Texas) LLC, as administrative agent, which shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent;

(c)    the Administrative Agent shall have received payment of all reasonable and invoiced out‑of‑pocket fees and expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable and invoiced fees, charges and disbursements of a single counsel for the Administrative Agent in reasonable detail, and one local counsel in each relevant jurisdiction), in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Second Amendment; and

(d)    each of the representations and warranties made in this Second Amendment shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, to the extent any such representation or warranty is qualified as to "materiality" or "Material Adverse Effect" shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the Second Amendment Effective Date (as defined below), both before and after giving effect to the amendments contemplated by this Second Amendment as if such representations and warranties were being made on and as of the Second Amendment Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 of the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01 of the Credit Agreement.

ARTICLE IV

Section 4.01    MISCELLANEOUS.

(a)    RATIFICATION OF LOAN DOCUMENTS. Except for the specific amendment expressly set forth in this Second Amendment, the terms, provisions, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Second Amendment shall not in any manner operate as a waiver of, consent to or amendment of any other term, provision, condition or covenant of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.

(b)    SECOND AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE. This Second Amendment shall become effective when the Administrative Agent has received counterparts of this Second Amendment executed by the Borrower, the other Loan Parties, and the Administrative Agent and each of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3.01 in this Second Amendment has been satisfied (the "Second Amendment Effective Date").

(c)    REFERENCES TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT. Upon the effectiveness of this Second Amendment, each reference in the Credit Agreement to "this Agreement", "hereunder" or in any other Loan Document to the "Credit Agreement" or "thereunder", or words of like import shall mean and be a reference to the Credit Agreement, as affected and amended hereby.

(d)    EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS. This Second Amendment may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Second Amendment by facsimile or other electronic imaging means (e.g. "pdf" or "tif") shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Second Amendment.

(e)    GOVERNING LAW; BINDING EFFECT. THIS SECOND AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. This Second Amendment shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

(f)    HEADINGS. Section headings in this Second Amendment are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Second Amendment for any other purpose.

(g)    TIME OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essence of this Second Amendment and the Loan Documents.

(h)    LOAN DOCUMENT.This Second Amendment is a Loan Document and subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement.

(i)    ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THIS SECOND AMENDMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES.

REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Second Amendment to be duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers effective as of the Second Amendment Effective Date.

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION
By:	/s/ Steven T. Campbell
	Steven T. Campbell
	Executive Vice President - Finance, Chief Financial Officers and Treasurer
By:	/s/ Peter L. Sereda
	Peter L. Sereda
	Authorized Representative, and Senior Vice President - Finance of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., Parent Company of United States Cellular Corporation
USCC FINANCIAL L.L.C
USCC SERVICES, LLC
USCC PURCHASE, LLC
HARDY CELLULAR TELEPHONE COMPANY
USCC FIRST RESPONDER, INC.
IOWA RSA #3, INC.
IOWA RSA #12, INC.
MCDANIEL CELLULAR TELEPHONE COMPANY
USCC WIRELESS INVESTMENT, INC.
USCOC OF OREGON RSA #5, INC.
USCOC OF WASHINGTON-4, INC.
UNITED STATES CELLULAR INVESTMENT COMPANY, LLC
By:	/s/ Steven T. Campbell
	Steven T. Campbell
	Vice President and Treasurer
VERMONT RSA NO. 2-B2, INC.
By:	/s/ Steven T. Campbell
	Steven T. Campbell
	President and Treasurer
CELLVEST, INC.
By:	/s/ Peter L. Sereda
	Peter L. Sereda
	Treasurer
USCOC OF JACK/WIL, INC.
By:	/s/ Steven T. Campbell
	Steven T. Campbell
	Vice President and Treasurer

COBANK, ACB as Administrative Agent
By:	/s/ Andy Smith
Name:	Andy Smith
Title	Managing Director

EX-10.11(C)

Exhibit 10.11(c)

AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO

TO THE

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION

2013 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

WHEREAS, United States Cellular Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) has adopted and maintains the United States Cellular Corporation 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the benefit of certain employees;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.2 of the Plan, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) may amend the Plan as it shall deem advisable, subject to any requirement of shareholder approval as specified in the Plan, including under applicable law or the principal national stock exchange on which the Common Shares of the Company (the “Common Shares”) are then traded;

WHEREAS, the Board desires to amend the Plan to broaden the circumstances under which employees of the Company who are not officers may pay for the Common Shares to be purchased pursuant to the exercise of a stock option by authorizing the Company to withhold Common Shares which would otherwise be delivered in connection with such exercise; and

WHEREAS, such amendment is not subject to any required shareholder approval.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that effective as of November 29, 2018, the first sentence of Section 4.1(d)(1) of the Plan hereby is amended as follows:

Purchase Price Payment by Non-Officers. Effective for exercises of Stock Options occurring on or after November 29, 2018 (including exercises with respect to Stock Options granted prior to November 29, 2018, notwithstanding any provision within the agreement evidencing such Stock Option to the contrary), the holder of a Stock Option awarded to an employee who is not an Officer may pay for the shares of Common Stock to be purchased pursuant to the exercise of such Stock Option (i) in cash, (ii) by the delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) of previously-owned whole shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the aggregate purchase price payable by reason of such exercise, (iii) by authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the aggregate purchase price payable by reason of such exercise, (iv) to the extent legally permissible, in cash by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the option holder has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (v) by a combination of (i), (ii) and (iii).

* * * * * *

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Amendment Number Two as of this 29th day of November, 2018.

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION
By:	/s/ Kenneth R. Meyers
	Kenneth R. Meyers
Its:	President and Chief Executive Officer

SIGNATURE PAGE TO

AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO TO

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION

2013 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

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EX-13

Exhibit 13
United States Cellular Corporation and Subsidiaries
FINANCIAL REPORTS CONTENTS	Page No.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	1
Executive Overview	1
Terms used by U.S. Cellular	4
Operational Overview	5
Financial Overview	7
Liquidity and Capital Resources	12
Contractual and Other Obligations	17
Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis	18
Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis	19
Applications of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates	20
Other Items	21
Regulatory Matters	22
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement	23
Market Risk	25
Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures	27
Financial Statements	30
Consolidated Statement of Operations	30
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows	31
Consolidated Balance Sheet – Assets	32
Consolidated Balance Sheet – Liabilities and Equity	33
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity	34
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	37
Reports of Management	65
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	67
Selected Consolidated Financial Data	69
Consolidated Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	70
Shareholder Information	71

United States Cellular Corporation

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Executive Overview

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes of United States Cellular Corporation (U.S. Cellular) for the year ended December 31, 2018, and with the description of U.S. Cellular’s business included herein. 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.

U.S. Cellular uses certain “non-GAAP financial measures” and each such measure is identified in the MD&A. A discussion of the reason U.S. Cellular determines these metrics to be useful and a reconciliation 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-K Report.

1

General

U.S. Cellular owns, operates, and invests in wireless markets throughout the United States. U.S. Cellular is an 82%-owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS). U.S. Cellular’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 local focus.

OPERATIONS

▪ Serves customers with 5.0 million connections including 4.5 million postpaid, 0.5 million prepaid and 0.1 million reseller and other connections

▪ Operates in 22 states

▪ Employs approximately 5,600 associates

▪ 6,531 cell sites including 4,129 owned towers in service

2

Financial and Operational Highlights

The following is a summary of certain selected information contained in the comprehensive MD&A that follows. The overview does not contain all of the information that may be important. You should carefully read the entire MD&A and not rely solely on the highlights.

▪ Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders was $150 million in 2018, compared to $12 million in 2017. Diluted earnings per share was $1.72 in 2018 compared to $0.14 a year ago.

▪ Total additions to Property, plant and equipment were $515 million, including expenditures to (i) enhance and maintain U.S. Cellular's network coverage, including continuing to deploy VoLTE technology in certain markets and providing additional capacity to accommodate increased data usage, by current customers; and (ii) invest in information technology to support existing and new services and products.

Trends and Developments

U.S. Cellular’s mission is to provide exceptional wireless communication services which enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses, and improve the efficiency of government operations in the mid-sized and rural markets served.

Network and Technology:

▪ U.S. Cellular continues to devote efforts to enhance its network capabilities. VoLTE technology has been launched successfully in California, Iowa, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin, and deployments in several additional operating markets will occur in 2019. VoLTE technology allows customers to utilize a 4G LTE network for both voice and data services, and offers enhanced services such as high definition voice and simultaneous voice and data sessions. In addition, the deployment of VoLTE technology expands U.S. Cellular’s ability to offer roaming services to other wireless carriers. 

▪ 5G technology is expected to help address customers’ growing demand for data services as well as create opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency. U.S. Cellular is committed to continuous technology innovation and continues to prepare for deployment of 5G technology beginning in 2019, including commencing a trial utilizing 5G standards and equipment on its core LTE network in the fourth quarter of 2018. U.S. Cellular is partnering with leading companies in the wireless infrastructure and handset ecosystem to provide rich 5G experiences for customers. In addition, in the markets where U.S. Cellular commercially deploys 5G technology, which will include cities and towns large and small, customers using U.S. Cellular’s 4G LTE network will experience increased network speed due to U.S. Cellular's modernization efforts.  

Asset Management:

▪ U.S. Cellular 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, U.S. Cellular actively seeks attractive opportunities to acquire wireless spectrum, including pursuant to FCC auctions. In 2018, U.S. Cellular acquired $26 million of spectrum licenses through purchase and exchange transactions and divested $12 million of spectrum licenses covering non-strategic areas through sale and exchange transactions. In October 2018, the FCC announced that U.S. Cellular was a qualified bidder for Auction 101, which covered spectrum licenses that are expected to be used primarily to deliver 5G technology. Auction 101 closed on January 24, 2019 but the results of the auction have not yet been announced.

Services and Products:

▪ U.S. Cellular’s customers are able to choose from a variety of national plans with voice, messaging and data usage options and pricing that are designed to fit different customer needs, usage patterns and budgets. In 2018, U.S. Cellular introduced the Unlimited with Payback plan that provides a monthly bill credit to postpaid customers if they have used less than 3 gigabytes of data per line.

▪ U.S. Cellular offers a comprehensive range of wireless devices such as handsets, tablets, modems, and hotspots. In addition, U.S. Cellular also offers a wide range of accessories, including wireless basics such as cases, screen protectors, chargers, and memory cards as well as an assortment of consumer electronics such as headphones, smart speakers, wearables and home automation products (e.g. cameras, sensors, and thermostats). U.S. Cellular offers certain of these products for purchase on installment plans, which allow new and existing postpaid customers to purchase these products payable over a specified time period.

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Terms Used by U.S. Cellular

The following is a list of definitions of certain industry terms that are used throughout this document:

▪ 4G LTE – fourth generation Long-Term Evolution, which is a wireless technology that enables more network capacity for more data per user as well as faster access to data compared to third generation (3G) technology.

▪ 5G – fifth generation wireless technology that is expected to help address customers’ growing demand for data services as well as create opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency.

▪ Account – represents an individual or business financially responsible for one or multiple associated connections. An account may include a variety of types of connections such as handsets and connected devices.

▪ ASU 2014-09 – the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, including any subsequent modifications to such guidance. This ASU replaces existing revenue recognition rules with a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers.

▪ Auctions 101 and 102 – Auction 101 is an FCC auction of 28 GHz spectrum licenses that started in November 2018 and concluded in January 2019. Auction 102 is an FCC auction of 24 GHz spectrum licenses that is expected to start in early 2019. The spectrum auctioned in each of these auctions, referred to as Millimeter Wave spectrum, is expected to be used primarily to deliver 5G technology.

▪ Auctions 1000, 1001, and 1002 – Auction 1000 is an FCC auction of 600 MHz spectrum licenses that started in 2016 and concluded in 2017 involving: (1) a “reverse auction” in which broadcast television licensees submitted bids to voluntarily relinquish spectrum usage rights in exchange for payments (referred to as Auction 1001); (2) a “repacking” of the broadcast television bands in order to free up certain broadcast spectrum for other uses; and (3) a “forward auction” of licenses for spectrum cleared through this process to be used for wireless communications (referred to as Auction 1002).

▪ 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.

▪ Connections - individual lines of service associated with each device activated by a customer. Connections are associated with all types of devices that connect directly to the U.S. Cellular network.

▪ Connected Devices – non-handset devices that connect directly to the U.S. Cellular network. Connected devices include products such as tablets, wearables, modems, and hotspots.

▪ 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.

▪ Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) – designation by states for providing specified services in “high cost” areas which enables participation in universal service support mechanisms.

▪ 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.

▪ Net Additions – 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.

▪ Partial Economic Areas – service areas of certain FCC licenses based on geography.

▪ Postpaid Average Billings per Account (Postpaid ABPA) – non-GAAP metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues plus equipment installment plan billings by the average number of postpaid accounts and by the number of months in the period. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪ Postpaid Average Billings per User (Postpaid ABPU) – non-GAAP metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues plus equipment installment plan billings by the average number of postpaid connections and by the number of months in the period. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.

▪ Postpaid Average Revenue per Account (Postpaid ARPA) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid accounts and by the number of months in the period.

▪ Postpaid Average Revenue per User (Postpaid ARPU) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid connections and by the number of months in the period.

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

▪ Tax Act – refers to comprehensive federal tax legislation enacted on December 22, 2017, which made broad changes to the U.S. tax code. Now titled H.R.1, the Tax Act was originally identified as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

▪ 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.

▪ 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.

4

Operational Overview

As of December 31,	2018	2017	2016
Retail Connections – End of Period
Postpaid	4,472,000	4,518,000	4,482,000
Prepaid	516,000	519,000	484,000
Total	4,988,000	5,037,000	4,966,000

Year Ended December 31,	2018		2017		2016
Postpaid Activity and Churn
Gross Additions
Handsets	475,000		490,000		479,000
Connected Devices	150,000		198,000		294,000
Total Gross Additions	625,000		688,000		773,000
Net Additions (Losses)
Handsets	23,000		38,000		(70,000)
Connected Devices	(69,000)		(2,000)		143,000
Total Net Additions (Losses)	(46,000)		36,000		73,000
Churn
Handsets	0.98	%	0.99	%	1.18	%
Connected Devices	2.96	%	2.52	%	2.11	%
Total Churn	1.25	%	1.21	%	1.31	%

2018-2017 Commentary

Postpaid net additions decreased in 2018 due primarily to lower gross additions, as well as an increase in tablet churn. The decrease in connected devices gross additions reflects U.S. Cellular‘s decision to discontinue promotions of heavily discounted tablets in 2018.

2017-2016 Commentary

Postpaid net additions decreased in 2017 mainly due to lower connected devices net additions which reflected both lower tablet gross additions and an increase in tablet churn. The decline in tablet gross additions reflects industry-wide trends including (i) reduced consumer demand for network-connected tablets, and (ii) carriers including U.S. Cellular have curtailed promotions of heavily discounted tablets designed to stimulate demand due to poor economics. The decrease in connected devices net additions was partially offset by an improvement in handsets net additions driven by both higher gross additions and a decrease in churn.

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Postpaid Revenue

Year Ended December 31,	2018		2017		2016
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)	$	44.98	$	44.38	$	46.96
Average Billings Per User (ABPU)1	$	58.67	$	55.60	$	56.12
Average Revenue Per Account (ARPA)	$	118.93	$	118.96	$	124.09
Average Billings Per Account (ABPA)1	$	155.11	$	149.02	$	148.29

¹  Postpaid ABPU and Postpaid ABPA are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of these measures.

2018-2017 Commentary

On January 1, 2018, U.S Cellular adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-09, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, the new accounting standard is applied only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change as an adjustment to retained earnings at January 1, 2018. See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.

Postpaid ARPU increased in 2018 due primarily to several factors including: increases in device protection plan and regulatory recovery revenues as well as having proportionately more handset connections, which on a per-unit basis contribute more revenue than tablet connections. Such factors were partially offset by the impact of adopting the provisions of ASU 2014-09, as well as the impact of overall price reductions on plan offerings. Postpaid ARPA decreased slightly in 2018 due primarily to a decrease in postpaid connections per account driven by higher tablet churn. Application of the new accounting standard had the impact of reducing ARPU and ARPA by $0.21 and $0.55, respectively.

Under equipment installment plans, customers pay for their wireless devices in installments over a period of time. In order to show the trend in estimated cash collections from postpaid customer billings for service and equipment, U.S. Cellular has presented Postpaid ABPU and Postpaid ABPA, which are calculated as Postpaid ARPU and Postpaid ARPA plus average monthly installment plan billings per connection and account, respectively.

Postpaid ABPU and ABPA increased in 2018 due primarily to (i) an increase in equipment installment plan billings driven by increased penetration of equipment installment plans and (ii) a higher average price per device sold.

2017-2016 Commentary

Postpaid ARPU and Postpaid ARPA decreased in 2017 due primarily to industry-wide price competition resulting in overall price reductions on plan offerings.

Equipment installment plan billings increased in 2017 due to increased penetration of equipment installment plans. Postpaid ABPU decreased in 2017 as the increase in equipment installment plan billings was more than offset by the decline in Postpaid ARPU discussed above. Postpaid ABPA, however, increased slightly in 2017 as the increase in equipment installment plan billings more than offset the decline in Postpaid ARPA discussed above.

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Financial Overview

Year Ended December 31,	20181			2017			2016			2018 vs. 2017		2017 vs. 2016
(Dollars in millions)
Retail service	$	2,623		$	2,589		$	2,700		1	%	(4	)%
Inbound roaming	154			129			152			20	%	(15	)%
Other	201			260			229			(23	)%	13	%
Service revenues	2,978			2,978			3,081			–		(3	)%
Equipment sales	989			912			909			8	%	–
Total operating revenues	3,967			3,890			3,990			2	%	(3	)%
System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	758			732			760			4	%	(4	)%
Cost of equipment sold	1,031			1,071			1,081			(4	)%	(1	)%
Selling, general and administrative	1,388			1,412			1,480			(2	)%	(4	)%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	640			615			618			4	%	–
Loss on impairment of goodwill	—			370			—			N/M		N/M
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	10			17			22			(40	)%	(22	)%
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	—			(1		)	—			N/M		N/M
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(18		)	(22		)	(19		)	20	%	(17	)%
Total operating expenses	3,809			4,194			3,942			(9	)%	6	%
Operating income (loss)	$	158		$	(304	)	$	48		N/M		N/M
Net income	$	164		$	15		$	49		N/M		(70	)%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2	$	790		$	675		$	669		17	%	1	%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2	$	963		$	820		$	816		17	%	1	%
Capital expenditures	$	515		$	469		$	446		10	%	5	%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

¹  As of January 1, 2018, U.S. Cellular adopted ASU 2014-09 using a modified retrospective approach. Under this method, the new accounting standard is applied only to the most recent period presented. See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

²  Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

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Operating Revenues

(Dollars in millions)

Service revenues consist of: 

▪ Retail Service – Charges for access, airtime, recovery of regulatory costs and value added services, including data services and products

▪ Inbound Roaming – Charges to other wireless carriers whose customers use U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems when roaming

▪ Other Service – Amounts received from the Federal USF and tower rental revenues. Imputed interest on equipment installment plan contracts is included in 2017; however, it is not included in 2018 due to the impact of adopting the provisions of ASU 2014-09

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:

2018-2017 Commentary

Total operating revenues

Retail service revenues increased in 2018 primarily as a result of the changes in Postpaid ARPU as previously discussed in the Operational Overview section.

Inbound roaming revenues increased in 2018 primarily driven by data traffic, with significantly higher usage partially offset by lower rates.

Other service revenues decreased year over year, reflecting the exclusion of imputed interest income in 2018 due to the impact of adopting the provisions of ASU 2014-09. The impact of imputed interest income was $73 million in 2017. Federal USF revenues remained flat year over year at $92 million. See the Regulatory Matters section in this MD&A for a description of the Phase II Connect America Mobility Fund (MF2 Order) and its expected impacts on U.S. Cellular’s Federal USF support.

Equipment sales revenues increased in 2018 due primarily to the impact of adopting the provisions of ASU 2014-09 and an increase in the average revenue per device sold. Such factors were partially offset by a decrease in the number of devices sold.

See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on the financial statement impact of ASU 2014-09.

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System operations expenses

System operations expenses increased in 2018 due primarily to higher maintenance, utility and cell site rent expenses largely reflecting the growth in cell sites and other network facilities as U.S. Cellular continues to add capacity, enhance quality, and deploy new technologies.

Cost of equipment sold

Cost of equipment sold decreased in 2018 due primarily to a decrease in the number of devices sold, partially offset by an increase due to a higher average cost per device sold. Loss on equipment, defined as Equipment sales revenues less Cost of equipment sold, was $42 million and $159 million for 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased in 2018 due primarily to lower sales commissions.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

Depreciation, amortization, and accretion increased in 2018 due to additional network assets being placed into service as well as an increase in amortization expense related to billing system upgrades.

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net

Loss on asset disposals, net decreased primarily as a result of fewer disposals of certain network assets.

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net

Net gains in 2018 and 2017 were due to gains recognized on license sale and exchange transactions with various third parties.

2017-2016 Commentary

Total operating revenues

Service revenues decreased as a result of (i) a decrease in retail service revenues driven by industry-wide price competition resulting in overall price reductions on plan offerings; and (ii) a decrease in inbound roaming revenue mainly due to lower roaming rates. Such reductions were partially offset by an increase in imputed interest income due to an increase in the total number of active equipment installment plans.

Federal USF revenue remained flat year over year at $92 million. See the Regulatory Matters section in this MD&A for a description of the FCC Mobility Fund Phase II Order (MF2 Order) and its expected impacts on U.S. Cellular’s current Federal USF support.

Equipment sales revenues increased by a modest amount year over year reflecting an increase in average revenue per device sold, a mix shift to higher end smartphone devices and, to a lesser extent, an increase in accessories revenues. Such increases were almost entirely offset by a decrease in the number of devices sold, a reduction in guarantee liability amortization for equipment installment contracts as a result of changes in plan offerings, and lower device activation fees.

System operations expenses

System operations expenses decreased in 2017 as a result of (i) a decrease in customer usage expenses driven mainly by decreased circuit costs; and (ii) a decrease in roaming expenses driven primarily by lower roaming rates, partially offset by increased data roaming usage.

Cost of equipment sold

Cost of equipment sold decreased mainly due to a reduction in the number of devices sold partially offset by a mix shift from feature phones and connected devices to higher cost smartphones. Loss on equipment was $159 million and $172 million for 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling expenses decreased by $26 million due to lower advertising expenses, including a decrease in sponsorship expenses related to the termination of a naming rights agreement in 2016. Such reductions were partially offset by an increase in commissions expenses.

General and administrative expenses decreased by $42 million mainly due to lower expenses for bad debts and phone programs, along with reductions in numerous other general and administrative expense categories. 

Loss on impairment of goodwill

In 2017, U.S. Cellular recorded a $370 million loss on impairment related to goodwill. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. 

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(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net

Loss on asset disposals, net decreased primarily as a result of fewer disposals of certain network assets.

(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net

The net gains in 2017 and 2016 were due to license exchange transactions with third parties. 

Components of Other Income (Expense)

Year Ended December 31,	2018			2017			2016			2018 vs. 2017		2017 vs. 2016
(Dollars in millions)
Operating income (loss)	$	158		$	(304	)	$	48		N/M		N/M
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	159			137			140			16	%	(2	)%
Interest and dividend income	15			8			6			83	%	40	%
Interest expense	(116		)	(113		)	(113		)	(3	)%	–
Other, net	(1		)	—			1			N/M		(19	)%
Total investment and other income	57			32			34			76	%	(1	)%
Income (loss) before income taxes	215			(272		)	82			N/M		N/M
Income tax expense (benefit)	51			(287		)	33			N/M		N/M
Net income	164			15			49			N/M		(70	)%
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	14			3			1			N/M		56	%
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	150		$	12		$	48		N/M		(74	)%

N/M - Percentage change not meaningful

2018-2017 Commentary

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities represents U.S. Cellular’s share of net income from entities in which it has a noncontrolling interest and that are accounted for using the equity method. U.S. Cellular’s investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (LA Partnership) contributed $77 million and $66 million in earnings of unconsolidated entities in 2018 and 2017, respectively. See Note 8 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Interest and dividend income

Interest and dividend income increased as a result of an increase in the money market investments balance, classified within Cash and cash equivalents, in 2018.

Income tax expense (benefit)

The effective tax rate on Income before income taxes for 2018 was 23.7%, which is consistent with a normalized tax rate inclusive of federal and state tax.

The overall effective tax rate for 2017 was not meaningful due to the effect of the Tax Act combined with the tax impact of the impairment of goodwill, since portions of the goodwill balance are not amortizable for income tax purposes.

See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax increased in 2018, due primarily to an out-of-period adjustment recorded in the first quarter of 2018. U.S. Cellular determined that this adjustment was not material to any of the periods impacted. See Note 13 — Variable Interest Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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2017-2016 Commentary

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

U.S. Cellular’s investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (LA Partnership) contributed $66 million and $71 million to Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities in 2017 and 2016, respectively. See Note 8 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Income tax expense (benefit)

The overall effective tax rate for 2017 is not meaningful due to the effect of the Tax Act combined with the impaired goodwill, since portions of the goodwill balance are not amortizable for income tax purposes. U.S. Cellular's effective tax rate on Income before taxes for 2016 was 39.7% and was consistent with a normalized tax rate inclusive of federal and state tax – note that the federal statutory rate prior to the Tax Act was 35%.

See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

The increase year over year is due to higher income from certain partnerships in 2017.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

U.S. Cellular operates a capital-intensive business. Historically, U.S. Cellular has used internally-generated funds and also has obtained substantial funds from external sources for general corporate purposes. In the past, U.S. Cellular’s existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its revolving credit agreement, receivables securitization agreement, funds from other financing sources, including a term loan and other long-term debt, and cash flows from operating, and certain investing and financing activities, including sales of assets or businesses, provided sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility for U.S. Cellular 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, primarily of spectrum licenses. 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.

Although U.S. Cellular currently has a significant cash balance, U.S. Cellular has incurred negative free cash flow at times in the past and this could occur in the future. However, U.S. Cellular believes that existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its revolving credit agreement, receivables securitization agreement and expected cash flows from operating and investing activities will provide sufficient liquidity for U.S. Cellular to meet its normal day-to-day operating needs and debt service requirements for the coming year. 

U.S. Cellular may require substantial additional capital for, among other uses, funding day-to-day operating needs including working capital, acquisitions of providers of wireless telecommunications services, spectrum license or system acquisitions, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, the repurchase of shares, the payment of dividends, or making additional investments. U.S. Cellular plans to participate in spectrum auctions in 2019 (see Regulatory Matters - Millimeter Wave Spectrum Auctions), and expects capital expenditures to increase in 2019 relative to 2018 levels, due primarily to investments to enhance network speed and capacity and begin deploying 5G. It may be necessary from time to time to increase the size of the existing revolving credit agreement, to put in place a new credit agreement, or to obtain other forms of financing in order to fund potential expenditures. U.S. Cellular’s liquidity would be adversely affected if, among other things, U.S. Cellular is unable to obtain short- or long-term financing on acceptable terms, U.S. Cellular makes significant spectrum license purchases, the LA Partnership discontinues or significantly reduces distributions compared to historical levels, or Federal USF and/or other regulatory support payments decline.

U.S. Cellular’s credit rating currently is sub-investment grade. There can be no assurance that sufficient funds will continue to be available to U.S. Cellular or its subsidiaries on terms or at prices acceptable to U.S. Cellular. Insufficient cash flows from operating activities, changes in U.S. Cellular's credit ratings, defaults of the terms of debt or credit agreements, uncertainty of access to capital, deterioration in the capital markets, reduced regulatory capital at banks which in turn limits their ability to borrow and lend, other changes in the performance of U.S. Cellular or in market conditions or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to U.S. Cellular, which could require U.S. Cellular to reduce its acquisition, capital expenditure and business development programs, reduce the acquisition of spectrum licenses, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases and/or the payment of dividends. Any of the foregoing developments would have an adverse impact on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations. U.S. Cellular cannot provide assurance that circumstances that could have a material adverse effect on its liquidity or capital resources will not occur.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and money market investments. The primary objective of U.S. Cellular’s Cash and cash equivalents is for use in its operations and acquisition, capital expenditure and business development programs.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

(Dollars in millions)

At December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular’s Cash and cash equivalents totaled $580 million compared to $352 million and $586 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

The majority of U.S. Cellular’s Cash and cash equivalents is 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 across a range of eligible money market investments that may include, but are not limited to, government agency repurchase agreements, government agency debt, U.S. Treasury repurchase agreements, U.S. Treasury debt, and other securities collateralized by U.S. government obligations. U.S. Cellular monitors the financial viability of the money market funds and direct investments in which it invests and believes that the credit risk associated with these investments is low.

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Financing

Revolving Credit Agreement

U.S. Cellular has an unsecured revolving credit agreement available for general corporate purposes including spectrum purchases and capital expenditures. In May 2018, U.S. Cellular entered into a new $300 million revolving credit agreement with certain lenders and other parties. Amounts under the revolving credit agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in May 2023. As a result of the new agreement, U.S. Cellular's previous revolving credit agreement due to expire in June 2021 was terminated. As of December 31, 2018, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement, except for letters of credit, and U.S. Cellular’s unused capacity under its revolving credit agreement was $298 million. The continued availability of the revolving credit agreement requires U.S. Cellular to comply with certain negative and affirmative covenants, maintain certain financial ratios and provide representations on certain matters at the time of each borrowing. U.S. Cellular believes it was in compliance as of December 31, 2018, with all of the financial covenants and requirements set forth in its revolving credit agreement. See Financial Covenants below.

See Note 11 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the revolving credit agreement.

Term Loan

In January 2015, U.S. Cellular entered into an unsecured senior term loan credit agreement. In July 2015, U.S. Cellular borrowed the full amount of $225 million available under this agreement in two separate draws. This term loan credit agreement was amended and restated in June 2016, and further amended in May 2018. Principal reductions are due and payable in quarterly installments of $3 million beginning in March 2016 through December 2021, and the remaining unpaid balance will be due and payable in January 2022. This agreement was entered into for general corporate purposes, including working capital, spectrum purchases and capital expenditures.

The continued availability of the term loan agreement requires U.S. Cellular to comply with certain negative and affirmative covenants, maintain certain financial ratios and make representations regarding certain matters at the time of each borrowing, that are substantially the same as those in U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement described above. U.S. Cellular believes that it was in compliance as of December 31, 2018, with all of the financial covenants and requirements set forth in the term loan agreement. See Financial Covenants below.

See Note 11 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the term loan.

Receivables Securitization Agreement

In December 2017, U.S. Cellular, through its subsidiaries, entered into a $200 million credit agreement to permit securitized borrowings using its equipment installment receivables for general corporate purposes. U.S. Cellular entered into a performance guaranty whereby U.S. Cellular guarantees the performance of certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of U.S. Cellular under the agreement. Amounts under the receivables securitization agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in December 2019, which may be extended from time to time as specified therein. As of December 31, 2018, there were no outstanding borrowings under the receivables securitization agreement, and the entire unused capacity of $200 million was available, subject to sufficient collateral to satisfy the asset borrowing base provisions of the agreement. As of December 31, 2018, the USCC Master Note Trust (Trust) held $63 million of assets available to be pledged as collateral for the receivables securitization agreement. The continued availability of the receivables securitization agreement requires U.S. Cellular to comply with certain negative and affirmative covenants, maintain certain financial ratios and provide representations on certain matters at the time of each borrowing. U.S. Cellular believes that it was in compliance as of December 31, 2018, with all of the financial covenants and requirements set forth in its receivables securitization agreement. See Financial Covenants below.

See Note 11 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the receivables securitization agreement.

Financial Covenants

As noted above, the revolving credit agreement, senior term loan agreement and receivables securitization agreement require U.S. Cellular to comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants, which include certain financial covenants. In particular, under these agreements, U.S. Cellular is required to maintain the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio at a level not lower than 3.00 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. U.S. Cellular also is required to maintain the Consolidated Leverage Ratio at a level not to exceed 3.25 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter through June 30, 2019. From July 1, 2019 and thereafter, the Consolidated Leverage Ratio is not to exceed 3.00 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. U.S. Cellular believes that it was in compliance as of December 31, 2018, with all such financial covenants. 

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Other Long-Term Financing

U.S. Cellular has an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 to issue senior or subordinated debt securities. The proceeds from any such issuance may be used for general corporate purposes, including: the possible reduction of other short-term or long-term debt; spectrum purchases; capital expenditures; in connection with acquisition, construction and development programs; for working capital; to provide additional investments in subsidiaries; or the repurchase of shares. The U.S. Cellular shelf registration statement permits U.S. Cellular to issue at any time and from time to time senior or subordinated debt securities in one or more offerings, up to the amount registered, which is currently $500 million. The ability of U.S. Cellular to complete an offering pursuant to such shelf registration statement is subject to market conditions and other factors at the time.

U.S. Cellular believes that it was in compliance as of December 31, 2018, with all covenants and other requirements set forth in the U.S. Cellular long-term debt indentures. The U.S. Cellular long-term debt indentures do not include any financial covenants. U.S. Cellular has not failed to make nor does it expect to fail to make any scheduled payment of principal or interest under such indentures.

The total long-term debt principal payments due for the next five years are $205 million, which represent 12% of the total gross long-term debt obligation at December 31, 2018. Refer to Market Risk — Long-Term Debt for additional information regarding required principal payments and the weighted average interest rates related to U.S. Cellular’s Long-term debt.

U.S. Cellular, at its discretion, may from time to time seek to retire or purchase its outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for other securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

See Note 11 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on long-term financing.

Credit Ratings

In certain circumstances, U.S. Cellular’s interest cost on its revolving credit and term loan agreements may be subject to increase if its current credit ratings from nationally recognized credit rating agencies are lowered, and may be subject to decrease if the ratings are raised. U.S. Cellular’s agreements do not cease to be available nor do the maturity dates accelerate solely as a result of a downgrade in credit rating. However, a downgrade in U.S. Cellular’s credit rating could adversely affect its ability to renew the agreements or obtain access to other credit agreements in the future.

U.S. Cellular is rated at sub-investment grade. U.S. Cellular’s credit ratings as of December 31, 2018, and the dates such ratings were re-affirmed were as follows:

Rating Agency	Rating	Outlook
Moody's (re-affirmed September 2018)	Ba1	stable outlook
Standard & Poor's (re-affirmed October 2018)	BB	stable outlook
Fitch Ratings (re-affirmed April 2018)	BB+	stable outlook

Capital Requirements

The discussion below is intended to highlight some of the significant cash outlays expected during 2019 and beyond and to highlight the spending incurred in prior years for these items. This discussion does not include cash required to fund normal operations, and is not a comprehensive list of capital requirements. Significant cash requirements that are not routine or in the normal course of business could arise from time to time.

Capital Expenditures

U.S. Cellular makes substantial investments to acquire, construct and upgrade wireless telecommunications networks and facilities to remain competitive and as a basis for creating long-term value for shareholders. In recent years, rapid changes in technology and new opportunities (such as 4G LTE and VoLTE technology) have required substantial investments in potentially revenue‑enhancing and cost-saving upgrades of U.S. Cellular’s networks to remain competitive; this is expected to continue in 2019 and future years with the deployment of 5G technology and the continued deployment of VoLTE.

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Capital expenditures (i.e., additions to property, plant and equipment and system development expenditures), which include the effects of accruals and capitalized interest, in 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

Capital Expenditures

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. Cellular’s capital expenditures in 2018 were $515 million compared to $469 million in 2017 and $446 million in 2016. In 2018, these capital expenditures were used for the following purposes:

▪ Enhance and maintain U.S. Cellular's network coverage, including continuing to deploy VoLTE technology in certain markets and providing additional capacity to accommodate increased data usage by current customers; and

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

U.S. Cellular’s capital expenditures for 2019are expected to be between $625 million and $725 million. In addition to the purposes listed above, these expenditures are expected to be used to enhance network speed and begin deploying 5G technology.

U.S. Cellular plans to finance its capital expenditures program for 2019 using primarily Cash flows from operating activities, existing cash balances and, if required, its receivables securitization and/or revolving credit agreements.

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges

U.S. Cellular may be engaged from time to time in negotiations (subject to all applicable regulations) relating to the acquisition, divestiture or exchange of companies, properties or wireless spectrum. In general, U.S. Cellular may not disclose such transactions until there is a definitive agreement. U.S. Cellular 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, U.S. Cellular actively seeks attractive opportunities to acquire wireless spectrum, including pursuant to FCC auctions. 

In July 2016, the FCC announced U.S. Cellular as a qualified bidder in the FCC’s forward auction of 600 MHz spectrum licenses, referred to as Auction 1002. In April 2017, the FCC announced by way of public notice that U.S. Cellular was the winning bidder for 188 licenses for an aggregate purchase price of $329 million. Prior to commencement of the forward auction, U.S. Cellular made an upfront payment to the FCC of $143 million in June 2016. U.S. Cellular paid the remaining $186 million to the FCC and was granted the licenses during the second quarter of 2017.

Total cash payments for acquisitions of licenses were $8 million, $189 million and $196 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The 2016 amount includes the $143 million deposit that was made to the FCC.

U.S. Cellular also may seek to divest outright or include in exchanges for other wireless interests those interests that are not strategic to its long-term success. Total Cash received from divestitures and exchanges was $24 million, $21 million and $21 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 

Variable Interest Entities

U.S. Cellular consolidates certain “variable interest entities” as defined under GAAP. See Note 13 — Variable Interest Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these variable interest entities. U.S. Cellular may elect to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these variable interest entities in future periods in order to fund their operations.

Common Share Repurchase Program

U.S. Cellular has repurchased and expects to continue to repurchase its Common Shares, subject to its repurchase program. Share repurchases made under this program were as follows:

Year Ended December 31,	2018		2017		2016
Number of shares	—		—		154,449
Average cost per share	$	—	$	—	$	34.55
Dollar amount (in millions)	$	—	$	—	$	5

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Depending on its future financial performance, construction, development and acquisition programs, and available sources of financing, U.S. Cellular may not have sufficient liquidity or capital resources to make significant share repurchases. Therefore, there is no assurance that U.S. Cellular will make any significant share repurchases in the future.

For additional information related to the current repurchase authorization, see Note 15 — Common Shareholders’ Equity in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

U.S. Cellular 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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Contractual and Other Obligations

At December 31, 2018, the resources required for contractual obligations were as follows:

			Payments Due by Period
	Total		Less Than 1 Year		1 - 3 Years		3 - 5 Years		More Than 5 Years
(Dollars in millions)
Long-term debt obligations1	$	1,666	$	18	$	29	$	158	$	1,461
Interest payments on long-term debt obligations	3,469		111		221		204		2,933
Operating leases2	1,403		154		271		209		769
Capital leases	14		1		1		1		11
Purchase obligations3	1,545		1,296		180		45		24
	$	8,097	$	1,580	$	702	$	617	$	5,198

¹ Includes current and long-term portions of debt obligations. The total long-term debt obligation differs from Total long-term debt, net due to capital leases, debt issuance costs, unamortized discounts related to the 6.7% Senior Notes, and unamortized discounts related to the Installment payment agreement. See Note 11 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

² Includes future lease costs related to office space, retail sites, cell sites and equipment. See Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

³ Includes obligations payable under non-cancellable contracts, commitments for device purchases, network facilities and transport services, agreements for software licensing, long-term marketing programs, as well as certain agreements to purchase goods or services. Where applicable, U.S. Cellular calculates its obligation based on termination fees that can be paid to exit the contract. 

The table above excludes potential liabilities related to “unrecognized tax benefits” as defined by GAAP because U.S. Cellular is unable to predict the outcome or period of settlement of such liabilities. Such unrecognized tax benefits were $48 million at December 31, 2018. See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on unrecognized tax benefits.

See Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis

U.S. Cellular operates a capital‑ and marketing‑intensive business. U.S. Cellular makes substantial investments to acquire wireless licenses and properties and to construct and upgrade wireless telecommunications 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 U.S. Cellular’s networks. U.S. Cellular utilizes cash on hand, cash from operating activities, cash proceeds from divestitures and dispositions of investments, and short-term and long-term debt financing to fund its acquisitions (including spectrum licenses), construction costs, operating expenses and share repurchases. 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 U.S. Cellular’s cash flow activities in 2018, 2017 and 2016.

2018 Commentary

U.S. Cellular’s Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased$231 million in 2018. Net cash provided by operating activities was $709 million in 2018 due to net income of $164 million plus non-cash items of $605 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $152 million, including $68 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was partially offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $212 million. The working capital changes were influenced primarily by a $149 million increase in equipment installment plan receivables, which are expected to continue to increase and further require the use of working capital in the near term. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018, caused fluctuations in working capital items in the Consolidated Balance Sheet; however, the adoption of ASU 2014-09 had no impact on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $464 million. Cash paid in 2018 for additions to property, plant and equipment totaled $512 million. This was partially offset by cash received from the redemption of short-term Treasury bills of $50 million. 

Cash flows used for financing activities were $14 million, reflecting ordinary activity such as the scheduled repayments of debt.

2017 Commentary

U.S. Cellular’s Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $234 million in 2017. Net cash provided by operating activities was $469 million in 2017 due to net income of $15 million plus non-cash items of $598 million (including a $370 million loss on impairment of goodwill and a $365 million decrease in the deferred income tax liability) and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $136 million, including $62 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was partially offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $280 million. The working capital changes were due primarily to a $261 million increase in equipment installment plan receivables.

Cash flows used for investing activities were $683 million. Cash paid in 2017 for additions to property, plant and equipment totaled $465 million. Cash paid for licenses was $189 million which included the remaining $186 million due to the FCC for licenses U.S. Cellular won in Auction 1002. Cash paid for investments was $50 million which included the purchase of short-term Treasury bills. This was partially offset by Cash received from divestitures and exchanges of $21 million.

Cash flows used for financing activities were $20 million, primarily for scheduled repayments of debt.

2016 Commentary

U.S. Cellular’s Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $129 million in 2016. Net cash provided by operating activities was $501 million in 2016 due to net income of $49 million plus non-cash items of $609 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $93 million, including $29 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was partially offset by changes in working capital items which decreased cash by $250 million. The working capital changes were due primarily to a $246 million increase in equipment installment plan receivables. 

The net cash provided by operating activities was offset by cash flows used for investing activities of $618 million. Cash paid in 2016 for additions to property, plant and equipment totaled $443 million. In June 2016, U.S. Cellular made a deposit of $143 million to the FCC for its participation in Auction 1002. Cash paid for acquisitions and licenses in 2016 was $53 million partially offset by Cash received from divestitures and exchanges of $21 million.

Cash flows used for financing activities were $12 million in 2016, reflecting ordinary activity such as scheduled repayments of debt.

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Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis

The following discussion addresses certain captions in the consolidated balance sheet and changes therein. This discussion is intended to highlight the significant changes and is not intended to fully reconcile the changes. Changes in financial condition during 2018 were as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents

See the Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis above for a discussion of cash and cash equivalents.

Short-term investments

Short-term investments decreased $33 million due to the maturity of U.S. Treasury Bills with original maturities of six months partially offset by the purchase of additional U.S. Treasury Bills.

Accounts receivable — customers and agents

Accounts receivable — customers and agents increased $133 million due primarily to an increase in equipment installment plan receivables as well as ceasing to record deferred imputed interest as a result of the adoption of ASU 2014-09. See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Assets held for sale

Assets held for sale increased $44 million due primarily to the transfer of Licenses to Assets held for sale as a result of sale and exchange agreements that U.S. Cellular entered into in 2018. These agreements closed in the first quarter of 2019.

Other assets and deferred charges

Other assets and deferred charges increased $189 million due primarily to the creation of contract cost assets as a result of the adoption of ASU 2014-09. See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Customer deposits and deferred revenues

Customer deposits and deferred revenues decreased $28 million due primarily to the reclassification of certain deferred revenues to Other current assets to reflect the net contract position for each customer contract on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as required by ASU 2014-09, which was adopted on January 1, 2018. See Note — Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Accrued taxes

Accrued taxes decreased $26 million due primarily to the benefit of federal bonus depreciation on qualified assets.

Other deferred liabilities and credits

Other deferred liabilities and credits increased $52 million due primarily to an increase in asset retirement obligations as well as the creation of contract liabilities as a result of the adoption of ASU 2014-09. See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Treasury shares

Treasury shares decreased $55 million due primarily to restricted stock units vesting and the exercise of stock options.

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Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

U.S. Cellular prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. U.S. Cellular’s significant accounting policies are discussed in detail in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Note 2 — Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management believes the application of the following critical accounting policies and the estimates required by such application reflect its most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of U.S. Cellular’s consolidated financial statements. Management has discussed the development and selection of each of the following accounting policies and related estimates and disclosures with the Audit Committee of U.S. Cellular’s Board of Directors.

Wireless Licenses

Licenses represent a significant component of U.S. Cellular’s consolidated assets. Licenses are considered to be indefinite-lived assets and, therefore, are not amortized but rather are tested annually for impairment. Significant negative events, such as changes in any of the assumptions described below as well as decreases in forecasted cash flows, could result in an impairment in future periods. Licenses are tested for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a unit of accounting.

U.S. Cellular performs its annual impairment assessment of Licenses as of November 1 of each year, or more frequently if there are events or circumstances that cause U.S. Cellular to believe the carrying value of Licenses exceeds their fair value on a more likely than not basis. For purposes of its impairment testing of Licenses, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into eight units of accounting. The eight units of accounting consisted of one unit of accounting for developed operating market licenses (built licenses) and seven geographic non-operating market licenses (unbuilt licenses). U.S. Cellular performed a qualitative impairment assessment in 2018, and a quantitative impairment assessment in 2017, to determine whether an impairment existed.

In 2018, U.S. Cellular considered several qualitative factors, including analysts’ estimates of license values which contemplated recent spectrum auction results, recent U.S. Cellular and other market participant transactions and other industry and market factors. Based on this assessment, U.S. Cellular concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the licenses in each unit of accounting exceeded their respective carrying values. Therefore, no impairment of licenses existed and no Step 1 quantitative impairment evaluation was completed.

In 2017, a market approach was used to value the spectrum license portfolio. Within each unit of accounting, the licenses were segregated by type and by similar geographical area. The market approach develops an indication of fair value by calculating estimated market values using observable license purchase and auction transactions as a basis for such values for each pool of licenses. The sum of the fair values of the discrete pools represents the estimated fair value of U.S. Cellular’s licenses. Based on the assessment, the fair values of the license units of accounting exceeded their respective carrying values by amounts ranging from 16% to greater than 100%. Therefore, no impairment of licenses existed.

See Note 7 — Intangible Assets in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to Licenses activity in 2018 and 2017.

Income Taxes

U.S. Cellular is included in a consolidated federal income tax return with other members of the TDS consolidated group. TDS and U.S. Cellular are parties to a Tax Allocation Agreement which provides that U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries be included with the TDS affiliated group in a consolidated federal income tax return and in state income or franchise tax returns in certain situations. For financial statement purposes, U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries calculate their income, income tax and credits as if they comprised a separate affiliated group. Under the Tax Allocation Agreement between TDS and U.S. Cellular, U.S. Cellular remits its applicable income tax payments to TDS.

The amounts of income tax assets and liabilities, the related income tax provision and the amount of unrecognized tax benefits are critical accounting estimates because such amounts are significant to U.S. Cellular’s financial condition and results of operations.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires U.S. Cellular to calculate a provision for income taxes. This process involves estimating the actual current income tax liability together with assessing temporary differences resulting from the different treatment of items for tax purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred income tax assets and liabilities, which are included in U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. U.S. Cellular must then assess the likelihood that deferred income tax assets will be realized based on future taxable income and, to the extent management believes that realization is not likely, establish a valuation allowance. Management’s judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance that is established for deferred income tax assets.

U.S. Cellular recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position.  The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on management’s judgment as to the possible outcome that has a greater than 50% cumulative likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. 

See Note 5 — Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details regarding U.S. Cellular’s income tax provision, deferred income taxes and liabilities, valuation allowances and unrecognized tax benefits, including information regarding estimates that impact income taxes.

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Equipment Installment Plans

U.S. Cellular sells devices and certain accessories to customers under installment contracts over a specified time period and, under certain of these plans, offers the customer a trade-in right. Customers on an installment contract who elect to trade-in the device will receive a credit in the amount of the outstanding balance of the installment contract, provided the customer trades-in an eligible used device in good working condition and purchases a new device from U.S. Cellular. Equipment revenue under these contracts is recognized at the time the device is delivered to the customer for the amount allocated to the equipment under ASU 2014-09. See Note 4 — Equipment Installment Plans in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Trade-In Right

U.S. Cellular values the trade-in right as a guarantee liability. This liability is initially measured at fair value and is determined based on assumptions including the probability and timing of the customer upgrading to a new device and the fair value of the device being traded-in at the time of trade-in. U.S. Cellular reevaluates its estimate of the guarantee liability quarterly. A significant change in any of the aforementioned assumptions used to compute the guarantee liability would impact the amount of revenue recognized under these plans and the timing thereof. In 2018 and 2017, U.S. Cellular assumed the earliest contractual time of trade-in, or the minimum amount of payments as specified in the device installment contract, for all customers on installment contracts with trade-in rights.

When a customer exercises the trade-in option, both the outstanding receivable and guarantee liability balances related to the respective devices are reduced to zero, and the value of the used device that is received in the transaction is recognized as inventory. If the customer does not exercise the trade-in option at the time of eligibility, U.S. Cellular begins amortizing the liability and records this amortization as additional equipment revenue. 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

U.S. Cellular maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that result from the failure of its customers to make payments due under the equipment installment plans and accessory installment plans. The allowance is estimated based on historical experience, account aging and other factors that could affect collectability. When it is probable that an account balance will not be collected, the account balance is charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. To the extent that actual loss experience differs significantly from historical trends, the required allowance amounts could differ from the original estimates.

Other Items

Inflation

Management believes that inflation affects U.S. Cellular’s business to no greater or lesser extent than the general economy.

Seasonality

U.S. Cellular’s profitability historically has been lower in the fourth quarter as a result of significant marketing and promotional activity during the holiday season.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information on recently issued accounting pronouncements.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

See Note 18 – Certain Relationships and Related Transactions in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Regulatory Matters

FCC Mobility Fund Phase II Order

In October 2011, the FCC adopted its USF/Intercarrier Compensation Transformation Order (USF Order). Pursuant to this order, U.S. Cellular’s then current Federal USF support was to be phased down at the rate of 20% per year beginning July 1, 2012. The USF Order contemplated the establishment of a new mobile USF program (i.e., the Phase II Connect America Mobility Fund or "MF2") and provided for a pause in the phase down if that program was not timely implemented by July 2014. MF2 was not operational as of July 2014 and, therefore, as provided by the USF Order, the phase down was suspended at 60% of the baseline amount until such time as the FCC had taken steps to establish the MF2. In February 2017, the FCC adopted the MF2 Order addressing the framework for MF2 and the resumption of the phase down. The MF2 Order establishes a support fund of $453 million annually for ten years to be distributed through a market-based, multi-round reverse auction. For areas that receive support under MF2, legacy support to MF2 Auction winners will terminate and be replaced with MF2 support effective the first day of the month following release of the public notice closing the auction. Legacy support in areas where the legacy support recipient is not an MF2 winner will be subject to phase down over two years unless there is no winner in a particular census block, in which case it will be continued for one legacy support recipient only. The MF2 Order further states that the phase down of legacy support for areas that were not eligible for support under MF2 will commence on the first day of the month following the completion of the auction and will conclude two years later. 

In August 2017, the FCC adopted the MF2 Challenge Process Order, which laid out procedures for establishing areas that would be eligible for support under the MF2 program. This included a collection process to be followed by a challenge window, a challenge response window, and finally adjudication of any coverage disputes. In September 2017, the FCC issued a public notice initiating the collection of 4G LTE coverage data. Responses submitting the collected data were due on January 4, 2018. 

On February 27, 2018, the FCC issued public notices providing detailed challenge procedures and a schedule for the challenge process. Pursuant to these notices, the challenge window began on March 29, 2018, and closed on November 26, 2018. Under the MF2 Challenge Process Order, no earlier than thirty days after the FCC processes the challenges, the FCC would open a thirty-day challenge response window. Following the challenge response window, the FCC would then adjudicate any disputes. This entire process must be completed before an auction can be commenced. 

On December 7, 2018, the FCC announced that it is investigating whether one or more carriers had violated the MF2 mapping rules and submitted incorrect maps. Pending the outcome of this investigation, the FCC suspended the challenge process.

U.S. Cellular cannot predict at this time when the MF2 auction will occur, when the phase down period for its existing legacy support from the Federal USF will commence, or whether the MF2 auction will provide opportunities to U.S. Cellular 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. Parties are pursuing legal proceedings challenging the 2017 actions. U.S. Cellular cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings or the impact on its business. 

A number of states, including certain states in which U.S. Cellular 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. U.S. Cellular cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings or the impact on its business.

Millimeter Wave Spectrum Auctions

At its open meeting on August 2, 2018, the FCC adopted a public notice establishing procedures for two auctions of spectrum licenses in the 28 GHz and 24 GHz bands. The 28 GHz auction (Auction 101) commenced on November 14, 2018 and closed on January 24, 2019. Auction 101 offered two 425 MHz licenses in the 28 GHz band over portions of the United States that do not have incumbent licensees. The 24 GHz auction (Auction 102) will offer up to seven 100 MHz licenses in the 24 GHz band in Partial Economic Areas covering most of the United States. Upfront payments for Auction 102 were due by February 19, 2019, and bidding in Auction 102 is scheduled to begin on March 14, 2019. U.S. Cellular filed applications to participate in both auctions on September 18, 2018, and was announced as a qualified bidder for Auction 101 on October 31, 2018. The FCC has not announced qualified bidders for Auction 102.

Also, at the open meeting on August 2, 2018, the FCC adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in preparation for an additional Millimeter Wave auction offering licenses in the 37, 39 and 47 GHz bands. FCC statements indicate plans to hold this auction in the second half of 2019.

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PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

SAFE HARBOR CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Annual Report contain 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 U.S. Cellular 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. See “Risk Factors” in U.S. Cellular’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, for a further discussion of these risks. Each of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s 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.  U.S. Cellular undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers should evaluate any statements in light of these important factors.

▪ Intense competition in the markets in which U.S. Cellular operates could adversely affect U.S. Cellular’s revenues or increase its costs to compete.

▪ A failure by U.S. Cellular to successfully execute its business strategy (including planned acquisitions, spectrum acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges) or allocate resources or capital effectively could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations. 

▪ Uncertainty in U.S. Cellular’s future cash flow and liquidity or the inability to access capital, deterioration in the capital markets, other changes in U.S. Cellular’s performance or market conditions, changes in U.S. Cellular’s credit ratings or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to U.S. Cellular, which could require U.S. Cellular to reduce its construction, development or acquisition programs, reduce the amount of spectrum licenses acquired, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases.

▪ U.S. Cellular has a significant amount of indebtedness which could adversely affect its financial performance and in turn adversely affect its ability to make payments on its indebtedness, comply with terms of debt covenants and incur additional debt.

▪ Changes in roaming practices or other factors could cause U.S. Cellular's roaming revenues to decline from current levels, roaming expenses to increase from current levels and/or impact U.S. Cellular's ability to service its customers in geographic areas where U.S. Cellular does not have its own network, which could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular's business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪ A failure by U.S. Cellular 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 U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪ To the extent conducted by the FCC, U.S. Cellular may participate in FCC auctions for additional spectrum or for funding in certain Universal Service programs in the future directly or indirectly and, during certain periods, will be subject to the FCC’s anti-collusion rules, which could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular.

▪ Failure by U.S. Cellular to timely or fully comply with any existing applicable legislative and/or regulatory requirements or changes thereto could adversely affect U.S. Cellular’s 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 U.S. Cellular's business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪ U.S. Cellular’s assets and revenue are concentrated in the U.S. wireless telecommunications industry. Consequently, its operating results may fluctuate based on factors related primarily to conditions in this industry.

▪ U.S. Cellular’s smaller scale relative to larger competitors that may have greater financial and other resources than U.S. Cellular could cause U.S. Cellular 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, customer preferences and perceptions, price competition, churn from customer switching activity and other factors, could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

23

▪ Advances or changes in technology could render certain technologies used by U.S. Cellular obsolete, could put U.S. Cellular at a competitive disadvantage, could reduce U.S. Cellular’s revenues or could increase its costs of doing business.

▪ Complexities associated with deploying new technologies present substantial risk and U.S. Cellular investments in unproven technologies may not produce the benefits that U.S. Cellular expects.

▪ U.S. Cellular receives regulatory support and is subject to numerous surcharges and fees from federal, state and local governments, and the applicability and the amount of the support and fees are subject to great uncertainty, which could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪ Performance under device purchase agreements could have a material adverse impact on U.S. Cellular's business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪ Changes in U.S. Cellular’s enterprise value, changes in the market supply or demand for wireless licenses, adverse developments in the business or the industry in which U.S. Cellular is involved and/or other factors could require U.S. Cellular to recognize impairments in the carrying value of its licenses and/or physical assets.

▪ Costs, integration problems or other factors associated with acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges of properties or licenses and/or expansion of U.S. Cellular’s business could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪ A failure by U.S. Cellular 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 U.S. Cellular does business, including changes in U.S. Cellular's relationships with or financial or operational difficulties of key suppliers or independent agents and third party national retailers who market U.S. Cellular’s services, could adversely affect U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪ U.S. Cellular has significant investments in entities that it does not control. Losses in the value of such investments could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s financial condition or results of operations.

▪ A failure by U.S. Cellular to maintain flexible and capable telecommunication networks or information technology, or a material disruption thereof, could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪ U.S. Cellular 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 U.S. Cellular's business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪ Changes in facts or circumstances, including new or additional information, could require U.S. Cellular to record adjustments to amounts reflected in the financial statements, which could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s 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 U.S. Cellular’s 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 U.S. Cellular’s 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 U.S. Cellular’s 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 U.S. Cellular’s 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 U.S. Cellular from using necessary technology to provide products or services or subject U.S. Cellular to expensive intellectual property litigation or monetary penalties, which could have an adverse effect on U.S. Cellular’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

▪ There are potential conflicts of interests between TDS and U.S. Cellular.

▪ Certain matters, such as control by TDS and provisions in the U.S. Cellular Restated Certificate of Incorporation, may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of U.S. Cellular or have other consequences.

▪ The market price of U.S. Cellular’s Common Shares is subject to fluctuations due to a variety of factors.

▪ Any of the foregoing events or other events could cause revenues, earnings, capital expenditures and/or any other financial or statistical information to vary from U.S. Cellular’s forward-looking estimates by a material amount.

24

MARKET RISK

Long-Term Debt

As of December 31, 2018, the majority of U.S. Cellular’s long-term debt was in the form of fixed-rate notes with remaining maturities ranging up to 46 years. Fluctuations in market interest rates can lead to significant fluctuations in the fair value of these fixed-rate notes.

The following chart presents the scheduled principal payments on long-term debt by maturity dates at December 31, 2018:

The following table presents the scheduled principal payments on long-term debt, capital lease obligations and other installment arrangements, and the related weighted average interest rates by maturity dates at December 31, 2018:

	Principal Payments Due by Period
	Long-Term Debt Obligations1		Weighted-Avg. Interest Rates on Long-Term Debt Obligations2
(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	19	3.3	%
2020	19		3.3	%
2021	11		5.1	%
2022	158		5.0	%
2023	—		6.8	%
Thereafter	1,464		7.0	%
Total	$	1,671	6.7	%

¹  The total long-term debt obligation differs from Long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet due to unamortized debt issuance costs on all non-revolving debt instruments, unamortized discounts related to the 6.7% Senior Notes, and unamortized discounts related to the Installment payment agreement. See Note 11 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

²  Represents the weighted average interest rates at December 31, 2018, for debt maturing in the respective periods.

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Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the estimated fair value of long-term debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations, other installment arrangements, the current portion of such long-term debt and debt financing costs, was $1,561 million and $1,652 million, respectively. See Note 3 — Fair Value Measurements in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Other Market Risk Sensitive Instruments

The substantial majority of U.S. Cellular’s other market risk sensitive instruments (as defined in Item 305 of SEC Regulation S-K) are short-term, including Cash and cash equivalents. Accordingly, U.S. Cellular believes that a significant change in interest rates would not have a material effect on such other market risk sensitive instruments.

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Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

U.S. Cellular sometimes uses information derived from consolidated financial information but not presented in its financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP to evaluate the performance of its business. Certain of these measures are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rules. Specifically, U.S. Cellular has referred to the following measures in this Form 10-K Report:

▪EBITDA

▪Adjusted EBITDA

▪Adjusted OIBDA

▪Free cash flow

▪Postpaid ABPU

▪Postpaid ABPA

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. U.S. Cellular 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.  

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA as measurements of profitability and, therefore, reconciliations to Net income and Operating income are deemed appropriate. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are useful measures of U.S. Cellular’s 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 U.S. Cellular’s 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 table reconciles EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA to the corresponding GAAP measures, Net income and Operating income.

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	2018¹			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Net income (GAAP)	$	164		$	15		$	49
Add back or deduct:
Income tax expense (benefit)	51			(287		)	33
Interest expense	116			113			113
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	640			615			618
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)	971			456			813
Add back or deduct:
Loss on impairment of goodwill	—			370			—
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	10			17			22
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	—			(1		)	—
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(18		)	(22		)	(19		)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)	963			820			816
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	159			137			140
Interest and dividend income	15			8			6
Other, net	(1		)	—			1
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)	790			675			669
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	640			615			618
Loss on impairment of goodwill	—			370			—
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	10			17			22
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	—			(1		)	—
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(18		)	(22		)	(19		)
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)	$	158		$	(304	)	$	48

¹  As of January 1, 2018, U.S. Cellular adopted ASU 2014-09 using a modified retrospective approach.  Under this method, the new accounting standard is applied only to the most recent period presented.  See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Free Cash Flow

The following table presents Free cash flow. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure which U.S. Cellular 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.

	2018		2017		2016
(Dollars in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP)	$	709	$	469	$	501
Less: Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment	512		465		443
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)	$	197	$	4	$	58

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Postpaid ABPU and Postpaid ABPA

U.S. Cellular presents Postpaid ABPU and Postpaid ABPA to reflect the revenue shift from Service revenues to Equipment sales resulting from the increased adoption of equipment installment plans. Postpaid ABPU and Postpaid ABPA, as previously defined, are non-GAAP financial measures which U.S. Cellular believes are useful to investors and other users of its financial information in showing trends in both service and equipment sales revenues received from customers.

	2018¹		2017		2016
(Dollars and connection counts in millions)
Calculation of Postpaid ARPU
Postpaid service revenues	$	2,417	$	2,389	$	2,517
Average number of postpaid connections	4.48		4.49		4.47
Number of months in period	12		12		12
Postpaid ARPU (GAAP metric)	$	44.98	$	44.38	$	46.96
Calculation of Postpaid ABPU
Postpaid service revenues	$	2,417	$	2,389	$	2,517
Equipment installment plan billings	735		604		491
Total billings to postpaid connections	$	3,152	$	2,993	$	3,008
Average number of postpaid connections	4.48		4.49		4.47
Number of months in period	12		12		12
Postpaid ABPU (Non-GAAP metric)	$	58.67	$	55.60	$	56.12
Calculation of Postpaid ARPA
Postpaid service revenues	$	2,417	$	2,389	$	2,517
Average number of postpaid accounts	1.69		1.67		1.69
Number of months in period	12		12		12
Postpaid ARPA (GAAP metric)	$	118.93	$	118.96	$	124.09
Calculation of Postpaid ABPA
Postpaid service revenues	$	2,417	$	2,389	$	2,517
Equipment installment plan billings	735		604		491
Total billings to postpaid accounts	$	3,152	$	2,993	$	3,008
Average number of postpaid accounts	1.69		1.67		1.69
Number of months in period	12		12		12
Postpaid ABPA (Non-GAAP metric)	$	155.11	$	149.02	$	148.29

Numbers may not foot due to rounding

¹  As of January 1, 2018, U.S. Cellular adopted ASU 2014-09 using a modified retrospective approach.  Under this method, the new accounting standard is applied only to the most recent period presented.  See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Financial Statements

United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Operations

Year Ended December 31,	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Operating revenues
Service	$	2,978		$	2,978		$	3,081
Equipment sales	989			912			909
Total operating revenues	3,967			3,890			3,990
Operating expenses
System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	758			732			760
Cost of equipment sold	1,031			1,071			1,081
Selling, general and administrative (including charges from affiliates of $86 million, $85 million and $94 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016)	1,388			1,412			1,480
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	640			615			618
Loss on impairment of goodwill	—			370			—
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	10			17			22
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	—			(1		)	—
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(18		)	(22		)	(19		)
Total operating expenses	3,809			4,194			3,942
Operating income (loss)	158			(304		)	48
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	159			137			140
Interest and dividend income	15			8			6
Interest expense	(116		)	(113		)	(113		)
Other, net	(1		)	—			1
Total investment and other income	57			32			34
Income (loss) before income taxes	215			(272		)	82
Income tax expense (benefit)	51			(287		)	33
Net income	164			15			49
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	14			3			1
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	150		$	12		$	48
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	86			85			85
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.75		$	0.14		$	0.56
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	87			86			85
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.72		$	0.14		$	0.56

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

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United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31,	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	164		$	15		$	49
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	640			615			618
Bad debts expense	95			89			96
Stock-based compensation expense	37			30			26
Deferred income taxes, net	(3		)	(365		)	6
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(159		)	(137		)	(140		)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	152			136			93
Loss on impairment of goodwill	—			370			—
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	10			17			22
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(18		)	(22		)	(19		)
Other operating activities	3			1			—
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations
Accounts receivable	(39		)	(68		)	(23		)
Equipment installment plans receivable	(149		)	(261		)	(246		)
Inventory	(4		)	—			8
Accounts payable	3			(14		)	48
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	7			(3		)	(54		)
Accrued taxes	(39		)	26			40
Other assets and liabilities	9			40			(23		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	709			469			501
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment	(512		)	(465		)	(443		)
Cash paid for licenses	(8		)	(189		)	(53		)
Cash received for investments	50			—			—
Cash paid for investments	(17		)	(50		)	—
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	24			21			21
Federal Communications Commission deposit	—			—			(143		)
Other investing activities	(1		)	—			—
Net cash used in investing activities	(464		)	(683		)	(618		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of long-term debt	(19		)	(14		)	(11		)
Common shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	18			1			6
Common shares repurchased	—			—			(5		)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(6		)	(4		)	(1		)
Other financing activities	(7		)	(3		)	(1		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(14		)	(20		)	(12		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	231			(234		)	(129		)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period	352			586			715
End of period	$	583		$	352		$	586

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

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United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Balance Sheet — Assets

December 31,	2018		2017
(Dollars in millions)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	580	$	352
Short-term investments	17		50
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances of $66 and $55, respectively	908		775
Roaming	20		26
Affiliated	2		1
Other, less allowances of $2 and $1, respectively	46		41
Inventory, net	142		138
Prepaid expenses	63		79
Other current assets	34		21
Total current assets	1,812		1,483
Assets held for sale	54		10
Licenses	2,186		2,223
Investments in unconsolidated entities	441		415
Property, plant and equipment
In service and under construction	7,778		7,628
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	5,576		5,308
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,202		2,320
Other assets and deferred charges	579		390
Total assets1	$	7,274	$	6,841

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

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United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Balance Sheet — Liabilities and Equity

December 31,	2018			2017
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	$	19		$	18
Accounts payable
Affiliated	9			8
Trade	304			302
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	157			185
Accrued taxes	30			56
Accrued compensation	78			74
Other current liabilities	94			90
Total current liabilities	691			733
Liabilities held for sale	1			—
Deferred liabilities and credits
Deferred income tax liability, net	510			461
Other deferred liabilities and credits	389			337
Long-term debt, net	1,605			1,622
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features	11			1
Equity
U.S. Cellular shareholders’ equity
Series A Common and Common Shares
Authorized 190 shares (50 Series A Common and 140 Common Shares)
Issued 88 shares (33 Series A Common and 55 Common Shares)
Outstanding 86 shares (33 Series A Common and 53 Common Shares) and 85 shares (33 Series A Common and 52 Common Shares), respectively
Par Value ($1.00 per share) ($33 Series A Common and $55 Common Shares)	88			88
Additional paid-in capital	1,590			1,552
Treasury shares, at cost, 2 and 3 Common Shares, respectively	(65		)	(120		)
Retained earnings	2,444			2,157
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity	4,057			3,677
Noncontrolling interests	10			10
Total equity	4,067			3,687
Total liabilities and equity1	$	7,274		$	6,841

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

¹  The consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $868 million and $785 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of U.S. Cellular.  The consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $23 million and $24 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of U.S. Cellular.  See Note 13 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

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United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

	U.S. Cellular Shareholders
	Series A Common and Common shares		Additional paid-in capital		Treasury shares			Retained earnings			Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity		Noncontrolling interests			Total equity
(Dollars in millions)
December 31, 2017	$	88	$	1,552	$	(120	)	$	2,157		$	3,677	$	10		$	3,687
Cumulative effect of accounting change	—		—		—			175			175		1			176
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	—		—		—			150			150		—			150
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	—		—		—			—			—		2			2
Incentive and compensation plans	—		1		55			(38		)	18		—			18
Stock-based compensation awards	—		37		—			—			37		—			37
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—		(3		)	(3		)
December 31, 2018	$	88	$	1,590	$	(65	)	$	2,444		$	4,057	$	10		$	4,067

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

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United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

	U.S. Cellular Shareholders
	Series A Common and Common shares		Additional paid-in capital		Treasury shares			Retained earnings			Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity		Noncontrolling interests			Total equity
(Dollars in millions)
December 31, 2016	$	88	$	1,522	$	(136	)	$	2,160		$	3,634	$	11		$	3,645
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	—		—		—			12			12		—			12
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	—		—		—			—			—		3			3
Incentive and compensation plans	—		—		16			(15		)	1		—			1
Stock-based compensation awards	—		30		—			—			30		—			30
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—		(4		)	(4		)
December 31, 2017	$	88	$	1,552	$	(120	)	$	2,157		$	3,677	$	10		$	3,687

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

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United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

	U.S. Cellular Shareholders
	Series A Common and Common shares		Additional paid-in capital		Treasury shares			Retained earnings			Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity			Noncontrolling interests			Total equity
(Dollars in millions)
December 31, 2015	$	88	$	1,497	$	(157	)	$	2,133		$	3,561		$	10		$	3,571
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	—		—		—			48			48			—			48
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	—		—		—			—			—			2			2
Repurchase of Common Shares	—		—		(5		)	—			(5		)	—			(5		)
Incentive and compensation plans	—		—		26			(21		)	5			—			5
Stock-based compensation awards	—		25		—			—			25			—			25
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—			(1		)	(1		)
December 31, 2016	$	88	$	1,522	$	(136	)	$	2,160		$	3,634		$	11		$	3,645

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

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United States Cellular Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

United States Cellular Corporation (U.S. Cellular), a Delaware Corporation, is an 82%-owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS).

Nature of Operations

U.S. Cellular owns, operates and invests in wireless systems throughout the United States. As of December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular served customers with 5.0 million total connections. U.S. Cellular has one reportable segment.

Principles of Consolidation

The accounting policies of U.S. Cellular 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 U.S. Cellular, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, general partnerships in which U.S. Cellular has a majority partnership interest and certain entities in which U.S. Cellular has a variable interest that requires consolidation under GAAP. See Note 13 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information relating to U.S. Cellular’s VIEs. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (a) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and (b) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates are involved in accounting for indefinite-lived intangible assets, income taxes and equipment installment plans.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents subject to contractual restrictions are classified as 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.

December 31,	2018		2017
(Dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	580	$	352
Restricted cash included in Other current assets	3		—
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows	$	583	$	352

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed by customers for wireless services and equipment sales, including sales of certain devices and accessories under installment plans, by agents for sales of equipment to them and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems.

The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses related to existing billed and unbilled accounts receivable. The allowance is estimated based on historical experience, account aging and other factors that could affect collectability. Accounts receivable balances are reviewed on either an aggregate or individual basis for collectability depending on the type of receivable. When it is probable that an account balance will not be collected, the account balance is charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. U.S. Cellular does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.

Inventory

Inventory consists primarily of wireless devices stated at the lower of cost, which approximates cost determined on the first-in first-out basis, or net realizable value. Net realizable value is determined by reference to the stand-alone selling price.

Licenses

Licenses consist of direct and incremental costs incurred in acquiring Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licenses to provide wireless service.

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U.S. Cellular has determined that wireless licenses are indefinite-lived intangible assets and, therefore, not subject to amortization based on the following factors:

▪ Radio spectrum is not a depleting asset.

▪ The ability to use radio spectrum is not limited to any one technology.

▪ U.S. Cellular and its consolidated subsidiaries are licensed to use radio spectrum through the FCC licensing process, which enables licensees to utilize specified portions of the spectrum for the provision of wireless service.

▪ U.S. Cellular and its consolidated subsidiaries are required to renew their FCC licenses every ten years or, in some cases, every twelve or fifteen years. To date, all of U.S. Cellular’s license renewal applications have been granted by the FCC. Generally, license renewal applications filed by licensees otherwise in compliance with FCC regulations are routinely granted. If, however, a license renewal application is challenged either by a competing applicant for the license or by a petition to deny the renewal application, the license will be renewed if the licensee can demonstrate its entitlement to a “renewal expectancy.” Licensees are entitled to such an expectancy if they can demonstrate to the FCC that they have provided “substantial service” during their license term and have “substantially complied” with FCC rules and policies. U.S. Cellular believes that it is probable that its future license renewal applications will be granted.

U.S. Cellular performs its annual impairment assessment of Licenses as of November 1 of each year or more frequently if there are events or circumstances that cause U.S. Cellular to believe the carrying value of Licenses exceeds their fair value on a more likely than not basis. For purposes of its impairment testing of Licenses, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into eight units of accounting. The eight units of accounting consisted of one unit of accounting for developed operating market licenses (built licenses) and seven geographic non-operating market licenses (unbuilt licenses). 

U.S. Cellular performed a qualitative impairment assessment in 2018 and a quantitative impairment assessment in 2017 to determine whether the licenses were impaired. Based on the impairment assessments performed, U.S. Cellular did not have an impairment of its Licenses in 2018 or 2017. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional details related to Licenses.

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

For its equity method investments for which financial information is readily available, U.S. Cellular records its equity in the earnings of the entity in the current period. For its equity method investments for which financial information is not readily available, U.S. Cellular records its equity in the earnings of the entity on a one quarter lag basis.

Property, Plant and Equipment

U.S. Cellular’s Property, plant and equipment is stated at the original cost of construction or purchase including capitalized costs of certain taxes, payroll-related expenses, interest and estimated costs to remove the assets.

Expenditures that enhance the productive capacity of assets in service or extend their useful lives are capitalized and depreciated. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs of assets in service are charged to System operations expense or Selling, general and administrative expense, as applicable. Retirements and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the original cost of the asset (along with the related accumulated depreciation) from plant in service and charging it, together with net removal costs (removal costs less an applicable accrued asset retirement obligation and salvage value realized), to (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net.

U.S. Cellular capitalizes certain costs of developing new information systems. Software licenses that qualify for capitalization as an asset are accounted for as the acquisition of an intangible asset and the incurrence of a liability to the extent that the license fees are not fully paid at acquisition.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset.

U.S. Cellular depreciates leasehold improvement assets associated with leased properties over periods ranging from one to thirty years; such periods approximate the shorter of the assets’ economic lives or the specific lease terms.

Useful lives of specific assets are reviewed throughout the year to determine if changes in technology or other business changes would warrant accelerating the depreciation of those specific assets. There were no material changes to useful lives of property, plant and equipment in 2018, 2017 or 2016. See Note 9 — Property, Plant and Equipment for additional details related to useful lives.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

U.S. Cellular reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired.

U.S. Cellular has one asset group for purposes of assessing property, plant and equipment for impairment based on the fact that the individual operating markets are reliant on centrally operated data centers, mobile telephone switching offices and a network operations center. U.S. Cellular operates a single integrated national wireless network. The cash flows generated by this single interdependent network represent the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities.

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Agent Liabilities

U.S. Cellular has relationships with agents, which are independent businesses that obtain customers for U.S. Cellular. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, U.S. Cellular had accrued $59 million and $61 million, respectively, for amounts due to agents. These amounts are included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs include underwriters’ and legal fees and other charges related to issuing various borrowing instruments and other long–term agreements, and are amortized over the respective term of each instrument. Debt issuance costs related to U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement and receivables securitization agreement are recorded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. All other debt issuance costs are presented as an offset to the related debt obligation in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Asset Retirement Obligations

U.S. Cellular accounts for asset retirement obligations by recording the fair value of a liability for legal obligations associated with an asset retirement in the period in which the obligations are incurred. At the time the liability is incurred, U.S. Cellular records a liability equal to the net present value of the estimated cost of the asset retirement obligation and increases the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by an equal amount. Until the obligation is fulfilled, U.S. Cellular updates its estimates relating to cash flows required and timing of settlement. U.S. Cellular records the present value of the changes in the future value as an increase or decrease to the liability and the related carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to future value over a period ending with the estimated settlement date of the respective asset retirement obligation. The carrying amount of the long-lived asset is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the obligation, any difference between the cost to retire the asset and the recorded liability is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. See Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations for additional information.

Treasury Shares

Common Shares repurchased by U.S. Cellular are recorded at cost as treasury shares and result in a reduction of equity. When treasury shares are reissued, U.S. Cellular determines the cost using the first-in, first-out cost method. The difference between the cost of the treasury shares and reissuance price is included in Additional paid-in capital or Retained earnings.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from sales of equipment and products are recognized when control has transferred to the customer. Service revenues are recognized as the related service is provided.

See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition for additional information on U.S. Cellular's policies related to Revenues.

Advertising Costs

U.S. Cellular expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $215 million, $211 million and $245 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Income Taxes

U.S. Cellular is included in a consolidated federal income tax return with other members of the TDS consolidated group. For financial statement purposes, U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries calculate their income, income taxes and credits as if they comprised a separate affiliated group. Under a tax allocation agreement between TDS and U.S. Cellular, U.S. Cellular remits its applicable income tax payments to TDS. U.S. Cellular had a tax receivable balance with TDS of $14 million as of December 31, 2018 and a tax payable balance with TDS of $23 million as of December 31, 2017.

Deferred taxes are computed using the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for future deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for future taxable temporary differences. Both deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. U.S. Cellular evaluates income tax uncertainties, assesses the probability of the ultimate settlement with the applicable taxing authority and records an amount based on that assessment. Deferred taxes are reported as a net non-current asset or liability by jurisdiction. Any corresponding valuation allowance to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets is also recorded as non-current. See Note 5 — Income Taxes for additional information.

Stock-Based Compensation and Other Plans

U.S. Cellular has established a long-term incentive plan and a non-employee director compensation plan. These plans are considered compensatory plans and, therefore, recognition of costs for grants made under these plans is required.

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U.S. Cellular recognizes stock compensation expense based upon the fair value of the specific awards granted using established valuation methodologies. The amount of stock compensation cost recognized on either a straight-line basis or graded attribution method is based on the portion of the award that is expected to vest over the requisite service period, which generally represents the vesting period. Stock-based compensation cost recognized has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. See Note 16 — Stock-Based Compensation for additional information.

Defined Contribution Plans

U.S. Cellular participates in a qualified noncontributory defined contribution pension plan sponsored by TDS; such plan provides pension benefits for the employees of U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries. Under this plan, pension benefits and costs are calculated separately for each participant and are funded currently. Pension costs were $11 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016.

U.S. Cellular also participates in a defined contribution retirement savings plan (401(k) plan) sponsored by TDS. Total costs incurred for U.S. Cellular’s contributions to the 401(k) plan were $15 million, $16 million and $16 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (ASU 2016-02) and has since amended the standard with Accounting Standards Update 2018-01, Leases: Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842, Accounting Standards Update 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, Accounting Standards Update 2018-11, Leases: Targeted Improvements, andAccounting Standards Update 2018-20, Leases: Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors. ASU 2016-02, as amended, requires lessees to record a right-of-use asset and lease liability for almost all leases. This ASU does not substantially impact the lessor accounting model. However, some changes to the lessor accounting guidance were made to align with lessee accounting changes within ASC 842, Leases and certain key aspects of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. U.S. Cellular will adopt ASU 2016-02, as amended, using a modified retrospective method on January 1, 2019. Under this method, a cumulative effect adjustment is recognized upon adoption and the guidance is applied prospectively. U.S. Cellular elected transitional practical expedients for existing leases which eliminated the requirements to reassess existing lease classification and initial direct costs, and whether contracts contain leases. U.S. Cellular also elected the practical expedient related to land easements that allows it to carry forward the accounting treatment for pre-existing land easement agreements. U.S. Cellular has implemented new systems, processes and controls to adopt ASU 2016-02, as amended, and has implemented a new lease management and accounting system to assist in the application of the new standard. Nearly all of U.S. Cellular’s leases are classified as operating leases, although it does have a small number of finance leases. The adoption of ASU 2016-02, as amended, will add approximately $0.9 billion in right-of-use assets and approximately $1.0 billion in lease liabilities to the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2019, with the difference primarily representing accrued rent recognized prior to adoption. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 is not expected to have a material impact on U.S. Cellular's results of operations in 2019.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 requires entities to use a new forward-looking, expected loss model to estimate credit losses. It also requires additional disclosure relating to the credit quality of trade and other receivables, including information relating to management’s estimate of credit allowances. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, using the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2019; however, U.S. Cellular does not intend to adopt early. U.S. Cellular is evaluating the effects that adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on its financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2018-07). ASU 2018-07 expands the scope of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, which currently only includes share-based payments issued to employees, to also include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods and services. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2018-07 on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 will not have an impact on U.S. Cellular’s financial position or results of operations.

In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (ASU 2018-15). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the existing guidance for capitalizing implementation costs for an arrangement that has a software license. The service element of a hosting arrangement will continue to be expensed as incurred. Any capitalized implementation costs will be amortized over the period of the service contract. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020, either retrospectively or prospectively to eligible costs incurred on or after the date that this guidance is first applied. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 is not expected to have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular's financial position or results of operations.

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Note 2Revenue Recognition

Change in Accounting Policy

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and has since amended the standard with Accounting Standards Update 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date, Accounting Standards Update 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), Accounting Standards Update 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, Accounting Standards Update 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, and Accounting Standards Update 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, collectively referred to hereinafter as ASU 2014-09. These standards replace existing revenue recognition rules with a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. In February 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-05, Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets: Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets (ASU 2017-05). ASU 2017-05 clarifies how entities account for the derecognition of a nonfinancial asset and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. U.S. Cellular adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05 and applied them to all contracts as of January 1, 2018, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, the new accounting standard is applied only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Accordingly, prior periods have not been recast to reflect the new accounting standard. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of ASU 2014-09 resulted in an increase of $175 million in retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. ASU 2017-05 had no impact to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018.

As a practical expedient, U.S. Cellular groups similar contracts or similar performance obligations together into portfolios of contracts or performance obligations if doing so does not result in a significant difference from applying the new accounting standard to the individual contracts. U.S. Cellular applies this grouping method for the following types of transactions: device activation fees, contract acquisition costs, and certain customer promotions. Contract portfolios will be recognized over the respective expected customer lives or terms of the contracts.

The line items impacted by the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Balance Sheet are presented below.

Consolidated Statement of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2018	Results under prior accounting standards			Adjustment			As reported
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Operating revenues
Service	$	3,086		$	(108	)	$	2,978
Equipment sales	894			95			989
Total operating revenues	3,980			(13		)	3,967
Cost of equipment sold	1,030			1			1,031
Selling, general and administrative	1,393			(5		)	1,388
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(17		)	(1		)	(18		)
Total operating expenses	3,815			(6		)	3,809
Operating income (loss)	166			(8		)	158
Income (loss) before income taxes	223			(8		)	215
Income tax expense (benefit)	53			(2		)	51
Net income	170			(6		)	164
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	156			(6		)	150
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.81		$	(0.06	)	$	1.75
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.79		$	(0.07	)	$	1.72

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

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The decrease in Service revenues and the increase in Equipment sales revenues are driven primarily by differences in the timing and classification of revenue recognized for certain arrangements with multiple performance obligations and ceasing to record deferred imputed interest and the resulting interest income on equipment installment contracts. Under prior accounting standards, revenues were allocated to deliverables using the relative selling price method, where consideration was allocated to each element on the basis of its relative selling price. Revenue recognized for the delivered items was limited to the amount due from the customer that was not contingent upon the delivery of additional products or services. Under ASU 2014-09, the revenue allocation of the transaction price is based on the relative standalone selling prices of the individual performance obligations in the customer’s contract, and the resulting revenue attributable to each is recognized as control over the performance obligation is transferred to the customer. This has resulted in increased Equipment sales revenues as more revenue is allocated to discounted equipment than under prior accounting standards. Under prior accounting standards, U.S. Cellular deferred imputed interest related to equipment installment plan receivable contracts that exceeded twelve months, and recognized the corresponding interest income over the contract period in Service revenues. Under the provisions of ASU 2014-09, U.S. Cellular has determined that equipment installment plan contracts do not contain a significant financing component, and accordingly, U.S. Cellular ceased recording deferred imputed interest and the resulting interest income on equipment installment contracts upon the adoption of ASU 2014-09.

Cost of equipment sold increased due to a change in timing of recognition of cost of goods sold in the agent channel. Under prior accounting standards, Equipment sales to agents and the related Cost of equipment sold were recognized when equipment was sold through from the agent to end user customers. In accordance with the provisions of ASU 2014-09, such amounts are recognized when U.S. Cellular delivers the equipment to the agent. Fluctuations in Selling, general and administrative expenses are due to the capitalization and amortization of contract acquisition and contract fulfillment costs under ASU 2014-09.

Under ASU 2017-05, (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net is calculated by subtracting the carrying amount of the distinct asset being disposed from the consideration measured and allocated to that distinct asset. With respect to license exchange transactions, the consideration, or transaction price, is the fair value of the licenses received. Under prior accounting standards, the transaction price was typically the fair value of the licenses surrendered.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2018	Results under prior accounting standards		Adjustment			As reported
(Dollars in millions)
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances	$	844	$	64		$	908
Prepaid expenses	88		(25		)	63
Other current assets	31		3			34
Total current assets	1,769		43			1,812
Licenses	2,185		1			2,186
Investments in unconsolidated entities	424		17			441
Other assets and deferred charges	418		161			579
Total assets	7,052		222			7,274
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	178		(21		)	157
Other current liabilities	90		4			94
Total current liabilities	708		(17		)	691
Deferred income tax liability, net	459		51			510
Other deferred liabilities and credits	371		18			389
Retained earnings	2,275		169			2,444
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity	3,888		169			4,057
Noncontrolling interests	9		1			10
Total equity	3,897		170			4,067
Total liabilities and equity	$	7,052	$	222		$	7,274

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

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As a result of adoption of ASU 2014-09, U.S. Cellular recorded short-term and long-term contract assets and contract liabilities in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018. Under ASU 2014-09, the timing of recognition of revenue for each performance obligation may differ from the timing of the customer billing, creating a contract asset or contract liability. See Contract Balances below for additional information. Contract assets are included in Other current assets if short-term in nature or Other assets and deferred charges if long-term in nature. Short-term contract liabilities are classified as Customer deposits and deferred revenues and long-term contract liabilities are included in Other deferred liabilities and credits. Accounts receivable increased as a result of U.S. Cellular ceasing to record deferred imputed interest. Certain prepaid expenses decreased due to a change in timing of recognition of sales of equipment to agents. Investments in unconsolidated entities increased due to the cumulative effect of applying the provisions of ASU 2014-09 to certain of U.S. Cellular’s equity method investments as of January 1, 2018. Deferred income tax liabilities, net, increased due to the provisions of ASU 2014-09 increasing the net basis of assets on a U.S. GAAP basis, without a corresponding increase in tax basis. Contract cost assets have also been created as a result of ASU 2014-09 due to capitalization of costs to obtain a new contract. See Contract Cost Assets below for additional information.

Nature of goods and services

The following is a description of principal activities from which U.S. Cellular generates its revenues.

Services and products	Nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, and significant payment terms
Wireless services	Wireless service includes voice, messaging and data services. Revenue is recognized in Service revenues as wireless service is provided to the customer. Wireless services generally are billed and paid in advance on a monthly basis.
Wireless devices and accessories	U.S. Cellular offers a comprehensive range of wireless devices such as handsets, tablets, mobile hotspots, home phones and routers for use by its customers, as well as accessories. U.S. Cellular also sells wireless devices to agents and other third-party distributors for resale. U.S. Cellular frequently discounts wireless devices sold to new and current customers. U.S. Cellular also offers customers the option to purchase certain devices and accessories under installment contracts over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device. Such upgrades require the customer to enter into an equipment installment contract for the new device, and transfer the existing device to U.S. Cellular. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Equipment sales revenues when control of the device or accessory is transferred to the customer, which is generally upon delivery.
Wireless roaming	U.S. Cellular receives roaming revenues when other wireless carriers’ customers use U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues when the roaming service is provided to the other carrier’s customer.
Wireless Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Revenues	Telecommunications companies may be designated by states, or in some cases by the FCC, as an ETC to receive support payments from the Universal Service Fund if they provide specified services in “high cost” areas. ETC revenues recognized in the reporting period represent the amounts which U.S. Cellular is entitled to receive for such period, as determined and approved in connection with U.S. Cellular’s designation as an ETC in various states.
Wireless tower rents	U.S. Cellular receives tower rental revenues when another carrier leases tower space on a U.S. Cellular owned tower. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues in the period during which the services are provided.
Activation fees	U.S. Cellular charges its end customers activation fees in connection with the sale of certain services and equipment. Activation fees are deferred and recognized over the period benefitted.

Significant Judgments

Revenues from sales of equipment are recognized when control has transferred to the customer. Service revenues are recognized as the related service is provided. Services are deemed to be highly interrelated when the method and timing of transfer and performance risk are the same. Highly interrelated services that are determined to not be distinct have been grouped into a single performance obligation. Each month of services promised is a performance obligation. The series of monthly service performance obligations promised over the course of the contract are combined into a single performance obligation for purposes of the allocation.

U.S. Cellular has made judgments regarding transaction price, including but not limited to issues relating to variable consideration, time value of money and returns. When determined to be significant in the context of the contract, these items are considered in the valuation of transaction price at contract inception or modification, as appropriate.

Multiple Performance Obligations

U.S. Cellular sells bundled service and equipment offerings. In these instances, U.S. Cellular recognizes its revenue based on the relative standalone selling prices for each distinct service or equipment performance obligation, or bundles thereof. U.S. Cellular estimates the standalone selling price of the device or accessory to be its retail price excluding discounts. U.S. Cellular estimates the standalone selling price of wireless service to be the price offered to customers on month-to-month contracts.

Equipment Installment Plans

Equipment revenue under equipment installment plan contracts is recognized at the time the device is delivered to the customer for the amount allocated to the equipment under ASU 2014-09.

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Incentives

Discounts and incentives that are deemed cash are recognized as a reduction of Operating revenues concurrently with the associated revenue. 

U.S. Cellular issues rebates to its agents and end customers. These incentives are recognized as a reduction to revenue at the time the corresponding revenue is recognized. The total potential rebates and incentives are reduced by U.S. Cellular’s estimate of rebates that will not be redeemed by customers based on historical experience of such redemptions.

From time to time, U.S. Cellular may offer certain promotions to incentivize customers to switch to, or to purchase additional services from, U.S. Cellular. Under these types of promotions, an eligible customer may receive an incentive in the form of a discount off additional services purchased shown as a rebate or credit to the customer’s monthly bill. U.S. Cellular accounts for the future discounts as material rights at the time of the initial transaction by allocating and deferring a portion of service and equipment revenue based on the relative proportion of the future discounts in comparison to the aggregate initial purchase. The deferred revenue will be recognized as service revenue in future periods.

Amounts Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities

U.S. Cellular records amounts collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis within a tax liability account if the tax is assessed upon the customer and U.S. Cellular merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is assessed upon U.S. Cellular, then amounts collected from customers as recovery of the tax are recorded in Service revenues and amounts remitted to governmental authorities are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $67 million, $58 million and $64 million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Disaggregation of Revenue

In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by type of service and timing of revenue recognition. Service revenues are recognized over time and Equipment sales are point in time.

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Retail service	$	2,623
Inbound roaming	154
Other service	135
Service revenues from contracts with customers	2,912
Equipment sales	989
Total revenues from contracts with customers1	$	3,901

¹   These amounts do not include revenues outside the scope of ASU 2014-09; therefore, revenue line items in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Contract Balances

For contracts that involve multiple element service and equipment offerings, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. When payment is collected in advance of delivery of goods or services, a contract liability is recorded. A contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of U.S. Cellular’s right to receive consideration. Once there is an unconditional right to receive the consideration, U.S. Cellular bills the customer under the terms of the respective contract and the amounts are recorded as receivables.

U.S. Cellular recognizes Equipment sales revenue when the equipment is delivered to the customer and a corresponding contract asset or liability is recorded for the difference between the amount of revenue recognized and the amount billed to the customer in cases where discounts are offered. The contract asset or liability is reduced over the contract term as service is provided and billed to the customer.

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The accounts receivable balance related to amounts billed and not paid on contracts with customers, net of allowances, is shown in the table below. Bad debts expense recognized for the year ended December 31, 2018, related to receivables was $94 million.

	December 31, 2018
(Dollars in millions)
Accounts receivable
Customer and agents	$	908
Roaming	20
Other	32
Total1	$	960

¹ These amounts do not include accounts receivable related to revenues outside the scope of ASU 2014-09; therefore, accounts receivable line items presented in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The following table provides a rollforward of contract assets from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Other current assets and Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

	Contract Assets
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	—
Change in accounting policy	26
Contract additions	23
Terminated contracts	(1		)
Reclassified to receivables	(39		)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	9

The following table provides a rollforward of 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.

	Contract Liabilities
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	—
Change in accounting policy - Deferred revenues reclassification1	167
Change in accounting policy - Retained earnings impact	(21		)
Contract additions	154
Terminated contracts	(2		)
Revenue recognized	(135		)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	163

¹   This amount represents U.S. Cellular's obligation to transfer goods or services to customers for which it had received payment and classified as deferred revenue at December 31, 2017.

Transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations

The following table includes estimated service revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. These estimates represent service revenue to be recognized when wireless services are delivered to customers pursuant to service plan contracts. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of December 31, 2018, and may vary from actual results due to future contract modifications. As a practical expedient, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, are excluded from these estimates.

	Service Revenue
(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	236
2020	47
Thereafter	15
Total	$	298

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U.S. Cellular has certain contracts in which it bills an amount equal to a fixed per-unit price multiplied by a variable quantity (e.g., roaming agreements with other carriers). Because U.S. Cellular invoices for such items in an amount that corresponds directly with the value of the performance completed to date, U.S. Cellular may recognize revenue in that amount. As a practical expedient, these contracts are excluded from the estimate of future revenues expected to be recognized related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied as of the end of a reporting period.

Contract Cost Assets

U.S. Cellular expects that incremental commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts are recoverable and therefore U.S. Cellular capitalizes these costs. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are not capitalized. The contract cost asset balance related to commission fees was $139 million at December 31, 2018, and was recorded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Capitalized commission fees are amortized based on the transfer of the goods or services to which the assets relate, typically the contract term which ranges from fourteen months to thirty months. Amortization of contract cost assets was $108 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, and was included in Selling, general and administrative expense. There was no impairment loss recognized for the year ended December 31, 2018, related to contract cost assets.

Note 3Fair Value Measurements

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, U.S. Cellular 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.

U.S. Cellular 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	December 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
		Book Value		Fair Value		Book Value		Fair Value
(Dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	1	$	580	$	580	$	352	$	352
Short-term investments	1	17		17		50		50
Long-term debt
Retail	2	917		850		917		939
Institutional	2	534		531		534		522
Other	2	180		180		191		191

The fair values of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments approximate their book values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Long-term debt excludes capital lease obligations, other installment arrangements, the current portion of Long-term debt and debt financing costs. The fair value of “Retail” Long-term debt was estimated using market prices for the 7.25% 2063 Senior Notes, 7.25% 2064 Senior Notes and 6.95% Senior Notes. U.S. Cellular’s “Institutional” debt consists of the 6.7% Senior Notes which are traded over the counter. U.S. Cellular’s “Other” debt consists of a senior term loan credit agreement. U.S. Cellular 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 5.03% to 6.97% and 4.74% to 7.13% at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Note 4Equipment Installment Plans

U.S. Cellular 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. U.S. Cellular values this trade-in right as a guarantee liability. The guarantee liability is initially measured at fair value and is determined based on assumptions including the probability and timing of the customer upgrading to a new device and the fair value of the device being traded-in at the time of trade-in. When a customer exercises the trade-in option, both the outstanding receivable and guarantee liability balances related to the respective device are reduced to zero, and the value of the used device that is received in the transaction is recognized as inventory. If the customer does not exercise the trade-in option at the time of eligibility, U.S. Cellular begins amortizing the liability and records this amortization as additional equipment revenue. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the guarantee liability related to these plans was $11 million and $15 million, respectively, and is reflected in Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

December 31,	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$	974		$	873
Deferred interest	—			(80		)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net of deferred interest	974			793
Allowance for credit losses	(70		)	(65		)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	904		$	728
Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)	$	565		$	428
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)	339			300
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	904		$	728

U.S. Cellular 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. Customers assigned to credit classes requiring no down payment represent a lower risk category, whereas those assigned to credit classes requiring a down payment represent a higher risk category. The balance and aging of the equipment installment plan receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows:

	December 31, 2018						December 31, 2017
	Lower Risk		Higher Risk		Total		Lower Risk		Higher Risk		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Unbilled	$	904	$	17	$	921	$	807	$	20	$	827
Billed — current	35		1		36		31		1		32
Billed — past due	15		2		17		12		2		14
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$	954	$	20	$	974	$	850	$	23	$	873

The activity in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows:

	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of year	$	65		$	50
Bad debts expense	64			62
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(59		)	(47		)
Allowance for credit losses, end of year	$	70		$	65

U.S. Cellular recorded out-of-period adjustments in 2016 due to errors related to equipment installment plan transactions occurring in 2015. These adjustments had the impact of increasing Equipment sales revenues by $2 million, decreasing bad debts expense, which is a component of Selling, general and administrative expense, by $2 million and increasing Income before income taxes by $4 million in 2016.

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Note 5Income Taxes

U.S. Cellular is included in a consolidated federal income tax return and in certain state income tax returns with other members of the TDS consolidated group. For financial statement purposes, U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries compute their income tax expense as if they comprised a separate affiliated group and were not included in the TDS consolidated group.

U.S. Cellular’s current income taxes balances at December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

December 31,	2018		2017
(Dollars in millions)
Federal income taxes receivable (payable)	$	15	$	(22	)
Net state income taxes receivable (payable)	—		(1		)

Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows:

Year Ended December 31,	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Current
Federal	$	48		$	68		$	29
State	6			10			(2		)
Deferred
Federal	(5		)	(354		)	1
State	2			(11		)	5
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	51		$	(287	)	$	33

In December 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law. Following the guidance of the FASB's Accounting Standards Update 2018-05, Income Taxes: Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income tax expense (benefit) for the year ended December 31, 2017, included a provisional estimate for the impact of the Tax Act on U.S. Cellular's 2017 depreciation deduction. During 2018, U.S. Cellular completed a full analysis of depreciation deductions related to fixed assets placed in service during 2017 and Income tax expense (benefit) for 2018 included a benefit of $4 million related to this adjustment.

A reconciliation of U.S. Cellular’s income tax expense computed at the statutory rate to the reported income tax expense, and the statutory federal income tax expense rate to U.S. Cellular’s effective income tax expense rate is as follows:

Year Ended December 31,	2018					2017					2016
	Amount			Rate		Amount			Rate		Amount			Rate
(Dollars in millions)
Statutory federal income tax expense and rate	$	45		21.0	%	$	(95	)	35.0	%	$	29		35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit1	9			4.0		(4		)	1.4		3			3.6
Effect of noncontrolling interests	(1		)	(0.4	)	(2		)	0.8		(1		)	(1.1	)
Federal income tax rate change2	(4		)	(2.0	)	(254		)	93.3		—			—
Change in federal valuation allowance3	(1		)	(0.3	)	(5		)	1.9		3			2.8
Goodwill impairment4	—			—		71			(26.2	)	—			—
Nondeductible compensation	4			1.8		4			(1.5	)	1			1.4
Other differences, net	(1		)	(0.4	)	(2		)	0.8		(2		)	(2.0	)
Total income tax expense (benefit) and rate	$	51		23.7	%	$	(287	)	105.5	%	$	33		39.7	%

¹  State income taxes, net of federal benefit, include changes in unrecognized tax benefits as well as adjustments to the valuation allowance.

²  The Tax Act reduced the federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% for years after 2017. The $4 million tax benefit in 2018 relates primarily to finalizing the analysis for 2017 depreciation deductions as described above. The $254 million tax benefit in 2017 related to adjusting the deferred tax liability to the lower tax rate upon enactment of the Tax Act.

³  Change in federal valuation allowance in 2018 includes a change in judgment related to net operating loss carryforwards that are now realizable due to an internal restructuring, offset by current year interest expense carryforwards not expected to be realized.

⁴  Goodwill impairment reflects an adjustment to increase 2017 income tax expense by $71 million related to a portion of the impaired goodwill that is not amortizable for income tax purposes. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional information related to the goodwill impairment.

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Significant components of U.S. Cellular’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

December 31,	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Deferred tax assets
Net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards	$	96		$	103
Stock-based compensation	16			20
Compensation and benefits - other	5			5
Deferred rent	20			21
Other	73			59
Total deferred tax assets	210			208
Less valuation allowance	(75		)	(77		)
Net deferred tax assets	135			131
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment	256			276
Licenses/intangibles	207			192
Partnership investments	133			123
Other	49			—
Total deferred tax liabilities	645			591
Net deferred income tax liability	$	510		$	460
Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:
Deferred income tax liability, net	$	510		$	461
Other assets and deferred charges	—			(1		)
Net deferred income tax liability	$	510		$	460

At December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular and certain subsidiaries had $1,911 million of state NOL carryforwards (generating a $84 million deferred tax asset) available to offset future taxable income. The state NOL carryforwards expire between 2019 and 2038. Certain subsidiaries had federal NOL carryforwards (generating a $12 million deferred tax asset) available to offset their future taxable income. The federal NOL carryforwards generally expire between 2019 and 2037, with the exception of federal NOLs generated after 2017, which do not expire. A valuation allowance was established for certain state NOL carryforwards and federal NOL carryforwards since it is more likely than not that a portion of such carryforwards will expire before they can be utilized.

A summary of U.S. Cellular’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance is as follows:

	2018			2017		2016
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at beginning of year	$	77		$	65	$	55
Charged to income tax expense	5			12		10
Charged to Retained earnings	(7		)	—		—
Balance at end of year	$	75		$	77	$	65

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at beginning of year	$	47		$	43		$	39
Additions for tax positions of current year	6			6			12
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1			1			3
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	—			(1		)	(1		)
Reductions for lapses in statutes of limitations	(6		)	(2		)	(10		)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at end of year	$	48		$	47		$	43

Unrecognized tax benefits are included in Accrued taxes and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. If these benefits were recognized, they would have reduced income tax expense in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by $38 million, $38 million and $29 million, respectively, net of the federal benefit from state income taxes. 

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U.S. Cellular recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income tax expense (benefit). The amounts charged to income tax expense related to interest and penalties resulted in a benefit of less than $1 million in 2018, an expense of $3 million in 2017 and a benefit of $2 million in 2016. Net accrued liabilities for interest and penalties were $19 million and $19 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are included in Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

U.S. Cellular is included in TDS’ consolidated federal and certain state income tax returns. U.S. Cellular also files certain state and local income tax returns separately from TDS. With only limited exceptions, TDS is no longer subject to federal and state income tax audits for the years prior to 2013.

Note 6Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular 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 earnings per common share and the effects of potentially dilutive securities on the weighted average number of common shares were as follows:

Year Ended December 31,	2018		2017		2016
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	150	$	12	$	48
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share	86		85		85
Effects of dilutive securities	1		1		—
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share	87		86		85
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.75	$	0.14	$	0.56
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.72	$	0.14	$	0.56

Certain Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of performance and restricted stock units were not included in average diluted shares outstanding for the calculation of Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded was 2 million shares, 3 million shares and 3 million shares for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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Note 7Intangible Assets

Licenses

On occasion, U.S. Cellular reviews attractive opportunities to acquire additional wireless spectrum, including pursuant to FCC auctions. U.S. Cellular also may seek to divest outright or include in exchanges wireless spectrum that is not strategic to its long-term success. Activity related to U.S. Cellular's Licenses is presented below.

	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at beginning of year	$	2,223		$	1,886
Acquisitions	8			331
Transferred to Assets held for sale1	(51		)	(10		)
Divestitures	(11		)	—
Exchanges - Licenses received	18			25
Exchanges - Licenses surrendered	(1		)	(9		)
Balance at end of year	$	2,186		$	2,223

¹  Licenses classified as Assets held for sale in 2018 are included in transactions which closed in the first quarter of 2019.

Auction 1002

In July 2016, the FCC announced U.S. Cellular as a qualified bidder in the FCC's forward auction of 600 MHz spectrum licenses, referred to as Auction 1002. Prior to commencement of the forward auction, U.S. Cellular made an upfront payment to the FCC of $143 million in June 2016 to establish its initial bidding eligibility. In April 2017, the FCC announced by way of public notice that U.S. Cellular was the winning bidder for 188 licenses for an aggregate purchase price of $329 million. U.S. Cellular paid the remaining $186 million to the FCC and was granted the licenses during the second quarter of 2017.

Goodwill Interim Impairment Assessment

Based on 2017 developments, including wireless expansion plans announced by other companies and the results of the FCC’s forward auction of 600 MHz spectrum licenses and other FCC actions, U.S. Cellular anticipated increased competition for customers in its primary operating markets from new and existing market participants over the long term. In addition, the widening adoption of unlimited data plans and other data pricing constructs across the industry, including U.S. Cellular’s introduction of unlimited plans in 2017, may limit the industry’s ability to monetize future growth in data usage. These factors when assessed and considered as part of U.S. Cellular’s annual planning process conducted in the third quarter of each year caused management to revise its long-range financial forecast in the third quarter of 2017. Based on the factors noted above, management identified a triggering event and performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test on an interim basis.

U.S. Cellular used a one-step quantitative approach that compared the fair value of the U.S. Cellular reporting unit to its carrying value. A discounted cash flow approach was used to value the reporting unit, using value drivers and risks specific to U.S. Cellular and the industry and current economic factors. The cash flow estimates incorporated certain assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value and may not be indicative of U.S. Cellular specific assumptions. However, the discount rate used in the analysis considers any additional risk a market participant might place on integrating the U.S. Cellular reporting unit into its operations. 

The results of the interim goodwill impairment test indicated that the carrying value of the U.S. Cellular reporting unit exceeded its fair value. Therefore, U.S. Cellular recognized a loss on impairment of goodwill of $370 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill to zero in the third quarter of 2017.

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Note 8Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in entities in which U.S. Cellular holds a noncontrolling interest. On January 1, 2018, U.S. Cellular adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01) using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 did not have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular's financial position or results of operations.

U.S. Cellular's Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using either the equity method or measurement alternative method as shown in the table below. The measurement alternative method was elected for investments without readily determinable fair values formerly accounted for under the cost method. The measurement alternative value represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes. U.S. Cellular did not have an impairment or observable price change related to these investments in 2018.

December 31,	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Equity method investments:
Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments	$	105		$	105
Cumulative share of income	1,892			1,717
Cumulative share of distributions	(1,563		)	(1,411		)
Total equity method investments	434			411
Measurement alternative method investments	7			4
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	$	441		$	415

The following tables, which are based on information provided in part by third parties, summarize the combined assets, liabilities and equity, and results of operations of U.S. Cellular’s equity method investments:

December 31,	2018		2017
(Dollars in millions)
Assets
Current	$	882	$	668
Due from affiliates	379		323
Property and other	4,962		4,804
Total assets	$	6,223	$	5,795
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities	$	434	$	435
Deferred credits	178		176
Long-term liabilities	217		199
Long-term capital lease obligations	—		1
Partners' capital and shareholders' equity	5,394		4,984
Total liabilities and equity	$	6,223	$	5,795

Year Ended December 31,	2018		2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Results of Operations
Revenues	$	6,777	$	6,562		$	6,747
Operating expenses	4,965		4,965			5,047
Operating income	1,812		1,597			1,700
Other income (expense), net	11		(1		)	(11		)
Net income	$	1,823	$	1,596		$	1,689

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Note 9 Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment in service and under construction, and related accumulated depreciation and amortization, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

December 31,	Useful Lives (Years)	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Land	N/A	$	35		$	36
Buildings	20	296			297
Leasehold and land improvements	1-30	1,210			1,178
Cell site equipment	7-25	3,460			3,411
Switching equipment	5-8	1,018			988
Office furniture and equipment	3-5	285			389
Other operating assets and equipment	3-5	51			57
System development	1-7	1,149			1,060
Work in process	N/A	274			212
Total property, plant and equipment, gross		7,778			7,628
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(5,576		)	(5,308		)
Total property, plant and equipment, net		$	2,202		$	2,320

Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $627 million, $604 million and $607 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2018, 2017 and 2016, (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net included charges of $10 million, $17 million and $22 million, respectively, related to disposals of assets, trade-ins of older assets for replacement assets and other retirements of assets from service in the normal course of business.

Note 10 Asset Retirement Obligations

U.S. Cellular is subject to asset retirement obligations associated with its leased cell sites, switching office sites, retail store sites and office locations. Asset retirement obligations generally include obligations to restore leased land, towers, retail store and office premises to their pre-lease conditions. These obligations are included in Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In 2018 and 2017, U.S. Cellular performed a review of the assumptions and estimated costs related to its asset retirement obligations. The results of the reviews (identified as Revisions in estimated cash outflows) and other changes in asset retirement obligations during 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at beginning of year	$	183		$	174
Additional liabilities accrued	2			1
Revisions in estimated cash outflows	8			(3		)
Disposition of assets	(1		)	(1		)
Accretion expense	12			12
Transferred to Liabilities held for sale	(1		)	—
Balance at end of year	$	203		$	183

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Note 11Debt

Revolving Credit Agreement

At December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular had a revolving credit agreement available for general corporate purposes, including spectrum purchases and capital expenditures. In May 2018, U.S. Cellular entered into a new $300 million revolving credit agreement with certain lenders and other parties. As a result of the new agreement, U.S. Cellular’s previous revolving credit agreement due to expire in June 2021 was terminated. Amounts under the revolving credit agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in May 2023. As of December 31, 2018, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement, except for letters of credit. Interest expense representing commitment fees on the unused portion of the revolving line of credit was $1 million in each of 2018, 2017 and 2016. The commitment fees are based on the unsecured senior debt ratings assigned to U.S. Cellular by certain ratings agencies.

The following table summarizes the revolving credit agreement as of December 31, 2018:

(Dollars in millions)
Maximum borrowing capacity	$	300
Letters of credit outstanding	$	2
Amount borrowed	$	—
Amount available for use	$	298

Borrowings under the revolving credit agreement bear interest either at a London Inter-bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.75% or at an alternative Base Rate as defined in the revolving credit agreement plus 0.75%, at U.S. Cellular’s option. U.S. Cellular may select a borrowing period of either one, two, three or six months (or other period of twelve months or less if requested by U.S. Cellular and approved by the lenders). U.S. Cellular’s credit spread and commitment fees on its revolving credit agreement may be subject to increase if its current credit rating from nationally recognized credit rating agencies is lowered, and may be subject to decrease if the rating is raised. 

In connection with U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement dated May 10, 2018, together with the administrative agent for the lenders under U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement. Pursuant to this subordination agreement, (a) any consolidated funded indebtedness from U.S. Cellular to TDS will be unsecured and (b) any (i) consolidated funded indebtedness from U.S. Cellular to TDS (other than “refinancing indebtedness” as defined in the subordination agreement) in excess of $105 million and (ii) refinancing indebtedness in excess of $250 million will be subordinated and made junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of obligations to the lenders under U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement. As of December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular had no outstanding consolidated funded indebtedness or refinancing indebtedness that was subordinated to the revolving credit agreement pursuant to the subordination agreement.

The continued availability of the revolving credit agreement requires U.S. Cellular to comply with certain negative and affirmative covenants, maintain certain financial ratios and make representations regarding certain matters at the time of each borrowing. 

The revolving credit agreement includes the following financial covenants:

▪ Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio may not be less than 3.00 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter.

▪ Consolidated Leverage Ratio may not be greater than the ratios indicated as of the end of any fiscal quarter for each period specified below:

Period	Ratios
From the agreement date of May 10, 2018 through June 30, 2019	3.25 to 1.00
From July 1, 2019 and thereafter	3.00 to 1.00

Certain U.S. Cellular wholly-owned subsidiaries have jointly and severally unconditionally guaranteed the payment and performance of the obligations of U.S. Cellular under the revolving credit agreement pursuant to a guaranty dated May 10, 2018. Other subsidiaries that meet certain criteria will be required to provide a similar guaranty in the future. U.S. Cellular believes it was in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants and requirements set forth in its revolving credit agreement as of December 31, 2018.

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Term Loan

In July 2015, U.S. Cellular borrowed $225 million on a senior term loan credit agreement in two separate draws. This agreement was entered into in January 2015, amended and restated in June 2016, and further amended in May 2018. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings is reset at one, three or six month intervals at a rate of LIBOR plus 250 basis points. This credit agreement provides for the draws to be continued on a long-term basis under terms that are readily determinable. U.S. Cellular has the ability and intent to carry the debt for the duration of the agreement. Principal reductions are due and payable in quarterly installments of $3 million beginning in March 2016 through December 2021, and the remaining unpaid balance will be due and payable in January 2022. The senior term loan credit agreement contains financial covenants and subsidiary guarantees that are consistent with the revolving credit agreements described above. This agreement was entered into for general corporate purposes, including working capital, spectrum purchases and capital expenditures. U.S. Cellular believes that it was in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants and requirements set forth in its term loan credit agreement as of December 31, 2018.

In connection with U.S. Cellular’s term loan credit agreement, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement in June 2016 together with the administrative agent for the lenders under U.S. Cellular’s term loan credit agreement, which is substantially the same as the subordination agreement for U.S. Cellular as described above under the “Revolving Credit Agreement.” As of December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular had no outstanding consolidated funded indebtedness or refinancing indebtedness that was subordinated to the term loan agreement pursuant to this subordination agreement.

Receivables Securitization Agreement

In December 2017, U.S. Cellular, through its subsidiaries, entered into a $200 million credit agreement to permit securitized borrowings using its equipment installment receivables for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, spectrum purchases and capital expenditures. In connection with the receivables securitization agreement, U.S. Cellular formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, USCC Master Note Trust (Trust), which qualifies as a bankruptcy remote entity. Under the terms of the agreement, U.S. Cellular, through its subsidiaries, transfers eligible equipment installment receivables to the Trust. The Trust then utilizes the transferred assets as collateral for notes payables issued to third party financial institutions. Since U.S. Cellular retains effective control of the transferred assets in the Trust, any activity associated with this receivables securitization agreement will be treated as a secured borrowing. Therefore, U.S. Cellular will continue to report equipment installment receivables and any related balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Cash received from borrowings under the receivables securitization agreement will be reported as Debt. Refer to Note 13 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

U.S. Cellular entered into a performance guaranty whereby U.S. Cellular guarantees the performance of certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of U.S. Cellular under the receivables securitization agreement. Amounts under the receivables securitization agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in December 2019, which may be extended from time to time as specified therein. As of December 31, 2018, there were no outstanding borrowings under the receivables securitization agreement, and the entire unused capacity of $200 million was available, subject to sufficient collateral to satisfy the asset borrowing base provisions of the agreement. As of December 31, 2018, the Trust held $63 million of assets available to be pledged as collateral for the receivables securitization agreement.

The continued availability of the receivables securitization agreement requires U.S. Cellular to comply with certain negative and affirmative covenants, maintain certain financial ratios and provide representations on certain matters at the time of each borrowing. The covenants include the same financial covenants for U.S. Cellular as described above under the “Revolving Credit Agreement.” U.S. Cellular believes that it was in compliance as of December 31, 2018, with all of the financial covenants and requirements set forth in its receivables securitization agreement.

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Other Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, was as follows:

				December 31, 2018						December 31, 2017
	Issuance date	Maturity date	Call date (any time on or after)	Principal Amount		Less Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs		Total		Principal Amount		Less Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Unsecured Senior Notes
6.700%	Dec 2003 and June 2004	Dec 2033	Dec 2003 and June 2004	$	544	$	14	$	530	$	544	$	15	$	529
6.950%	May 2011	May 2060	May 2016	342		11		331		342		11		331
7.250%	Dec 2014	Dec 2063	Dec 2019	275		10		265		275		10		265
7.250%	Nov 2015	Dec 2064	Dec 2020	300		10		290		300		10		290
Term Loan	Jul 2015	Jan 2022		191		1		190		203		2		201
Capital lease obligations				5		—		5		4		—		4
Installment payment agreement				14		1		13		21		1		20
Total long-term debt				$	1,671	$	47	$	1,624	$	1,689	$	49	$	1,640
Long-term debt, current								$	19					$	18
Long-term debt, noncurrent								$	1,605					$	1,622

U.S. Cellular may redeem its 6.95% Senior Notes, 7.25% 2063 Senior Notes and 7.25% 2064 Senior Notes, in whole or in part at any time after the respective call date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. U.S. Cellular may redeem the 6.7% Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, or (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the Treasury Rate plus 30 basis points. 

Interest on the Senior Notes outstanding at December 31, 2018, is payable quarterly, with the exception of the 6.7% Senior Notes for which interest is payable semi-annually.

The annual requirements for principal payments on long-term debt are approximately $19 million, $19 million, $11 million, $158 million and less than $1 million for the years 2019 through 2023, respectively.

The covenants associated with U.S. Cellular’s long-term debt obligations, among other things, restrict U.S. Cellular’s ability, subject to certain exclusions, to incur additional liens, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, and sell, consolidate or merge assets.

U.S. Cellular’s long-term debt notes do not contain any provisions resulting in acceleration of the maturities of outstanding debt in the event of a change in U.S. Cellular’s credit rating. However, a downgrade in U.S. Cellular’s credit rating could adversely affect its ability to obtain long-term debt financing in the future.

Note 12Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Obligations

U.S. Cellular has obligations payable under non-cancellable contracts, commitments for device purchases, network facilities and transport services, agreements for software licensing, long-term marketing programs, as well as certain agreements to purchase goods or services. Where applicable, U.S. Cellular calculates its obligation based on termination fees that can be paid to exit the contract. Future minimum payments required under these commitments as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

	Purchase Obligations
(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	1,296
2020	112
2021	68
2022	33
2023	12
Thereafter	24
Total	$	1,545

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Subsequent to December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular committed to purchase assets from a third party in the amount of $129 million, subject to regulatory approval. This amount is not included in the 2019 purchase obligations above, which are stated as of December 31, 2018.

Lease Commitments

U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries have leases for office space, retail store sites, cell sites and equipment which are accounted for as operating leases. Certain leases have renewal options and/or fixed rental increases. Renewal options that are reasonably assured of exercise are included in determining the lease term. Any rent abatements or lease incentives, in addition to fixed rental increases, are included in the calculation of rent expense and calculated on a straight-line basis over the defined lease term. Rent expense totaled $173 million, $166 million and $161 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 

U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries are also the lessors for tower space which are accounted for as operating leases. The leased assets are included in Property, plant and equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

As of December 31, 2018, future minimum rental payments required under operating leases and rental receipts expected under operating leases that have noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year were as follows:

	Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Payments		Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Receipts
(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	154	$	58
2020	143		47
2021	128		34
2022	112		22
2023	97		10
Thereafter	769		3
Total	$	1,403	$	174

Indemnifications

U.S. Cellular enters into agreements in the normal course of business that provide for indemnification of counterparties. The terms of the indemnifications vary by agreement. The events or circumstances that would require U.S. Cellular to perform under these indemnities are transaction specific; however, these agreements may require U.S. Cellular to indemnify the counterparty for costs and losses incurred from litigation or claims arising from the underlying transaction. U.S. Cellular is unable to estimate the maximum potential liability for these types of indemnifications as the amounts are dependent on the outcome of future events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time. Historically, U.S. Cellular has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements.

Legal Proceedings

U.S. Cellular is involved or may be involved from time to time in legal proceedings before the FCC, other regulatory authorities, and/or various state and federal courts. If U.S. Cellular believes that a loss arising from such legal proceedings is probable and can be reasonably estimated, an amount is accrued in the financial statements for the estimated loss. If only a range of loss can be determined, the best estimate within that range is accrued; if none of the estimates within that range is better than another, the low end of the range is accrued. The assessment of the expected outcomes of legal proceedings is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events. The legal proceedings are reviewed at least quarterly to determine the adequacy of accruals and related financial statement disclosures. The ultimate outcomes of legal proceedings could differ materially from amounts accrued in the financial statements.

U.S. Cellular has recorded no accrual and $1 million with respect to legal proceedings and unasserted claims as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. U.S. Cellular has not accrued any amount for legal proceedings if it cannot estimate the amount of the possible loss or range of loss. U.S. Cellular is unable to estimate any contingent loss in excess of the amounts accrued.

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has notified U.S. Cellular and its parent, TDS, that it is conducting inquiries of U.S. Cellular and TDS under the federal False Claims Act.  The DOJ is investigating U.S. Cellular’s participation in spectrum auctions 58, 66, 73 and 97 conducted by the FCC.  U.S. Cellular is a limited partner in several limited partnerships which qualified for the 25% bid credit in each auction.  TDS and U.S. Cellular are cooperating with the DOJ’s review.  TDS and U.S. Cellular believe that U.S. Cellular’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, U.S. Cellular cannot predict the outcome of this review.

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Note 13 Variable Interest Entities

Consolidated VIEs

U.S. Cellular consolidates VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by GAAP and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the VIE activities that most significantly impact economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb the VIE losses and the right to receive benefits that are significant to the VIE. U.S. Cellular reviews these criteria initially 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 U.S. Cellular’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

During 2017, U.S. Cellular formed USCC EIP LLC (Seller/Sub-Servicer), USCC Receivables Funding LLC (Transferor) and the Trust, collectively the special purpose entities (SPEs), to facilitate a securitized borrowing using its equipment installment plan receivables. Under a Receivables Sale Agreement, U.S. Cellular wholly-owned, majority-owned and unconsolidated entities, collectively referred to as “affiliated entities”, will transfer device equipment installment plan contracts to the Seller/Sub-Servicer. The Seller/Sub-Servicer will aggregate device equipment installment plan contracts, and perform servicing, collection and all other administrative activities related to accounting for the equipment installment plan contracts. The Seller/Sub-Servicer will sell the eligible equipment installment plan receivables to the Transferor, a bankruptcy remote entity, which will subsequently sell the receivables to the Trust. The Trust, which is bankruptcy remote and isolated from the creditors of U.S. Cellular, 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 U.S. Cellular has the power to direct the activities of these SPEs, and that these SPEs lack sufficient equity to finance their activities, U.S. Cellular 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. Refer to Note 11 — Debt, Receivables Securitization Agreement for additional details regarding the securitization agreement for which these entities were established.

The following VIEs were formed to participate in FCC auctions of wireless spectrum and to fund, establish, and provide wireless service with respect to any FCC 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 U.S. Cellular subsidiary, to sell or lease certain 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, U.S. Cellular has the most significant level of exposure to the variability associated with the economic performance of the VIEs, indicating that U.S. Cellular is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Therefore, in accordance with GAAP, these VIEs are consolidated.

During 2018, U.S. Cellular received liquidating distributions from Aquinas Wireless, L.P. (Aquinas Wireless). Subsequent to the final distribution date, Aquinas Wireless had no remaining assets and was dissolved.

U.S. Cellular 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, U.S. Cellular 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 are also recognized as VIEs and are consolidated under the variable interest model.

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The following table presents the classification and balances of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

December 31,	2018		2017
(Dollars in millions)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	9	$	3
Short-term investments	17		—
Accounts receivable	611		476
Inventory, net	5		5
Other current assets	6		3
Assets held for sale	4		—
Licenses	652		655
Property, plant and equipment, net	94		99
Other assets and deferred charges	349		303
Total assets	$	1,747	$	1,544
Liabilities
Current liabilities	$	34	$	39
Liabilities held for sale	1		—
Deferred liabilities and credits	16		13
Total liabilities	$	51	$	52

Unconsolidated VIEs

U.S. Cellular 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.

U.S. Cellular’s total investment in these unconsolidated entities was $4 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and is included in Investments in unconsolidated entities in U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The maximum exposure from unconsolidated VIEs is limited to the investment held by U.S. Cellular in those entities.

Other Related Matters

U.S. Cellular made contributions, loans and/or advances to its VIEs totaling $152 million, $821 million and $98 million during 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively; of which $116 million in 2018 and $790 million in 2017 are related to USCC EIP LLC as discussed above. U.S. Cellular 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 licenses granted in various auctions. U.S. Cellular may finance such amounts with a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under its revolving credit agreement and/or other long-term debt. There is no assurance that U.S. Cellular will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all to provide such financial support.

The limited partnership agreements of Advantage Spectrum and King Street Wireless also provide the general partner with a put option whereby the general partner may require the limited partner, a subsidiary of U.S. Cellular, to purchase its interest in the limited partnership. The general partner’s put options related to its interests in King Street Wireless will become exercisable in 2019. The general partner’s put options related to its interest in Advantage Spectrum will become exercisable in 2021 and 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 U.S. Cellular is recorded as Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Also in accordance with GAAP, minority share of income or changes in the redemption value of the put options, net of interest accrued on the loans, are recorded as a component of Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, in U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Statement of Operations.

During the first quarter of 2018, U.S. Cellular recorded an out-of-period adjustment attributable to 2016 and 2017 due to errors in the application of accounting guidance applicable to the calculation of Noncontrolling interests with redemption features related to King Street Wireless, Inc. This out-of-period adjustment had the impact of increasing Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, by $8 million and decreasing Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders by $8 million in 2018. U.S. Cellular determined that this adjustment was not material to any of the periods impacted.

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Note 14Noncontrolling Interests

U.S. Cellular’s consolidated financial statements include certain noncontrolling interests that meet the GAAP definition of mandatorily redeemable financial instruments. These mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests represent interests held by third parties in consolidated partnerships, where the terms of the underlying partnership agreement provide for a defined termination date at which time the assets of the subsidiary are to be sold, the liabilities are to be extinguished and the remaining net proceeds are to be distributed to the noncontrolling interest holders and U.S. Cellular in accordance with the respective partnership agreements. The termination dates of these mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests range from 2085 to 2092.

The estimated aggregate amount that would be due and payable to settle all of these noncontrolling interests, assuming an orderly liquidation of the finite-lived consolidated partnerships on December 31, 2018, net of estimated liquidation costs, is $26 million. This amount excludes redemption amounts recorded in Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The estimate of settlement value was based on certain factors and assumptions which are subjective in nature. Changes in those factors and assumptions could result in a materially larger or smaller settlement amount. The corresponding carrying value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in finite-lived consolidated partnerships at December 31, 2018, was $11 million, and is included in Noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The excess of the aggregate settlement value over the aggregate carrying value of these mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests is due primarily to the unrecognized appreciation of the noncontrolling interest holders’ share of the underlying net assets in the consolidated partnerships. Neither the noncontrolling interest holders’ share, nor U.S. Cellular’s share, of the appreciation of the underlying net assets of these subsidiaries is reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

Note 15Common Shareholders’ Equity

Series A Common Shares

Series A Common Shares are convertible on a share-for-share basis into Common Shares. In matters other than the election of directors, each Series A Common Share is entitled to ten votes per share, compared to one vote for each Common Share. The Series A Common Shares are entitled to elect 75% of the directors (rounded down), and the Common Shares elect 25% of the directors (rounded up). As of December 31, 2018, a majority of U.S. Cellular’s outstanding Common Shares and all of U.S. Cellular’s outstanding Series A Common Shares were held by TDS.

Common Share Repurchase Program

In November 2009, U.S. Cellular announced by Form 8-K that the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular authorized the repurchase of up to 1,300,000 Common Shares on an annual basis beginning in 2009 and continuing each year thereafter, on a cumulative basis. In December 2016, the U.S. Cellular Board amended this authorization to provide that, beginning on January 1, 2017, the authorized repurchase amount with respect to a particular year will be any amount from zero to 1,300,000 Common Shares, as determined by the Pricing Committee of the Board of Directors, and that if the Pricing Committee did not specify an amount for any year, such amount would be zero for such year. The Pricing Committee has not specified any increase in the authorization since that time. The Pricing Committee also was authorized to decrease the cumulative amount of the authorization at any time, but has not taken any action to do so at this time. As of December 31, 2018, the total cumulative amount of Common Shares authorized to be purchased is 5,901,000. The authorization provides that share repurchases will be made pursuant to open market purchases, block purchases, private purchases, or otherwise, depending on market prices and other conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date.

Pursuant to certain employee and non-employee benefit plans, U.S. Cellular reissued the following Treasury Shares:

Year Ended December 31,	2018	2017	2016
(Shares in millions)
Treasury Shares Reissued	1	—	1

Tax-Deferred Savings Plan

At December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular has reserved 67,000 Common Shares for issuance under the TDS Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, a qualified profit‑sharing plan pursuant to Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participating employees have the option of investing their contributions in a U.S. Cellular Common Share fund, a TDS Common Share fund or certain unaffiliated funds.

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Note 16 Stock-Based Compensation

U.S. Cellular has established the following stock‑based compensation plans: Long-Term Incentive Plans and a Non-Employee Director compensation plan.

Under the U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans, U.S. Cellular may grant fixed and performance based incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation stock unit awards to key employees. At December 31, 2018, the only types of awards outstanding are fixed non-qualified stock option awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance share awards and deferred compensation stock unit awards.

Under the Non-Employee Director compensation plan, U.S. Cellular may grant Common Shares to members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of U.S. Cellular or TDS.

At December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular had reserved 13,286,000 Common Shares for equity awards granted and to be granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plans and 137,000 Common Shares for issuance under the Non-Employee Director compensation plan.

U.S. Cellular uses treasury stock to satisfy requirements for Common Shares issued pursuant to its various stock-based compensation plans.

Long-Term Incentive Plans–Stock Options

Stock options granted to key employees are exercisable over a specified period not in excess of ten years. Stock options generally vest over a period of three years from the date of grant. Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2018, expire between 2019 and 2026. However, vested stock options typically expire 30 days after the effective date of an employee’s termination of employment for reasons other than retirement. Employees who leave at the age of retirement have 90 days (or one year if they satisfy certain requirements) within which to exercise their vested stock options. The exercise price of options equals the market value of U.S. Cellular Common Shares on the date of grant.

U.S. Cellular did not grant stock option awards in 2018 or 2017. U.S. Cellular estimated the fair value of stock options granted during 2016 using the Black-Scholes valuation model and the assumptions shown in the table below.

	2016
Expected life	4.7 years
Expected annual volatility rate	30.5	%
Dividend yield	—	%
Risk-free interest rate	1.2	%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate	9.4	%

Pre-vesting forfeitures and expected life are estimated based on historical experience related to similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. U.S. Cellular believes that its historical experience provides the best estimates of future pre-vesting forfeitures and future expected life. The expected volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility of U.S. Cellular’s common stock over a period commensurate with the expected life. The dividend yield assumption is zero because U.S. Cellular has never paid a dividend, except a special cash dividend in June 2013, and has expressed its intention to retain all future earnings in the business. The risk-free interest rate assumption is determined using the U.S. Treasury Yield Curve Rate with a term length that approximates the expected life of the stock options.

The fair value of options is recognized as compensation cost using an accelerated attribution method over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period.

A summary of U.S. Cellular stock options outstanding (total and portion exercisable) and changes during 2018 is presented in the table below:

Common Share Options	Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	3,495,000		$	41.10
(2,475,000 exercisable)			$	40.79
Exercised	(2,318,000	)	$	39.45
Forfeited	(19,000	)	$	43.12
Expired	(352,000	)	$	47.29
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	806,000		$	43.10	$	7	6.0
(420,000 exercisable)			$	42.39	$	4	5.7

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The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the U.S. Cellular stock options granted in 2016 was $12.77. The aggregate intrinsic value of U.S. Cellular stock options exercised in 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $19 million, $1 million and $4 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value at December 31, 2018, presented in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between U.S. Cellular’s closing stock price and the exercise price multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by option holders had all options been exercised on December 31, 2018.

Long-Term Incentive Plans–Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock unit awards granted to key employees generally vest after three years. The restricted stock unit awards currently outstanding were granted in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and will vest in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of restricted stock units based on the closing market price of U.S. Cellular shares on the date of grant. The fair value is then recognized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period.

A summary of U.S. Cellular nonvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2018, and changes during the year then ended is presented in the table below:

Common Restricted Stock Units	Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2017	1,483,000		$	39.67
Granted	559,000		$	38.19
Vested	(395,000	)	$	37.30
Forfeited	(78,000	)	$	39.78
Nonvested at December 31, 2018	1,569,000		$	39.74

The total fair value of restricted stock units that vested during 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $16 million, $11 million and $15 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the restricted stock units granted in 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $38.19, $38.04 and $43.32, respectively.

Long-Term Incentive Plans – Performance Share Awards (Performance Shares)

Beginning in 2017, U.S. Cellular granted performance shares, specifically performance stock units, to key employees. The performance shares vest after three years. Each recipient may be entitled to shares of U.S. Cellular common stock equal to 50% to 200% of a communicated target award depending on the achievement of predetermined performance-based operating targets over the performance period, which is a one year period beginning on January 1 in the year of grant to December 31 in the year of grant. The remaining time through the end of the vesting period is considered the “time-based period”. Performance-based operating targets include Simple Free Cash Flow, Consolidated Total Operating Revenues and Postpaid Handset Voluntary Defections. Subject to vesting during the time-based period, the performance share award agreement provides that in no event shall the award be less than 50% of the target opportunity as of the grant date. The performance shares awards currently outstanding that were granted in 2017 and 2018 and will vest in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of performance shares using U.S. Cellular’s closing stock price on the date of grant. An estimate of the number of performance shares expected to vest based upon achieving the performance-based operating targets is made and the aggregate fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Each reporting period, during the performance period, the estimate of the number of performance shares expected to vest is reviewed and stock compensation expense is adjusted as appropriate to reflect the revised estimate of the aggregate fair value of the performance shares expected to vest.

A summary of U.S. Cellular’s nonvested performance shares and changes during 2018 is presented in the table below:

Common Performance Shares	Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2017	342,000		$	36.92
Granted	357,000		$	38.81
Change in units based on approved performance factors	111,000		$	36.92
Forfeited	(42,000	)	$	37.37
Nonvested at December 31, 2018	768,000		$	37.78

No performance shares vested during 2018 or 2017. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the performance shares granted in 2018 and 2017 was $38.81 and $36.92, respectively.

62

Long-Term Incentive Plans–Deferred Compensation Stock Units

Certain U.S. Cellular employees may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual bonuses and to receive a company matching contribution on the amount deferred. All bonus compensation that is deferred by employees electing to participate is immediately vested and is deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units. The amount of U.S. Cellular’s matching contribution depends on the portion of the annual bonus that is deferred. Participants receive a 25% match for amounts deferred up to 50% of their total annual bonus and a 33% match for amounts that exceed 50% of their total annual bonus; such matching contributions also are deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units and vest over three years.

The total fair value of deferred compensation stock units that vested during 2018, 2017 and 2016 was less than $1 million in each respective year. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the deferred compensation stock units granted in 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $40.72, $36.02 and $41.31, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, there were 33,000 vested but unissued deferred compensation stock units valued at $2 million.

Compensation of Non-Employee Directors

U.S. Cellular issued 18,000, 15,000 and 13,000 Common Shares in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, under its Non-Employee Director compensation plan.

Stock‑Based Compensation Expense

The following table summarizes stock‑based compensation expense recognized during 2018, 2017 and 2016:

Year Ended December 31,	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Stock option awards	$	2		$	6		$	11
Restricted stock unit awards	21			19			14
Performance share awards	13			4			—
Awards under Non-Employee Director compensation plan	1			1			1
Total stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	37			30			26
Income tax benefit	(9		)	(11		)	(10		)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	28		$	19		$	16

The following table provides a summary of the classification of stock-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended:

December 31,	2018		2017		2016
(Dollars in millions)
Selling, general and administrative expense	$	33	$	27	$	23
System operations expense	4		3		3
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	37	$	30	$	26

At December 31, 2018, unrecognized compensation cost for all U.S. Cellular stock‑based compensation awards was $33 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.

U.S. Cellular’s tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options and the vesting of other awards totaled $9 million in 2018.

63

Note 17Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Following are supplemental cash flow disclosures regarding interest paid and income taxes paid.

Year Ended December 31,	2018		2017		2016
(Dollars in millions)
Interest paid	$	113	$	111	$	113
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received	90		55		(11		)

Following are supplemental cash flow disclosures regarding transactions related to stock-based compensation awards. In certain situations, U.S. Cellular withholds shares that are issuable upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted shares to cover, and with a value equivalent to, the exercise price and/or the amount of taxes required to be withheld from the stock award holder at the time of the exercise or vesting. U.S. Cellular then pays the amount of the required tax withholdings to the taxing authorities in cash.

Year Ended December 31,	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Common Shares withheld	1,549,800			144,755			308,010
Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld	$	73		$	6		$	13
Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options	29			5			12
Cash disbursements for payment of taxes	(11		)	(4		)	(6		)
Net cash receipts from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$	18		$	1		$	6

Note 18 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The following persons are partners of Sidley Austin LLP, the principal law firm of U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries: Walter C.D. Carlson, a director of U.S. Cellular, a director and non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of TDS and a trustee and beneficiary of a voting trust that controls TDS; William S. DeCarlo, the General Counsel of TDS and an Assistant Secretary of TDS and certain subsidiaries of TDS; and Stephen P. Fitzell, the General Counsel of U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecommunications LLC and an Assistant Secretary of U.S. Cellular and certain other subsidiaries of TDS. Walter C.D. Carlson does not provide legal services to TDS, U.S. Cellular or their subsidiaries. U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries incurred legal costs from Sidley Austin LLP of $5 million, $7 million and $6 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

U.S. Cellular is billed for all services it receives from TDS, pursuant to the terms of various agreements between it and TDS. These billings are included in U.S. Cellular's Selling, general and administrative expenses. Some of these agreements were established at a time prior to U.S. Cellular's initial public offering when TDS owned more than 90% of U.S. Cellular's outstanding capital stock and may not reflect terms that would be obtainable from an unrelated third party through arms-length negotiations. Billings from TDS and certain of its subsidiaries to U.S. Cellular are based on expenses specifically identified to U.S. Cellular and on allocations of common expenses. Such allocations are based on the relationship of U.S. Cellular's assets, employees, investment in property, plant and equipment and expenses relative to all subsidiaries in the TDS consolidated group. Management believes the method TDS uses to allocate common expenses is reasonable and that all expenses and costs applicable to U.S. Cellular are reflected in its financial statements. Billings to U.S. Cellular from TDS totaled $86 million, $85 million and $94 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular is responsible for the review and evaluation of all related-party transactions as such term is defined by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

64

Reports of Management

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements

Management of United States Cellular Corporation has the responsibility for preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements and for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, in management’s opinion, were fairly presented. The financial statements included amounts that were based on management’s best estimates and judgments. Management also prepared the other information in the annual report and is responsible for its accuracy and consistency with the financial statements.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and has expressed herein its unqualified opinion on these financial statements.

/s/ Kenneth R. Meyers	/s/ Steven T. Campbell
Kenneth R. Meyers	Steven T. Campbell
President and Chief Executive Officer	Executive Vice President—Finance, Chief Financial Officer
(principal executive officer)	and Treasurer
	(principal financial officer)
/s/ Douglas W. Chambers	/s/ Jeffrey S. Hoersch
Douglas W. Chambers	Jeffrey S. Hoersch
Chief Accounting Officer	Vice President and Controller
(principal accounting officer)

65

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. U.S. Cellular’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). U.S. Cellular’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the issuer; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the issuer are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and, where required, the Board of Directors of the issuer; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the issuer’s assets that could have a material effect on the interim or annual consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of U.S. Cellular’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, U.S. Cellular conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the criteria established in the 2013 version of Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management has concluded that U.S. Cellular maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in the 2013 version of Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.

The effectiveness of U.S. Cellular’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in the firm’s report included herein.

/s/ Kenneth R. Meyers	/s/ Steven T. Campbell
Kenneth R. Meyers	Steven T. Campbell
President and Chief Executive Officer	Executive Vice President—Finance, Chief Financial Officer
(principal executive officer)	and Treasurer
	(principal financial officer)
/s/ Douglas W. Chambers	/s/ Jeffrey S. Hoersch
Douglas W. Chambers	Jeffrey F. Hoersch
Chief Accounting Officer	Vice President and Controller
(principal accounting officer)

66

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of United States Cellular Corporation:

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of United States Cellular Corporation and its subsidiaries (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidatedstatements of operations, changes in equity, and cash flowsfor each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as ofDecember 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework(2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO. 

We did not audit the financial statements of Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership, a 5.5% equity investment of the Company, which is reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as an equity method investment of $262,100,000 and $244,400,000 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and income from equity investments of $76,900,000, $66,200,000 and $71,400,000 for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018. The financial statements of Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership were audited by other auditors whose report thereon has been furnished to us, and our opinion on the financial statements expressed herein, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for revenues from contracts with customers in 2018.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidatedfinancial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidatedfinancial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidatedfinancial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidatedfinancial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidatedfinancial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidatedfinancial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

67

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 22, 2019

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.

68

United States Cellular Corporation

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

Year Ended or at December 31,	2018¹			2017			2016			2015			2014
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Statement of Operations data
Service revenues	$	2,978		$	2,978		$	3,081		$	3,384		$	3,407
Equipment sales	989			912			909			647			495
Operating revenues	3,967			3,890			3,990			4,031			3,902
Loss on impairment of goodwill	—			370			—			—			—
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	—			(1		)	—			(114		)	(33		)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(18		)	(22		)	(19		)	(147		)	(113		)
Operating income (loss)	158			(304		)	48			347			(134		)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	159			137			140			140			130
Income (loss) before income taxes	215			(272		)	82			404			(59		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	51			(287		)	33			157			(12		)
Net income (loss)	164			15			49			247			(47		)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	14			3			1			6			(4		)
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	150		$	12		$	48		$	241		$	(43	)
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.75		$	0.14		$	0.56		$	2.86		$	(0.51	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.72		$	0.14		$	0.56		$	2.84		$	(0.51	)
Balance Sheet data
Total assets	$	7,274		$	6,841		$	7,110		$	7,060		$	6,462
Net long-term debt, excluding current portion	1,605			1,622			1,618			1,629			1,127
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity	$	4,057		$	3,677		$	3,634		$	3,561		$	3,302

¹  As of January 1, 2018, U.S. Cellular adopted ASU 2014-09 using a modified retrospective approach. Under this method, the new accounting standard is applied only to the most recent period presented. As a result, 2018 amounts include the impacts of ASU 2014-09, but 2017 amounts remain as previously reported. See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition for additional information.

69

United States Cellular Corporation

Consolidated Quarterly Information (Unaudited)

	Quarter Ended
2018¹	March 31			June 30			September 30		December 31
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Operating revenues	$	942		$	974		$	1,001	$	1,051
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	1			1			3		5
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(7		)	(11		)	—		—
Operating income	65			56			34		3
Income tax expense (benefit)	22			18			14		(4		)
Net income	55			52			37		21
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	45		$	49		$	36	$	21
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	0.52		$	0.57		$	0.42	$	0.24
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	0.52		$	0.56		$	0.41	$	0.23

	Quarter Ended
2017	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Operating revenues	$	936		$	963		$	963		$	1,029
Loss on impairment of goodwill2	—			—			370			—
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	4			5			5			4
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(17		)	(2		)	—			(3		)
Operating income (loss)	54			5			(360		)	(4		)
Income tax expense (benefit)3	33			—			(53		)	(267		)
Net income (loss)	28			12			(298		)	273
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	26		$	12		$	(299	)	$	273
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	0.31		$	0.14		$	(3.51	)	$	3.21
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	0.31		$	0.14		$	(3.51	)	$	3.18

Due to rounding, the sum of quarterly results may not equal the total for the year.

¹  As of January 1, 2018, U.S. Cellular adopted ASU 2014-09 using a modified retrospective approach. Under this method, the new accounting standard is applied only to the most recent period presented. As a result, 2018 amounts include the impacts of ASU 2014-09, but 2017 amounts remain as previously reported. See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition for additional information.

²  See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional information on Loss on impairment of goodwill.

³  In December 2017, the Tax Act was enacted. The Tax Act reduced the federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%. See Note 5 — Income Taxes for additional information.

70

United States Cellular Corporation

Shareholder Information

Stock and Dividend Information

U.S. Cellular's Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “USM” and in the newspapers as “US Cellu.” As of January 31, 2019, the last trading day of the month, U.S. Cellular's Common Shares were held by 237 record owners. All of the Series A Common Shares were held by TDS. No public trading market exists for the Series A Common Shares. The Series A Common Shares are convertible on a share-for-share basis into Common Shares.

U.S. Cellular has not paid any cash dividends in recent periods and currently intends to retain all earnings for use in U.S. Cellular’s business.

Stock Performance Graph

The following chart provides a comparison of U.S. Cellular’s cumulative total return to shareholders (stock price appreciation plus dividends) during the previous five years to the returns of the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Telecommunications Index.

Note: Cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.

	2013		2014		2015		2016		2017		2018
U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM)	$	100	$	95.24	$	97.58	$	104.54	$	89.98	$	124.27
S&P 500 Index	100		113.69		115.26		129.05		157.22		150.33
Dow Jones U.S. Telecommunications Index	100		102.39		105.99		131.38		131.02		122.20

The comparison above assumes $100.00 invested at the close of trading on the last trading day preceding the first day of 2013, in U.S. Cellular Common Shares, S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Telecommunications Index.

71

Investor relations

U.S. Cellular’s annual report, SEC filings and news releases are available to investors, securities analysts and other members of the investment community. These reports are provided, without charge, upon request to our Investor Relations department at the address below. Investors may also access these and other reports through the Investor Relations portion of the U.S. Cellular website (www.uscellular.com).

Questions regarding lost, stolen or destroyed certificates, consolidation of accounts, transferring of shares and name or address changes should be directed to:

Julie Mathews, IRC, Director — Investor Relations

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 4000

Chicago, IL 60602

312.592.5341

julie.mathews@tdsinc.com

General inquiries by investors, securities analysts and other members of the investment community should be directed to:

Jane W. McCahon, Senior Vice President — Corporate Relations and Corporate Secretary

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 4000

Chicago, IL 60602

312.592.5379

jane.mccahon@tdsinc.com 

Directors and executive officers

See “Election of Directors” and “Executive Officers” sections of the Proxy Statement issued in 2019 for the 2019 Annual Meeting.

Principal counsel

Sidley Austin LLP, Chicago, Illinois

Transfer agent

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600

Louisville, KY 40202

312.360.5326

Independent registered public accounting firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Visit U.S. Cellular's website at www.uscellular.com

72

EX-21

Exhibit21

UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION

SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

December 31, 2018

SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES	STATE OF ORGANIZATION
BANGOR CELLULAR TELEPHONE, L.P.	DELAWARE
CALIFORNIA RURAL SERVICE AREA #1, INC.	CALIFORNIA
CEDAR RAPIDS CELLULAR TELEPHONE, L.P.	DELAWARE
CELLVEST, INC.	DELAWARE
CENTRAL CELLULAR TELEPHONES, LTD.	ILLINOIS
CHAMPLAIN CELLULAR, INC.	NEW YORK
COMMUNITY CELLULAR TELEPHONE COMPANY	TEXAS
CROWN POINT CELLULAR, INC.	NEW YORK
DUBUQUE CELLULAR TELEPHONE, L.P.	DELAWARE
HARDY CELLULAR TELEPHONE COMPANY	DELAWARE
INDIANA RSA # 5, INC.	INDIANA
INDIANA RSA NO. 4 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP	INDIANA
INDIANA RSA NO. 5 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP	INDIANA
IOWA RSA # 3, INC.	DELAWARE
IOWA RSA # 9, INC.	DELAWARE
IOWA RSA # 12, INC.	DELAWARE
JACKSONVILLE CELLULAR PARTNERSHIP	NORTH CAROLINA
JACKSONVILLE CELLULAR TELEPHONE COMPANY	NORTH CAROLINA
KANSAS #15 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP	DELAWARE
KENOSHA CELLULAR TELEPHONE, L.P.	DELAWARE
LAB465, LLC	ILLINOIS
MADISON CELLULAR TELEPHONE COMPANY	WISCONSIN
MAINE RSA # 1, INC.	MAINE
MAINE RSA # 4, INC.	MAINE
MCDANIEL CELLULAR TELEPHONE COMPANY	DELAWARE
MINNESOTA INVCO OF RSA # 7, INC.	DELAWARE
NEWPORT CELLULAR, INC.	NEW YORK
NH #1 RURAL CELLULAR, INC.	NEW HAMPSHIRE
OREGON RSA #2, INC.	OREGON
PCS WISCONSIN, LLC	WISCONSIN
RACINE CELLULAR TELEPHONE COMPANY	WISCONSIN
TENNESSEE NO. 3, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP	TENNESSEE
TEXAHOMA CELLULAR LIMITED PARTNERSHIP	TEXAS
TEXAS INVCO OF RSA # 6, INC.	DELAWARE
TOWNSHIP CELLULAR TELEPHONE, INC.	DELAWARE
UNITED STATES CELLULAR INVESTMENT CO. OF OKLAHOMA CITY, LLC.	OKLAHOMA
UNITED STATES CELLULAR INVESTMENT COMPANY, LLC	DELAWARE
UNITED STATES CELLULAR INVESTMENT CORPORATION OF LOS ANGELES	INDIANA
UNITED STATES CELLULAR OPERATING COMPANY LLC	DELAWARE
UNITED STATES CELLULAR OPERATING COMPANY OF BANGOR	MAINE
UNITED STATES CELLULAR OPERATING COMPANY OF CEDAR RAPIDS	DELAWARE
UNITED STATES CELLULAR OPERATING COMPANY OF CHICAGO, LLC	DELAWARE
UNITED STATES CELLULAR OPERATING COMPANY OF DUBUQUE	IOWA
UNITED STATES CELLULAR OPERATING COMPANY OF KNOXVILLE	TENNESSEE
UNITED STATES CELLULAR OPERATING COMPANY OF MEDFORD	OREGON
UNITED STATES CELLULAR OPERATING COMPANY OF YAKIMA	WASHINGTON
UNITED STATES CELLULAR TELEPHONE COMPANY (GREATER KNOXVILLE), L.P.	TENNESSEE

USCC DISTRIBUTION CO., LLC	DELAWARE
USCC EIP LLC	DELAWARE
USCC FINANCIAL L.L.C.	ILLINOIS
USCC FIRST RESPONDER, INC.	DELAWARE
USCC MASTER NOTE TRUST	DELAWARE
USCC PURCHASE, LLC	DELAWARE
USCC RECEIVABLES FUNDING LLC	DELAWARE
USCC SERVICES, LLC	DELAWARE
USCC WIRELESS INVESTMENT, INC.	DELAWARE
USCCI CORPORATION	DELAWARE
USCIC OF FRESNO	CALIFORNIA
USCOC NEBRASKA/KANSAS, INC.	DELAWARE
USCOC NEBRASKA/KANSAS, LLC	DELAWARE
USCOC OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS, LLC	ILLINOIS
USCOC OF CHICAGO REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC	DELAWARE
USCOC OF CUMBERLAND, LLC	DELAWARE
USCOC OF GREATER IOWA, LLC	DELAWARE
USCOC OF GREATER MISSOURI, LLC	DELAWARE
USCOC OF GREATER NORTH CAROLINA, LLC	DELAWARE
USCOC OF GREATER OKLAHOMA, LLC	OKLAHOMA
USCOC OF JACK/WIL, INC.	DELAWARE
USCOC OF JACKSONVILLE, LLC	DELAWARE
USCOC OF LACROSSE, LLC	WISCONSIN
USCOC OF OREGON RSA # 5, INC.	DELAWARE
USCOC OF PENNSYLVANIA RSA NO. 10-B2, LLC	DELAWARE
USCOC OF RICHLAND, INC.	WASHINGTON
USCOC OF ROCHESTER, INC.	DELAWARE
USCOC OF SOUTH CAROLINA RSA # 4, INC.	SOUTH CAROLINA
USCOC OF TEXAHOMA, INC.	TEXAS
USCOC OF VIRGINIA RSA # 3, INC.	VIRGINIA
USCOC OF WASHINGTON-4, INC.	DELAWARE
VERMONT RSA NO. 2-B2, INC.	DELAWARE
WASHINGTON RSA # 5, INC.	WASHINGTON
WESTELCOM CELLULAR, INC.	NEW YORK
WESTERN SUB-RSA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP	DELAWARE
YAKIMA MSA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP	DELAWARE

EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-209673), Form S-4 (No. 33-41826) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-42366, 333-105675, 333-161119, 333-188966, 333-190331 and 333-211485) of United States Cellular Corporation of our report dated February 22, 2019, relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in the 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 22, 2019

EX-23.2

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements of United States Cellular Corporation:

(1)	Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-209673)
(2)	Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 33-41826)
(3)	Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-42366)
(4)	Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-105675)
(5)	Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-161119)
(6)	Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-188966)
(7)	Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-190331); and
(8)	Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-211485);

of our report dated February 22, 2019, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership and Subsidiary included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of United States Cellular Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2018.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Orlando, Florida

February 22, 2019

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

Certification ofprincipalexecutiveofficer

I, Kenneth R. Meyers, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of United States Cellular Corporation;

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:  February 22, 2019

/s/ Kenneth R. Meyers

Kenneth R. Meyers

President and Chief Executive Officer

(principal executive officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Certification ofprincipalfinancialofficer

I, Steven T. Campbell, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of United States Cellular Corporation;

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:   February 22, 2019

/s/ Steven T. Campbell

Steven T. Campbell

Executive Vice President-Finance,

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(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, Kenneth R. Meyers, the principal executive officer of United States Cellular Corporation, certify that (i) the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, 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-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of United States Cellular Corporation.

/s/ Kenneth R. Meyers

Kenneth R. Meyers

February 22, 2019

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to United States Cellular Corporation and will be retained by United States Cellular Corporation 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, Steven T. Campbell, the principal financial officer of United States Cellular Corporation, certify that (i) the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, 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-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of United States Cellular Corporation.

/s/ Steven T. Campbell

Steven T. Campbell

February 22, 2019

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to United States Cellular Corporation and will be retained by United States Cellular Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Entity Registrant Name	United States Cellular Corporation
Entity Central Index Key	0000821130
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 537
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	USM
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Common Shares
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		53,299,700
Series A Common Shares
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		33,005,900

XML

Consolidated Statement Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 3,967	$ 3,890	$ 3,990
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative (including charges from affiliates of $86 million, $85 million and $94 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016)	1,388	1,412	1,480
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	640	615	618
Loss on impairment of goodwill	0	370	0
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	10	17	22
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	0	(1)	0
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(18)	(22)	(19)
Total operating expenses	3,809	4,194	3,942
Operating income (loss)	158	(304)	48
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	159	137	140
Interest and dividend income	15	8	6
Interest expense	(116)	(113)	(113)
Other, net	(1)	0	1
Total investment and other income	57	32	34
Income (loss) before income taxes	215	(272)	82
Income tax expense (benefit)	51	(287)	33
Net income	164	15	49
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	14	3	1
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ 150	$ 12	$ 48
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	86	85	85
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.75	$ 0.14	$ 0.56
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	87	86	85
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.72	$ 0.14	$ 0.56
Service
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 2,978	$ 2,978	$ 3,081
Operating expenses
Cost of goods and services sold	758	732	760
Equipment sales
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	989	912	909
Operating expenses
Cost of goods and services sold	$ 1,031	$ 1,071	$ 1,081

XML

Consolidated Statement Of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative, charges from affiliates	$ 86	$ 85	$ 94

XML

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 164	$ 15	$ 49
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	640	615	618
Bad debts expense	95	89	96
Stock-based compensation expense	37	30	26
Deferred income taxes, net	(3)	(365)	6
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(159)	(137)	(140)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	152	136	93
Loss on impairment of goodwill	0	370	0
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	10	17	22
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(18)	(22)	(19)
Other operating activities	3	1	0
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations
Accounts receivable	(39)	(68)	(23)
Equipment installment plans receivable	(149)	(261)	(246)
Inventory	(4)	0	8
Accounts payable	3	(14)	48
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	7	(3)	(54)
Accrued taxes	(39)	26	40
Other assets and liabilities	9	40	(23)
Net cash provided by operating activities	709	469	501
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment	(512)	(465)	(443)
Cash paid for licenses	(8)	(189)	(53)
Cash received for investments	50	0	0
Cash paid for investments	(17)	(50)	0
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	24	21	21
Federal Communications Commission deposit	0	0	(143)
Other investing activities	(1)	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(464)	(683)	(618)
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of long-term debt	(19)	(14)	(11)
Common shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	18	1	6
Common shares repurchased	0	0	(5)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(6)	(4)	(1)
Other financing activities	(7)	(3)	(1)
Net cash used in financing activities	(14)	(20)	(12)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	231	(234)	(129)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period	352	586	715
End of period	$ 583	$ 352	$ 586

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 580	$ 352
Short-term investments		17	50
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances of $66 and $55, respectively		908	775
Roaming		20	26
Affiliated		2	1
Other, less allowances of $2 and $1, respectively		46	41
Inventory, net		142	138
Prepaid expenses		63	79
Other current assets		34	21
Total current assets		1,812	1,483
Assets held for sale		54	10
Licenses		2,186	2,223
Investments in unconsolidated entities		441	415
Property, plant and equipment
In service and under construction		7,778	7,628
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		5,576	5,308
Property, plant and equipment, net		2,202	2,320
Other assets and deferred charges		579	390
Total assets	[1]	7,274	6,841
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt		19	18
Accounts payable
Affiliated		9	8
Trade		304	302
Customer deposits and deferred revenues		157	185
Accrued taxes		30	56
Accrued compensation		78	74
Other current liabilities		94	90
Total current liabilities		691	733
Liabilities held for sale		1	0
Deferred liabilities and credits
Deferred income tax liability, net		510	461
Other deferred liabilities and credits		389	337
Long-term debt, net		1,605	1,622
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features		11	1
U.S. Cellular shareholders’ equity
Series A Common and Common Shares Authorized 190 shares (50 Series A Common and 140 Common Shares) Issued 88 shares (33 Series A Common and 55 Common Shares) Outstanding 86 shares (33 Series A Common and 53 Common Shares) and 85 shares (33 Series A Common and 52 Common Shares), respectively Par Value ($1.00 per share)($33 Series A Common and $55 Common Shares)		88	88
Additional paid-in capital		1,590	1,552
Treasury shares, at cost, 2 and 3 Common Shares, respectively		(65)	(120)
Retained earnings		2,444	2,157
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity		4,057	3,677
Noncontrolling interests		10	10
Total equity		4,067	3,687
Total liabilities and equity	[1]	$ 7,274	$ 6,841

[1] The consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $868 million and $785 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of U.S. Cellular. The consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $23 million and $24 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of U.S. Cellular. See Note 13 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents allowances	$ 66	$ 55
Other allowances	$ 2	$ 1
U.S. Cellular shareholders’ equity
Authorized shares (in shares)	190,000,000	190,000,000
Issued shares (in shares)	88,000,000	88,000,000
Outstanding shares (in shares)	86,000,000	85,000,000
Par value	$ 88	$ 88
Treasury shares (in shares)	2,000,000	3,000,000
Variable Interest Entities VIE's
Total VIE assets that can be used to settle only the VIEs' obligations	$ 868	$ 785
Total VIE liabilities for which creditors have no recourse	$ 23	$ 24
Series A Common Shares
U.S. Cellular shareholders’ equity
Authorized shares (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Issued shares (in shares)	33,000,000	33,000,000
Outstanding shares (in shares)	33,000,000	33,000,000
Par value per share (USD per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Par value	$ 33	$ 33
Common Shares
U.S. Cellular shareholders’ equity
Authorized shares (in shares)	140,000,000	140,000,000
Issued shares (in shares)	55,000,000	55,000,000
Outstanding shares (in shares)	53,000,000	52,000,000
Par value per share (USD per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Par value	$ 55	$ 55
Treasury shares (in shares)	2,000,000	3,000,000

XML

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Series A Common and Common shares	Additional paid-in capital	Treasury shares	Retained earnings	Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 3,571	$ 88	$ 1,497	$ (157)	$ 2,133	$ 3,561	$ 10
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	48				48	48
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	2					0	2
Repurchase of Common Shares	(5)			(5)		(5)
Incentive and compensation plans	5			26	(21)	5
Stock-based compensation awards	25		25			25
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1)					0	(1)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	3,645	88	1,522	(136)	2,160	3,634	11
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	12				12	12
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	3					0	3
Incentive and compensation plans	1			16	(15)	1
Stock-based compensation awards	30		30			30
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(4)					0	(4)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	3,687	88	1,552	(120)	2,157	3,677	10
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect of accounting change	176				175	175	1
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	150				150	150
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	2					0	2
Incentive and compensation plans	18		1	55	(38)	18
Stock-based compensation awards	37		37			37
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(3)					0	(3)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 4,067	$ 88	$ 1,590	$ (65)	$ 2,444	$ 4,057	$ 10

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

United States Cellular Corporation (U.S. Cellular), a Delaware Corporation, is an 82%-owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS).

Nature of Operations

U.S. Cellular owns, operates and invests in wireless systems throughout the United States. As of December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular served customers with 5.0 million total connections. U.S. Cellular has one reportable segment.

Principles of Consolidation

The accounting policies of U.S. Cellular 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 U.S. Cellular, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, general partnerships in which U.S. Cellular has a majority partnership interest and certain entities in which U.S. Cellular has a variable interest that requires consolidation under GAAP. See Note 13 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information relating to U.S. Cellular’s VIEs. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (a) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and (b) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates are involved in accounting for indefinite-lived intangible assets, income taxes and equipment installment plans.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents subject to contractual restrictions are classified as 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.

December 31,	2018		2017
(Dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	580	$	352
Restricted cash included in Other current assets	3		—
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows	$	583	$	352

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed by customers for wireless services and equipment sales, including sales of certain devices and accessories under installment plans, by agents for sales of equipment to them and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems.

The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses related to existing billed and unbilled accounts receivable. The allowance is estimated based on historical experience, account aging and other factors that could affect collectability. Accounts receivable balances are reviewed on either an aggregate or individual basis for collectability depending on the type of receivable. When it is probable that an account balance will not be collected, the account balance is charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. U.S. Cellular does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.

Inventory

Inventory consists primarily of wireless devices stated at the lower of cost, which approximates cost determined on the first-in first-out basis, or net realizable value. Net realizable value is determined by reference to the stand-alone selling price.

Licenses

Licenses consist of direct and incremental costs incurred in acquiring Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licenses to provide wireless service.

U.S. Cellular has determined that wireless licenses are indefinite-lived intangible assets and, therefore, not subject to amortization based on the following factors:

▪ Radio spectrum is not a depleting asset.

▪ The ability to use radio spectrum is not limited to any one technology.

▪ U.S. Cellular and its consolidated subsidiaries are licensed to use radio spectrum through the FCC licensing process, which enables licensees to utilize specified portions of the spectrum for the provision of wireless service.

▪ U.S. Cellular and its consolidated subsidiaries are required to renew their FCC licenses every ten years or, in some cases, every twelve or fifteen years. To date, all of U.S. Cellular’s license renewal applications have been granted by the FCC. Generally, license renewal applications filed by licensees otherwise in compliance with FCC regulations are routinely granted. If, however, a license renewal application is challenged either by a competing applicant for the license or by a petition to deny the renewal application, the license will be renewed if the licensee can demonstrate its entitlement to a “renewal expectancy.” Licensees are entitled to such an expectancy if they can demonstrate to the FCC that they have provided “substantial service” during their license term and have “substantially complied” with FCC rules and policies. U.S. Cellular believes that it is probable that its future license renewal applications will be granted.

U.S. Cellular performs its annual impairment assessment of Licenses as of November 1 of each year or more frequently if there are events or circumstances that cause U.S. Cellular to believe the carrying value of Licenses exceeds their fair value on a more likely than not basis. For purposes of its impairment testing of Licenses, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into eight units of accounting. The eight units of accounting consisted of one unit of accounting for developed operating market licenses (built licenses) and seven geographic non-operating market licenses (unbuilt licenses). 

U.S. Cellular performed a qualitative impairment assessment in 2018 and a quantitative impairment assessment in 2017 to determine whether the licenses were impaired. Based on the impairment assessments performed, U.S. Cellular did not have an impairment of its Licenses in 2018 or 2017. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional details related to Licenses.

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

For its equity method investments for which financial information is readily available, U.S. Cellular records its equity in the earnings of the entity in the current period. For its equity method investments for which financial information is not readily available, U.S. Cellular records its equity in the earnings of the entity on a one quarter lag basis.

Property, Plant and Equipment

U.S. Cellular’s Property, plant and equipment is stated at the original cost of construction or purchase including capitalized costs of certain taxes, payroll-related expenses, interest and estimated costs to remove the assets.

Expenditures that enhance the productive capacity of assets in service or extend their useful lives are capitalized and depreciated. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs of assets in service are charged to System operations expense or Selling, general and administrative expense, as applicable. Retirements and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the original cost of the asset (along with the related accumulated depreciation) from plant in service and charging it, together with net removal costs (removal costs less an applicable accrued asset retirement obligation and salvage value realized), to (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net.

U.S. Cellular capitalizes certain costs of developing new information systems. Software licenses that qualify for capitalization as an asset are accounted for as the acquisition of an intangible asset and the incurrence of a liability to the extent that the license fees are not fully paid at acquisition.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset.

U.S. Cellular depreciates leasehold improvement assets associated with leased properties over periods ranging from one to thirty years; such periods approximate the shorter of the assets’ economic lives or the specific lease terms.

Useful lives of specific assets are reviewed throughout the year to determine if changes in technology or other business changes would warrant accelerating the depreciation of those specific assets. There were no material changes to useful lives of property, plant and equipment in 2018, 2017 or 2016. See Note 9 — Property, Plant and Equipment for additional details related to useful lives.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

U.S. Cellular reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired.

U.S. Cellular has one asset group for purposes of assessing property, plant and equipment for impairment based on the fact that the individual operating markets are reliant on centrally operated data centers, mobile telephone switching offices and a network operations center. U.S. Cellular operates a single integrated national wireless network. The cash flows generated by this single interdependent network represent the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities.

Agent Liabilities

U.S. Cellular has relationships with agents, which are independent businesses that obtain customers for U.S. Cellular. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, U.S. Cellular had accrued $59 million and $61 million, respectively, for amounts due to agents. These amounts are included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs include underwriters’ and legal fees and other charges related to issuing various borrowing instruments and other long–term agreements, and are amortized over the respective term of each instrument. Debt issuance costs related to U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement and receivables securitization agreement are recorded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. All other debt issuance costs are presented as an offset to the related debt obligation in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Asset Retirement Obligations

U.S. Cellular accounts for asset retirement obligations by recording the fair value of a liability for legal obligations associated with an asset retirement in the period in which the obligations are incurred. At the time the liability is incurred, U.S. Cellular records a liability equal to the net present value of the estimated cost of the asset retirement obligation and increases the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by an equal amount. Until the obligation is fulfilled, U.S. Cellular updates its estimates relating to cash flows required and timing of settlement. U.S. Cellular records the present value of the changes in the future value as an increase or decrease to the liability and the related carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to future value over a period ending with the estimated settlement date of the respective asset retirement obligation. The carrying amount of the long-lived asset is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the obligation, any difference between the cost to retire the asset and the recorded liability is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. See Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations for additional information.

Treasury Shares

Common Shares repurchased by U.S. Cellular are recorded at cost as treasury shares and result in a reduction of equity. When treasury shares are reissued, U.S. Cellular determines the cost using the first-in, first-out cost method. The difference between the cost of the treasury shares and reissuance price is included in Additional paid-in capital or Retained earnings.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from sales of equipment and products are recognized when control has transferred to the customer. Service revenues are recognized as the related service is provided.

See Note 2 — Revenue Recognition for additional information on U.S. Cellular's policies related to Revenues.

Advertising Costs

U.S. Cellular expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $215 million, $211 million and $245 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Income Taxes

U.S. Cellular is included in a consolidated federal income tax return with other members of the TDS consolidated group. For financial statement purposes, U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries calculate their income, income taxes and credits as if they comprised a separate affiliated group. Under a tax allocation agreement between TDS and U.S. Cellular, U.S. Cellular remits its applicable income tax payments to TDS. U.S. Cellular had a tax receivable balance with TDS of $14 million as of December 31, 2018 and a tax payable balance with TDS of $23 million as of December 31, 2017.

Deferred taxes are computed using the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for future deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for future taxable temporary differences. Both deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. U.S. Cellular evaluates income tax uncertainties, assesses the probability of the ultimate settlement with the applicable taxing authority and records an amount based on that assessment. Deferred taxes are reported as a net non-current asset or liability by jurisdiction. Any corresponding valuation allowance to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets is also recorded as non-current. See Note 5 — Income Taxes for additional information.

Stock-Based Compensation and Other Plans

U.S. Cellular has established a long-term incentive plan and a non-employee director compensation plan. These plans are considered compensatory plans and, therefore, recognition of costs for grants made under these plans is required.

U.S. Cellular recognizes stock compensation expense based upon the fair value of the specific awards granted using established valuation methodologies. The amount of stock compensation cost recognized on either a straight-line basis or graded attribution method is based on the portion of the award that is expected to vest over the requisite service period, which generally represents the vesting period. Stock-based compensation cost recognized has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. See Note 16 — Stock-Based Compensation for additional information.

Defined Contribution Plans

U.S. Cellular participates in a qualified noncontributory defined contribution pension plan sponsored by TDS; such plan provides pension benefits for the employees of U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries. Under this plan, pension benefits and costs are calculated separately for each participant and are funded currently. Pension costs were $11 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016.

U.S. Cellular also participates in a defined contribution retirement savings plan (401(k) plan) sponsored by TDS. Total costs incurred for U.S. Cellular’s contributions to the 401(k) plan were $15 million, $16 million and $16 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (ASU 2016-02) and has since amended the standard with Accounting Standards Update 2018-01, Leases: Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842, Accounting Standards Update 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, Accounting Standards Update 2018-11, Leases: Targeted Improvements, andAccounting Standards Update 2018-20, Leases: Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors. ASU 2016-02, as amended, requires lessees to record a right-of-use asset and lease liability for almost all leases. This ASU does not substantially impact the lessor accounting model. However, some changes to the lessor accounting guidance were made to align with lessee accounting changes within ASC 842, Leases and certain key aspects of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. U.S. Cellular will adopt ASU 2016-02, as amended, using a modified retrospective method on January 1, 2019. Under this method, a cumulative effect adjustment is recognized upon adoption and the guidance is applied prospectively. U.S. Cellular elected transitional practical expedients for existing leases which eliminated the requirements to reassess existing lease classification and initial direct costs, and whether contracts contain leases. U.S. Cellular also elected the practical expedient related to land easements that allows it to carry forward the accounting treatment for pre-existing land easement agreements. U.S. Cellular has implemented new systems, processes and controls to adopt ASU 2016-02, as amended, and has implemented a new lease management and accounting system to assist in the application of the new standard. Nearly all of U.S. Cellular’s leases are classified as operating leases, although it does have a small number of finance leases. The adoption of ASU 2016-02, as amended, will add approximately $0.9 billion in right-of-use assets and approximately $1.0 billion in lease liabilities to the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2019, with the difference primarily representing accrued rent recognized prior to adoption. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 is not expected to have a material impact on U.S. Cellular's results of operations in 2019.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 requires entities to use a new forward-looking, expected loss model to estimate credit losses. It also requires additional disclosure relating to the credit quality of trade and other receivables, including information relating to management’s estimate of credit allowances. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, using the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2019; however, U.S. Cellular does not intend to adopt early. U.S. Cellular is evaluating the effects that adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on its financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2018-07). ASU 2018-07 expands the scope of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, which currently only includes share-based payments issued to employees, to also include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods and services. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2018-07 on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 will not have an impact on U.S. Cellular’s financial position or results of operations.

In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (ASU 2018-15). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the existing guidance for capitalizing implementation costs for an arrangement that has a software license. The service element of a hosting arrangement will continue to be expensed as incurred. Any capitalized implementation costs will be amortized over the period of the service contract. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020, either retrospectively or prospectively to eligible costs incurred on or after the date that this guidance is first applied. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 is not expected to have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular's financial position or results of operations.

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Revenue Recognition

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Change in Accounting Policy

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and has since amended the standard with Accounting Standards Update 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date, Accounting Standards Update 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), Accounting Standards Update 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, Accounting Standards Update 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, and Accounting Standards Update 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, collectively referred to hereinafter as ASU 2014-09. These standards replace existing revenue recognition rules with a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. In February 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-05, Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets: Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets (ASU 2017-05). ASU 2017-05 clarifies how entities account for the derecognition of a nonfinancial asset and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. U.S. Cellular adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05 and applied them to all contracts as of January 1, 2018, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, the new accounting standard is applied only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Accordingly, prior periods have not been recast to reflect the new accounting standard. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of ASU 2014-09 resulted in an increase of $175 million in retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. ASU 2017-05 had no impact to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018.

As a practical expedient, U.S. Cellular groups similar contracts or similar performance obligations together into portfolios of contracts or performance obligations if doing so does not result in a significant difference from applying the new accounting standard to the individual contracts. U.S. Cellular applies this grouping method for the following types of transactions: device activation fees, contract acquisition costs, and certain customer promotions. Contract portfolios will be recognized over the respective expected customer lives or terms of the contracts.

The line items impacted by the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Balance Sheet are presented below.

Consolidated Statement of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2018	Results under prior accounting standards			Adjustment			As reported
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Operating revenues
Service	$	3,086		$	(108	)	$	2,978
Equipment sales	894			95			989
Total operating revenues	3,980			(13		)	3,967
Cost of equipment sold	1,030			1			1,031
Selling, general and administrative	1,393			(5		)	1,388
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(17		)	(1		)	(18		)
Total operating expenses	3,815			(6		)	3,809
Operating income (loss)	166			(8		)	158
Income (loss) before income taxes	223			(8		)	215
Income tax expense (benefit)	53			(2		)	51
Net income	170			(6		)	164
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	156			(6		)	150
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.81		$	(0.06	)	$	1.75
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.79		$	(0.07	)	$	1.72

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

The decrease in Service revenues and the increase in Equipment sales revenues are driven primarily by differences in the timing and classification of revenue recognized for certain arrangements with multiple performance obligations and ceasing to record deferred imputed interest and the resulting interest income on equipment installment contracts. Under prior accounting standards, revenues were allocated to deliverables using the relative selling price method, where consideration was allocated to each element on the basis of its relative selling price. Revenue recognized for the delivered items was limited to the amount due from the customer that was not contingent upon the delivery of additional products or services. Under ASU 2014-09, the revenue allocation of the transaction price is based on the relative standalone selling prices of the individual performance obligations in the customer’s contract, and the resulting revenue attributable to each is recognized as control over the performance obligation is transferred to the customer. This has resulted in increased Equipment sales revenues as more revenue is allocated to discounted equipment than under prior accounting standards. Under prior accounting standards, U.S. Cellular deferred imputed interest related to equipment installment plan receivable contracts that exceeded twelve months, and recognized the corresponding interest income over the contract period in Service revenues. Under the provisions of ASU 2014-09, U.S. Cellular has determined that equipment installment plan contracts do not contain a significant financing component, and accordingly, U.S. Cellular ceased recording deferred imputed interest and the resulting interest income on equipment installment contracts upon the adoption of ASU 2014-09.

Cost of equipment sold increased due to a change in timing of recognition of cost of goods sold in the agent channel. Under prior accounting standards, Equipment sales to agents and the related Cost of equipment sold were recognized when equipment was sold through from the agent to end user customers. In accordance with the provisions of ASU 2014-09, such amounts are recognized when U.S. Cellular delivers the equipment to the agent. Fluctuations in Selling, general and administrative expenses are due to the capitalization and amortization of contract acquisition and contract fulfillment costs under ASU 2014-09.

Under ASU 2017-05, (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net is calculated by subtracting the carrying amount of the distinct asset being disposed from the consideration measured and allocated to that distinct asset. With respect to license exchange transactions, the consideration, or transaction price, is the fair value of the licenses received. Under prior accounting standards, the transaction price was typically the fair value of the licenses surrendered.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2018	Results under prior accounting standards		Adjustment			As reported
(Dollars in millions)
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances	$	844	$	64		$	908
Prepaid expenses	88		(25		)	63
Other current assets	31		3			34
Total current assets	1,769		43			1,812
Licenses	2,185		1			2,186
Investments in unconsolidated entities	424		17			441
Other assets and deferred charges	418		161			579
Total assets	7,052		222			7,274
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	178		(21		)	157
Other current liabilities	90		4			94
Total current liabilities	708		(17		)	691
Deferred income tax liability, net	459		51			510
Other deferred liabilities and credits	371		18			389
Retained earnings	2,275		169			2,444
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity	3,888		169			4,057
Noncontrolling interests	9		1			10
Total equity	3,897		170			4,067
Total liabilities and equity	$	7,052	$	222		$	7,274

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

As a result of adoption of ASU 2014-09, U.S. Cellular recorded short-term and long-term contract assets and contract liabilities in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018. Under ASU 2014-09, the timing of recognition of revenue for each performance obligation may differ from the timing of the customer billing, creating a contract asset or contract liability. See Contract Balances below for additional information. Contract assets are included in Other current assets if short-term in nature or Other assets and deferred charges if long-term in nature. Short-term contract liabilities are classified as Customer deposits and deferred revenues and long-term contract liabilities are included in Other deferred liabilities and credits. Accounts receivable increased as a result of U.S. Cellular ceasing to record deferred imputed interest. Certain prepaid expenses decreased due to a change in timing of recognition of sales of equipment to agents. Investments in unconsolidated entities increased due to the cumulative effect of applying the provisions of ASU 2014-09 to certain of U.S. Cellular’s equity method investments as of January 1, 2018. Deferred income tax liabilities, net, increased due to the provisions of ASU 2014-09 increasing the net basis of assets on a U.S. GAAP basis, without a corresponding increase in tax basis. Contract cost assets have also been created as a result of ASU 2014-09 due to capitalization of costs to obtain a new contract. See Contract Cost Assets below for additional information.

Nature of goods and services

The following is a description of principal activities from which U.S. Cellular generates its revenues.

Services and products	Nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, and significant payment terms
Wireless services	Wireless service includes voice, messaging and data services. Revenue is recognized in Service revenues as wireless service is provided to the customer. Wireless services generally are billed and paid in advance on a monthly basis.
Wireless devices and accessories	U.S. Cellular offers a comprehensive range of wireless devices such as handsets, tablets, mobile hotspots, home phones and routers for use by its customers, as well as accessories. U.S. Cellular also sells wireless devices to agents and other third-party distributors for resale. U.S. Cellular frequently discounts wireless devices sold to new and current customers. U.S. Cellular also offers customers the option to purchase certain devices and accessories under installment contracts over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device. Such upgrades require the customer to enter into an equipment installment contract for the new device, and transfer the existing device to U.S. Cellular. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Equipment sales revenues when control of the device or accessory is transferred to the customer, which is generally upon delivery.
Wireless roaming	U.S. Cellular receives roaming revenues when other wireless carriers’ customers use U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues when the roaming service is provided to the other carrier’s customer.
Wireless Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Revenues	Telecommunications companies may be designated by states, or in some cases by the FCC, as an ETC to receive support payments from the Universal Service Fund if they provide specified services in “high cost” areas. ETC revenues recognized in the reporting period represent the amounts which U.S. Cellular is entitled to receive for such period, as determined and approved in connection with U.S. Cellular’s designation as an ETC in various states.
Wireless tower rents	U.S. Cellular receives tower rental revenues when another carrier leases tower space on a U.S. Cellular owned tower. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues in the period during which the services are provided.
Activation fees	U.S. Cellular charges its end customers activation fees in connection with the sale of certain services and equipment. Activation fees are deferred and recognized over the period benefitted.

Significant Judgments

Revenues from sales of equipment are recognized when control has transferred to the customer. Service revenues are recognized as the related service is provided. Services are deemed to be highly interrelated when the method and timing of transfer and performance risk are the same. Highly interrelated services that are determined to not be distinct have been grouped into a single performance obligation. Each month of services promised is a performance obligation. The series of monthly service performance obligations promised over the course of the contract are combined into a single performance obligation for purposes of the allocation.

U.S. Cellular has made judgments regarding transaction price, including but not limited to issues relating to variable consideration, time value of money and returns. When determined to be significant in the context of the contract, these items are considered in the valuation of transaction price at contract inception or modification, as appropriate.

Multiple Performance Obligations

U.S. Cellular sells bundled service and equipment offerings. In these instances, U.S. Cellular recognizes its revenue based on the relative standalone selling prices for each distinct service or equipment performance obligation, or bundles thereof. U.S. Cellular estimates the standalone selling price of the device or accessory to be its retail price excluding discounts. U.S. Cellular estimates the standalone selling price of wireless service to be the price offered to customers on month-to-month contracts.

Equipment Installment Plans

Equipment revenue under equipment installment plan contracts is recognized at the time the device is delivered to the customer for the amount allocated to the equipment under ASU 2014-09.

Incentives

Discounts and incentives that are deemed cash are recognized as a reduction of Operating revenues concurrently with the associated revenue. 

U.S. Cellular issues rebates to its agents and end customers. These incentives are recognized as a reduction to revenue at the time the corresponding revenue is recognized. The total potential rebates and incentives are reduced by U.S. Cellular’s estimate of rebates that will not be redeemed by customers based on historical experience of such redemptions.

From time to time, U.S. Cellular may offer certain promotions to incentivize customers to switch to, or to purchase additional services from, U.S. Cellular. Under these types of promotions, an eligible customer may receive an incentive in the form of a discount off additional services purchased shown as a rebate or credit to the customer’s monthly bill. U.S. Cellular accounts for the future discounts as material rights at the time of the initial transaction by allocating and deferring a portion of service and equipment revenue based on the relative proportion of the future discounts in comparison to the aggregate initial purchase. The deferred revenue will be recognized as service revenue in future periods.

Amounts Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities

U.S. Cellular records amounts collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis within a tax liability account if the tax is assessed upon the customer and U.S. Cellular merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is assessed upon U.S. Cellular, then amounts collected from customers as recovery of the tax are recorded in Service revenues and amounts remitted to governmental authorities are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $67 million, $58 million and $64 million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Disaggregation of Revenue

In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by type of service and timing of revenue recognition. Service revenues are recognized over time and Equipment sales are point in time.

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Retail service	$	2,623
Inbound roaming	154
Other service	135
Service revenues from contracts with customers	2,912
Equipment sales	989
Total revenues from contracts with customers1	$	3,901

¹   These amounts do not include revenues outside the scope of ASU 2014-09; therefore, revenue line items in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Contract Balances

For contracts that involve multiple element service and equipment offerings, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. When payment is collected in advance of delivery of goods or services, a contract liability is recorded. A contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of U.S. Cellular’s right to receive consideration. Once there is an unconditional right to receive the consideration, U.S. Cellular bills the customer under the terms of the respective contract and the amounts are recorded as receivables.

U.S. Cellular recognizes Equipment sales revenue when the equipment is delivered to the customer and a corresponding contract asset or liability is recorded for the difference between the amount of revenue recognized and the amount billed to the customer in cases where discounts are offered. The contract asset or liability is reduced over the contract term as service is provided and billed to the customer.

The accounts receivable balance related to amounts billed and not paid on contracts with customers, net of allowances, is shown in the table below. Bad debts expense recognized for the year ended December 31, 2018, related to receivables was $94 million.

	December 31, 2018
(Dollars in millions)
Accounts receivable
Customer and agents	$	908
Roaming	20
Other	32
Total1	$	960

¹ These amounts do not include accounts receivable related to revenues outside the scope of ASU 2014-09; therefore, accounts receivable line items presented in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The following table provides a rollforward of contract assets from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Other current assets and Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

	Contract Assets
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	—
Change in accounting policy	26
Contract additions	23
Terminated contracts	(1		)
Reclassified to receivables	(39		)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	9

The following table provides a rollforward of 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.

	Contract Liabilities
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	—
Change in accounting policy - Deferred revenues reclassification1	167
Change in accounting policy - Retained earnings impact	(21		)
Contract additions	154
Terminated contracts	(2		)
Revenue recognized	(135		)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	163

¹   This amount represents U.S. Cellular's obligation to transfer goods or services to customers for which it had received payment and classified as deferred revenue at December 31, 2017.

Transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations

The following table includes estimated service revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. These estimates represent service revenue to be recognized when wireless services are delivered to customers pursuant to service plan contracts. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of December 31, 2018, and may vary from actual results due to future contract modifications. As a practical expedient, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, are excluded from these estimates.

	Service Revenue
(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	236
2020	47
Thereafter	15
Total	$	298

U.S. Cellular has certain contracts in which it bills an amount equal to a fixed per-unit price multiplied by a variable quantity (e.g., roaming agreements with other carriers). Because U.S. Cellular invoices for such items in an amount that corresponds directly with the value of the performance completed to date, U.S. Cellular may recognize revenue in that amount. As a practical expedient, these contracts are excluded from the estimate of future revenues expected to be recognized related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied as of the end of a reporting period.

Contract Cost Assets

U.S. Cellular expects that incremental commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts are recoverable and therefore U.S. Cellular capitalizes these costs. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are not capitalized. The contract cost asset balance related to commission fees was $139 million at December 31, 2018, and was recorded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Capitalized commission fees are amortized based on the transfer of the goods or services to which the assets relate, typically the contract term which ranges from fourteen months to thirty months. Amortization of contract cost assets was $108 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, and was included in Selling, general and administrative expense. There was no impairment loss recognized for the year ended December 31, 2018, related to contract cost assets.

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Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, U.S. Cellular 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.

U.S. Cellular 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	December 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
		Book Value		Fair Value		Book Value		Fair Value
(Dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	1	$	580	$	580	$	352	$	352
Short-term investments	1	17		17		50		50
Long-term debt
Retail	2	917		850		917		939
Institutional	2	534		531		534		522
Other	2	180		180		191		191

The fair values of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments approximate their book values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Long-term debt excludes capital lease obligations, other installment arrangements, the current portion of Long-term debt and debt financing costs. The fair value of “Retail” Long-term debt was estimated using market prices for the 7.25% 2063 Senior Notes, 7.25% 2064 Senior Notes and 6.95% Senior Notes. U.S. Cellular’s “Institutional” debt consists of the 6.7% Senior Notes which are traded over the counter. U.S. Cellular’s “Other” debt consists of a senior term loan credit agreement. U.S. Cellular 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 5.03% to 6.97% and 4.74% to 7.13% at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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Equipment Installment Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Receivables [Abstract]

Equipment Installment Plans

Equipment Installment Plans

U.S. Cellular 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. U.S. Cellular values this trade-in right as a guarantee liability. The guarantee liability is initially measured at fair value and is determined based on assumptions including the probability and timing of the customer upgrading to a new device and the fair value of the device being traded-in at the time of trade-in. When a customer exercises the trade-in option, both the outstanding receivable and guarantee liability balances related to the respective device are reduced to zero, and the value of the used device that is received in the transaction is recognized as inventory. If the customer does not exercise the trade-in option at the time of eligibility, U.S. Cellular begins amortizing the liability and records this amortization as additional equipment revenue. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the guarantee liability related to these plans was $11 million and $15 million, respectively, and is reflected in Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

December 31,	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$	974		$	873
Deferred interest	—			(80		)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net of deferred interest	974			793
Allowance for credit losses	(70		)	(65		)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	904		$	728
Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)	$	565		$	428
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)	339			300
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	904		$	728

U.S. Cellular 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. Customers assigned to credit classes requiring no down payment represent a lower risk category, whereas those assigned to credit classes requiring a down payment represent a higher risk category. The balance and aging of the equipment installment plan receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows:

	December 31, 2018						December 31, 2017
	Lower Risk		Higher Risk		Total		Lower Risk		Higher Risk		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Unbilled	$	904	$	17	$	921	$	807	$	20	$	827
Billed — current	35		1		36		31		1		32
Billed — past due	15		2		17		12		2		14
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$	954	$	20	$	974	$	850	$	23	$	873

The activity in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows:

	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of year	$	65		$	50
Bad debts expense	64			62
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(59		)	(47		)
Allowance for credit losses, end of year	$	70		$	65

U.S. Cellular recorded out-of-period adjustments in 2016 due to errors related to equipment installment plan transactions occurring in 2015. These adjustments had the impact of increasing Equipment sales revenues by $2 million, decreasing bad debts expense, which is a component of Selling, general and administrative expense, by $2 million and increasing Income before income taxes by $4 million in 2016.

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

U.S. Cellular is included in a consolidated federal income tax return and in certain state income tax returns with other members of the TDS consolidated group. For financial statement purposes, U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries compute their income tax expense as if they comprised a separate affiliated group and were not included in the TDS consolidated group.

U.S. Cellular’s current income taxes balances at December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

December 31,	2018		2017
(Dollars in millions)
Federal income taxes receivable (payable)	$	15	$	(22	)
Net state income taxes receivable (payable)	—		(1		)

Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows:

Year Ended December 31,	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Current
Federal	$	48		$	68		$	29
State	6			10			(2		)
Deferred
Federal	(5		)	(354		)	1
State	2			(11		)	5
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	51		$	(287	)	$	33

In December 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law. Following the guidance of the FASB's Accounting Standards Update 2018-05, Income Taxes: Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income tax expense (benefit) for the year ended December 31, 2017, included a provisional estimate for the impact of the Tax Act on U.S. Cellular's 2017 depreciation deduction. During 2018, U.S. Cellular completed a full analysis of depreciation deductions related to fixed assets placed in service during 2017 and Income tax expense (benefit) for 2018 included a benefit of $4 million related to this adjustment.

A reconciliation of U.S. Cellular’s income tax expense computed at the statutory rate to the reported income tax expense, and the statutory federal income tax expense rate to U.S. Cellular’s effective income tax expense rate is as follows:

Year Ended December 31,	2018					2017					2016
	Amount			Rate		Amount			Rate		Amount			Rate
(Dollars in millions)
Statutory federal income tax expense and rate	$	45		21.0	%	$	(95	)	35.0	%	$	29		35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit1	9			4.0		(4		)	1.4		3			3.6
Effect of noncontrolling interests	(1		)	(0.4	)	(2		)	0.8		(1		)	(1.1	)
Federal income tax rate change2	(4		)	(2.0	)	(254		)	93.3		—			—
Change in federal valuation allowance3	(1		)	(0.3	)	(5		)	1.9		3			2.8
Goodwill impairment4	—			—		71			(26.2	)	—			—
Nondeductible compensation	4			1.8		4			(1.5	)	1			1.4
Other differences, net	(1		)	(0.4	)	(2		)	0.8		(2		)	(2.0	)
Total income tax expense (benefit) and rate	$	51		23.7	%	$	(287	)	105.5	%	$	33		39.7	%

¹  State income taxes, net of federal benefit, include changes in unrecognized tax benefits as well as adjustments to the valuation allowance.

²  The Tax Act reduced the federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% for years after 2017. The $4 million tax benefit in 2018 relates primarily to finalizing the analysis for 2017 depreciation deductions as described above. The $254 million tax benefit in 2017 related to adjusting the deferred tax liability to the lower tax rate upon enactment of the Tax Act.

³  Change in federal valuation allowance in 2018 includes a change in judgment related to net operating loss carryforwards that are now realizable due to an internal restructuring, offset by current year interest expense carryforwards not expected to be realized.

⁴  Goodwill impairment reflects an adjustment to increase 2017 income tax expense by $71 million related to a portion of the impaired goodwill that is not amortizable for income tax purposes. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional information related to the goodwill impairment.

Significant components of U.S. Cellular’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

December 31,	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Deferred tax assets
Net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards	$	96		$	103
Stock-based compensation	16			20
Compensation and benefits - other	5			5
Deferred rent	20			21
Other	73			59
Total deferred tax assets	210			208
Less valuation allowance	(75		)	(77		)
Net deferred tax assets	135			131
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment	256			276
Licenses/intangibles	207			192
Partnership investments	133			123
Other	49			—
Total deferred tax liabilities	645			591
Net deferred income tax liability	$	510		$	460
Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:
Deferred income tax liability, net	$	510		$	461
Other assets and deferred charges	—			(1		)
Net deferred income tax liability	$	510		$	460

At December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular and certain subsidiaries had $1,911 million of state NOL carryforwards (generating a $84 million deferred tax asset) available to offset future taxable income. The state NOL carryforwards expire between 2019 and 2038. Certain subsidiaries had federal NOL carryforwards (generating a $12 million deferred tax asset) available to offset their future taxable income. The federal NOL carryforwards generally expire between 2019 and 2037, with the exception of federal NOLs generated after 2017, which do not expire. A valuation allowance was established for certain state NOL carryforwards and federal NOL carryforwards since it is more likely than not that a portion of such carryforwards will expire before they can be utilized.

A summary of U.S. Cellular’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance is as follows:

	2018			2017		2016
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at beginning of year	$	77		$	65	$	55
Charged to income tax expense	5			12		10
Charged to Retained earnings	(7		)	—		—
Balance at end of year	$	75		$	77	$	65

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at beginning of year	$	47		$	43		$	39
Additions for tax positions of current year	6			6			12
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1			1			3
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	—			(1		)	(1		)
Reductions for lapses in statutes of limitations	(6		)	(2		)	(10		)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at end of year	$	48		$	47		$	43

Unrecognized tax benefits are included in Accrued taxes and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. If these benefits were recognized, they would have reduced income tax expense in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by $38 million, $38 million and $29 million, respectively, net of the federal benefit from state income taxes. 

U.S. Cellular recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income tax expense (benefit). The amounts charged to income tax expense related to interest and penalties resulted in a benefit of less than $1 million in 2018, an expense of $3 million in 2017 and a benefit of $2 million in 2016. Net accrued liabilities for interest and penalties were $19 million and $19 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are included in Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

U.S. Cellular is included in TDS’ consolidated federal and certain state income tax returns. U.S. Cellular also files certain state and local income tax returns separately from TDS. With only limited exceptions, TDS is no longer subject to federal and state income tax audits for the years prior to 2013.

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Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular 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 earnings per common share and the effects of potentially dilutive securities on the weighted average number of common shares were as follows:

Year Ended December 31,	2018		2017		2016
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	150	$	12	$	48
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share	86		85		85
Effects of dilutive securities	1		1		—
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share	87		86		85
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.75	$	0.14	$	0.56
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.72	$	0.14	$	0.56

Certain Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of performance and restricted stock units were not included in average diluted shares outstanding for the calculation of Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded was 2 million shares, 3 million shares and 3 million shares for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets

Licenses

On occasion, U.S. Cellular reviews attractive opportunities to acquire additional wireless spectrum, including pursuant to FCC auctions. U.S. Cellular also may seek to divest outright or include in exchanges wireless spectrum that is not strategic to its long-term success. Activity related to U.S. Cellular's Licenses is presented below.

	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at beginning of year	$	2,223		$	1,886
Acquisitions	8			331
Transferred to Assets held for sale1	(51		)	(10		)
Divestitures	(11		)	—
Exchanges - Licenses received	18			25
Exchanges - Licenses surrendered	(1		)	(9		)
Balance at end of year	$	2,186		$	2,223

¹  Licenses classified as Assets held for sale in 2018 are included in transactions which closed in the first quarter of 2019.

Auction 1002

In July 2016, the FCC announced U.S. Cellular as a qualified bidder in the FCC's forward auction of 600 MHz spectrum licenses, referred to as Auction 1002. Prior to commencement of the forward auction, U.S. Cellular made an upfront payment to the FCC of $143 million in June 2016 to establish its initial bidding eligibility. In April 2017, the FCC announced by way of public notice that U.S. Cellular was the winning bidder for 188 licenses for an aggregate purchase price of $329 million. U.S. Cellular paid the remaining $186 million to the FCC and was granted the licenses during the second quarter of 2017.

Goodwill Interim Impairment Assessment

Based on 2017 developments, including wireless expansion plans announced by other companies and the results of the FCC’s forward auction of 600 MHz spectrum licenses and other FCC actions, U.S. Cellular anticipated increased competition for customers in its primary operating markets from new and existing market participants over the long term. In addition, the widening adoption of unlimited data plans and other data pricing constructs across the industry, including U.S. Cellular’s introduction of unlimited plans in 2017, may limit the industry’s ability to monetize future growth in data usage. These factors when assessed and considered as part of U.S. Cellular’s annual planning process conducted in the third quarter of each year caused management to revise its long-range financial forecast in the third quarter of 2017. Based on the factors noted above, management identified a triggering event and performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test on an interim basis.

U.S. Cellular used a one-step quantitative approach that compared the fair value of the U.S. Cellular reporting unit to its carrying value. A discounted cash flow approach was used to value the reporting unit, using value drivers and risks specific to U.S. Cellular and the industry and current economic factors. The cash flow estimates incorporated certain assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value and may not be indicative of U.S. Cellular specific assumptions. However, the discount rate used in the analysis considers any additional risk a market participant might place on integrating the U.S. Cellular reporting unit into its operations. 

The results of the interim goodwill impairment test indicated that the carrying value of the U.S. Cellular reporting unit exceeded its fair value. Therefore, U.S. Cellular recognized a loss on impairment of goodwill of $370 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill to zero in the third quarter of 2017.

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Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in entities in which U.S. Cellular holds a noncontrolling interest. On January 1, 2018, U.S. Cellular adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01) using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 did not have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular's financial position or results of operations.

U.S. Cellular's Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using either the equity method or measurement alternative method as shown in the table below. The measurement alternative method was elected for investments without readily determinable fair values formerly accounted for under the cost method. The measurement alternative value represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes. U.S. Cellular did not have an impairment or observable price change related to these investments in 2018.

December 31,	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Equity method investments:
Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments	$	105		$	105
Cumulative share of income	1,892			1,717
Cumulative share of distributions	(1,563		)	(1,411		)
Total equity method investments	434			411
Measurement alternative method investments	7			4
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	$	441		$	415

The following tables, which are based on information provided in part by third parties, summarize the combined assets, liabilities and equity, and results of operations of U.S. Cellular’s equity method investments:

December 31,	2018		2017
(Dollars in millions)
Assets
Current	$	882	$	668
Due from affiliates	379		323
Property and other	4,962		4,804
Total assets	$	6,223	$	5,795
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities	$	434	$	435
Deferred credits	178		176
Long-term liabilities	217		199
Long-term capital lease obligations	—		1
Partners' capital and shareholders' equity	5,394		4,984
Total liabilities and equity	$	6,223	$	5,795

Year Ended December 31,	2018		2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Results of Operations
Revenues	$	6,777	$	6,562		$	6,747
Operating expenses	4,965		4,965			5,047
Operating income	1,812		1,597			1,700
Other income (expense), net	11		(1		)	(11		)
Net income	$	1,823	$	1,596		$	1,689

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Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment in service and under construction, and related accumulated depreciation and amortization, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

December 31,	Useful Lives (Years)	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Land	N/A	$	35		$	36
Buildings	20	296			297
Leasehold and land improvements	1-30	1,210			1,178
Cell site equipment	7-25	3,460			3,411
Switching equipment	5-8	1,018			988
Office furniture and equipment	3-5	285			389
Other operating assets and equipment	3-5	51			57
System development	1-7	1,149			1,060
Work in process	N/A	274			212
Total property, plant and equipment, gross		7,778			7,628
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(5,576		)	(5,308		)
Total property, plant and equipment, net		$	2,202		$	2,320

Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $627 million, $604 million and $607 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2018, 2017 and 2016, (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net included charges of $10 million, $17 million and $22 million, respectively, related to disposals of assets, trade-ins of older assets for replacement assets and other retirements of assets from service in the normal course of business.

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Asset Retirement Obligation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]

Asset Retirement Obligation

Asset Retirement Obligations

U.S. Cellular is subject to asset retirement obligations associated with its leased cell sites, switching office sites, retail store sites and office locations. Asset retirement obligations generally include obligations to restore leased land, towers, retail store and office premises to their pre-lease conditions. These obligations are included in Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In 2018 and 2017, U.S. Cellular performed a review of the assumptions and estimated costs related to its asset retirement obligations. The results of the reviews (identified as Revisions in estimated cash outflows) and other changes in asset retirement obligations during 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at beginning of year	$	183		$	174
Additional liabilities accrued	2			1
Revisions in estimated cash outflows	8			(3		)
Disposition of assets	(1		)	(1		)
Accretion expense	12			12
Transferred to Liabilities held for sale	(1		)	—
Balance at end of year	$	203		$	183

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Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

Debt

Revolving Credit Agreement

At December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular had a revolving credit agreement available for general corporate purposes, including spectrum purchases and capital expenditures. In May 2018, U.S. Cellular entered into a new $300 million revolving credit agreement with certain lenders and other parties. As a result of the new agreement, U.S. Cellular’s previous revolving credit agreement due to expire in June 2021 was terminated. Amounts under the revolving credit agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in May 2023. As of December 31, 2018, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement, except for letters of credit. Interest expense representing commitment fees on the unused portion of the revolving line of credit was $1 million in each of 2018, 2017 and 2016. The commitment fees are based on the unsecured senior debt ratings assigned to U.S. Cellular by certain ratings agencies.

The following table summarizes the revolving credit agreement as of December 31, 2018:

(Dollars in millions)
Maximum borrowing capacity	$	300
Letters of credit outstanding	$	2
Amount borrowed	$	—
Amount available for use	$	298

Borrowings under the revolving credit agreement bear interest either at a London Inter-bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.75% or at an alternative Base Rate as defined in the revolving credit agreement plus 0.75%, at U.S. Cellular’s option. U.S. Cellular may select a borrowing period of either one, two, three or six months (or other period of twelve months or less if requested by U.S. Cellular and approved by the lenders). U.S. Cellular’s credit spread and commitment fees on its revolving credit agreement may be subject to increase if its current credit rating from nationally recognized credit rating agencies is lowered, and may be subject to decrease if the rating is raised. 

In connection with U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement dated May 10, 2018, together with the administrative agent for the lenders under U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement. Pursuant to this subordination agreement, (a) any consolidated funded indebtedness from U.S. Cellular to TDS will be unsecured and (b) any (i) consolidated funded indebtedness from U.S. Cellular to TDS (other than “refinancing indebtedness” as defined in the subordination agreement) in excess of $105 million and (ii) refinancing indebtedness in excess of $250 million will be subordinated and made junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of obligations to the lenders under U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement. As of December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular had no outstanding consolidated funded indebtedness or refinancing indebtedness that was subordinated to the revolving credit agreement pursuant to the subordination agreement.

The continued availability of the revolving credit agreement requires U.S. Cellular to comply with certain negative and affirmative covenants, maintain certain financial ratios and make representations regarding certain matters at the time of each borrowing. 

The revolving credit agreement includes the following financial covenants:

▪ Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio may not be less than 3.00 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter.

▪ Consolidated Leverage Ratio may not be greater than the ratios indicated as of the end of any fiscal quarter for each period specified below:

Period	Ratios
From the agreement date of May 10, 2018 through June 30, 2019	3.25 to 1.00
From July 1, 2019 and thereafter	3.00 to 1.00

Certain U.S. Cellular wholly-owned subsidiaries have jointly and severally unconditionally guaranteed the payment and performance of the obligations of U.S. Cellular under the revolving credit agreement pursuant to a guaranty dated May 10, 2018. Other subsidiaries that meet certain criteria will be required to provide a similar guaranty in the future. U.S. Cellular believes it was in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants and requirements set forth in its revolving credit agreement as of December 31, 2018.

Term Loan

In July 2015, U.S. Cellular borrowed $225 million on a senior term loan credit agreement in two separate draws. This agreement was entered into in January 2015, amended and restated in June 2016, and further amended in May 2018. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings is reset at one, three or six month intervals at a rate of LIBOR plus 250 basis points. This credit agreement provides for the draws to be continued on a long-term basis under terms that are readily determinable. U.S. Cellular has the ability and intent to carry the debt for the duration of the agreement. Principal reductions are due and payable in quarterly installments of $3 million beginning in March 2016 through December 2021, and the remaining unpaid balance will be due and payable in January 2022. The senior term loan credit agreement contains financial covenants and subsidiary guarantees that are consistent with the revolving credit agreements described above. This agreement was entered into for general corporate purposes, including working capital, spectrum purchases and capital expenditures. U.S. Cellular believes that it was in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants and requirements set forth in its term loan credit agreement as of December 31, 2018.

In connection with U.S. Cellular’s term loan credit agreement, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement in June 2016 together with the administrative agent for the lenders under U.S. Cellular’s term loan credit agreement, which is substantially the same as the subordination agreement for U.S. Cellular as described above under the “Revolving Credit Agreement.” As of December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular had no outstanding consolidated funded indebtedness or refinancing indebtedness that was subordinated to the term loan agreement pursuant to this subordination agreement.

Receivables Securitization Agreement

In December 2017, U.S. Cellular, through its subsidiaries, entered into a $200 million credit agreement to permit securitized borrowings using its equipment installment receivables for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, spectrum purchases and capital expenditures. In connection with the receivables securitization agreement, U.S. Cellular formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, USCC Master Note Trust (Trust), which qualifies as a bankruptcy remote entity. Under the terms of the agreement, U.S. Cellular, through its subsidiaries, transfers eligible equipment installment receivables to the Trust. The Trust then utilizes the transferred assets as collateral for notes payables issued to third party financial institutions. Since U.S. Cellular retains effective control of the transferred assets in the Trust, any activity associated with this receivables securitization agreement will be treated as a secured borrowing. Therefore, U.S. Cellular will continue to report equipment installment receivables and any related balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Cash received from borrowings under the receivables securitization agreement will be reported as Debt. Refer to Note 13 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

U.S. Cellular entered into a performance guaranty whereby U.S. Cellular guarantees the performance of certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of U.S. Cellular under the receivables securitization agreement. Amounts under the receivables securitization agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in December 2019, which may be extended from time to time as specified therein. As of December 31, 2018, there were no outstanding borrowings under the receivables securitization agreement, and the entire unused capacity of $200 million was available, subject to sufficient collateral to satisfy the asset borrowing base provisions of the agreement. As of December 31, 2018, the Trust held $63 million of assets available to be pledged as collateral for the receivables securitization agreement.

The continued availability of the receivables securitization agreement requires U.S. Cellular to comply with certain negative and affirmative covenants, maintain certain financial ratios and provide representations on certain matters at the time of each borrowing. The covenants include the same financial covenants for U.S. Cellular as described above under the “Revolving Credit Agreement.” U.S. Cellular believes that it was in compliance as of December 31, 2018, with all of the financial covenants and requirements set forth in its receivables securitization agreement.

Other Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, was as follows:

				December 31, 2018						December 31, 2017
	Issuance date	Maturity date	Call date (any time on or after)	Principal Amount		Less Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs		Total		Principal Amount		Less Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Unsecured Senior Notes
6.700%	Dec 2003 and June 2004	Dec 2033	Dec 2003 and June 2004	$	544	$	14	$	530	$	544	$	15	$	529
6.950%	May 2011	May 2060	May 2016	342		11		331		342		11		331
7.250%	Dec 2014	Dec 2063	Dec 2019	275		10		265		275		10		265
7.250%	Nov 2015	Dec 2064	Dec 2020	300		10		290		300		10		290
Term Loan	Jul 2015	Jan 2022		191		1		190		203		2		201
Capital lease obligations				5		—		5		4		—		4
Installment payment agreement				14		1		13		21		1		20
Total long-term debt				$	1,671	$	47	$	1,624	$	1,689	$	49	$	1,640
Long-term debt, current								$	19					$	18
Long-term debt, noncurrent								$	1,605					$	1,622

U.S. Cellular may redeem its 6.95% Senior Notes, 7.25% 2063 Senior Notes and 7.25% 2064 Senior Notes, in whole or in part at any time after the respective call date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. U.S. Cellular may redeem the 6.7% Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, or (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the Treasury Rate plus 30 basis points. 

Interest on the Senior Notes outstanding at December 31, 2018, is payable quarterly, with the exception of the 6.7% Senior Notes for which interest is payable semi-annually.

The annual requirements for principal payments on long-term debt are approximately $19 million, $19 million, $11 million, $158 million and less than $1 million for the years 2019 through 2023, respectively.

The covenants associated with U.S. Cellular’s long-term debt obligations, among other things, restrict U.S. Cellular’s ability, subject to certain exclusions, to incur additional liens, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, and sell, consolidate or merge assets.

U.S. Cellular’s long-term debt notes do not contain any provisions resulting in acceleration of the maturities of outstanding debt in the event of a change in U.S. Cellular’s credit rating. However, a downgrade in U.S. Cellular’s credit rating could adversely affect its ability to obtain long-term debt financing in the future.

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Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Obligations

U.S. Cellular has obligations payable under non-cancellable contracts, commitments for device purchases, network facilities and transport services, agreements for software licensing, long-term marketing programs, as well as certain agreements to purchase goods or services. Where applicable, U.S. Cellular calculates its obligation based on termination fees that can be paid to exit the contract. Future minimum payments required under these commitments as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

	Purchase Obligations
(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	1,296
2020	112
2021	68
2022	33
2023	12
Thereafter	24
Total	$	1,545

Subsequent to December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular committed to purchase assets from a third party in the amount of $129 million, subject to regulatory approval. This amount is not included in the 2019 purchase obligations above, which are stated as of December 31, 2018.

Lease Commitments

U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries have leases for office space, retail store sites, cell sites and equipment which are accounted for as operating leases. Certain leases have renewal options and/or fixed rental increases. Renewal options that are reasonably assured of exercise are included in determining the lease term. Any rent abatements or lease incentives, in addition to fixed rental increases, are included in the calculation of rent expense and calculated on a straight-line basis over the defined lease term. Rent expense totaled $173 million, $166 million and $161 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 

U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries are also the lessors for tower space which are accounted for as operating leases. The leased assets are included in Property, plant and equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

As of December 31, 2018, future minimum rental payments required under operating leases and rental receipts expected under operating leases that have noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year were as follows:

	Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Payments		Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Receipts
(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	154	$	58
2020	143		47
2021	128		34
2022	112		22
2023	97		10
Thereafter	769		3
Total	$	1,403	$	174

Indemnifications

U.S. Cellular enters into agreements in the normal course of business that provide for indemnification of counterparties. The terms of the indemnifications vary by agreement. The events or circumstances that would require U.S. Cellular to perform under these indemnities are transaction specific; however, these agreements may require U.S. Cellular to indemnify the counterparty for costs and losses incurred from litigation or claims arising from the underlying transaction. U.S. Cellular is unable to estimate the maximum potential liability for these types of indemnifications as the amounts are dependent on the outcome of future events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time. Historically, U.S. Cellular has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements.

Legal Proceedings

U.S. Cellular is involved or may be involved from time to time in legal proceedings before the FCC, other regulatory authorities, and/or various state and federal courts. If U.S. Cellular believes that a loss arising from such legal proceedings is probable and can be reasonably estimated, an amount is accrued in the financial statements for the estimated loss. If only a range of loss can be determined, the best estimate within that range is accrued; if none of the estimates within that range is better than another, the low end of the range is accrued. The assessment of the expected outcomes of legal proceedings is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events. The legal proceedings are reviewed at least quarterly to determine the adequacy of accruals and related financial statement disclosures. The ultimate outcomes of legal proceedings could differ materially from amounts accrued in the financial statements.

U.S. Cellular has recorded no accrual and $1 million with respect to legal proceedings and unasserted claims as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. U.S. Cellular has not accrued any amount for legal proceedings if it cannot estimate the amount of the possible loss or range of loss. U.S. Cellular is unable to estimate any contingent loss in excess of the amounts accrued.

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has notified U.S. Cellular and its parent, TDS, that it is conducting inquiries of U.S. Cellular and TDS under the federal False Claims Act.  The DOJ is investigating U.S. Cellular’s participation in spectrum auctions 58, 66, 73 and 97 conducted by the FCC.  U.S. Cellular is a limited partner in several limited partnerships which qualified for the 25% bid credit in each auction.  TDS and U.S. Cellular are cooperating with the DOJ’s review.  TDS and U.S. Cellular believe that U.S. Cellular’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, U.S. Cellular cannot predict the outcome of this review.

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Variable Interest Entities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities

Consolidated VIEs

U.S. Cellular consolidates VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by GAAP and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the VIE activities that most significantly impact economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb the VIE losses and the right to receive benefits that are significant to the VIE. U.S. Cellular reviews these criteria initially 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 U.S. Cellular’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

During 2017, U.S. Cellular formed USCC EIP LLC (Seller/Sub-Servicer), USCC Receivables Funding LLC (Transferor) and the Trust, collectively the special purpose entities (SPEs), to facilitate a securitized borrowing using its equipment installment plan receivables. Under a Receivables Sale Agreement, U.S. Cellular wholly-owned, majority-owned and unconsolidated entities, collectively referred to as “affiliated entities”, will transfer device equipment installment plan contracts to the Seller/Sub-Servicer. The Seller/Sub-Servicer will aggregate device equipment installment plan contracts, and perform servicing, collection and all other administrative activities related to accounting for the equipment installment plan contracts. The Seller/Sub-Servicer will sell the eligible equipment installment plan receivables to the Transferor, a bankruptcy remote entity, which will subsequently sell the receivables to the Trust. The Trust, which is bankruptcy remote and isolated from the creditors of U.S. Cellular, 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 U.S. Cellular has the power to direct the activities of these SPEs, and that these SPEs lack sufficient equity to finance their activities, U.S. Cellular 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. Refer to Note 11 — Debt, Receivables Securitization Agreement for additional details regarding the securitization agreement for which these entities were established.

The following VIEs were formed to participate in FCC auctions of wireless spectrum and to fund, establish, and provide wireless service with respect to any FCC 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 U.S. Cellular subsidiary, to sell or lease certain 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, U.S. Cellular has the most significant level of exposure to the variability associated with the economic performance of the VIEs, indicating that U.S. Cellular is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Therefore, in accordance with GAAP, these VIEs are consolidated.

During 2018, U.S. Cellular received liquidating distributions from Aquinas Wireless, L.P. (Aquinas Wireless). Subsequent to the final distribution date, Aquinas Wireless had no remaining assets and was dissolved.

U.S. Cellular 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, U.S. Cellular 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 are also 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 U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

December 31,	2018		2017
(Dollars in millions)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	9	$	3
Short-term investments	17		—
Accounts receivable	611		476
Inventory, net	5		5
Other current assets	6		3
Assets held for sale	4		—
Licenses	652		655
Property, plant and equipment, net	94		99
Other assets and deferred charges	349		303
Total assets	$	1,747	$	1,544
Liabilities
Current liabilities	$	34	$	39
Liabilities held for sale	1		—
Deferred liabilities and credits	16		13
Total liabilities	$	51	$	52

Unconsolidated VIEs

U.S. Cellular 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.

U.S. Cellular’s total investment in these unconsolidated entities was $4 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and is included in Investments in unconsolidated entities in U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The maximum exposure from unconsolidated VIEs is limited to the investment held by U.S. Cellular in those entities.

Other Related Matters

U.S. Cellular made contributions, loans and/or advances to its VIEs totaling $152 million, $821 million and $98 million during 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively; of which $116 million in 2018 and $790 million in 2017 are related to USCC EIP LLC as discussed above. U.S. Cellular 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 licenses granted in various auctions. U.S. Cellular may finance such amounts with a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under its revolving credit agreement and/or other long-term debt. There is no assurance that U.S. Cellular will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all to provide such financial support.

The limited partnership agreements of Advantage Spectrum and King Street Wireless also provide the general partner with a put option whereby the general partner may require the limited partner, a subsidiary of U.S. Cellular, to purchase its interest in the limited partnership. The general partner’s put options related to its interests in King Street Wireless will become exercisable in 2019. The general partner’s put options related to its interest in Advantage Spectrum will become exercisable in 2021 and 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 U.S. Cellular is recorded as Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Also in accordance with GAAP, minority share of income or changes in the redemption value of the put options, net of interest accrued on the loans, are recorded as a component of Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, in U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Statement of Operations.

During the first quarter of 2018, U.S. Cellular recorded an out-of-period adjustment attributable to 2016 and 2017 due to errors in the application of accounting guidance applicable to the calculation of Noncontrolling interests with redemption features related to King Street Wireless, Inc. This out-of-period adjustment had the impact of increasing Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, by $8 million and decreasing Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders by $8 million in 2018. U.S. Cellular determined that this adjustment was not material to any of the periods impacted.

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Noncontrolling Interests

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling Interests

U.S. Cellular’s consolidated financial statements include certain noncontrolling interests that meet the GAAP definition of mandatorily redeemable financial instruments. These mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests represent interests held by third parties in consolidated partnerships, where the terms of the underlying partnership agreement provide for a defined termination date at which time the assets of the subsidiary are to be sold, the liabilities are to be extinguished and the remaining net proceeds are to be distributed to the noncontrolling interest holders and U.S. Cellular in accordance with the respective partnership agreements. The termination dates of these mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests range from 2085 to 2092.

The estimated aggregate amount that would be due and payable to settle all of these noncontrolling interests, assuming an orderly liquidation of the finite-lived consolidated partnerships on December 31, 2018, net of estimated liquidation costs, is $26 million. This amount excludes redemption amounts recorded in Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The estimate of settlement value was based on certain factors and assumptions which are subjective in nature. Changes in those factors and assumptions could result in a materially larger or smaller settlement amount. The corresponding carrying value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in finite-lived consolidated partnerships at December 31, 2018, was $11 million, and is included in Noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The excess of the aggregate settlement value over the aggregate carrying value of these mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests is due primarily to the unrecognized appreciation of the noncontrolling interest holders’ share of the underlying net assets in the consolidated partnerships. Neither the noncontrolling interest holders’ share, nor U.S. Cellular’s share, of the appreciation of the underlying net assets of these subsidiaries is reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

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Common Shareholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Common Shareholder's Equity

Common Shareholders’ Equity

Series A Common Shares

Series A Common Shares are convertible on a share-for-share basis into Common Shares. In matters other than the election of directors, each Series A Common Share is entitled to ten votes per share, compared to one vote for each Common Share. The Series A Common Shares are entitled to elect 75% of the directors (rounded down), and the Common Shares elect 25% of the directors (rounded up). As of December 31, 2018, a majority of U.S. Cellular’s outstanding Common Shares and all of U.S. Cellular’s outstanding Series A Common Shares were held by TDS.

Common Share Repurchase Program

In November 2009, U.S. Cellular announced by Form 8-K that the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular authorized the repurchase of up to 1,300,000 Common Shares on an annual basis beginning in 2009 and continuing each year thereafter, on a cumulative basis. In December 2016, the U.S. Cellular Board amended this authorization to provide that, beginning on January 1, 2017, the authorized repurchase amount with respect to a particular year will be any amount from zero to 1,300,000 Common Shares, as determined by the Pricing Committee of the Board of Directors, and that if the Pricing Committee did not specify an amount for any year, such amount would be zero for such year. The Pricing Committee has not specified any increase in the authorization since that time. The Pricing Committee also was authorized to decrease the cumulative amount of the authorization at any time, but has not taken any action to do so at this time. As of December 31, 2018, the total cumulative amount of Common Shares authorized to be purchased is 5,901,000. The authorization provides that share repurchases will be made pursuant to open market purchases, block purchases, private purchases, or otherwise, depending on market prices and other conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date.

Pursuant to certain employee and non-employee benefit plans, U.S. Cellular reissued the following Treasury Shares:

Year Ended December 31,	2018	2017	2016
(Shares in millions)
Treasury Shares Reissued	1	—	1

Tax-Deferred Savings Plan

At December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular has reserved 67,000 Common Shares for issuance under the TDS Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, a qualified profit‑sharing plan pursuant to Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participating employees have the option of investing their contributions in a U.S. Cellular Common Share fund, a TDS Common Share fund or certain unaffiliated funds.

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Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

16 Stock-Based Compensation

U.S. Cellular has established the following stock‑based compensation plans: Long-Term Incentive Plans and a Non-Employee Director compensation plan.

Under the U.S. Cellular Long-Term Incentive Plans, U.S. Cellular may grant fixed and performance based incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation stock unit awards to key employees. At December 31, 2018, the only types of awards outstanding are fixed non-qualified stock option awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance share awards and deferred compensation stock unit awards.

Under the Non-Employee Director compensation plan, U.S. Cellular may grant Common Shares to members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of U.S. Cellular or TDS.

At December 31, 2018, U.S. Cellular had reserved 13,286,000 Common Shares for equity awards granted and to be granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plans and 137,000 Common Shares for issuance under the Non-Employee Director compensation plan.

U.S. Cellular uses treasury stock to satisfy requirements for Common Shares issued pursuant to its various stock-based compensation plans.

Long-Term Incentive Plans–Stock Options

Stock options granted to key employees are exercisable over a specified period not in excess of ten years. Stock options generally vest over a period of three years from the date of grant. Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2018, expire between 2019 and 2026. However, vested stock options typically expire 30 days after the effective date of an employee’s termination of employment for reasons other than retirement. Employees who leave at the age of retirement have 90 days (or one year if they satisfy certain requirements) within which to exercise their vested stock options. The exercise price of options equals the market value of U.S. Cellular Common Shares on the date of grant.

U.S. Cellular did not grant stock option awards in 2018 or 2017. U.S. Cellular estimated the fair value of stock options granted during 2016 using the Black-Scholes valuation model and the assumptions shown in the table below.

	2016
Expected life	4.7 years
Expected annual volatility rate	30.5	%
Dividend yield	—	%
Risk-free interest rate	1.2	%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate	9.4	%

Pre-vesting forfeitures and expected life are estimated based on historical experience related to similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. U.S. Cellular believes that its historical experience provides the best estimates of future pre-vesting forfeitures and future expected life. The expected volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility of U.S. Cellular’s common stock over a period commensurate with the expected life. The dividend yield assumption is zero because U.S. Cellular has never paid a dividend, except a special cash dividend in June 2013, and has expressed its intention to retain all future earnings in the business. The risk-free interest rate assumption is determined using the U.S. Treasury Yield Curve Rate with a term length that approximates the expected life of the stock options.

The fair value of options is recognized as compensation cost using an accelerated attribution method over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period.

A summary of U.S. Cellular stock options outstanding (total and portion exercisable) and changes during 2018 is presented in the table below:

Common Share Options	Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	3,495,000		$	41.10
(2,475,000 exercisable)			$	40.79
Exercised	(2,318,000	)	$	39.45
Forfeited	(19,000	)	$	43.12
Expired	(352,000	)	$	47.29
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	806,000		$	43.10	$	7	6.0
(420,000 exercisable)			$	42.39	$	4	5.7

The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the U.S. Cellular stock options granted in 2016 was $12.77. The aggregate intrinsic value of U.S. Cellular stock options exercised in 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $19 million, $1 million and $4 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value at December 31, 2018, presented in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between U.S. Cellular’s closing stock price and the exercise price multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by option holders had all options been exercised on December 31, 2018.

Long-Term Incentive Plans–Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock unit awards granted to key employees generally vest after three years. The restricted stock unit awards currently outstanding were granted in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and will vest in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of restricted stock units based on the closing market price of U.S. Cellular shares on the date of grant. The fair value is then recognized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period.

A summary of U.S. Cellular nonvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2018, and changes during the year then ended is presented in the table below:

Common Restricted Stock Units	Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2017	1,483,000		$	39.67
Granted	559,000		$	38.19
Vested	(395,000	)	$	37.30
Forfeited	(78,000	)	$	39.78
Nonvested at December 31, 2018	1,569,000		$	39.74

The total fair value of restricted stock units that vested during 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $16 million, $11 million and $15 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the restricted stock units granted in 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $38.19, $38.04 and $43.32, respectively.

Long-Term Incentive Plans – Performance Share Awards (Performance Shares)

Beginning in 2017, U.S. Cellular granted performance shares, specifically performance stock units, to key employees. The performance shares vest after three years. Each recipient may be entitled to shares of U.S. Cellular common stock equal to 50% to 200% of a communicated target award depending on the achievement of predetermined performance-based operating targets over the performance period, which is a one year period beginning on January 1 in the year of grant to December 31 in the year of grant. The remaining time through the end of the vesting period is considered the “time-based period”. Performance-based operating targets include Simple Free Cash Flow, Consolidated Total Operating Revenues and Postpaid Handset Voluntary Defections. Subject to vesting during the time-based period, the performance share award agreement provides that in no event shall the award be less than 50% of the target opportunity as of the grant date. The performance shares awards currently outstanding that were granted in 2017 and 2018 and will vest in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of performance shares using U.S. Cellular’s closing stock price on the date of grant. An estimate of the number of performance shares expected to vest based upon achieving the performance-based operating targets is made and the aggregate fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Each reporting period, during the performance period, the estimate of the number of performance shares expected to vest is reviewed and stock compensation expense is adjusted as appropriate to reflect the revised estimate of the aggregate fair value of the performance shares expected to vest.

A summary of U.S. Cellular’s nonvested performance shares and changes during 2018 is presented in the table below:

Common Performance Shares	Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2017	342,000		$	36.92
Granted	357,000		$	38.81
Change in units based on approved performance factors	111,000		$	36.92
Forfeited	(42,000	)	$	37.37
Nonvested at December 31, 2018	768,000		$	37.78

No performance shares vested during 2018 or 2017. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the performance shares granted in 2018 and 2017 was $38.81 and $36.92, respectively.

Long-Term Incentive Plans–Deferred Compensation Stock Units

Certain U.S. Cellular employees may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual bonuses and to receive a company matching contribution on the amount deferred. All bonus compensation that is deferred by employees electing to participate is immediately vested and is deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units. The amount of U.S. Cellular’s matching contribution depends on the portion of the annual bonus that is deferred. Participants receive a 25% match for amounts deferred up to 50% of their total annual bonus and a 33% match for amounts that exceed 50% of their total annual bonus; such matching contributions also are deemed to be invested in U.S. Cellular Common Share stock units and vest over three years.

The total fair value of deferred compensation stock units that vested during 2018, 2017 and 2016 was less than $1 million in each respective year. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the deferred compensation stock units granted in 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $40.72, $36.02 and $41.31, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, there were 33,000 vested but unissued deferred compensation stock units valued at $2 million.

Compensation of Non-Employee Directors

U.S. Cellular issued 18,000, 15,000 and 13,000 Common Shares in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, under its Non-Employee Director compensation plan.

Stock‑Based Compensation Expense

The following table summarizes stock‑based compensation expense recognized during 2018, 2017 and 2016:

Year Ended December 31,	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Stock option awards	$	2		$	6		$	11
Restricted stock unit awards	21			19			14
Performance share awards	13			4			—
Awards under Non-Employee Director compensation plan	1			1			1
Total stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	37			30			26
Income tax benefit	(9		)	(11		)	(10		)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	28		$	19		$	16

The following table provides a summary of the classification of stock-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended:

December 31,	2018		2017		2016
(Dollars in millions)
Selling, general and administrative expense	$	33	$	27	$	23
System operations expense	4		3		3
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	37	$	30	$	26

At December 31, 2018, unrecognized compensation cost for all U.S. Cellular stock‑based compensation awards was $33 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.

U.S. Cellular’s tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options and the vesting of other awards totaled $9 million in 2018.

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Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Following are supplemental cash flow disclosures regarding interest paid and income taxes paid.

Year Ended December 31,	2018		2017		2016
(Dollars in millions)
Interest paid	$	113	$	111	$	113
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received	90		55		(11		)

Following are supplemental cash flow disclosures regarding transactions related to stock-based compensation awards. In certain situations, U.S. Cellular withholds shares that are issuable upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted shares to cover, and with a value equivalent to, the exercise price and/or the amount of taxes required to be withheld from the stock award holder at the time of the exercise or vesting. U.S. Cellular then pays the amount of the required tax withholdings to the taxing authorities in cash.

Year Ended December 31,	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Common Shares withheld	1,549,800			144,755			308,010
Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld	$	73		$	6		$	13
Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options	29			5			12
Cash disbursements for payment of taxes	(11		)	(4		)	(6		)
Net cash receipts from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$	18		$	1		$	6

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Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The following persons are partners of Sidley Austin LLP, the principal law firm of U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries: Walter C.D. Carlson, a director of U.S. Cellular, a director and non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of TDS and a trustee and beneficiary of a voting trust that controls TDS; William S. DeCarlo, the General Counsel of TDS and an Assistant Secretary of TDS and certain subsidiaries of TDS; and Stephen P. Fitzell, the General Counsel of U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecommunications LLC and an Assistant Secretary of U.S. Cellular and certain other subsidiaries of TDS. Walter C.D. Carlson does not provide legal services to TDS, U.S. Cellular or their subsidiaries. U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries incurred legal costs from Sidley Austin LLP of $5 million, $7 million and $6 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

U.S. Cellular is billed for all services it receives from TDS, pursuant to the terms of various agreements between it and TDS. These billings are included in U.S. Cellular's Selling, general and administrative expenses. Some of these agreements were established at a time prior to U.S. Cellular's initial public offering when TDS owned more than 90% of U.S. Cellular's outstanding capital stock and may not reflect terms that would be obtainable from an unrelated third party through arms-length negotiations. Billings from TDS and certain of its subsidiaries to U.S. Cellular are based on expenses specifically identified to U.S. Cellular and on allocations of common expenses. Such allocations are based on the relationship of U.S. Cellular's assets, employees, investment in property, plant and equipment and expenses relative to all subsidiaries in the TDS consolidated group. Management believes the method TDS uses to allocate common expenses is reasonable and that all expenses and costs applicable to U.S. Cellular are reflected in its financial statements. Billings to U.S. Cellular from TDS totaled $86 million, $85 million and $94 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular is responsible for the review and evaluation of all related-party transactions as such term is defined by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

The accounting policies of U.S. Cellular 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 U.S. Cellular, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, general partnerships in which U.S. Cellular has a majority partnership interest and certain entities in which U.S. Cellular has a variable interest that requires consolidation under GAAP. See Note 13 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information relating to U.S. Cellular’s VIEs. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (a) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and (b) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates are involved in accounting for indefinite-lived intangible assets, income taxes and equipment installment plans.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents subject to contractual restrictions are classified as restricted cash. 

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed by customers for wireless services and equipment sales, including sales of certain devices and accessories under installment plans, by agents for sales of equipment to them and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses related to existing billed and unbilled accounts receivable. The allowance is estimated based on historical experience, account aging and other factors that could affect collectability. Accounts receivable balances are reviewed on either an aggregate or individual basis for collectability depending on the type of receivable. When it is probable that an account balance will not be collected, the account balance is charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. U.S. Cellular does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.

Inventory

Inventory consists primarily of wireless devices stated at the lower of cost, which approximates cost determined on the first-in first-out basis, or net realizable value. Net realizable value is determined by reference to the stand-alone selling price.

Licenses

Licenses consist of direct and incremental costs incurred in acquiring Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licenses to provide wireless service.

U.S. Cellular has determined that wireless licenses are indefinite-lived intangible assets and, therefore, not subject to amortization based on the following factors:

▪ Radio spectrum is not a depleting asset.

▪ The ability to use radio spectrum is not limited to any one technology.

▪ U.S. Cellular and its consolidated subsidiaries are licensed to use radio spectrum through the FCC licensing process, which enables licensees to utilize specified portions of the spectrum for the provision of wireless service.

▪ U.S. Cellular and its consolidated subsidiaries are required to renew their FCC licenses every ten years or, in some cases, every twelve or fifteen years. To date, all of U.S. Cellular’s license renewal applications have been granted by the FCC. Generally, license renewal applications filed by licensees otherwise in compliance with FCC regulations are routinely granted. If, however, a license renewal application is challenged either by a competing applicant for the license or by a petition to deny the renewal application, the license will be renewed if the licensee can demonstrate its entitlement to a “renewal expectancy.” Licensees are entitled to such an expectancy if they can demonstrate to the FCC that they have provided “substantial service” during their license term and have “substantially complied” with FCC rules and policies. U.S. Cellular believes that it is probable that its future license renewal applications will be granted.

U.S. Cellular performs its annual impairment assessment of Licenses as of November 1 of each year or more frequently if there are events or circumstances that cause U.S. Cellular to believe the carrying value of Licenses exceeds their fair value on a more likely than not basis. For purposes of its impairment testing of Licenses, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into eight units of accounting. The eight units of accounting consisted of one unit of accounting for developed operating market licenses (built licenses) and seven geographic non-operating market licenses (unbuilt licenses). 

U.S. Cellular performed a qualitative impairment assessment in 2018 and a quantitative impairment assessment in 2017 to determine whether the licenses were impaired. Based on the impairment assessments performed, U.S. Cellular did not have an impairment of its Licenses in 2018 or 2017. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional details related to Licenses.

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

For its equity method investments for which financial information is readily available, U.S. Cellular records its equity in the earnings of the entity in the current period. For its equity method investments for which financial information is not readily available, U.S. Cellular records its equity in the earnings of the entity on a one quarter lag basis.

Property, Plant and Equipment

U.S. Cellular’s Property, plant and equipment is stated at the original cost of construction or purchase including capitalized costs of certain taxes, payroll-related expenses, interest and estimated costs to remove the assets.

Expenditures that enhance the productive capacity of assets in service or extend their useful lives are capitalized and depreciated. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs of assets in service are charged to System operations expense or Selling, general and administrative expense, as applicable. Retirements and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the original cost of the asset (along with the related accumulated depreciation) from plant in service and charging it, together with net removal costs (removal costs less an applicable accrued asset retirement obligation and salvage value realized), to (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net.

U.S. Cellular capitalizes certain costs of developing new information systems. Software licenses that qualify for capitalization as an asset are accounted for as the acquisition of an intangible asset and the incurrence of a liability to the extent that the license fees are not fully paid at acquisition.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset.

U.S. Cellular depreciates leasehold improvement assets associated with leased properties over periods ranging from one to thirty years; such periods approximate the shorter of the assets’ economic lives or the specific lease terms.

Useful lives of specific assets are reviewed throughout the year to determine if changes in technology or other business changes would warrant accelerating the depreciation of those specific assets. There were no material changes to useful lives of property, plant and equipment in 2018, 2017 or 2016. See Note 9 — Property, Plant and Equipment for additional details related to useful lives.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

U.S. Cellular reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired.

U.S. Cellular has one asset group for purposes of assessing property, plant and equipment for impairment based on the fact that the individual operating markets are reliant on centrally operated data centers, mobile telephone switching offices and a network operations center. U.S. Cellular operates a single integrated national wireless network. The cash flows generated by this single interdependent network represent the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities.

Agent Liabilities

U.S. Cellular has relationships with agents, which are independent businesses that obtain customers for U.S. Cellular. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, U.S. Cellular had accrued $59 million and $61 million, respectively, for amounts due to agents. These amounts are included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs include underwriters’ and legal fees and other charges related to issuing various borrowing instruments and other long–term agreements, and are amortized over the respective term of each instrument. Debt issuance costs related to U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement and receivables securitization agreement are recorded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. All other debt issuance costs are presented as an offset to the related debt obligation in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Asset Retirement Obligations

U.S. Cellular accounts for asset retirement obligations by recording the fair value of a liability for legal obligations associated with an asset retirement in the period in which the obligations are incurred. At the time the liability is incurred, U.S. Cellular records a liability equal to the net present value of the estimated cost of the asset retirement obligation and increases the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by an equal amount. Until the obligation is fulfilled, U.S. Cellular updates its estimates relating to cash flows required and timing of settlement. U.S. Cellular records the present value of the changes in the future value as an increase or decrease to the liability and the related carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to future value over a period ending with the estimated settlement date of the respective asset retirement obligation. The carrying amount of the long-lived asset is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the obligation, any difference between the cost to retire the asset and the recorded liability is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Treasury Shares

Common Shares repurchased by U.S. Cellular are recorded at cost as treasury shares and result in a reduction of equity. When treasury shares are reissued, U.S. Cellular determines the cost using the first-in, first-out cost method. The difference between the cost of the treasury shares and reissuance price is included in Additional paid-in capital or Retained earnings.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from sales of equipment and products are recognized when control has transferred to the customer. Service revenues are recognized as the related service is provided.

U.S. Cellular has certain contracts in which it bills an amount equal to a fixed per-unit price multiplied by a variable quantity (e.g., roaming agreements with other carriers). Because U.S. Cellular invoices for such items in an amount that corresponds directly with the value of the performance completed to date, U.S. Cellular may recognize revenue in that amount. As a practical expedient, these contracts are excluded from the estimate of future revenues expected to be recognized related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied as of the end of a reporting period.

The following is a description of principal activities from which U.S. Cellular generates its revenues.

Services and products	Nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, and significant payment terms
Wireless services	Wireless service includes voice, messaging and data services. Revenue is recognized in Service revenues as wireless service is provided to the customer. Wireless services generally are billed and paid in advance on a monthly basis.
Wireless devices and accessories	U.S. Cellular offers a comprehensive range of wireless devices such as handsets, tablets, mobile hotspots, home phones and routers for use by its customers, as well as accessories. U.S. Cellular also sells wireless devices to agents and other third-party distributors for resale. U.S. Cellular frequently discounts wireless devices sold to new and current customers. U.S. Cellular also offers customers the option to purchase certain devices and accessories under installment contracts over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device. Such upgrades require the customer to enter into an equipment installment contract for the new device, and transfer the existing device to U.S. Cellular. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Equipment sales revenues when control of the device or accessory is transferred to the customer, which is generally upon delivery.
Wireless roaming	U.S. Cellular receives roaming revenues when other wireless carriers’ customers use U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues when the roaming service is provided to the other carrier’s customer.
Wireless Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Revenues	Telecommunications companies may be designated by states, or in some cases by the FCC, as an ETC to receive support payments from the Universal Service Fund if they provide specified services in “high cost” areas. ETC revenues recognized in the reporting period represent the amounts which U.S. Cellular is entitled to receive for such period, as determined and approved in connection with U.S. Cellular’s designation as an ETC in various states.
Wireless tower rents	U.S. Cellular receives tower rental revenues when another carrier leases tower space on a U.S. Cellular owned tower. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues in the period during which the services are provided.
Activation fees	U.S. Cellular charges its end customers activation fees in connection with the sale of certain services and equipment. Activation fees are deferred and recognized over the period benefitted.

Significant Judgments

Revenues from sales of equipment are recognized when control has transferred to the customer. Service revenues are recognized as the related service is provided. Services are deemed to be highly interrelated when the method and timing of transfer and performance risk are the same. Highly interrelated services that are determined to not be distinct have been grouped into a single performance obligation. Each month of services promised is a performance obligation. The series of monthly service performance obligations promised over the course of the contract are combined into a single performance obligation for purposes of the allocation.

U.S. Cellular has made judgments regarding transaction price, including but not limited to issues relating to variable consideration, time value of money and returns. When determined to be significant in the context of the contract, these items are considered in the valuation of transaction price at contract inception or modification, as appropriate.

As a practical expedient, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, are excluded from these estimates.

U.S. Cellular adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05 and applied them to all contracts as of January 1, 2018, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, the new accounting standard is applied only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings.

As a practical expedient, U.S. Cellular groups similar contracts or similar performance obligations together into portfolios of contracts or performance obligations if doing so does not result in a significant difference from applying the new accounting standard to the individual contracts. U.S. Cellular applies this grouping method for the following types of transactions: device activation fees, contract acquisition costs, and certain customer promotions. Contract portfolios will be recognized over the respective expected customer lives or terms of the contracts.

As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are not capitalized.

Multiple Performance Obligations

U.S. Cellular sells bundled service and equipment offerings. In these instances, U.S. Cellular recognizes its revenue based on the relative standalone selling prices for each distinct service or equipment performance obligation, or bundles thereof. U.S. Cellular estimates the standalone selling price of the device or accessory to be its retail price excluding discounts. U.S. Cellular estimates the standalone selling price of wireless service to be the price offered to customers on month-to-month contracts.

Equipment Installment Plans

Equipment revenue under equipment installment plan contracts is recognized at the time the device is delivered to the customer for the amount allocated to the equipment under ASU 2014-09.

Incentives

Discounts and incentives that are deemed cash are recognized as a reduction of Operating revenues concurrently with the associated revenue. 

U.S. Cellular issues rebates to its agents and end customers. These incentives are recognized as a reduction to revenue at the time the corresponding revenue is recognized. The total potential rebates and incentives are reduced by U.S. Cellular’s estimate of rebates that will not be redeemed by customers based on historical experience of such redemptions.

From time to time, U.S. Cellular may offer certain promotions to incentivize customers to switch to, or to purchase additional services from, U.S. Cellular. Under these types of promotions, an eligible customer may receive an incentive in the form of a discount off additional services purchased shown as a rebate or credit to the customer’s monthly bill. U.S. Cellular accounts for the future discounts as material rights at the time of the initial transaction by allocating and deferring a portion of service and equipment revenue based on the relative proportion of the future discounts in comparison to the aggregate initial purchase. The deferred revenue will be recognized as service revenue in future periods.

Amounts Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities

U.S. Cellular records amounts collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis within a tax liability account if the tax is assessed upon the customer and U.S. Cellular merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is assessed upon U.S. Cellular, then amounts collected from customers as recovery of the tax are recorded in Service revenues and amounts remitted to governmental authorities are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $67 million, $58 million and $64 million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (ASU 2016-02) and has since amended the standard with Accounting Standards Update 2018-01, Leases: Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842, Accounting Standards Update 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, Accounting Standards Update 2018-11, Leases: Targeted Improvements, andAccounting Standards Update 2018-20, Leases: Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors. ASU 2016-02, as amended, requires lessees to record a right-of-use asset and lease liability for almost all leases. This ASU does not substantially impact the lessor accounting model. However, some changes to the lessor accounting guidance were made to align with lessee accounting changes within ASC 842, Leases and certain key aspects of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. U.S. Cellular will adopt ASU 2016-02, as amended, using a modified retrospective method on January 1, 2019. Under this method, a cumulative effect adjustment is recognized upon adoption and the guidance is applied prospectively. U.S. Cellular elected transitional practical expedients for existing leases which eliminated the requirements to reassess existing lease classification and initial direct costs, and whether contracts contain leases. U.S. Cellular also elected the practical expedient related to land easements that allows it to carry forward the accounting treatment for pre-existing land easement agreements. U.S. Cellular has implemented new systems, processes and controls to adopt ASU 2016-02, as amended, and has implemented a new lease management and accounting system to assist in the application of the new standard. Nearly all of U.S. Cellular’s leases are classified as operating leases, although it does have a small number of finance leases. The adoption of ASU 2016-02, as amended, will add approximately $0.9 billion in right-of-use assets and approximately $1.0 billion in lease liabilities to the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2019, with the difference primarily representing accrued rent recognized prior to adoption. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 is not expected to have a material impact on U.S. Cellular's results of operations in 2019.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 requires entities to use a new forward-looking, expected loss model to estimate credit losses. It also requires additional disclosure relating to the credit quality of trade and other receivables, including information relating to management’s estimate of credit allowances. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, using the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2019; however, U.S. Cellular does not intend to adopt early. U.S. Cellular is evaluating the effects that adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on its financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2018-07). ASU 2018-07 expands the scope of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, which currently only includes share-based payments issued to employees, to also include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods and services. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2018-07 on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 will not have an impact on U.S. Cellular’s financial position or results of operations.

In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (ASU 2018-15). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the existing guidance for capitalizing implementation costs for an arrangement that has a software license. The service element of a hosting arrangement will continue to be expensed as incurred. Any capitalized implementation costs will be amortized over the period of the service contract. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020, either retrospectively or prospectively to eligible costs incurred on or after the date that this guidance is first applied. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 is not expected to have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular's financial position or results of operations.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and has since amended the standard with Accounting Standards Update 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date, Accounting Standards Update 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), Accounting Standards Update 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, Accounting Standards Update 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, and Accounting Standards Update 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, collectively referred to hereinafter as ASU 2014-09. These standards replace existing revenue recognition rules with a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. In February 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-05, Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets: Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets (ASU 2017-05). ASU 2017-05 clarifies how entities account for the derecognition of a nonfinancial asset and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. U.S. Cellular adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05 and applied them to all contracts as of January 1, 2018, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, the new accounting standard is applied only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Accordingly, prior periods have not been recast to reflect the new accounting standard. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of ASU 2014-09 resulted in an increase of $175 million in retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. ASU 2017-05 had no impact to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018.

Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in entities in which U.S. Cellular holds a noncontrolling interest. On January 1, 2018, U.S. Cellular adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01) using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 did not have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular's financial position or results of operations.

Advertising Costs

U.S. Cellular expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $215 million, $211 million and $245 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Income Taxes

U.S. Cellular is included in a consolidated federal income tax return with other members of the TDS consolidated group. For financial statement purposes, U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries calculate their income, income taxes and credits as if they comprised a separate affiliated group. Under a tax allocation agreement between TDS and U.S. Cellular, U.S. Cellular remits its applicable income tax payments to TDS. U.S. Cellular had a tax receivable balance with TDS of $14 million as of December 31, 2018 and a tax payable balance with TDS of $23 million as of December 31, 2017.

Deferred taxes are computed using the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for future deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for future taxable temporary differences. Both deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. U.S. Cellular evaluates income tax uncertainties, assesses the probability of the ultimate settlement with the applicable taxing authority and records an amount based on that assessment. Deferred taxes are reported as a net non-current asset or liability by jurisdiction. Any corresponding valuation allowance to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets is also recorded as non-current.

Stock-Based Compensation and Other Plans

U.S. Cellular has established a long-term incentive plan and a non-employee director compensation plan. These plans are considered compensatory plans and, therefore, recognition of costs for grants made under these plans is required.

U.S. Cellular recognizes stock compensation expense based upon the fair value of the specific awards granted using established valuation methodologies. The amount of stock compensation cost recognized on either a straight-line basis or graded attribution method is based on the portion of the award that is expected to vest over the requisite service period, which generally represents the vesting period. Stock-based compensation cost recognized has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. See Note 16 — Stock-Based Compensation for additional information.

Defined Contribution Plans

U.S. Cellular participates in a qualified noncontributory defined contribution pension plan sponsored by TDS; such plan provides pension benefits for the employees of U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries. Under this plan, pension benefits and costs are calculated separately for each participant and are funded currently. Pension costs were $11 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016.

U.S. Cellular also participates in a defined contribution retirement savings plan (401(k) plan) sponsored by TDS. Total costs incurred for U.S. Cellular’s contributions to the 401(k) plan were $15 million, $16 million and $16 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Legal proceedings

U.S. Cellular is involved or may be involved from time to time in legal proceedings before the FCC, other regulatory authorities, and/or various state and federal courts. If U.S. Cellular believes that a loss arising from such legal proceedings is probable and can be reasonably estimated, an amount is accrued in the financial statements for the estimated loss. If only a range of loss can be determined, the best estimate within that range is accrued; if none of the estimates within that range is better than another, the low end of the range is accrued. The assessment of the expected outcomes of legal proceedings is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events. The legal proceedings are reviewed at least quarterly to determine the adequacy of accruals and related financial statement disclosures. The ultimate outcomes of legal proceedings could differ materially from amounts accrued in the financial statements.

Variable Interest Entities

U.S. Cellular consolidates VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by GAAP and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the VIE activities that most significantly impact economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb the VIE losses and the right to receive benefits that are significant to the VIE. U.S. Cellular reviews these criteria initially 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 U.S. Cellular’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Restrictions on cash and cash equivalents

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.

December 31,	2018		2017
(Dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	580	$	352
Restricted cash included in Other current assets	3		—
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows	$	583	$	352

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Revenue Recognition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Schedule of new accounting pronouncements and changes in accounting principles

The line items impacted by the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Balance Sheet are presented below.

Consolidated Statement of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2018	Results under prior accounting standards			Adjustment			As reported
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Operating revenues
Service	$	3,086		$	(108	)	$	2,978
Equipment sales	894			95			989
Total operating revenues	3,980			(13		)	3,967
Cost of equipment sold	1,030			1			1,031
Selling, general and administrative	1,393			(5		)	1,388
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(17		)	(1		)	(18		)
Total operating expenses	3,815			(6		)	3,809
Operating income (loss)	166			(8		)	158
Income (loss) before income taxes	223			(8		)	215
Income tax expense (benefit)	53			(2		)	51
Net income	170			(6		)	164
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	156			(6		)	150
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.81		$	(0.06	)	$	1.75
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.79		$	(0.07	)	$	1.72

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2018	Results under prior accounting standards		Adjustment			As reported
(Dollars in millions)
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances	$	844	$	64		$	908
Prepaid expenses	88		(25		)	63
Other current assets	31		3			34
Total current assets	1,769		43			1,812
Licenses	2,185		1			2,186
Investments in unconsolidated entities	424		17			441
Other assets and deferred charges	418		161			579
Total assets	7,052		222			7,274
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	178		(21		)	157
Other current liabilities	90		4			94
Total current liabilities	708		(17		)	691
Deferred income tax liability, net	459		51			510
Other deferred liabilities and credits	371		18			389
Retained earnings	2,275		169			2,444
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity	3,888		169			4,057
Noncontrolling interests	9		1			10
Total equity	3,897		170			4,067
Total liabilities and equity	$	7,052	$	222		$	7,274

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

Schedule of Multiple-deliverable Arrangements

The following is a description of principal activities from which U.S. Cellular generates its revenues.

Services and products	Nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, and significant payment terms
Wireless services	Wireless service includes voice, messaging and data services. Revenue is recognized in Service revenues as wireless service is provided to the customer. Wireless services generally are billed and paid in advance on a monthly basis.
Wireless devices and accessories	U.S. Cellular offers a comprehensive range of wireless devices such as handsets, tablets, mobile hotspots, home phones and routers for use by its customers, as well as accessories. U.S. Cellular also sells wireless devices to agents and other third-party distributors for resale. U.S. Cellular frequently discounts wireless devices sold to new and current customers. U.S. Cellular also offers customers the option to purchase certain devices and accessories under installment contracts over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device. Such upgrades require the customer to enter into an equipment installment contract for the new device, and transfer the existing device to U.S. Cellular. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Equipment sales revenues when control of the device or accessory is transferred to the customer, which is generally upon delivery.
Wireless roaming	U.S. Cellular receives roaming revenues when other wireless carriers’ customers use U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues when the roaming service is provided to the other carrier’s customer.
Wireless Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Revenues	Telecommunications companies may be designated by states, or in some cases by the FCC, as an ETC to receive support payments from the Universal Service Fund if they provide specified services in “high cost” areas. ETC revenues recognized in the reporting period represent the amounts which U.S. Cellular is entitled to receive for such period, as determined and approved in connection with U.S. Cellular’s designation as an ETC in various states.
Wireless tower rents	U.S. Cellular receives tower rental revenues when another carrier leases tower space on a U.S. Cellular owned tower. U.S. Cellular recognizes revenue in Service revenues in the period during which the services are provided.
Activation fees	U.S. Cellular charges its end customers activation fees in connection with the sale of certain services and equipment. Activation fees are deferred and recognized over the period benefitted.

Disaggregation of revenue

In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by type of service and timing of revenue recognition. Service revenues are recognized over time and Equipment sales are point in time.

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Retail service	$	2,623
Inbound roaming	154
Other service	135
Service revenues from contracts with customers	2,912
Equipment sales	989
Total revenues from contracts with customers1	$	3,901

¹   These amounts do not include revenues outside the scope of ASU 2014-09; therefore, revenue line items in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Contract with customer, Assets and Liabilities

The accounts receivable balance related to amounts billed and not paid on contracts with customers, net of allowances, is shown in the table below. Bad debts expense recognized for the year ended December 31, 2018, related to receivables was $94 million.

	December 31, 2018
(Dollars in millions)
Accounts receivable
Customer and agents	$	908
Roaming	20
Other	32
Total1	$	960

¹ These amounts do not include accounts receivable related to revenues outside the scope of ASU 2014-09; therefore, accounts receivable line items presented in this table will not agree to amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The following table provides a rollforward of contract assets from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Other current assets and Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

	Contract Assets
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	—
Change in accounting policy	26
Contract additions	23
Terminated contracts	(1		)
Reclassified to receivables	(39		)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	9

The following table provides a rollforward of 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.

	Contract Liabilities
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	—
Change in accounting policy - Deferred revenues reclassification1	167
Change in accounting policy - Retained earnings impact	(21		)
Contract additions	154
Terminated contracts	(2		)
Revenue recognized	(135		)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	163

¹   This amount represents U.S. Cellular's obligation to transfer goods or services to customers for which it had received payment and classified as deferred revenue at December 31, 2017.

Remaining performance obligation

The following table includes estimated service revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. These estimates represent service revenue to be recognized when wireless services are delivered to customers pursuant to service plan contracts. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of December 31, 2018, and may vary from actual results due to future contract modifications. As a practical expedient, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, are excluded from these estimates.

	Service Revenue
(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	236
2020	47
Thereafter	15
Total	$	298

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Fair Value Measurements (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair value measurements

U.S. Cellular 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	December 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
		Book Value		Fair Value		Book Value		Fair Value
(Dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	1	$	580	$	580	$	352	$	352
Short-term investments	1	17		17		50		50
Long-term debt
Retail	2	917		850		917		939
Institutional	2	534		531		534		522
Other	2	180		180		191		191

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Equipment Installment Plans (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Receivables [Abstract]

Equipment installment plan receivables

The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

December 31,	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$	974		$	873
Deferred interest	—			(80		)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net of deferred interest	974			793
Allowance for credit losses	(70		)	(65		)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	904		$	728
Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)	$	565		$	428
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)	339			300
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	904		$	728

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:

	December 31, 2018						December 31, 2017
	Lower Risk		Higher Risk		Total		Lower Risk		Higher Risk		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Unbilled	$	904	$	17	$	921	$	807	$	20	$	827
Billed — current	35		1		36		31		1		32
Billed — past due	15		2		17		12		2		14
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$	954	$	20	$	974	$	850	$	23	$	873

Equipment installment plans allowance for credit losses

The activity in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows:

	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of year	$	65		$	50
Bad debts expense	64			62
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(59		)	(47		)
Allowance for credit losses, end of year	$	70		$	65

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Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income taxes receivable (payable)

U.S. Cellular’s current income taxes balances at December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

December 31,	2018		2017
(Dollars in millions)
Federal income taxes receivable (payable)	$	15	$	(22	)
Net state income taxes receivable (payable)	—		(1		)

Income tax expense (benefit)

Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows:

Year Ended December 31,	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Current
Federal	$	48		$	68		$	29
State	6			10			(2		)
Deferred
Federal	(5		)	(354		)	1
State	2			(11		)	5
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	51		$	(287	)	$	33

Income tax reconciliation

A reconciliation of U.S. Cellular’s income tax expense computed at the statutory rate to the reported income tax expense, and the statutory federal income tax expense rate to U.S. Cellular’s effective income tax expense rate is as follows:

Year Ended December 31,	2018					2017					2016
	Amount			Rate		Amount			Rate		Amount			Rate
(Dollars in millions)
Statutory federal income tax expense and rate	$	45		21.0	%	$	(95	)	35.0	%	$	29		35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit1	9			4.0		(4		)	1.4		3			3.6
Effect of noncontrolling interests	(1		)	(0.4	)	(2		)	0.8		(1		)	(1.1	)
Federal income tax rate change2	(4		)	(2.0	)	(254		)	93.3		—			—
Change in federal valuation allowance3	(1		)	(0.3	)	(5		)	1.9		3			2.8
Goodwill impairment4	—			—		71			(26.2	)	—			—
Nondeductible compensation	4			1.8		4			(1.5	)	1			1.4
Other differences, net	(1		)	(0.4	)	(2		)	0.8		(2		)	(2.0	)
Total income tax expense (benefit) and rate	$	51		23.7	%	$	(287	)	105.5	%	$	33		39.7	%

¹  State income taxes, net of federal benefit, include changes in unrecognized tax benefits as well as adjustments to the valuation allowance.

²  The Tax Act reduced the federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% for years after 2017. The $4 million tax benefit in 2018 relates primarily to finalizing the analysis for 2017 depreciation deductions as described above. The $254 million tax benefit in 2017 related to adjusting the deferred tax liability to the lower tax rate upon enactment of the Tax Act.

³  Change in federal valuation allowance in 2018 includes a change in judgment related to net operating loss carryforwards that are now realizable due to an internal restructuring, offset by current year interest expense carryforwards not expected to be realized.

⁴  Goodwill impairment reflects an adjustment to increase 2017 income tax expense by $71 million related to a portion of the impaired goodwill that is not amortizable for income tax purposes. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional information related to the goodwill impairment.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities

Significant components of U.S. Cellular’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

December 31,	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Deferred tax assets
Net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards	$	96		$	103
Stock-based compensation	16			20
Compensation and benefits - other	5			5
Deferred rent	20			21
Other	73			59
Total deferred tax assets	210			208
Less valuation allowance	(75		)	(77		)
Net deferred tax assets	135			131
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment	256			276
Licenses/intangibles	207			192
Partnership investments	133			123
Other	49			—
Total deferred tax liabilities	645			591
Net deferred income tax liability	$	510		$	460
Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:
Deferred income tax liability, net	$	510		$	461
Other assets and deferred charges	—			(1		)
Net deferred income tax liability	$	510		$	460

Deferred tax valuation allowance

A summary of U.S. Cellular’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance is as follows:

	2018			2017		2016
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at beginning of year	$	77		$	65	$	55
Charged to income tax expense	5			12		10
Charged to Retained earnings	(7		)	—		—
Balance at end of year	$	75		$	77	$	65

Income tax unrecognized benefits summary

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at beginning of year	$	47		$	43		$	39
Additions for tax positions of current year	6			6			12
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1			1			3
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	—			(1		)	(1		)
Reductions for lapses in statutes of limitations	(6		)	(2		)	(10		)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at end of year	$	48		$	47		$	43

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings per share

The amounts used in computing earnings per common share and the effects of potentially dilutive securities on the weighted average number of common shares were as follows:

Year Ended December 31,	2018		2017		2016
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	150	$	12	$	48
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share	86		85		85
Effects of dilutive securities	1		1		—
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share	87		86		85
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.75	$	0.14	$	0.56
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$	1.72	$	0.14	$	0.56

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Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Licenses

Activity related to U.S. Cellular's Licenses is presented below.

	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at beginning of year	$	2,223		$	1,886
Acquisitions	8			331
Transferred to Assets held for sale1	(51		)	(10		)
Divestitures	(11		)	—
Exchanges - Licenses received	18			25
Exchanges - Licenses surrendered	(1		)	(9		)
Balance at end of year	$	2,186		$	2,223

¹  Licenses classified as Assets held for sale in 2018 are included in transactions which closed in the first quarter of 2019.

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Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity and cost method investments

U.S. Cellular's Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using either the equity method or measurement alternative method as shown in the table below. The measurement alternative method was elected for investments without readily determinable fair values formerly accounted for under the cost method. The measurement alternative value represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes. U.S. Cellular did not have an impairment or observable price change related to these investments in 2018.

December 31,	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Equity method investments:
Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments	$	105		$	105
Cumulative share of income	1,892			1,717
Cumulative share of distributions	(1,563		)	(1,411		)
Total equity method investments	434			411
Measurement alternative method investments	7			4
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	$	441		$	415

Equity method investments, summarized financial position

The following tables, which are based on information provided in part by third parties, summarize the combined assets, liabilities and equity, and results of operations of U.S. Cellular’s equity method investments:

December 31,	2018		2017
(Dollars in millions)
Assets
Current	$	882	$	668
Due from affiliates	379		323
Property and other	4,962		4,804
Total assets	$	6,223	$	5,795
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities	$	434	$	435
Deferred credits	178		176
Long-term liabilities	217		199
Long-term capital lease obligations	—		1
Partners' capital and shareholders' equity	5,394		4,984
Total liabilities and equity	$	6,223	$	5,795

Equity method investments, summarized results of operations

Year Ended December 31,	2018		2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Results of Operations
Revenues	$	6,777	$	6,562		$	6,747
Operating expenses	4,965		4,965			5,047
Operating income	1,812		1,597			1,700
Other income (expense), net	11		(1		)	(11		)
Net income	$	1,823	$	1,596		$	1,689

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Property, Plant and Equipment (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment in service and under construction, and related accumulated depreciation and amortization, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

December 31,	Useful Lives (Years)	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Land	N/A	$	35		$	36
Buildings	20	296			297
Leasehold and land improvements	1-30	1,210			1,178
Cell site equipment	7-25	3,460			3,411
Switching equipment	5-8	1,018			988
Office furniture and equipment	3-5	285			389
Other operating assets and equipment	3-5	51			57
System development	1-7	1,149			1,060
Work in process	N/A	274			212
Total property, plant and equipment, gross		7,778			7,628
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(5,576		)	(5,308		)
Total property, plant and equipment, net		$	2,202		$	2,320

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Asset Retirement Obligation (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]

Asset retirement obligations

In 2018 and 2017, U.S. Cellular performed a review of the assumptions and estimated costs related to its asset retirement obligations. The results of the reviews (identified as Revisions in estimated cash outflows) and other changes in asset retirement obligations during 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

	2018			2017
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at beginning of year	$	183		$	174
Additional liabilities accrued	2			1
Revisions in estimated cash outflows	8			(3		)
Disposition of assets	(1		)	(1		)
Accretion expense	12			12
Transferred to Liabilities held for sale	(1		)	—
Balance at end of year	$	203		$	183

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Debt (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Revolving credit facilities

The following table summarizes the revolving credit agreement as of December 31, 2018:

(Dollars in millions)
Maximum borrowing capacity	$	300
Letters of credit outstanding	$	2
Amount borrowed	$	—
Amount available for use	$	298

Financial covenants

The revolving credit agreement includes the following financial covenants:

▪ Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio may not be less than 3.00 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter.

▪ Consolidated Leverage Ratio may not be greater than the ratios indicated as of the end of any fiscal quarter for each period specified below:

Period	Ratios
From the agreement date of May 10, 2018 through June 30, 2019	3.25 to 1.00
From July 1, 2019 and thereafter	3.00 to 1.00

Long-term debt

Long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, was as follows:

				December 31, 2018						December 31, 2017
	Issuance date	Maturity date	Call date (any time on or after)	Principal Amount		Less Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs		Total		Principal Amount		Less Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs		Total
(Dollars in millions)
Unsecured Senior Notes
6.700%	Dec 2003 and June 2004	Dec 2033	Dec 2003 and June 2004	$	544	$	14	$	530	$	544	$	15	$	529
6.950%	May 2011	May 2060	May 2016	342		11		331		342		11		331
7.250%	Dec 2014	Dec 2063	Dec 2019	275		10		265		275		10		265
7.250%	Nov 2015	Dec 2064	Dec 2020	300		10		290		300		10		290
Term Loan	Jul 2015	Jan 2022		191		1		190		203		2		201
Capital lease obligations				5		—		5		4		—		4
Installment payment agreement				14		1		13		21		1		20
Total long-term debt				$	1,671	$	47	$	1,624	$	1,689	$	49	$	1,640
Long-term debt, current								$	19					$	18
Long-term debt, noncurrent								$	1,605					$	1,622

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Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Purchase Obligations

Future minimum payments required under these commitments as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

	Purchase Obligations
(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	1,296
2020	112
2021	68
2022	33
2023	12
Thereafter	24
Total	$	1,545

Lease Commitments

As of December 31, 2018, future minimum rental payments required under operating leases and rental receipts expected under operating leases that have noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year were as follows:

	Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Payments		Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Receipts
(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	154	$	58
2020	143		47
2021	128		34
2022	112		22
2023	97		10
Thereafter	769		3
Total	$	1,403	$	174

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Variable Interest Entities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

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 U.S. Cellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

December 31,	2018		2017
(Dollars in millions)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	9	$	3
Short-term investments	17		—
Accounts receivable	611		476
Inventory, net	5		5
Other current assets	6		3
Assets held for sale	4		—
Licenses	652		655
Property, plant and equipment, net	94		99
Other assets and deferred charges	349		303
Total assets	$	1,747	$	1,544
Liabilities
Current liabilities	$	34	$	39
Liabilities held for sale	1		—
Deferred liabilities and credits	16		13
Total liabilities	$	51	$	52

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Common Shareholders' Equity (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Common shareholders' equity

Pursuant to certain employee and non-employee benefit plans, U.S. Cellular reissued the following Treasury Shares:

Year Ended December 31,	2018	2017	2016
(Shares in millions)
Treasury Shares Reissued	1	—	1

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Stock-Based Compensation (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-based compensation, fair value assumptions

U.S. Cellular did not grant stock option awards in 2018 or 2017. U.S. Cellular estimated the fair value of stock options granted during 2016 using the Black-Scholes valuation model and the assumptions shown in the table below.

	2016
Expected life	4.7 years
Expected annual volatility rate	30.5	%
Dividend yield	—	%
Risk-free interest rate	1.2	%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate	9.4	%

Summary of stock options

A summary of U.S. Cellular stock options outstanding (total and portion exercisable) and changes during 2018 is presented in the table below:

Common Share Options	Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	3,495,000		$	41.10
(2,475,000 exercisable)			$	40.79
Exercised	(2,318,000	)	$	39.45
Forfeited	(19,000	)	$	43.12
Expired	(352,000	)	$	47.29
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	806,000		$	43.10	$	7	6.0
(420,000 exercisable)			$	42.39	$	4	5.7

Summary of nonvested restricted stock units

A summary of U.S. Cellular nonvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2018, and changes during the year then ended is presented in the table below:

Common Restricted Stock Units	Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2017	1,483,000		$	39.67
Granted	559,000		$	38.19
Vested	(395,000	)	$	37.30
Forfeited	(78,000	)	$	39.78
Nonvested at December 31, 2018	1,569,000		$	39.74

Summary of nonvested performance share awards

A summary of U.S. Cellular’s nonvested performance shares and changes during 2018 is presented in the table below:

Common Performance Shares	Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2017	342,000		$	36.92
Granted	357,000		$	38.81
Change in units based on approved performance factors	111,000		$	36.92
Forfeited	(42,000	)	$	37.37
Nonvested at December 31, 2018	768,000		$	37.78

Stock-based compensation

The following table summarizes stock‑based compensation expense recognized during 2018, 2017 and 2016:

Year Ended December 31,	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Stock option awards	$	2		$	6		$	11
Restricted stock unit awards	21			19			14
Performance share awards	13			4			—
Awards under Non-Employee Director compensation plan	1			1			1
Total stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	37			30			26
Income tax benefit	(9		)	(11		)	(10		)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	28		$	19		$	16

Stock-based compensation, allocation by financial statement line item

The following table provides a summary of the classification of stock-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended:

December 31,	2018		2017		2016
(Dollars in millions)
Selling, general and administrative expense	$	33	$	27	$	23
System operations expense	4		3		3
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	37	$	30	$	26

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Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Supplemental cash flow disclosures

Following are supplemental cash flow disclosures regarding interest paid and income taxes paid.

Year Ended December 31,	2018		2017		2016
(Dollars in millions)
Interest paid	$	113	$	111	$	113
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received	90		55		(11		)

Stock-based compensation supplemental cash flows

Following are supplemental cash flow disclosures regarding transactions related to stock-based compensation awards. In certain situations, U.S. Cellular withholds shares that are issuable upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted shares to cover, and with a value equivalent to, the exercise price and/or the amount of taxes required to be withheld from the stock award holder at the time of the exercise or vesting. U.S. Cellular then pays the amount of the required tax withholdings to the taxing authorities in cash.

Year Ended December 31,	2018			2017			2016
(Dollars in millions)
Common Shares withheld	1,549,800			144,755			308,010
Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld	$	73		$	6		$	13
Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options	29			5			12
Cash disbursements for payment of taxes	(11		)	(4		)	(6		)
Net cash receipts from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$	18		$	1		$	6

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Narrative (Details) connection in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) connection asset_group unit segment	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2019 USD ($)	May 04, 1988
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of connections | connection	5.0
Number of reportable segments | segment	1
FCC Licenses, period of renewal	12 years
FCC Licenses, number of accounting units | unit	8
FCC Licenses, number of accounting units, built licenses | unit	1
FCC Licenses, number of accounting units, unbuilt licenses | unit	7
Asset groups | asset_group	1
Agent liability	$ 59,000,000	$ 61,000,000
Advertising costs	$ 215,000,000	211,000,000	$ 245,000,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Pro Forma
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]
Right-of-use asset				$ 900,000,000
Operating lease liability				$ 1,000,000,000
Minimum
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]
FCC Licenses, period of renewal	10 years
Maximum
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]
FCC Licenses, period of renewal	15 years
Leasehold and land improvements | Minimum
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
Leasehold and land improvements | Maximum
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life	30 years
Pension
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution cost	$ 11,000,000	11,000,000	11,000,000
401(k)
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution cost	15,000,000	16,000,000	$ 16,000,000
TDS
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]
Income taxes receivable	14,000,000
Income taxes payable		23,000,000
Licenses
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	$ 0	$ 0
U.S. Cellular | TDS
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]
TDS ownership of U.S. Cellular	82.00%
U.S. Cellular | TDS | Minimum
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]
TDS ownership of U.S. Cellular					90.00%

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 580	$ 352
Restricted cash included in Other current assets	3	0
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows	$ 583	$ 352	$ 586	$ 715

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Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2018
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Change in accounting policy		$ 176,000,000
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities	$ 67,000,000	58,000,000	$ 64,000,000
Bad debts expense	95,000,000	89,000,000	$ 96,000,000
Capitalized contract cost
Capitalized contract cost related to commission fees	139,000,000
Amortization of contract cost assets	108,000,000
Impairment of capitalized contract cost	$ 0
Minimum
Capitalized contract cost
Capitalized contract cost, amortization period	14 months
Maximum
Capitalized contract cost
Capitalized contract cost, amortization period	30 months
Revenue from contract with customer
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Bad debts expense	$ 94,000,000
Retained earnings
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Change in accounting policy		$ 175,000,000
ASU 2014-09 | Retained earnings
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Change in accounting policy				$ 175,000,000

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Revenue Recognition - Consolidated Statement Of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 3,967	$ 3,890	$ 3,990
Selling, general and administrative	1,388	1,412	1,480
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(18)	(22)	(19)
Total operating expenses	3,809	4,194	3,942
Operating income (loss)	158	(304)	48
Income (loss) before income taxes	215	(272)	82
Income tax expense (benefit)	51	(287)	33
Net income	164	15	49
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ 150	$ 12	$ 48
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.75	$ 0.14	$ 0.56
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.72	$ 0.14	$ 0.56
Service
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 2,978	$ 2,978	$ 3,081
Cost of equipment sold	758	732	760
Equipment sales
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	989	912	909
Cost of equipment sold	1,031	$ 1,071	$ 1,081
Results under prior accounting standards
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	3,980
Selling, general and administrative	1,393
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(17)
Total operating expenses	3,815
Operating income (loss)	166
Income (loss) before income taxes	223
Income tax expense (benefit)	53
Net income	170
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ 156
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.81
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.79
Results under prior accounting standards | Service
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 3,086
Results under prior accounting standards | Equipment sales
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	894
Cost of equipment sold	1,030
Adjustment | ASU 2014-09
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	(13)
Selling, general and administrative	(5)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net	(1)
Total operating expenses	(6)
Operating income (loss)	(8)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(8)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(2)
Net income	(6)
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ (6)
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ (0.06)
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ (0.07)
Adjustment | ASU 2014-09 | Service
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	$ (108)
Adjustment | ASU 2014-09 | Equipment sales
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	95
Cost of equipment sold	$ 1

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Revenue Recognition - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances		$ 908	$ 775
Prepaid expenses		63	79
Other current assets		34	21
Total current assets		1,812	1,483
Licenses		2,186	2,223
Investments in unconsolidated entities		441	415
Other assets and deferred charges		579	390
Total assets	[1]	7,274	6,841
Customer deposits and deferred revenues		157	185
Other current liabilities		94	90
Total current liabilities		691	733
Deferred income tax liability, net		510	461
Other deferred liabilities and credits		389	337
Retained earnings		2,444	2,157
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity		4,057	3,677
Noncontrolling interests		10	10
Total equity		4,067	3,687	$ 3,645	$ 3,571
Total liabilities and equity	[1]	7,274	$ 6,841
Results under prior accounting standards
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances		844
Prepaid expenses		88
Other current assets		31
Total current assets		1,769
Licenses		2,185
Investments in unconsolidated entities		424
Other assets and deferred charges		418
Total assets		7,052
Customer deposits and deferred revenues		178
Other current liabilities		90
Total current liabilities		708
Deferred income tax liability, net		459
Other deferred liabilities and credits		371
Retained earnings		2,275
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity		3,888
Noncontrolling interests		9
Total equity		3,897
Total liabilities and equity		7,052
Adjustment | ASU 2014-09
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances		64
Prepaid expenses		(25)
Other current assets		3
Total current assets		43
Licenses		1
Investments in unconsolidated entities		17
Other assets and deferred charges		161
Total assets		222
Customer deposits and deferred revenues		(21)
Other current liabilities		4
Total current liabilities		(17)
Deferred income tax liability, net		51
Other deferred liabilities and credits		18
Retained earnings		169
Total U.S. Cellular shareholders' equity		169
Noncontrolling interests		1
Total equity		170
Total liabilities and equity		$ 222

[1] The consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $868 million and $785 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of U.S. Cellular. The consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $23 million and $24 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of U.S. Cellular. See Note 13 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

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Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation Of Revenue (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 3,901
Transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,912
Transferred over time | Retail service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,623
Transferred over time | Inbound roaming
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	154
Transferred over time | Other service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	135
Transferred at point in time | Equipment sales
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 989

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Revenue Recognition - Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts receivable
Customer and agents	$ 908	$ 775
Roaming	20	26
Other	46	$ 41
Accounts receivable from contract with customer
Accounts receivable
Customer and agents	908
Roaming	20
Other	32
Total	$ 960

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Revenue Recognition - Contract Asset (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Contract Assets
Balance at December 31, 2017	$ 0
Change in accounting policy			$ 176
Contract additions	23
Terminated contracts	(1)
Reclassified to receivables	(39)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$ 9
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606
Contract Assets
Change in accounting policy		$ 26

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Revenue Recognition - Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018
Contract Liabilities
Balance at December 31, 2017	$ 0
Change in accounting policy - Deferred revenues reclassification		$ 167
Change in accounting policy - Retained earnings impact		$ (21)
Contract additions	154
Terminated contracts	(2)
Revenue recognized	(135)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$ 163

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Revenue Recognition - Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation amount	$ 298
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation amount	$ 236
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]: 2020-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation amount	$ 47
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]: 2021-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation amount	$ 15
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period

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Fair Value Measurements - Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financial Instruments
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 580	$ 352
Short-term investments	17	50
Book Value
Financial Instruments
Cash and cash equivalents	580	352
Short-term investments	17	50
Book Value | Retail
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	917	917
Book Value | Institutional
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	534	534
Book Value | Other
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	180	191
Fair Value | Level 1
Financial Instruments
Cash and cash equivalents	580	352
Short-term investments	17	50
Fair Value | Level 2 | Retail
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	850	939
Fair Value | Level 2 | Institutional
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	531	522
Fair Value | Level 2 | Other
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	$ 180	$ 191

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Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Retail | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value assumption, interest rate	5.03%	4.74%
Retail | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value assumption, interest rate	6.97%	7.13%
7.25% 2063 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on debt	7.25%
7.25% 2064 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on debt	7.25%
6.95% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on debt	6.95%
6.7% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on debt	6.70%

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Equipment Installment Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Guarantee liability		$ 11	$ 15
Equipment installment plans out-of-period adjustment | Equipment sales revenues
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Out-of-period adjustment	$ 2
Equipment installment plans out-of-period adjustment | Selling, general and administrative expense
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Out-of-period adjustment	(2)
Equipment installment plans out-of-period adjustment | Income before income taxes
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Out-of-period adjustment	$ 4

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Equipment Installment Plans - EIP Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$ 974	$ 873
Deferred interest	0	(80)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net of deferred interest	974	793
Allowance for credit losses	(70)	(65)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	904	728
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	565	428
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$ 339	$ 300

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Equipment Installment Plans - Gross Receivables by Credit Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$ 974	$ 873
Unbilled
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	921	827
Billed
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	36	32
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due	17	14
Lower Risk
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	954	850
Lower Risk | Unbilled
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	904	807
Lower Risk | Billed
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	35	31
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due	15	12
Higher Risk
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	20	23
Higher Risk | Unbilled
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	17	20
Higher Risk | Billed
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	1	1
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due	$ 2	$ 2

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Equipment Installment Plans - Allowance for Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance for credit losses
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of year	$ 65
Allowance for credit losses, end of year	70	$ 65
Equipment installment plan receivable
Allowance for credit losses
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of year	65	50
Bad debts expense	64	62
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(59)	(47)
Allowance for credit losses, end of year	$ 70	$ 65

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Income Taxes - Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Federal
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income taxes receivable	$ 15
Income taxes payable		$ (22)
State
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income taxes receivable	$ 0
Income taxes payable		$ (1)

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Income Taxes - Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current
Current federal income tax expense	$ 48	$ 68	$ 29
Current state income tax expense (benefit)	6	10	(2)
Deferred
Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)	(5)	(354)	1
Deferred state income tax expense (benefit)	2	(11)	5
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 51	$ (287)	$ 33

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Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income tax benefit, adjustment	$ 4
Other income tax disclosures
Effect of unrecognized tax benefit on income tax expense	38	$ 38	$ 29
Interest and penalties expense related to unrecognized income tax expense (benefit)		3	$ (2)
Net accrued interest and penalties	19	$ 19
Maximum
Other income tax disclosures
Interest and penalties expense related to unrecognized income tax expense (benefit)	(1)
State
Other income tax disclosures
State NOL carryforwards	1,911
Deferred tax asset for State NOL carryforwards	84
Federal
Other income tax disclosures
Deferred tax asset for Federal NOL carryforward	$ 12

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Income Taxes - Expense Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Amount
Statutory federal income tax expense and rate	$ 45	$ (95)	$ 29
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	9	(4)	3
Effect of noncontrolling interests	(1)	(2)	(1)
Federal income tax rate change	(4)	(254)	0
Change in federal valuation allowance	(1)	(5)	3
Goodwill impairment	0	71	0
Nondeductible compensation	4	4	1
Other differences, net	(1)	(2)	(2)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 51	$ (287)	$ 33
Rate
Statutory federal income tax rate	21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	4.00%	1.40%	3.60%
Effect of noncontrolling interests	(0.40%)	0.80%	(1.10%)
Federal income tax rate change	(2.00%)	93.30%	0.00%
Change in federal valuation allowance	(0.30%)	1.90%	2.80%
Goodwill impairment	0.00%	(26.20%)	0.00%
Nondeductible compensation	1.80%	(1.50%)	1.40%
Other differences, net	(0.40%)	0.80%	(2.00%)
Total income tax rate	23.70%	105.50%	39.70%

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Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Income Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets
Net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards	$ 96	$ 103
Stock-based compensation	16	20
Compensation and benefits - other	5	5
Deferred rent	20	21
Other	73	59
Total deferred tax assets	210	208
Less valuation allowance	(75)	(77)
Net deferred tax assets	135	131
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment	256	276
Licenses/intangibles	207	192
Partnership investments	133	123
Other	49	0
Total deferred tax liabilities	645	591
Net deferred income tax liability	510	460
Deferred income tax liability, net
Deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred income tax liability	510	461
Other assets and deferred charges
Deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred income tax liability	$ 0	$ (1)

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Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax valuation allowance, rollfoward
Balance at beginning of year	$ 77
Balance at end of year	75	$ 77
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
Deferred tax valuation allowance, rollfoward
Balance at beginning of year	77	65	$ 55
Charged to income tax expense	5	12	10
Charged to Retained earnings	(7)	0	0
Balance at end of year	$ 75	$ 77	$ 65

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Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of unrecognized income tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at beginning of year	$ 47	$ 43	$ 39
Additions for tax positions of current year	6	6	12
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1	1	3
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0	(1)	(1)
Reductions for lapses in statutes of limitations	(6)	(2)	(10)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at end of year	$ 48	$ 47	$ 43

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Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders	$ 150	$ 12	$ 48
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share (in shares)	86	85	85
Effects of dilutive securities (in shares)	1	1	0
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share (in shares)	87	86	85
Basic earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.75	$ 0.14	$ 0.56
Diluted earnings per share attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.72	$ 0.14	$ 0.56

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Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities (in shares)	2	3	3

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Intangible Assets - Schedules (Details) - Licenses - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 2,223	$ 1,886
Acquisitions	8	331
Transferred to Assets held for sale	(51)	(10)
Divestitures	(11)	0
Exchanges - Licenses received	18	25
Exchanges - Licenses surrendered	(1)	(9)
Balance at end of year	$ 2,186	$ 2,223

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Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017 USD ($) license	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
FCC upfront payment		$ 143,000,000
Licenses won | license	188
Aggregate purchase price of licenses	$ 329,000,000
Remaining payment made				$ 186,000,000
Goodwill
Loss on impairment			$ 370,000,000
Goodwill			$ 0

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Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity method investments:
Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments	$ 105	$ 105
Cumulative share of income	1,892	1,717
Cumulative share of distributions	(1,563)	(1,411)
Total equity method investments	434	411
Measurement alternative method investments	7	4
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	441	415
Assets
Current	882	668
Due from affiliates	379	323
Property and other	4,962	4,804
Total assets	6,223	5,795
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities	434	435
Deferred credits	178	176
Long-term liabilities	217	199
Long-term capital lease obligations	0	1
Partners' capital and shareholders' equity	5,394	4,984
Total liabilities and equity	6,223	5,795
Results of Operations
Revenues	6,777	6,562	$ 6,747
Operating expenses	4,965	4,965	5,047
Operating income	1,812	1,597	1,700
Other income (expense), net	11	(1)	(11)
Net income	$ 1,823	$ 1,596	$ 1,689

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Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land	$ 35	$ 36
Buildings	296	297
Leasehold and land improvements	1,210	1,178
Cell site equipment	3,460	3,411
Switching equipment	1,018	988
Office furniture and equipment	285	389
Other operating assets and equipment	51	57
System development	1,149	1,060
Work in process	274	212
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	7,778	7,628
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(5,576)	(5,308)
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,202	2,320
Depreciation and amortization expense	627	604	$ 607
Loss on asset disposals	$ 10	$ 17	$ 22
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	20 years
Leasehold and land improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
Leasehold and land improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	30 years
Cell site equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	7 years
Cell site equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	25 years
Switching equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Switching equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	8 years
Office furniture and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	3 years
Office furniture and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Other operating assets and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	3 years
Other operating assets and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
System development | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
System development | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	7 years

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Asset Retirement Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 183	$ 174
Additional liabilities accrued	2	1
Revisions in estimated cash outflows	8	(3)
Disposition of assets	(1)	(1)
Accretion expense	12	12
Transferred to Liabilities held for sale	(1)	0
Balance at end of year	$ 203	$ 183

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Debt - Revolving Credit Facilities (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2019
U.S. Cellular Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused commitment fees	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000
Revolving credit
Maximum borrowing capacity	300,000,000
Letters of credit outstanding	2,000,000
Amounts borrowed	0
Amount available for use	$ 298,000,000
Consolidated interest coverage ratio	3
Consolidated leverage ratio	3.25
U.S. Cellular Revolving credit facility | Future period
Revolving credit
Consolidated leverage ratio				3.00
U.S. Cellular Revolving credit facility | LIBOR rate
Revolving credit
Contractual spread	1.75%
U.S. Cellular Revolving credit facility | Alternative Base Rate
Revolving credit
Contractual spread	0.75%
Subordinated Agreement | Maximum
Revolving credit
Consolidated funded indebtedness	$ 105,000,000
Refinancing indebtedness	250,000,000
Subordinated Agreement | U.S. Cellular Revolving credit facility
Revolving credit
Refinancing indebtedness	$ 0

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Debt - Term Loan Facility (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2015
Long-term debt
Principal amount	$ 1,671,000,000	$ 1,689,000,000
U.S. Cellular Term loan facility
Long-term debt
Principal amount	191,000,000	$ 203,000,000	$ 225,000,000
Term Loan periodic payment amount	3,000,000
Subordinated Agreement | U.S. Cellular Term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated funded indebtedness	0
Refinancing indebtedness	$ 0
LIBOR rate | U.S. Cellular Term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread	2.50%

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Debt - Receivables Securitization Agreement (Details) - Receivables securitization facility - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 200	$ 200
Amounts borrowed	0
Available for pledge as collateral	$ 63

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Debt - Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2015
Long-term debt
Principal amount	$ 1,671,000,000	$ 1,689,000,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	47,000,000	49,000,000
Total long-term debt	1,624,000,000	1,640,000,000
Current portion of long-term debt	19,000,000	18,000,000
Long-term debt, net	1,605,000,000	1,622,000,000
Long-term debt maturities
Scheduled principal payments 2019	19,000,000
Scheduled principal payments 2020	19,000,000
Scheduled principal payments 2021	11,000,000
Scheduled principal payments 2022	158,000,000
Scheduled principal payments 2023 (less than)	$ 1,000,000
6.7% Senior Notes
Long-term debt
Interest rate on debt	6.70%
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%
Principal amount	$ 544,000,000	544,000,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	14,000,000	15,000,000
Long term debt	$ 530,000,000	529,000,000
6.95% Senior Notes
Long-term debt
Interest rate on debt	6.95%
Principal amount	$ 342,000,000	342,000,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	11,000,000	11,000,000
Long term debt	$ 331,000,000	331,000,000
7.25% 2063 Senior Notes
Long-term debt
Interest rate on debt	7.25%
Principal amount	$ 275,000,000	275,000,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	10,000,000	10,000,000
Long term debt	$ 265,000,000	265,000,000
7.25% 2064 Senior Notes
Long-term debt
Interest rate on debt	7.25%
Principal amount	$ 300,000,000	300,000,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	10,000,000	10,000,000
Long term debt	$ 290,000,000	290,000,000
Callable Notes
Long-term debt
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%
U.S. Cellular Term loan facility
Long-term debt
Principal amount	$ 191,000,000	203,000,000	$ 225,000,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	1,000,000	2,000,000
Long term debt	190,000,000	201,000,000
Capital lease obligations
Long-term debt
Principal amount	5,000,000	4,000,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	0	0
Capital lease obligations	5,000,000	4,000,000
Installment payment agreement
Long-term debt
Principal amount	14,000,000	21,000,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	1,000,000	1,000,000
Long term debt	$ 13,000,000	$ 20,000,000

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Commitments And Contingencies - Purchase Obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Purchase Obligations
2019	$ 1,296
2020	112
2021	68
2022	33
2023	12
Thereafter	24
Total	$ 1,545

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Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 22, 2019
Operating Leases, Rent Expense
Rent expense	$ 173,000,000	$ 166,000,000	$ 161,000,000
Loss Contingency, Estimate [Abstract]
Accrual for legal proceedings and unasserted claims	$ 0	$ 1,000,000
Percent of bid credit in each auction	25.00%
Subsequent Event
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase assets				$ 129,000,000

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Commitments and Contingencies - Minimum lease obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Payments
2019	$ 154
2020	143
2021	128
2022	112
2023	97
Thereafter	769
Total	1,403
Operating Leases Future Minimum Rental Receipts
2019	58
2020	47
2021	34
2022	22
2023	10
Thereafter	3
Total	$ 174

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Variable Interest Entities - Asstes and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 580	$ 352
Short-term investments	17	50
Customers and agents, less allowances	908	775
Inventory, net	142	138
Other current assets	34	21
Assets held for sale	54	10
Licenses	2,186	2,223
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,202	2,320
Other assets and deferred charges	579	390
Liabilities
Current liabilities	691	733
Liabilities held for sale	1	0
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	9	3
Short-term investments	17	0
Customers and agents, less allowances	611	476
Inventory, net	5	5
Other current assets	6	3
Assets held for sale	4	0
Licenses	652	655
Property, plant and equipment, net	94	99
Other assets and deferred charges	349	303
Total assets	1,747	1,544
Liabilities
Current liabilities	34	39
Liabilities held for sale	1	0
Deferred liabilities and credits	16	13
Total liabilities	$ 51	$ 52

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Variable Interest Entities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Assets	[1]	$ 7,274,000,000	$ 6,841,000,000
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
Investments in unconsolidated entities		441,000,000	415,000,000
Capital contributions, loans or advances		152,000,000	821,000,000	$ 98,000,000
Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders | King Street Wireless out of period adjustment
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
Out-of-period adjustment		(8,000,000)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net tax | King Street Wireless out of period adjustment
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
Out-of-period adjustment		8,000,000
Aquinas Wireless
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Assets		0
Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
Investments in unconsolidated entities		4,000,000	4,000,000
USCC EIP LLC
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
Capital contributions, loans or advances		$ 116,000,000	$ 790,000,000

[1] The consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $868 million and $785 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of U.S. Cellular. The consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $23 million and $24 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of U.S. Cellular. See Note 13 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

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Noncontrolling Interests (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Settlement value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 26
Carrying value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 11

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Common Shareholders' Equity (Details)		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2017 shares	Nov. 30, 2009 shares	Dec. 31, 2018 vote shares	Dec. 31, 2017 shares	Dec. 31, 2016 shares
Series A Common Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of votes | vote			10
Voting rights for number of board of directors			75%
Common Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of votes | vote			1
Voting rights for number of board of directors			25%
Common Shares | 401(k)
Share repurchases
Shares reserved (in shares)			67,000
Common Shares | Treasury shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase authorization, cumulative shares authorized (in shares)			5,901,000
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures
Shares reissued (in shares)			1,000,000	0	1,000,000
Common Shares | Treasury shares | Minimum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase authorization, additional number of shares per year (in shares)	0
Common Shares | Treasury shares | Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase authorization, additional number of shares per year (in shares)	1,300,000	1,300,000

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Stock-Based Compensation - Overview (Details) - U S Cellular - Common Shares	Dec. 31, 2018 shares
Long-Term Incentive Plans
Stock-based compensation, overview
Shares reserved (in shares)	13,286,000
Non-Employee Directors' Plan
Stock-based compensation, overview
Shares reserved (in shares)	137,000

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Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Options and Valuation Model (Details) - Common Shares - Stock Options - Long-Term Incentive Plans - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions
Expected life			4 years 8 months 12 days
Expected annual volatility rate			30.50%
Dividend yield			0.00%
Risk-free interest rate			1.20%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate			9.40%
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, number of options
Outstanding, begin of period (in shares)	3,495,000
Exercisable options, beginning of period (in shares)	2,475,000
Exercised options (in shares)	(2,318,000)
Forfeited options (in shares)	(19,000)
Expired options (in shares)	(352,000)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	806,000	3,495,000
Exercisable options, ending of period (in shares)	420,000	2,475,000
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, other information
Options outstanding, begin of period - weighted average exercise price (USD per share)	$ 41.10
Options exercisable, begin of period - weighted average exercise price (USD per share)	40.79
Options exercised, weighted average exercise price (USD per share)	39.45
Options forfeited, weighted average exercise price (USD per share)	43.12
Options expired, weighted average exercise price (USD per share)	47.29
Options outstanding, end of period - weighted average exercise price (USD per share)	43.10	$ 41.10
Options exercisable, end of period - weighted average exercise price (USD per share)	$ 42.39	$ 40.79
Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding	$ 7
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable	$ 4
Weighted average remaining contractual life, outstanding	6 years
Weighted average remaining contractual life, exercisable	5 years 8 months 12 days
Options granted, weighted average grant date fair value			$ 12.77
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercised	$ 19	$ 1	$ 4
Terminated Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period	30 days
Minimum | Retired Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period	90 days
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period	10 years
Maximum | Retired Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period	1 year

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Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock Units (Details) - Common Shares - Long-Term Incentive Plans - Restricted Stock Units - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares rollforward, number of shares
Nonvested stock units, begin of period - Number of shares (in shares)	1,483,000
Granted number of shares (in shares)	559,000
Vested number of shares (in shares)	(395,000)
Forfeited number of shares (in shares)	(78,000)
Nonvested stock units, end of period - Number of shares (in shares)	1,569,000	1,483,000
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested stock units - begin of period weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	$ 39.67
Granted weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	38.19	$ 38.04	$ 43.32
Vested weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	37.30
Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	39.78
Nonvested stock units - end of period weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	$ 39.74	$ 39.67
Fair value of vested stock units	$ 16	$ 11	$ 15

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Stock-Based Compensation - Performance and Deferred Stock Units (Details) - Common Shares - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares rollforward, number of shares
Nonvested stock units, begin of period - Number of shares (in shares)	342,000
Granted number of shares (in shares)	357,000
Change in units based on approved performance factors number of shares	111,000
Forfeited number of shares (in shares)	(42,000)
Nonvested stock units, end of period - Number of shares (in shares)	768,000	342,000
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested stock units - begin of period weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	$ 36.92
Granted weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	38.81	$ 36.92
Change in units based on approved performance factors weighted average grant date fair value	36.92
Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	37.37
Nonvested stock units - end of period weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	$ 37.78	$ 36.92
Fair value of vested stock units	$ 0	$ 0
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Performance Shares | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance share awards target	50.00%
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Performance Shares | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance share awards target	200.00%
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value
Granted weighted average grant date fair value (USD per share)	$ 40.72	$ 36.02	$ 41.31
Percent of match up to 50% from annual bonus	25.00%
Percent of employee contribution to get 33 percent match	50.00%
Percent of match above 50% from annual bonus	33.00%
Vested number of shares, unissued	33,000
Vested number of shares, unissued, fair value	$ 2,000,000
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units | Maximum
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value
Fair value of vested stock units	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000
U S Cellular | Non-Employee Directors' Plan
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value
Shares issued (in shares)	18,000	15,000	13,000

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Stock-Based Compensation - Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	$ 37	$ 30	$ 26
Income tax benefit	(9)	(11)	(10)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	28	19	16
Unrecognized compensation cost for all stock-based compensation awards	$ 33
Weighted average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost for all stock-based compensation awards	1 year 7 months 6 days
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and other awards	$ 9
Selling, general and administrative expense
Stock based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	33	27	23
System operations expense
Stock based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	4	3	3
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options
Stock based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	2	6	11
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Restricted Stock Units
Stock based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	21	19	14
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Performance Shares
Stock based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	13	4	0
Non-Employee Directors' Plan
Stock based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1

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Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow [Line Items]
Interest paid	$ 113	$ 111	$ 113
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received	90	55	(11)
Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options	29	5	12
Cash disbursements for payment of taxes	(11)	(4)	(6)
Net cash receipts from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$ 18	$ 1	$ 6
Common Shares
Supplemental Cash Flow [Line Items]
Common Shares withheld (in shares)	1,549,800	144,755	308,010
Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld	$ 73	$ 6	$ 13

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Certain Relationships and Related Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	May 04, 1988
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Billings to U.S. Cellular from TDS	$ 86	$ 85	$ 94
TDS | U.S. Cellular
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
TDS ownership percentage	82.00%
TDS | U.S. Cellular | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
TDS ownership percentage				90.00%
Sidley Austin LLP
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Legal expense	$ 5	7	6
TDS
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Billings to U.S. Cellular from TDS	$ 86	$ 85	$ 94