Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) 10-K 24 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	TELEPHONE & DATA SYSTEMS INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	1,051,512
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
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	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 2,369,943,826
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	TDS
Common Shares
Entity Public Float			2,366,351,551
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		101,652,000
Series A Common Shares
Entity Public Float			2,768,275
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		7,211,000
Preferred Shares
Entity Public Float			$ 824,000

Consolidated Statement Of Opera

Consolidated Statement Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating revenues
Service	$ 4,321,969	$ 4,328,654	$ 4,443,491
Equipment and product sales	854,272	680,784	457,745
Total operating revenues	5,176,241	5,009,438	4,901,236
Operating expenses
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)	1,190,910	1,164,658	1,118,183
Cost of equipment and products	1,224,031	1,346,811	1,107,133
Selling, general and administrative	1,780,463	1,865,807	1,947,778
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	844,361	836,532	1,018,077
Loss on impairment of assets		87,802
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	22,176	26,531	30,841
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(135,887)	(15,846)	(300,656)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges	(146,884)	(112,993)	(255,479)
Total operating expenses	4,779,170	5,199,302	4,665,877
Operating income (loss)	397,071	(189,864)	235,359
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	140,076	131,965	132,714
Interest and dividend income	38,783	16,957	9,092
Gain (loss) on investments			14,547
Interest expense	(141,719)	(111,397)	(98,811)
Other, net	391	115	(37)
Total investment and other income	37,531	37,640	57,505
Income (loss) before income taxes	434,602	(152,224)	292,864
Income tax expense (benefit)	171,992	(4,932)	126,043
Net income (loss)	262,610	(147,292)	166,821
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	43,573	(10,937)	24,894
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders	219,037	(136,355)	141,927
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	(49)	(49)	(49)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ 218,988	$ (136,404)	$ 141,878
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	108,645	108,485	108,490
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$ 2.02	$ (1.26)	$ 1.31
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	109,910	108,485	109,132
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders	$ 1.98	$ (1.26)	$ 1.29
Dividends per share to TDS shareholders	$ 0.56	$ 0.54	$ 0.51

Consolidated Statement Of Compr

Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net income (loss)	$ 262,610	$ (147,292)	$ 166,821
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments	(399)	341	51
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	37	48	(34)
Change related to retirement plan
Net actuarial gains (losses)	866	10,990	13,345
Prior service cost	(7,412)	2,057
Amortization of prior service cost	(2,988)	(3,644)	(3,605)
Amortization of unrecognized net loss	290	1,287	2,452
Total gains (losses) recognized in Comprehensive Income before income tax benefit (expense)	(9,244)	10,690	12,192
Change in deferred income taxes	3,509	(4,058)	(4,646)
Change related to retirement plan, net of tax	(5,735)	6,632	7,546
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,097)	7,021	7,563
Comprehensive income (loss)	256,513	(140,271)	174,384
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	43,573	(10,937)	24,894
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders	$ 212,940	$ (129,334)	$ 149,490

Consolidated Statement Of Cash

Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ 262,610	$ (147,292)	$ 166,821
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	844,361	836,532	1,018,077
Bad debts expense	112,292	107,861	105,629
Stock-based compensation expense	40,400	35,793	30,338
Deferred income taxes, net	70,849	71,713	(67,150)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(140,076)	(131,965)	(132,714)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	60,060	112,349	127,929
Loss on impairment of assets		87,802
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	22,176	26,531	30,841
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(135,887)	(15,846)	(300,656)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges	(146,884)	(112,993)	(255,479)
(Gain) loss on investments			(14,547)
Noncash interest expense	2,760	1,642	2,463
Other operating activities	(769)	(641)	612
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations
Accounts receivable	(120,230)	17,629	(293,729)
Equipment installment plans receivable	(133,734)	(188,829)	(591)
Inventory	115,482	(29,149)	(83,536)
Accounts payable	7,245	(117,264)	86,028
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	(35,850)	33,952	66,460
Accrued taxes	38,259	(122,921)	17,388
Accrued interest	4,046	1,277	380
Other assets and liabilities	(77,416)	(71,369)	(9,954)
Net cash provided by operating activities	789,694	394,812	494,610
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment	(800,628)	(799,496)	(883,797)
Cash paid for acquisitions and licenses	(286,861)	(295,253)	(314,570)
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	342,870	187,645	811,120
Cash received for investments		50,000	115,000
Federal Communications Commission deposit		(60,000)
Other investing activities	6,932	7,360	11,594
Net cash used in investing activities	(737,687)	(909,744)	(260,653)
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of long-term debt	(816)	(1,072)	(1,581)
Issuance of long-term debt	525,000	275,000	37
Repayment of borrowing under revolving credit facility		(150,000)
Borrowing under revolving credit facility		150,000
TDS Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	13,329	(2,019)	9,654
U.S. Cellular Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	2,167	830	5,784
Repurchase of TDS Common Shares		(39,096)	(9,692)
Repurchase of U.S. Cellular Common Shares	(6,188)	(18,943)	(18,544)
Dividends paid to TDS shareholders	(61,219)	(58,040)	(55,293)
U.S. Cellular dividends paid to noncontrolling public shareholders			(75,235)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(13,026)	(10,215)	(23)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(6,369)	(627)	(3,766)
Payments to acquire additional interest in subsidiaries	(3,983)		(4,505)
Other financing activities	11,840	11,001	8,740
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	460,735	156,819	(144,424)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	512,742	(358,113)	89,533
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of period	471,901	830,014	740,481
End of period	$ 984,643	$ 471,901	$ 830,014

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 984,643	$ 471,901
Accounts receivable
Due from customers and agents, less allowances of $49,223 and $41,431, respectively	705,313	548,537
Other, less allowances of $1,468 and $1,141, respectively	97,543	135,144
Inventory, net	158,222	273,707
Net deferred income tax asset		107,686
Prepaid expenses	112,235	86,506
Income taxes receivable	70,094	113,708
Other current assets	30,293	29,766
Total current assets	2,158,343	1,766,955
Assets held for sale		103,343
Licenses	1,844,348	1,453,574
Goodwill	765,792	771,352
Franchise rights	244,180	244,300
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $144,490 and $133,823, respectively	46,525	64,499
Investments in unconsolidated entities	401,720	321,729
Other investments	616	508
Property, plant and equipment
In service and under construction	11,520,061	11,194,044
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	7,755,584	7,347,919
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,764,477	3,846,125
Other assets and deferred charges	196,461	282,037
Total assets	9,422,462	8,854,422
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	14,306	808
Accounts payable	348,737	387,125
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	288,412	324,318
Accrued interest	11,962	7,919
Accrued taxes	40,569	46,734
Accrued compensation	113,375	114,549
Other current liabilities	127,023	181,803
Total current liabilities	944,384	1,063,256
Liabilities held for sale		21,643
Deferred liabilities and credits
Net deferred income tax liability	900,054	941,519
Other deferred liabilities and credits	432,949	430,774
Long-term debt, net	$ 2,439,827	$ 1,941,069
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features	$ 1,097	$ 1,150
TDS shareholders' equity
Series A Common and Common Shares	1,328	1,327
Capital in excess of par value	2,363,558	2,336,511
Treasury shares at cost	(727,182)	(748,199)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	355	6,452
Retained earnings	2,487,491	2,330,187
Total TDS shareholders' equity	4,125,550	3,926,278
Preferred shares	824	824
Noncontrolling interests	577,777	527,909
Total equity	4,704,151	4,455,011
Total liabilities and equity	$ 9,422,462	$ 8,854,422

Consolidated Balance Sheet Pare

Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets
Due from customers and agents, less allowances	$ 49,223	$ 41,431
Other, less allowances	1,468	1,141
Investments
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$ 144,490	$ 133,823
TDS shareholders' equity
Authorized shares	290,000	290,000
Issued shares	132,782	132,749
Outstanding shares	108,966	107,899
Par value	$ 1,328	$ 1,327
Treasury Shares
TDS shareholders' equity
Treasury shares at cost	23,816	24,850
Series A Common Shares
TDS shareholders' equity
Authorized shares	25,000	25,000
Issued shares	7,211	7,179
Outstanding shares	7,211	7,179
Par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Par value	$ 72	$ 72
Common Shares
TDS shareholders' equity
Authorized shares	265,000	265,000
Issued shares	125,571	125,570
Outstanding shares	101,755	100,720
Par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Par value	$ 1,256	$ 1,255
Common Shares | Treasury Shares
TDS shareholders' equity
Treasury shares at cost	23,816	24,850

Consolidated Statement of Chang

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Series A Common and Common Shares	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Treasury Shares	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Total TDS Shareholders' Equity	Preferred Shares	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 4,656,327	$ 1,327	$ 2,304,122	$ (750,099)	$ (8,132)	$ 2,464,318	$ 4,011,536	$ 825	$ 643,966
Add (Deduct)
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders	141,927					141,927	141,927
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	24,661								24,661
Other comprehensive income	7,563				7,563		7,563
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends	(55,244)					(55,244)	(55,244)
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	(49)					(49)	(49)
U.S. Cellular dividends paid to noncontrolling public shareholders	(75,235)								75,235
Repurchase of Preferred Shares	(6)					(5)	(5)	(1)
Repurchase of Common Shares	(9,692)			(9,692)			(9,692)
Dividend reinvestment plan	9,300		1,619	13,647		(5,966)	9,300
Incentive and compensation plans	10,090		655	24,790		(15,355)	10,090
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	(270)		(290)				(290)		20
Stock-based compensation awards	14,430		14,430				14,430
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	(1,311)		(1,311)				(1,311)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(3,576)								(3,576)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for noncontrolling interest purchases	(5,048)		(10,418)				(10,418)		5,370
Deconsolidation of partnerships	(43,770)								(43,770)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	4,670,097	1,327	2,308,807	(721,354)	(569)	2,529,626	4,117,837	824	551,436
Add (Deduct)
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders	(136,355)					(136,355)	(136,355)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	(11,614)								(11,614)
Other comprehensive income	7,021				7,021		7,021
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends	(57,991)					(57,991)	(57,991)
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	(49)					(49)	(49)
Repurchase of Common Shares	(39,096)			(39,096)			(39,096)
Dividend reinvestment plan	9,795		2,702	7,093			9,795
Incentive and compensation plans	(1,466)		(1,580)	5,158		(5,044)	(1,466)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	723		12,072				12,072		(11,349)
Stock-based compensation awards	14,182		14,182				14,182
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	328		328				328
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(564)								(564)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	4,455,011	1,327	2,336,511	(748,199)	6,452	2,330,187	3,926,278	824	527,909
Add (Deduct)
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders	219,037					219,037	219,037
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	37,966								37,966
Other comprehensive income	(6,097)				(6,097)		(6,097)
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends	(61,170)					(61,170)	(61,170)
TDS Preferred dividend requirement	(49)					(49)	(49)
Dividend reinvestment plan	11,677	1	3,069	8,607			11,677
Incentive and compensation plans	13,568		1,672	12,410		(514)	13,568
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	18,725		6,115				6,115		12,610
Stock-based compensation awards	16,074		16,074				16,074
Tax windfall (shortfall) from stock awards	117		117				117
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(708)								(708)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 4,704,151	$ 1,328	$ 2,363,558	$ (727,182)	$ 355	$ 2,487,491	$ 4,125,550	$ 824	$ 577,777

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Telep hone and Data Systems, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Nature of Operations Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“TDS”) is a diversified telecommunications company providing high-quality services to approximately 4.9 million wireless customers and 1.2 million wireline and cable connections at December 31, 2015 . TDS conducts all of its wireless operations through its 84% -owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”). TDS provides broadband, video, voice and hosted and managed services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications Corporation (“TDS Telecom”). TDS has the following reportable segments: U.S. Cellular, Wireline, Cable, and Hosted and Managed Services (“HMS”) operations. TDS’ non-reportable other business activities are presented as “Corporate, Eliminations and Other”. This includes the operations of TDS’ wh olly-owned subsidiary Suttle-Straus, Inc. (“Suttle-Straus”). Suttle-Straus’ financial results were not significant to TDS’ operations. All of TDS’ segments operate only in the United States, except for HMS, which includes an insignificant foreign operati on. See Note 18 — Business Segment Information for summary financial information on each business segment. Principles of Consolidation The accounting policies of TDS conform to accountin g 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 i n these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS, its majority-owned subsidiaries, general partnerships in which it has a majority partnership interest and variable interest entitie s (“VIEs”) in which TDS is the primary beneficiary. Both VIE and primary beneficiary represent terms defined by GAAP. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conf orm to the 2015 financial statement presentation. In the fourth quarter of 2015, TDS adopted, on a retrospective basis, Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“AS U 2015-03”). See discussion of ASU 2015-03 below under Debt Issuance Costs. 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 estimate s. Significant estimates are involved in accounting for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, income taxes and equipment installment plans. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with orig inal maturities of three months or less. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts U.S. Cellular’s accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed by customers for wireless services and equipment sales, including sales of certain devic es under equipment installment plans through its owned and agent distribution channels, by agents for sales of equipment to them and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems. TDS Telecom’s accounts receivable pr imarily consist of amounts owed by customers for services and products provided, by interexchange carriers for long-distance traffic which TDS Telecom carries on its network, and by interstate and intrastate revenue pools that distribute access charges. Th e 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 cou ld 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. TDS does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers. The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 48,637 $ 65,604 $ 33,415 Additions, net of recoveries 112,292 107,861 105,629 Deductions (104,701) (124,828) (73,440) Balance at end of year 1 $ 56,228 $ 48,637 $ 65,604 1 In 2015 and 2014, balance includes an allowance of $5.5 million and $6.1 million, respectively, related to the long-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables. Inventory Inventory consists primarily of wireless devices stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method and market de termined by replacement cost or estimated net realizable value. Licenses Licenses consist of direct and incremental costs incurred in acquiring Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses to provide wireless service. TDS has determined that wireles s 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. TDS and its conso lidated 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. TDS and its consolidated subsidiaries are required to renew their FCC licenses every ten years or, in some cases, every fifteen years. To date, all of TDS’ license renewal applications have been granted by the FCC. Generally, license renewal applications filed by licensees otherwise in compliance with FCC reg ulations 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 entit lement 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. TDS bel ieves 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. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2015, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into eleven units of accounting based on geographic service areas. The eleven units of accounting consisted of four geographic units of accounting for developed operating market licenses (“built licenses”) and seven geographic non-operating market licenses (“unbuilt licenses”). As part of the current year annual impair ment evaluation, U.S. Cellular evaluated the aggregation criteria based on how such licenses are deployed and provide value in U.S. Cellular’s operations, and current industry and market factors. It was determined the built licenses should be aggregated i nto one unit of accounting. The unbuilt licenses continued to be separated into seven geographic units of accounting. As of November 1, 2015, U.S. Cellular performed a qualitative impairment assessment to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of the built and unbuilt licenses exceed their carrying value. In 2014, U.S. Cellular estimated the fair value of built licenses for purposes of impairment testing using the build-out method. The build-out method estimates the fair value o f Licenses by discounting to present value the future cash flows calculated based on a hypothetical cost to build-out U.S. Cellular’s network. For units of accounting which consist of unbuilt licenses, the fair value of the unbuilt licenses is assumed to change by the same percentage, and in the same direction, that the fair value of built licenses measured using the build-out method changed during the period. Based on the impairment assessments performed, U.S. Cellular did not have an impairment of its L icenses in 2015 or 2014 . See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional details related to Licenses. Goodwill TDS has Goodwill as a result of its acquisition of wireless, wireline, cable and HMS companies and, under previous business combination guidance in effect prior to 2009, step acquisitions related to U.S. Cellular’s repurchase of its common shares. Such Go odwill represents the excess of the total purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in these transactions. TDS performs its annual impairment assessment of Goodwill as of November 1 of each year or more frequently if there are events or ci rcumstances that cause TDS to believe the carrying value of individual reporting units exceeds their respective fair values on a more likely than not basis. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional details related to Goodwill. U.S. Cellular For purposes of conducting its annual Goodwill impairment test as of November 1, 2015, U.S. Cellular identified one reporting unit. In 2014, U.S. Cellular identified four reporting units based on four geographic groupings of operating markets, representing four geographic service areas. Due to the evolution of the business and the extent to which U.S. Cellular has similar customers, products and services, and operations across all geographic regions, and also operates one interdependent network, U.S. Cellular determined it had one reporting unit as of November 1, 2015. The change in reporting units required U.S. Cellular to perform an impairment test for both the previous four reporting units and one new reporting unit as of November 1, 2015. A discounted cash flow approach was used to value each reporting unit for purposes of the Goodwill impairment review. Based upon the impairment assessments performed, U.S. Cellular did not have an impairment of its Goodwill in 2015 or 2014 . TDS Telecom For purposes of conducting its annual Goodwill impairment test as of the November 1, 2015 and 2014 , TDS Telecom has identified three reporting units: Wireline, Cable and HMS. The discounted cash flow approach and guideline public company method were used to value the Wireline and Cable reporting unit s for the 2015 and 2014 annual impairment tests and the HMS reporting unit for the 2015 impairment test. For the 2014 annual impairment test, TDS Telecom performed a quali tative assessment of the HMS reporting unit due to the interim impairment test performed on the HMS reporting unit during the third quarter of 2014. Based on the impairment assessments performed, Wireline and Cable did not have an impairment of their Good will in 2015 or 2014 . HMS also did not have an impairment of its Goodwill in 2015; however, HMS recognized a loss on impairment in 2014 as described in Note 7 — Intangible Assets . Franchise Rights TDS Telecom has Franchise rights as a result of acquisitions of cable businesses. Franchise rights are intangible assets that provide their holder wit h the right to operate a business in a certain geographical location as sanctioned by the franchiser, usually a government agency. TDS has determined that Franchise rights are indefinite-lived intangible assets and, therefore, not subject to amortization because TDS expects both the renewal by the granting authorities and the cash flows generated from the Franchise rights to continue indefinitely. Cable Franchise rights are generally granted for ten year periods and may be renewed for additional terms upo n approval by the granting authority. TDS anticipates that future renewals of its Franchise rights will be granted. TDS Telecom performs its annual impairment assessment of Franchise rights as of November 1 of each year or more frequently if there are e vents or circumstances that cause TDS Telecom to believe the carrying value of Franchise rights exceeds their fair value on a more likely than not basis. TDS Telecom tests Franchise rights for impairment at a unit of accounting level for which one unit of accounting was identified. TDS Telecom estimates the fair value of franchise rights for purposes of impairment testing using the build-out method. Based on the impairment assessments performed, TDS Telecom did not have an impairment of Franchise rights in 2015 or 2014 . See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional details related to Franchise rights. Investments in Unconsolidated Entities For its equity method investments for which financial information is readily available, TDS records its equity in the earnings of the entity in the current period. For its equity method i nvestments for which financial information is not readily available, TDS records its equity in the earnings of the entity on a one quarter lag basis. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at the original cost of constructio n 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 Cost of services or Selling, general and administrative expense, as applicable. Retirements and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the original cost of t he 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 dis posals, net. TDS capitalizes certain costs of developing new information systems. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset, except for certain Wireline segment assets, which use the group depreciation method. The group depreciation method develops a depreciation rate based on the average useful life of a specific group of assets, rather than each asset individually. TDS 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. Due to the Divestiture Transaction more fully described in Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges , U.S. Cellular changed the useful lives of certain assets in 2013. Other than the Divestiture Transaction, there were no material changes to useful lives of property, plant and equipment in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . See Note 9 — Property, Plant and Equipment for additional details related to useful lives. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets TDS 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 networ k operations center. U.S. Cellular operates a single integrated national wireless network, and the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities represent cash flows gene rated by this single interdependent network. TDS Telecom has three asset groups of Wireline, Cable and HMS for purposes of assessing property, plant and equipment for impairment based on their integrated network, assets and operations. The cash flows gene rated by each of these groups is 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 bu sinesses that obtain customers for U.S. Cellular. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , U.S. Cellular had accrued $ 75.7 million and $ 95.3 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 r elated to issuing various borrowing instruments and other long-term agreements, and are amortized over the respective term of each instrument. TDS early adopted ASU 2015-03 using the retrospective method as of December 31, 2015. ASU 2015-03 requires cert ain debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as an offset to the related debt obligation. Debt issuance costs related to TDS and U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit facilities are excluded from the scope of ASU 2015-03 and are recorded in Oth er assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As a result of the retrospective adoption, TDS reclassified unamortized debt issuance costs of $ 52.5 million as of December 31, 2014 from Other assets and defer red charges to Long-term debt, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Other than this reclassification, the adoption of ASU 2015-03 did not have an impact on TDS’ consolidated financial statements. Asset Retirement Obligations TDS accounts for asset retir ement 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, TDS records a liability equal to the net pres ent 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, TDS updates its estimates relating to cash flows required and timing of settlement. TDS 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 TDS are recorded at cost as treasury shares and result in a reduction of equity. When treasury shares are reissued, TDS 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 Capital in excess of par value or Retained earnings. Revenue Recognition Revenues related to ser vices are recognized as services are rendered. Revenues billed in advance or in arrears of the services being provided are estimated and deferred or accrued, as appropriate. Revenues from sales of equipment, products and accessories are recognized when T DS no longer has any requirements to perform, when title has passed and when the products are accepted by the customer. Multiple Deliverable Arrangements U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom sell multiple element service and equipment offerings. In these instan ces, revenues are allocated using the relative selling price method. Under this method, arrangement consideration is allocated to each element on the basis of its relative selling price. Revenue recognized for the delivered items is limited to the amount due from the customer that is not contingent upon the delivery of additional products or services. Loyalty Reward Program In March 2015, U.S. Cellular announced that it would discontinue its loyalty reward program effective September 1, 2015. All unredee med reward points expired at that time and the deferred revenue balance of $ 58.2 million related to such expired points was recognized as service revenues. At December 31, 2014 , U.S. Cellular had deferred revenue related to loyalty reward points outstanding of $ 94.6 million. U.S. Cellular followed the deferred revenue method of accounting for its loyalty reward program. Under this method, revenue allocated to loyalty reward points was deferred. The amount allocated to the loyalty points was based on the estimated retail price of the products and services for which points may be redeemed divided by the number of loyalty points required to receive such products and services. This was calculated on a weighted average basis and required U.S. Cellular to estimate the percentage of loyalty points that would be redeemed for each product or service. Revenue was recognized at the time of custome r redemption or when such points were depleted via an account maintenance charge. U.S. Cellular employed the proportional model to recognize revenues associated with breakage. Under the proportional model, U.S. Cellular allocated a portion of the estimat ed future breakage to each redemption and recorded revenue proportionally. In the fourth quarter of 2013, U.S. Cellular issued loyalty reward points with a value of $ 43.5 million as a loyalty bonus in recognition of the incon venience experienced by customers during U.S. Cellular’s billing system conversion in 2013. The value of the loyalty bonus reduced Service revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in 2013. Equipment Installment Plans U.S. Cellular equipment revenue under equipment installment plan contracts is recognized at the time the device is delivered to the end-user customer for the selling price of the device, net of any deferred imputed interest or trade-in right, if applicable. Imputed interest is reflected as a reduction to the receivable balance and recognized over the duration of the plan as a component of Interest and dividend income. See Note 3 — Equipment Installment Plans f or additional information. 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 incenti ves are recognized as a reduction to revenue at the time the wireless device sale to the customer occurs. 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 histori cal experience of such redemptions. Activation Fees TDS charges its end customers activation fees in connection with the sale of certain services and equipment. Activation fees charged by TDS Telecom in conjunction with a service offering are deferred and recognized over the average customer’s service period. Device activation fees charged at U.S. Cellular agent locations in connection with subsidized device sales are deferred and recognized over a period that corresponds with the length of the customer’s service contract. Device activation fees charged at U.S. Cellular company-owned retail stores in connection w ith subsidized device sales are recognized at the time the device is delivered to the customer. Device activation fees charged at both agent locations and U.S. Cellular company-owned retail stores in connection with equipment installment plan device trans actions are deferred and recognized over a period that corresponds with the equipment upgrade eligibility date based on the contract terms. Amounts Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities – Gross vs. Net TDS records amounts collec ted from customers and remitted to governmental authorities net within a tax liability account if the tax is assessed upon the customer and TDS merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is a ssessed upon TDS, 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 O perations. The amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $ 95.3 million, $ 113.5 million and $ 131.0 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Wholesale Revenues TDS Telecom earns wholesale revenues in its Wireline segment as a result of its participation in revenue pools with other telephone companies for interstate revenue and for certain intrastate revenue. Such pools are funded by long distance revenue and/or access charges within state jurisdictions and by access charg es in the interstate jurisdiction. Wholesale revenues earned through the various pooling processes are recorded based on estimates following the National Exchange Carrier Association’s rules as approved by the FCC. Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (“ET C”) 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 t he 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. Advertising Costs TDS expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $ 267.9 million, $ 228.5 million and $ 212.8 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Income Taxes TDS files a consolidated federal income tax return. 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 tax rates anticipated to be in effect when the temporary differences 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 la ws 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. TDS evaluates income tax uncertainties, assesses the probability of the ultimate settlement with the applicable taxing authority and records an amount based on that assessment. In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, Income Taxes: Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Tax es (“ASU 2015-17”), requiring all deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any related valuation allowance, to be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. The classification change for all deferred taxes as non-current simplifies entities’ processes as it eliminates the need to separately identify the net current and net non-current deferred tax asset or liability in each jurisdiction and allocate valuation allowances. TDS is required to adopt ASU 2015-17 on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permi tted. TDS early adopted this standard using the prospective method as of December 31, 2015. No prior period amounts were adjusted. Stock-Based Compensation and Other Plans TDS has established long-term incentive plans, dividend reinvestment plans, and a non-employee director compensation plan. See Note 17 — Stock-Based Compensation for additional information. The dividend reinvestment plan of TDS is not considered a compensatory plan and, t herefore, recognition of compensation costs for grants made under this plan is not required. All other plans are considered compensatory plans; therefore, recognition of compensation costs for grants made under these plans is required. TDS values its shar e-based payment transactions using a Black-Scholes valuation model. Stock-based compensation cost recognized during the period is based on the portion of the share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Accordingly, stock-based compen sation 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. Pre-vesting forfeitures and expected lif e 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. TDS 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 TDS’ common stock over a period commensurate with the expected life. The dividend yield as sumption is equal to the dividends declared in the most recent year as a percentage of the share price on the date of grant. 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. TDS stock option awards cliff vest in three years. Therefore, compensation cost for TDS stock option awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting p eriod. U.S. Cellular stock option awards vest on an annual basis in three separate tranches. Compensation cost for U.S. Cellular stock option awards is recognized using a graded attribution method over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. TDS and U.S. Cellular restricted stock units cliff vest in three years. Therefore, compensation cost for TDS and U.S. Cellular restricted stock units is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is gene rally the vesting period. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model to use in accoun ting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date, requiring the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018. Early adoption as of January 1, 2017 is permitted; however, TDS does not intend to adopt early. TDS is evaluating the effects that adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial position, results of operations, and disclosures. In August 2014, the FA SB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 requires TDS to assess its ability to continue as a going concern each interim and annual repo rting period and provide certain disclosures if there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, including management’s plan to alleviate the substantial doubt. TDS is required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2014-15 fo r the annual period ending December 31, 2016, but early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 will not impact TDS’ financial position or results of operations but may impact future disclosures. In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Sta ndards Update 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 simplifies consolidation accounting by reducing the number of consolidation models. Additionally, ASU 2015-02 changes certain criteria for identify ing v

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Fair Value Measurements	Note 2 Fair Value Measurements As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , TDS did not have any financial or nonfinancial assets or liabilities that were required to be recorded at fair value in its Consolid ated 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 a ctive 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 l evel 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 overa ll risk profile and, therefore, Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets. TDS has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below. Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents 1 $ 984,643 $ 984,643 $ 471,901 $ 471,901 Long-term debt Retail 2 1,753,250 1,766,308 1,453,250 1,414,105 Insti tutional 2 533,015 501,461 532,722 513,647 Other 2 215,538 215,456 4,749 4,675 The fair value of Cash and cash equivalents approximates the book value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Long-term debt excludes capital lease obligations and the current portion of Long-term debt. The fair value of “Retail” Long-term debt was estimated using market prices for TDS’ 7.0% Senior Notes, 6.875% Senior Notes, 6.625% Senior Notes and 5.875% Senior Notes, and U.S. Cellula r’s 6.95% Senior Notes, 7.25% 2063 Senior Notes and 7.25% 2064 Senior Notes. TDS’ “Institutional” debt consists of U.S. Cellular’s 6.7% Senior Notes which are traded over the counter. TDS’ “Other” debt consists of a senior term loan credit facility and o ther borrowings with financial institutions. TDS estimated the fair value of its Institutional and Other debt through a discounted cash flow analysis using the interest rates or estimated yield to maturity for each borrowing, which ranged from 0.00% to 7.51% and 0.00% to 7.25% at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Equipment Installment Plans

Equipment Installment Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Equipment Installment Plans	Note 3 Equipment Installment Plans TDS offers customers through its owned and agent distribution channels the option to purchase certain devices under equipme nt installment contracts over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans (“EIP”), 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 equipm ent 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. TDS values this trade-in right as a guarantee liability. The guar antee 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. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the guarantee liability related to these plans was $ 92.7 million and $ 57.5 million, respectively, and is reflected in Customer deposits and deferred revenues in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. TDS equipment installment plans do not provide for explicit interest charges. For equipment installment plans with duratio n of greater than twelve months, TDS imputes interest. Equipment installment plan receivables had a weighted average effective imputed interest rate of 9.7% and 10.2% as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The following table summarizes the unbil led equipment installment plan receivables as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Such amounts are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Accounts receivable – customer s and agents and Other assets and deferred charges, where applicable. December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Short-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 278,709 $ 127,400 Short-term portion of unbilled deferred interest (20,810) (16,365) Short-term portion of unbilled allowance for credit losses (13,827) (3,686) Short-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 244,072 $ 107,349 Long-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 75,738 $ 89,435 Long-term portion of unbilled deferred interest (2,283) (2,791) Long-term portion of unbilled allowance for credit losses (5,537) (6,065) Long-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 67,918 $ 80,579 TDS assesses the collectability of the equipment installment plan receivables based on historical payment experience, account aging and other qualitative factors and provides an allowance for estimated losses. The credit profiles of TDS customers on equipment installment plans are similar to those of TDS customers with traditional subsidized plans. Customers with a higher risk credit profile a re required to make a deposit for equipment purchased through an installment contract. TDS recorded out-of-period adjustments in 2015 due to errors related to equipment installment plan transactions that were attributable to 2014. TDS has determined that these adjustments were not material to prior annual periods, and also were not material to the current year results. These equipment installment plan adjustments had the impact of reducing Equipment sales revenues by $ 6.2 million and Income before income taxes by $ 5.8 million in 2015.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Income Taxes	Note 4 Income Taxes TDS’ current income taxes balances at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Federal income taxes receivable $ 66,785 $ 108,820 Net state income taxes receivable 3,309 4,391 Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Current Federal $ 92,887 $ (87,736) $ 181,579 State 8,256 11,091 11,614 Deferred Federal 60,939 41,851 (65,970) Federal - valuation allowance adjustment – (10,816) – State 9,910 2,208 (1,180) State - valuation allowance adjustment – 38,470 – $ 171,992 $ (4,932) $ 126,043 A reconciliation of TDS’ income tax expense computed at the statutory rate to the reported income tax expense, and the statutory federal income tax expense rate to TDS’ effective income tax expense rate is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate (Dollars in thousands) Statutory federal income tax expense and rate $ 152,111 35.0 % $ (53,278) 35.0 % $ 102,502 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 1 11,002 2.5 42,834 (28.1) 10,548 3.6 Effect of noncontrolling interests 2,791 0.6 (5,777) 3.8 (1,034) (0.4) Gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets 2 – – – – 14,949 5.1 Change in federal valuation allowance 3 2,022 0.5 (8,697) 5.7 – – Goodwill impairment 4 – – 18,260 (12.0) – – Other differences, net 4,066 1.0 1,726 (1.2) (922) (0.3) Total income tax expense (benefit) and rate $ 171,992 39.6 % $ (4,932) 3.2 % $ 126,043 43.0 % 1 State income taxes, net of federal benefit, include changes in unrecognized tax benefits as well as adjustments to the valuation allowance. During the third quarter of 2014 TDS recorded a $38.5 million increase to income tax expense related to a valuation allowance recorded against certain state deferred tax assets. 2 Gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets represents 2013 tax expense related to the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation and the Divestiture Transaction. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges and Note 8 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities for additional information. 3 Change in federal valuation allowance in 2015 relates primarily to losses incurred by certain entities where realization of deferred tax assets is not "more likely than not." The decrease to income tax expense in 2014 was due to a valuation allowance reduction for federal net operating losses previously limited under loss utilization rules. 4 Goodwill impairment reflects an adjustment to increase income tax expense by $18.3 million related to a portion of the goodwill impairment of Suttle-Straus and the HMS reporting unit recorded in 2014 which is nonde ductible for income tax purposes. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional information related to the goodwill impairment. Significant components of TDS’ deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Deferred tax assets Current deferred tax assets $ – $ 113,402 Net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards 137,574 135,676 Stock-based compensation 61,680 54,789 Compensation and benefits - other 37,744 11,014 Deferred rent 19,896 19,604 Other 92,787 35,523 Total deferred tax assets 349,681 370,008 Less valuation allowance (112,357) (113,553) Net deferred tax assets 237,324 256,455 Deferred tax liabilities Property, plant and equipment 672,473 667,540 Licenses/intangibles 300,669 259,865 Partnership investments 163,287 151,123 Other – 9,724 Total deferred tax liabilities 1,136,429 1,088,252 Net deferred income tax liability $ 899,105 $ 831,797 TDS early adopted ASU 2015-17 as of December 31, 2015 using the prospective method. The change required by the guidance, whereby all deferred taxes are classified as non-current, simplifies processes by eliminating the need to separately identify the net current and net non-current deferred tax asset or liability in each jurisdiction and allocate valuation allowances. The prior year Consolidated Balance Sheet and the deferred tax disclosure above were not revised. At December 31, 2015, $900.1 million of net deferred income tax liability is included in Net deferred income tax liability and $1.0 million is i ncluded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. At December 31, 2014, $107.7 million of net current deferred income tax asset is included in Net deferred income tax asset and $941.5 million of net noncurrent deferred income tax liability is included in Net deferred income tax liability and $2.0 million is included in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. At December 31, 2015 , TDS and certain subsidiarie s had $ 2.4 billion of state NOL carryforwards (generating a $ 114.2 million deferred tax asset) available to offset future taxable income. The state NOL carryforwards expire between 2016 and 2035 . Certain subsidiaries had federal NOL carryforwards (generating a $ 23.4 million deferred tax asset) available to offset their future taxable income. The federal NOL carryforwards expire between 2018 and 2035 . 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 TDS' deferred tax asset valuation allowance is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 113,553 $ 79,064 $ 70,502 Charged (credited) to income tax expense (1,196) 34,489 1,954 Charged to other accounts – – 6,608 Balance at end of year $ 112,357 $ 113,553 $ 79,064 A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Unrecognized tax benefits balance at beginning of year $ 37,816 $ 30,390 $ 28,420 Additions for tax positions of current year 7,382 7,610 6,388 Additions for tax positions of prior years 1,783 883 1,858 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (1,434) (399) (467) Reductions for settlements of tax positions (1,225) (312) (1,337) Reductions for lapses in statutes of limitations (5,448) (356) (4,472) Unrecognized tax benefits balance at end of year $ 38,874 $ 37,816 $ 30,390 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 2015 , 2014 and 2013 by $ 25.6 million , $ 24.6 million and $ 19.8 million , respectively, net of the federal benefit from state income taxes. As of December 31, 2015 , it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $ 10 million in the next twelve months. The nature of the uncertainty relates primarily to state income tax positions and their resolution or the expiration of statutes of limitation. TDS 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 an expense of $ 0.6 million, $ 3.4 million and $ 0.7 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Net accrued interest and penalties were $ 16.8 million and $ 16.2 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. TDS and its subsidiaries file federal and state income tax returns. With only limited exceptions, TDS is no longer subject to federal income tax audits for the years prior to 2012 . With only a few exceptions, TDS is no l onger subject to state income tax audits for years prior to 2011 .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Earnings per Share	Note 5 Earnings Per Share Basic earnings (lo ss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders is computed by dividing Net income (loss) available to common shareholders of TDS by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders is computed by dividing Net income (loss) available to common shareholders of TDS 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 incl ude incremental shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units. The amounts used in computing earnings (loss) 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, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars and shares in thousands, except earnings per share) Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders: Net income (loss) available to common shareholders of TDS used in basic earnings (loss) per share $ 218,988 $ (136,404) $ 141,878 Adjustments to compute diluted earnings: Noncontrolling interest adjustment (1,525) – (1,058) Preferred dividend adjustment 49 – 49 Net income (loss) available to common shareholders of TDS used in $ 217,512 $ (136,404) $ 140,869 diluted earnings (loss) per share Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share Common Shares 101,453 101,304 101,339 Series A Common Shares 7,192 7,181 7,151 Total 108,645 108,485 108,490 Effects of dilutive securities: Stock options 1 773 – 209 Restricted stock units 1 436 – 375 Preferred shares 1 56 – 58 Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings (loss) per share 109,910 108,485 109,132 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders $ 2.02 $ (1.26) $ 1.31 Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders $ 1.98 $ (1.26) $ 1.29 1 There were no effects of dilutive securities in 2014 due to the net loss for the year. On June 25, 2013, U.S. Cellular paid a special cash dividend of $ 5.75 per share, for an aggregate amount of $ 482.3 million, to all holders of U.S. Cellular Common Shares and Series A Common Shares as of June 11, 2013. Outstanding U.S. Cellular stock options and restricted stock unit awards wer e equitably adjusted for the special cash dividend. Certain Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted stock units or conversion of convertible preferred shares were not included in average diluted shares outstanding f or the calculation of Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded is shown in the table below. Year Ended De cember 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Shares in thousands) Stock options 4,499 8,984 7,120 Restricted stock units 190 839 171 Preferred shares – 56 –

Acquisitions Divestures And Exc

Acquisitions Divestures And Exchanges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Acquisitions, Divestures and Exchanges	Note 6 Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges Divestiture Transaction On May 16, 2013, pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement, U.S. Cellular sold customers and certain PCS spectrum licenses to subsidiaries of Sprint Corp. fka Sprint Nextel Corporation (“Sprint”) in U.S. Cellular’s Chicago, central Illinois, St. Louis and certain Indiana/Michigan/Ohio markets (“Divestiture Markets”) in consideration for $ 480 million in cash. The Purchase and Sale Agreement also contemplated certain other agreements, together with the Purchase and Sale Agreement co llectively referred to as the “Divestiture Transaction.” These agreements require Sprint to reimburse U.S. Cellular up to $ 200 million (the “Sprint Cost Reimbursement”) for certain network decommissioning costs, network site le ase rent and termination costs, network access termination costs, and employee termination benefits for specified engineering employees. As of December 31, 2015 , U.S. Cellular had received a cumulative total of $ 111.6 million pursuant to the Sprint Cost Reimbursement. Sprint Cost Reimbursement totaling $ 30.0 million, $ 71.1 million and $ 10.6 million had been received and recorded in Cash rece ived from divestitures and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. As a result of the Divestiture Transaction, TDS recognized gains of $ 6.0 million, $ 29.3 million and $ 302.0 million in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net, in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Other Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges In 2015, TDS sold certain Wireline market s for $ 25.6 million, including working capital adjustments, and recognized aggregated gains of $ 9.5 million . In March 2015, U.S. Cellular exchanged certain of its unbuilt PCS licenses for certain ot her PCS licenses located in U.S. Cellular’s existing operating markets and $ 117.0 million of cash. As of the transaction date, the licenses received in the transaction had an estimated fair value, per a market approach, of $ 43.5 million. A gain of $ 125.2 million was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the first quarter of 2015. U.S. Cellular participated in Auction 97 indirectly through its limited partnership interest in Advantage Spectrum. Advantage Spectrum was the provisional winning bidder for 124 licenses for an aggregate winning bid of $ 338.3 million, after its expected designated entity discount of 25 %. Advantage Spectrum’s bid amount, less the upfront payment of $ 60.0 million paid in 2014, was paid to the FCC in March 2015. These licenses have not yet been granted by the FCC. See Note 14 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information. In December 2014, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement with a third party to sell 595 towers and certain related contracts, assets, and liabilities for $ 159.0 million. This agreement and related transactions are referred to as the “Tower Sale” and were accomplished in two closings. The first closing occurred in December 2014 and included the sale of 236 towers, without tenants, for $ 10.0 million. On this same date, U.S. Cellular received $ 7.5 million in earnest money. At the time of the first closing, a $ 4.7 million gain was recorded. The second closing for the remaining 359 towers, primarily with ten ants, took place in January 2015, at which time U.S. Cellular received $ 141.8 million in additional cash proceeds and TDS recorded a gain of $ 120.2 million in (Gain) loss on sale of business and oth er exit costs, net. In September 2014, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement with a third party to exchange certain PCS and AWS licenses for certain other PCS and AWS licenses and $ 28.0 million of cash. This license exchan ge was accomplished in two closings. The first closing occurred in December 2014 at which time U.S. Cellular transferred licenses to the counterparty with a net book value of $ 11.5 million, received licenses with an estimated fair value, per a market approach, of $ 51.5 million, recorded a $ 21.7 million gain and recorded an $ 18.3 million deferred credit in Other current liabilities. The license that was transferred to the counterparty in the second closing had a net book value of $ 22.2 million. The second closing occurred in July 2015. At the time of the second closing, U.S. Cellular received $ 28.0 million in cash and recognized the deferred credit from the first closing, resulting in a total gain of $ 24.0 million recorded on this part of the l icense exchange. In September 2014, TDS acquired substantially all of the assets of a group of companies operating as BendBroadband, headquartered in Bend, Oregon for $ 260.7 million in cash. BendBroadband is a full-service com munications company, offering an extensive range of broadband, fiber connectivity, cable television and telephone services for commercial and residential customers in Central Oregon. As part of the agreement, TDS also acquired a Tier III data center provi ding colocation and managed services and a cable advertising and broadcast business. BendBroadband service offerings complement the current portfolio of products offered through TDS Telecom businesses. Goodwill was recorded due primarily to the expectati on of future growth and synergies in Cable segment operations. The operations of the data center are included in the HMS segment. The operations of the cable and the advertising and broadcast businesses are included in the Cable segment. In May 2014, U. S. Cellular entered into a License Purchase and Customer Recommendation Agreement with Airadigm Communications Inc. (“Airadigm”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDS. In September 2014, pursuant to the License Purchase and Customer Recommendation Agreement, Airadigm transferred FCC spectrum licenses and certain tower assets in certain markets in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan, to U.S. Cellular for $ 91.5 million in cash (the “Airadigm Transaction”). Since both parties to this transaction are controlled by TDS, upon closing, U.S. Cellular recorded the transferred assets at Airadigm’s net book value of $ 15.2 million. In March 2014, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of its St. Louis area non-operati ng market spectrum license for $ 92.3 million. A gain of $ 75.8 million was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the first quarter of 2014. In February 2014, U.S. Cellular completed an exchange whereby U.S. Cellular received one E block PCS spectrum license covering Milwaukee, WI in exchange for one D block PCS spectrum license covering Milwaukee, WI. The exchange of licenses provided U.S. Cellular with spectrum to meet anticipated future capacity and coverage requirements. No cash, customers, network assets, other assets or liabilities were included in the exchange. As a result of this transaction, TDS recognize d a gain of $ 15.7 million, representing the difference between the $ 15.9 million fair value of the license surrendered, calculated using a market approach valuation method, and the $ 0.2 million carrying value of the license surrendered. This gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the first quarter of 2014. In October 2013, TDS acquired 100 % of the outstanding shares of MSN Communications, Inc. (“MSN”) for $ 43.6 million in cash. MSN is an information technology solutions provider whose service offerings complement the HMS portfolio of p roducts. MSN is included in the HMS segment for reporting purposes. In October 2013, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of its Mississippi Valley non-operating market license (“unbuilt license”) for $ 308.0 million. At the time o f the sale, a $ 250.6 million gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In August 2013, TDS Telecom acquired substantially all of the assets of Baja Broadband, L LC (“Baja”) for $ 264.1 million in cash. Baja is a cable company that operates in markets primarily in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah and offers broadband, video and voice services, which complement the TDS Telecom portfo lio of products. Baja is included in the Cable segment for reporting purposes. TDS' acquisitions in 2015 and 2014 and the allocation of the purchase price for these acquisitions were as follows: Allocation of Purchase Price Purchase Price 1 Goodwill 2 Licenses Franchise Rights Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization 3 Net Tangible Assets/(Liabilities) (Dollars in thousands) 2015 U.S. Cellular licenses 4 $ 345,807 $ – $ 345,807 $ – $ – $ – Total $ 345,807 $ – $ 345,807 $ – $ – $ – 2014 U.S. Cellular licenses $ 41,707 $ – $ 41,707 $ – $ – $ – TDS Telecom cable business 273,789 33,610 2,703 120,979 14,056 102,441 Total $ 315,496 $ 33,610 $ 44,410 $ 120,979 $ 14,056 $ 102,441 1 Cash amounts paid for acquisitions may differ from the purchase price due to cash acquired in the transactions and the timing of cash payments related to the respective transactions. 2 The entire amount of Goodwill acquired in 2014 was amortizable for income tax purposes. 3 In 2014, at the date of acquisition, the weighted average amortization period for Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization acquired was 4.6 years for TDS Telecom's cable business. 4 Includes purchases totaling $338.3 million made by Advantage Spectrum from the FCC for licenses in Auction 97. These licenses have not yet been granted by the FCC. TDS did not have any assets or liabilities classified as held for sale at December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2014 , the following assets and liabilities were classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as "Assets held fo r sale" and "Liabilities held for sale": Current Assets Other Assets and Deferred Charges Licenses Goodwill Property, Plant and Equipment Total Assets Held for Sale (Dollars in thousands) 2014 Divestiture of Spectrum Licenses $ – $ – $ 56,809 $ – $ – $ 56,809 Sale of Business - Towers 1,472 773 – 4,344 31,770 38,359 Divestiture of Wireline markets 215 2 – 4,100 3,858 8,175 Total $ 1,687 $ 775 $ 56,809 $ 8,444 $ 35,628 $ 103,343 Current Liabilities Other Deferred Liabilities and Credits Total Liabilities Held for Sale (Dollars in thousands) 2014 Sale of Business - Towers $ 3,607 $ 17,641 $ 21,248 Divestiture of Wireline markets 218 177 395 Total $ 3,825 $ 17,818 $ 21,643

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Intangible Assets	Note 7 Intangible Assets Activity related to TDS’ Licenses, Goodwill and Franchise rights are presented below. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for information regarding transactions which affected these intangible assets during the periods. Prior to 2009, TDS accounted for U.S. Cellular’s share repurchases as step acquisiti ons, allocating a portion of the share repurchase value to TDS’ Licenses and Goodwill. Consequently, U.S. Cellular’s Licenses and Goodwill on a stand-alone basis do not equal the TDS consolidated Licenses and Goodwill related to U.S. Cellular. Licenses U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable Other 1 Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 1,405,759 $ 2,800 $ – $ 15,220 $ 1,423,779 Acquisitions 41,707 – 2,703 – 44,410 Transferred to Assets held for sale (56,809) – – – (56,809) Exchanges, net 55,780 – – – 55,780 Divestitures – – – (15,220) (15,220) Other 1,634 – – – 1,634 Bal ance at December 31, 2014 1,448,071 2,800 2,703 – 1,453,574 Acquisitions 2 345,807 – – – 345,807 Exchanges, net 43,485 – – – 43,485 Other 1,482 – – – 1,482 Bal ance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,838,845 $ 2,800 $ 2,703 $ – $ 1,844,348 1 Represents the transfer of licenses from Airadigm to U.S. Cellular in 2014. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for additional information. 2 Amount in 2015 includes purchases totaling $338.3 million made by Advantage Spectrum from the FCC for licenses in which it was the provisional winning bidder in Auction 97. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, and Note 14 — Variable Interest Entities for further information. These licenses have not yet been granted by the FCC. Goodwill U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable HMS Other Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013¹ $ 232,041 $ 420,458 $ 61,712 $ 118,830 $ 3,802 $ 836,843 Acquisitions – – 33,610 – – 33,610 Loss on impairment – – – (84,000) (3,802) (87,802) Divestitures (291) (2,564) – – – (2,855) Transferred to Assets held for sale (4,344) (4,100) – – – (8,444) Balance at December 31, 2014 227,406 413,794 95,322 34,830 – 771,352 Divestitures – (5,005) – – – (5,005) Other (555) – – – – (555) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 226,851 $ 408,789 $ 95,322 $ 34,830 $ – $ 765,792 1 Includes accumulated impairment losses in prior periods as follows: $333.9 million for U.S. Cellular, $29.4 million for Wireline and $0.5 million for Other. Interim Goodwill Impairment Assessment During the third quarter of 2014, due to a decline in projected revenue and earnings of TDS Telecom’s HMS reporting unit compared with previously projected results, TDS determined that an interim impairment test of HMS Goodwill was required. A s of August 1, 2014, the carrying value of the HMS reporting unit exceeded its fair value; therefore, a Step 2 Goodwill impairment test was performed. The second step compared the implied fair value of the reporting unit Goodwill to the carrying amount of that Goodwill. To calculate the implied fair value of Goodwill in this second step, TDS allocated the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the re porting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amount assigned to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit w as the implied fair value of Goodwill. Since the carrying amount of Goodwill exceeded the implied fair value of Goodwill, an impairment loss was recognized for that difference. As a result of the Step 2 Goodwill impairment test, TDS recognized a loss on impairment of $84.0 million during the third quarter of 2014. Franchise Rights Cable (Dollars in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 123,668 Acquisitions 120,979 Other (347) Balance at December 31, 2014 244,300 Other (120) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 244,180

Investments In Unconsolidated E

Investments In Unconsolidated Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	Note 8 Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in wireless and wireline entities in which TDS holds a noncontrolling interest. These investments are accounted for using either the equity or cost method as sho wn in the following table: December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Equity method investments: Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments $ 123,250 $ 127,939 Cumulative share of income 1,468,312 1,323,898 Cumulative share of distributions (1,205,497) (1,145,438) 386,065 306,399 Cost method investments 15,655 15,330 Total investments in unconsolidated entities $ 401,720 $ 321,729 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 TDS’ equity method investments: December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Current $ 670,723 $ 733,133 Due from affiliates 88,685 303,322 Property and other 4,604,312 2,345,562 $ 5,363,720 $ 3,382,017 Liabilit ies and Equity Current liabilities $ 810,121 $ 407,073 Deferred credits 242,301 175,516 Long-term liabilities 157,785 29,342 Long-term capital lease obligations 1,539 1,722 Partners’ capital and shareholders’ equity 4,151,974 2,768,364 $ 5,363,720 $ 3,382,017 Year E nded December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Results of Operations Revenues $ 6,979,184 $ 6,700,266 $ 6,239,200 Operating expenses 5,245,216 5,063,925 4,492,372 Operating income 1,733,968 1,636,341 1,746,828 Other income (expense), net (9,049) 6,741 4,019 Net income $ 1,724,919 $ 1,643,082 $ 1,750,847 NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation U.S. Cellular holds a 60.00% interest in St. Lawrence Seaway RSA Cellular Partnership (“NY1”) and a 57.14% interest in New York R SA 2 Cellular Partnership (“NY2”) (together with NY1, the “Partnerships”). The remaining interests in the Partnerships are held by Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless (“Verizon Wireless”). Prior to April 3, 2013, because U.S. Cellular owned a greate r than 50% interest in each of these Partnerships and based on U.S. Cellular’s rights under the Partnership Agreements, U.S. Cellular consolidated the financial results of these Partnerships in accordance with GAAP. On April 3, 2013, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement with Verizon Wireless relating to the Partnerships. The agreement amends the Partnership Agreements in several ways which provide Verizon Wireless with substantive participating rights that allow Verizon Wireless to make decisions that ar e in the ordinary course of business of the Partnerships and which are significant to directing and executing the activities of the business. Accordingly, as required by GAAP, TDS deconsolidated the Partnerships effective as of April 3, 2013 and thereafte r reported them as equity method investments in its consolidated financial statements (“NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation”). After the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation, U.S. Cellular retained the same ownership percentages in the Partnerships and continues to report the same percentages of income from the Partnerships. Effective April 3, 2013, TDS’ income from the Partnerships is reported in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In accordance with GAAP, as a result of the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation, U.S. Cellular’s interest in the Partnerships was reflected in Investments in unconsolidated entities at a fair value of $114.8 million as of April 3, 2013. Recording U.S. Cellular’s interest in the Partnerships required allocation of the excess of fair value over book value to customer lists, licenses, a favorable contract and goodwill of the Partnerships. Amortization e xpense related to customer lists and the favorable contract will be recognized over their respective useful lives and is included in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition, TDS recognized a n on-cash pre-tax gain of $14.5 million in the second quarter of 2013. The gain was recorded in Gain (loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Property Plant And Equipment

Property Plant And Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Property, Plant and Equipment	Note 9 Property , Plant and Equipment TDS’ Property, plant and equipment in service and under construction, and related accumulated depreciation and amortization, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: Useful Lives December 31, (Years) 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Land N/A $ 54,567 $ 52,946 Buildings 5-40 506,486 480,028 Leasehold and land improvements 1-30 1,137,414 1,130,468 Cable and wire 15-35 1,688,606 1,628,782 Network and switching equipment 5-13 2,278,425 2,239,176 Cell site equipment 7-25 3,382,743 3,284,993 Office furniture and equipment 3-10 586,975 634,853 Other operating assets and equipment 3-12 205,132 204,625 System development 1-7 1,459,437 1,319,930 Work in process N/A 220,276 218,243 11,520,061 11,194,044 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (7,755,584) (7,347,919) $ 3,764,477 $ 3,846,125 Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $ 810.5 million, $ 797.6 million and $ 984.4 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net included charges of $ 22.2 million, $ 26.5 million and $ 30.8 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.

Asset Retirement Obligation

Asset Retirement Obligation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Asset Retirement Obligation	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 in its operating markets. Asset retirement obligations generally include obligations to restore leased land and retail store and office premises to their pre-lease conditions. TDS Telecom owns poles, cable and wire and certain buildings and also leases data center and office space and property used for housing central office switching equipment and fiber cable. These assets and leases often have removal or remediation requirements associated with them. For example, TDS Telecom’s poles, cable and wire are often located on property that is not owned by TDS Telecom and are often subject to the provisions of easements, permits, or leasing arrangements. Pursuant to the terms of the permits, easements, or leasing arrangements, TDS Telecom is often required to r emove these assets and return the property to its original condition at some defined date in the future. Asset retirement obligations are included in Other deferred liabilities and credits and Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. In 2015 and 2014 , U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom performed a review of the assumptions and estimated costs related to asset retirement obligations. The results of the revie ws (identified as “Revisions in estimated cash outflows”) and other changes in asset retirement obligations during 2015 and 2014 were as follows: 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 239,032 $ 275,238 Additional liabilities accrued 1,661 4,907 Revisions in estimated cash outflows (3,669) (992) Disposition of assets (9,684) (46,242) Accretion expense 15,735 17,506 Transferred to Liabilities held for sale – (11,385) Balance at end of year¹ $ 243,075 $ 239,032 1 The total amount of asset retirement obligations related to the Divestiture Transaction and Airadigm Transaction included in Other current liabilities was $9.1 million as of December 31, 2014.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Debt	Note 11 Debt Revolving Credit Facilities At December 31, 2015 , TDS and U.S. Cellular had revolving credit facilities available for general corporate purposes. Amounts under the revolving credit facilities may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity. U.S. Cellular borrowed and repaid cash amounts under its revolving credit facility in 2014 . Neither TDS nor U.S. Cellular borrowed under their revolving credit facilities in 2015 or 2013 except for standby letters of credit. In certain circumstances, TDS’ and U.S. Cellular’s interest cost on their revolving credit facilities may be subject to increase if their current credit ratings from nationa lly recognized credit rating agencies are lowered, and may be subject to decrease if the ratings are raised. In 2014 , certain nationally recognized credit rating agencies downgraded TDS and U.S. Cellular corporate and senior deb t credit ratings. After these downgrades, TDS and U.S. Cellular are rated at sub-investment grade. As a result of these downgrades, the commitment fee on the revolving credit facilities increased to 0.30% per annum. The downgrades also increased the inte rest rate on any borrowings under the revolving credit facilities by 0.25% per annum. As of December 31, 2015, TDS' and U.S. Cellular's credit ratings from the nationally recognized credit rating agencies remained at sub-investment grade. The revolving cre dit facilities do not cease to be available nor do the maturity dates accelerate solely as a result of a downgrade in TDS’ or U.S. Cellular’s credit rating. However, downgrades in TDS’ or U.S. Cellular’s credit rating could adversely affect their ability to renew the revolving credit facilities or obtain access to other credit facilities in the future. The maturity date of any borrowings under the TDS and U.S. Cellular revolving credit facilities would accelerate in the event of a change in control. The continued availability of the revolving credit facilities requires TDS and 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 bor rowing. TDS and U.S. Cellular believe they were in compliance as of December 31, 2015 with all covenants and other requirements set forth in the revolving credit facilities. The fol lowing table summarizes the terms of such revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2015 : TDS U.S. Cellular (Dollars in millions) Maximum borrowing capacity $ 400.0 $ 300.0 Letters of credit outstanding $ 0.6 $ 17.5 Amount borrowed $ – $ – Amount available for use $ 399.4 $ 282.5 Illustrative borrowing rate: One-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus contractual spread 1 2.18 % 2.18 % Illustrative LIBOR Rate 0.43 % 0.43 % Contractual spread 1.75 % 1.75 % Commitment fees on amount available for use 2 0.30 % 0.30 % Agreement date Dec 2010 Dec 2010 Maturity date Dec 2017 Dec 2017 Fees incurred attributable to the Revolving Credit Facility are as follows: Fees incurred as a percent of Maximum borrowing capacity for 2015 0.33 % 0.29 % Fees incurred, amount 2015 $ 1.3 $ 0.9 2014 $ 0.9 $ 3.0 2013 $ 0.9 $ 0.8 1 Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a contractual spread based on TDS' or U.S. Cellular’s credit rating or, at TDS' or U.S. Cellular’s option, an alternate “Base Rate” as defined in the revolving credit agreement. TD S and 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 TDS or U.S. Cellular and approved by the lenders). 2 The revolving credit facility has commitment fees based on the unsecured senior debt ratings assigned to TDS and U.S. Cellular by certain ratings agencies. In connection with U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit facility, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement dated December 17, 2010 together with the administrative agent for the lenders under U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit agreement. Pursuant to this subordination agreem ent, (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, 2015 , 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. In July 20 14, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into amendments to the revolving credit facilities agreements which increased the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (the ratio of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness to Consolidated Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) that the companies are required to maintain. Beginning July 1, 2014, TDS and U.S. Cellular are required to maintain the Consolidated Leverage Ratio at a level not to exceed 3.75 to 1.00 for the period of the four fiscal quarters most recent ly ended (this was 3.00 to 1.00 prior to July 1, 2014). The terms of the amendment decrease the maximum permitted Consolidated Leverage Ratio beginning January 1, 2016 from 3.75 to 3.50, with further decreases effective July 1, 2016 and January 1, 2017 (a nd will return to 3.00 to 1.00 at that time). For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 , the actual Consolidated Leverage Ratio was 2.25 to 1.00. Future changes in TDS’ and U.S. Cell ular’s financial condition could negatively impact their ability to meet the financial covenants and requirements in their revolving credit facilities agreements. TDS also has certain other non-material credit facilities from time to time. At December 31, 2015 , TDS had recorded $ 3.6 million of issuance costs related to the revolving credit facilities which is included in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. T erm Loan In January 2015, U.S. Cellular entered into a senior term loan credit facility. In July 2015, U.S. Cellular borrowed the full amount of $225 million available under this facility in two separate draws. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings will be reset at three and six month intervals at a rate of LIBOR plus 250 basis points. This credit facility 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 will be due and payable in quarterly installments of $2.8 million beginning in March 2016 through December 2021, and the remaining unpaid balance will be due and payable in January 2022. This facility was entered into for general corporate purposes, including working capital, spectrum purchases and capital expenditures. The continued availability of the term loan facility requires U.S. Cellular to comply with certain negative and a ffirmative 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 the U.S. Cellular revolving credit facility described above. In connection with U.S. Cellular’s term loan credit facility, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement dated January 21, 2015 together with the administrative agent for the lenders under U.S. Cellular’s term loan credit agreement, which is substanti ally the same as the subordination agreement in the U.S. Cellular revolving credit facility described above. As of December 31, 2015 , U.S. Cellular had no outstanding consolidated funded indebtedness or refinancing indebtedness that was subordinated to the term loan facility pursuant to this subordination agreement. Other Long-Term Debt In November 2015, U.S. Cellular issued $300 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2064, and received cash proceeds of $ 289.7 million after payment of debt issuance costs of $ 10.3 million. These funds will be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, spectrum purchases and capital exp enditures. Long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Issuance date Maturity date Call date Principal Amount Less Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs Total Principal Amount Less Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs Total (Dollars in thousands) TDS: Unsecured Senior Notes 6.625% March 2005 March 2045 March 2010 $ 116,250 $ 3,567 $ 112,683 $ 116,250 $ 3,604 $ 112,646 6.875% Nov 2010 Nov 2059 Nov 2015 225,000 7,537 217,463 225,000 7,561 217,439 7.00 0% March 2011 March 2060 March 2016 300,000 9,621 290,379 300,000 9,650 290,350 5.875% Nov 2012 Dec 2061 Dec 2017 195,000 6,718 188,282 195,000 6,744 188,256 Purch ase contract Oct 2001 Oct 2021 1,097 – 1,097 1,097 – 1,097 Total Parent 837,347 27,443 809,904 837,347 27,559 809,788 Subsidiaries: U.S. Cellular - Unsecured Senior Notes 6.700% Dec 2003 and June 2004 Dec 2033 Dec 2003 544,000 15,247 528,753 544,000 15,656 528,344 6.950% May 2011 May 2060 May 2016 342,000 10,905 331,095 342,000 10,937 331,063 7.250% Dec 2014 Dec 2063 Dec 2019 275,000 9,629 265,371 275,000 9,644 265,356 7.250% Nov 2015 Nov 2064 Nov 2020 300,000 10,316 289,684 – – – Term Loan Jan 2015 Jan 2022 225,000 2,283 222,717 – – – Obligation on capital leases 2,200 – 2,200 2,143 – 2,143 TDS Telecom - Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) and other notes 691 691 699 699 Obligation on capital leases 733 – 733 767 – 767 Other - Long-term notes Through 2016 2,961 – 2,961 3,686 – 3,686 Obligation on capital leases 24 24 31 – 31 Total Subsidiaries 1,692,609 48,380 1,644,229 1,168,326 36,237 1,132,089 Total long-term debt $ 2,529,956 $ 75,823 $ 2,454,133 $ 2,005,673 $ 63,796 $ 1,941,877 Long-term debt, current $ 14,306 $ 808 Long-term debt, noncurrent $ 2,439,827 $ 1,941,069 TDS may redeem its callable notes and 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 notes is payable quarterly on Senior Notes outstanding at December 31, 2015 , with the exception of U.S. Cellular's 6.7% note in which interest is payable semi-annually. The annual requirements for p rincipal payments on long-term debt are approximately $ 14.3 million, $ 12.1 million, $ 11.4 million, $ 11.4 mi llion and $ 11.4 million for the years 2016 through 2020, respectively. The covenants associated with TDS and its subsidiaries’ long-term debt obligations, among other things, restrict TDS’ ability, subject to certain exclusions, to incur additional liens, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, and sell, consolidate or merge assets. TDS’ 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 TDS’ credit rating. However, a downgrade in TDS’ credit rating could adversely affect its ability to obtain long-term debt financing in the future.

Employee Benefits Plans

Employee Benefits Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Employee Benefit Plans	Note 12 Employee Benefit Plans Defined Contribution Plans TDS sponsors a qualified noncontributory defined contribution pension plan. The plan provides benefits for certain employees of TDS C orporate, TDS Telecom and U.S. Cellular. Under this plan, pension costs are calculated separately for each participant and are funded annually. Total pension costs were $ 16.4 million, $ 16.4 millio n and $ 16.2 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. In addition, TDS sponsors a defined contri bution retirement savings plan (“401(k)”) plan. Total costs incurred from TDS’ contributions to the 401(k) plan were $ 25.7 million, $ 25.3 million and $ 24.8 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. TDS also sponsors an unfunded nonqualified deferred supplemental executive retirement plan for c ertain employees to offset the reduction of benefits caused by the limitation on annual employee compensation under the tax laws. Other Post-Retirement Benefits TDS sponsors a defined benefit post-retirement plan that provides medical benefits to ret irees and that covers certain employees of TDS Corporate and TDS Telecom. The plan is contributory, with retiree contributions adjusted annually. In August 2015, TDS approved an amendment to its defined benefit post-retirement plan. Under this plan, TDS provides a subsidy to retirees to pay for various medical plan options. The amendment increased subsidy caps and became effective January 1, 2016. The plan amendment, along with certain valuation assumption updates, increased the plan’s benefit obligatio n by $8.6 million. This amount is included in TDS’ December 31, 2015 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of Net actuarial gains (losses) and Prior service cost. The following amounts are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet before affecting such amounts for income taxes: December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Net prior service costs $ 6,846 $ 17,246 Net actuarial loss (7,280) (8,436) $ (434) $ 8,810 The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost gain for the postretirement benefit plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost during 2016 are $ 0.2 million and $ 2.0 million, respectively. The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for the other post-retirement benefit plan. December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 34,645 $ 46,142 Service cost 549 1,018 Interest cost 1,540 2,255 Plan amendments 7,412 (2,057) Actuarial (gain) loss (3,723) (10,897) Prescription drug subsidy 227 264 Employee contribution 2,222 2,216 Benefits paid (4,101) (4,296) Benefit obligation at end of year 38,771 34,645 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 51,324 49,743 Actual return (loss) on plan assets 395 3,495 Employee contribution 2,222 2,216 Employer contribution 168 166 Benefits paid (4,101) (4,296) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 50,008 51,324 Funded status $ 11,237 $ 16,679 The funded status identified above is recorded as a component of Other assets and deferred charges in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the plans’ assets at fair value, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . 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 over all risk profile, and therefore Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets. There were no Level 3 assets for any years presented. Mutual funds are valued based on the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. The bank common trust is entirely comprised of the BlackRock Intermediate Government/Credit Bond Index Fund F (“BlackRock Bond Fund”) and is valued using the market approach which values the underlying investments in the fund using observable inputs for similar assets. December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds International equity 1 $ 11,912 $ – $ 11,912 Money market 2 3,139 – 3,139 US large cap 3 22,327 – 22,327 Bank common trust Bond 4 – 12,630 12,630 Total plan assets at fair value $ 37,378 $ 12,630 $ 50,008 December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds Bond 5 $ 12,842 $ – $ 12,842 International equity 1 12,003 – 12,003 Money market 2 2,053 – 2,053 US large cap 3 20,191 – 20,191 US small cap 6 4,234 – 4,234 Other – 1 1 Total plan assets at fair value $ 51,323 $ 1 $ 51,324 1 International equity - This type of fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in the stocks of companies located outside the United States that are considered to have the potential for above-average capital appreciation. 2 Money market - This type of fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality, dollar-denominated short-term debt securities. 3 US large cap - This type of fund seeks to track the performance of several benchmark indices that measure the investment return of large-capitalization stocks. The funds attempt to replicate the indices by investing substantially all of their assets in the stocks that make up the various indices in approximately the same proportion as the weighting in the indices. 4 Bond (bank common trust) – This type of fund seeks to achieve maximum total return by investing in Bond Index Funds and other short-term investments. 5 Bond (mutual funds) - This type of fund seeks to achieve a maximum total return, consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment management by investing in a wide spectrum of fixed income instruments including bonds, debt securities and other similar instruments issued by government and private-sector entities. 6 US small cap - This type of fund seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index that measures the investment return of small-capitalization stocks. The fund attempts to replicate the index by investing substantially all of its assets in the stocks that make up the index in approximately the same proportion as the weighting in the index. The following table summarizes how plan assets are invested. Allocation of Plan Assets at December 31, Investment Target Asset Category Allocation 2015 2014 U.S. equities 45% 44.7% 47.6% International equities 25% 23.8% 23.4% Debt securities 30% 31.5% 29.0% The post-retirement benefit fund engages multiple asset managers to ensure proper diversification of the investment portfolio within each asset category. The investment objective is to meet or exceed the rate of return of a performance index comprised of 45 % Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index, 25 % FTSE All World (excluding U.S.) Stock Index, and 30 % Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index. The three-year and five-year aver age rates of return for TDS’ post-retirement benefit fund are 8.02 % and 7.40 %, respectively. The post-retirement benefit fund does not hold any debt or equity securities issued by TDS, U.S. Cellul ar or any related parties. TDS is not required to set aside current funds for its future retiree health insurance benefits. The decision to contribute to the plan assets is based upon several factors, including the funded status of the plan, market condit ions, alternative investment opportunities, tax benefits and other circumstances. In accordance with applicable income tax regulations, annual contributions to fund the costs of future retiree medical benefits may not exceed certain thresholds. TDS has n ot determined whether it will make a contribution to the plan in 2016 . Net periodic benefit cost recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations includes the following components: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 549 $ 1,018 $ 1,348 Interest cost 1,540 2,255 2,137 Expected return on plan assets (3,252) (3,402) (3,065) Amortization of prior service costs 1 (2,988) (3,644) (3,605) Amortization of actuarial losses 2 290 1,287 2,452 Net post-retirement cost (benefit) $ (3,861) $ (2,486) $ (733) 1 Based on straight-line amortization over the average time remaining before active employees become fully eligible for plan benefits. 2 Based on straight-line amortization over the average time remaining before active employees retire. The following assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost: December 31, 2015 2014 Benefit obligations Discount rate 4.40% 4.20% Net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 4.20% 5.00% Expected return on plan assets 6.50% 7.00% The discount rate for 2015 and 2014 was determined using a hypothetical Aa spot yield curve represented by a series of annualized individual spot discount rates from six months to 99 years. The spot rate curve was derived from a direct calculation of the implied forward rate curve based on the included bond cash flows. This yi eld curve, when populated with projected cash flows that represent the expected timing and amount of TDS plan benefit payments, produces a single effective interest discount rate that is used to measure the plan’s liabilities. The expected rate of return was determined using the target asset allocation for the TDS plan and rate of return expectations for each asset class. The measurement date for actuarial determination was December 31, 2015 . For measurement purposes, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2015 to be 9.5 % for plan participants aged 65 and above, and 7.3 % for participants under age 65. For all participants the 2015 annual rate of increase is expected to decrease to 5.0 % by 2024. The 2014 expected rate of increase was 7.8 % for plan participants aged 65 and above, and 7.5 % for participants under age 65, decreasing to 5.0 % for all participants by 2022. A 1% increase or decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 : One Percent Increase Decrease (Dollars in thousands) Effect on total service and interest cost components $ 14 $ (13) Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation $ 230 $ (202) The following estimated future benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid: Year Estimated Future Post-Retirement Benefit Payments (Dollars in thousands) 2016 $ 1,823 2017 1,969 2018 2,061 2019 2,163 2020 2,257 2021-2025 12,229

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 13 Commitments and Contingencies Agreements In November 2014, U.S. Cellular executed a Master Statement of Work and certain other documents with Amdocs Software Systems Limited (“Amdocs”). The agreement provides that U.S. Cellular will outsource to Amdocs certain support functions for its Billing a nd Operational Support System (“B/OSS”). Such functions include application support, billing operations and some infrastructure services. The agreement has a term through September 30, 2019, subject to five one-year renewal periods at U.S. Cellular’s opt ion. The estimated amount to be paid to Amdocs with respect to the agreement during the remaining term is approximately $ 83 million (exclusive of travel and expenses and subject to certain potential adjustments). During 2013, U.S. Cellular entered into agreements with Apple to purchase certain minimum quantities of Apple iPhone products and fund marketing programs related to the Apple iPhone and iPad products over a three-year period beginning in November 2013. Ba sed on current forecasts, TDS estimates that the remaining contractual commitment as of December 31, 2015 under these agreements is approximately $ 196 million. At this time, TDS expects to meet its contractual commitments with Apple. Lease Commitments TDS and its subsidiaries have leases for certain plant facilities, office space, retail store sites, cell sites, data centers and data-processing equipment which are accounted for as operati ng 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 increa ses, are included in the calculation of rent expense and calculated on a straight-line basis over the defined lease term. As of December 31, 2015 , future minimum rental payments requ ired 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 Operating Leases Future Minimum Future Minimum Rental Payments Rental Receipts (Dollars in thousands) 2016 $ 156,882 $ 48,304 2017 136,248 40,180 2018 117,806 31,940 2019 100,894 21,608 2020 87,993 10,184 Thereafter 724,217 1,238 Total $ 1,324,040 $ 153,454 For 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , rent expense for noncancellable long-term leases was $ 168.4 million, $ 177.0 million and $ 187.4 million, respectively; and rent expense under cancellable short-term leases was $ 10.8 million, $ 8.8 million and $ 12.5 million, respectively. Indemnifications TDS 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 th at would require TDS to perform under these indemnities are transaction specific; however, these agreements may require TDS to indemnify the counterparty for costs and losses incurred from litigation or claims arising from the underlying transaction. TDS i s 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, TDS has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements. Legal Proceedings TDS 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 TDS believes t hat 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 proce edings 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. TDS has accrued $ 0.5 million and $ 0.4 million with respect to legal proceedings and unasserted claims as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. TDS has not accrued any amount for legal proceedings if it cannot estimate the amount of the possible loss or rang e of loss. TDS is unable to estimate any contingent loss in excess of the amounts accrued.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Variable Interest Entities	Note 14 Variable Interest Entities TDS consolidates variable interest entities ( “ VIEs ” ) in which it has a controlling financial interest and is 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 performa nce and (b) the obligation to absorb the VIE losses and right to receive benefits that are significant to the VIE. TDS reviews these criteria initially at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when reconsideration events occur. Consolidated VIEs As of December 31, 2015 , TDS holds a variable interest in and consolidates the following VIEs under GAAP: Advantage Spectrum and Frequency Advantage L.P., the general partner of Advantage Spectrum; Aquinas Wir eless L.P. (“Aquinas Wireless”); and King Street Wireless L.P. (“King Street Wireless”) and King Street Wireless, Inc., the general partner of King Street Wireless. The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Advantage Spectrum, Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless (collectively, the “limited partnerships”) 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; however, the general partner of each partnership needs the consent of the limited partner, a TDS subsidiary, to sell or lease certain licenses, to make certain large expenditures, admit other part ners or liquidate the limited partnerships. Although the power to direct the activities of the VIEs is shared, TDS has a disproportionate level of exposure to the variability associated with the economic performance of the VIEs, indicating that TDS is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Accordingly, these VIEs are consolidated. The following table presents the classification of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,435 $ 2,588 Other current assets 265 278 Licenses 1 648,661 312,977 Property, plant and equipment, net 7,722 10,671 Other assets and deferred charges 147 60,059 Total assets $ 658,230 $ 386,573 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 143 $ 110 Deferred liabilities and credits 489 622 Total liabilities $ 632 $ 732 1 At December 31, 2015, includes purchases totaling $338.3 million made by Advantage Spectrum from the FCC as described below. Other Related Matters In March 2015, King Street Wireless made a $ 60.0 million distribution to its investors. Of this distribution, $ 6.0 million was provided to King Street Wireless, Inc. and $ 54.0 million was provided to U.S. Cellular. FCC Auction 97 ended in January 2015. TDS participated in Auction 97 indirectly through its interest in Advantage Spectrum. A subsidiary of U.S. Cellular is a limited partner in Advantage Spectrum. Advantage Spectrum applied as a “designated entity,” and expects to receive bid credits with respect to spectrum purchased in Auction 97. Advantage Spectrum was the winning bidder fo r 124 licenses for an aggregate bid of $ 338.3 million, after its expected designated entity discount of 25% . This amount is classified as Licenses in TDS’ Consolidated Balance She et. Advantage Spectrum’s bid amount, less the initial deposit of $ 60.0 million paid in 2014, plus certain other charges totaling $ 2.3 million, were paid to the FCC in March 2015. These licenses have not y et been granted by and are still pending before the FCC. To help fund this payment, U.S. Cellular made loans and capital contributions to Advantage Spectrum and Frequency Advantage totaling $ 280.6 million during 2015 . TDS’ capital contributions and advances made to its VIEs totaled $ 60.9 million in 2014. There were no capital contributions or advances made to VIEs in 2013. Advantage Spectrum, Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wirel ess 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. As such, these entities have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factor s” in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . TDS may agree to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to Advantage Spectrum, Aquinas Wireless or King Street Wireless and/or to their gen eral partners to provide additional funding for the development of licenses granted in various auctions. TDS 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 TDS 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, Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless also provid e 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 Str eet Wireless and Aquinas Wireless will become exercisable in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The general partner’s put options related to its interest in Advantage Spectrum will become exercisable on the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the issuance of any l icense. The put option price is determined pursuant to a formula that takes into consideration fixed interest rates and the market value of U.S. Cellular’s Common Shares. Upon exercise of the put option, the general partner is required to repay borrowings due to U.S. Cellular. If the general partner does not elect to exercise its put option, the general partner may trigger an appraisal process in which the limited partner (a subsidiary of U.S. Cellular) may have the right, but not the obligation, to purch ase the general partner’s interest in the limited partnership at a price and on other terms and conditions specified in the limited partnership agreement. In accordance with requirements under GAAP, TDS is required to calculate a theoretical redemption va lue for all of the put options assuming they are exercisable at the end of each reporting period, even though such exercise is not contractually permitted. Pursuant to GAAP, this theoretical redemption value, net of amounts payable to U.S. Cellular for lo ans and accrued interest thereon made by U.S. Cellular to the general partners (“net put value”), was $ 1.1 million and $ 1.2 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The net put value is recorded as Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. Also in accordance with GAAP, changes in the redemption value of the put options, net of interes t accrued on the loans, are recorded as a component of Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, in TDS’ Consolidated Statement of Operations. During 2015 , TDS recorded out-of-period adjustments attributable to 2013 and 2014, related to an agreement with King Street Wireless. TDS has determined that these adjustments were not material to the prior quarterly or annual periods, and also were not material to the full year 2015 results. As a result of these out-of-period adjustments, Net income decreased by $ 2.8 million and Net income attributable to TDS shareholders decreased by $ 3.3 million in 2015.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Noncontrolling Interests	Note 15 Noncontrolling Interests The following schedule discloses the effects of N et income attributable to TDS shareholders and changes in TDS’ ownership interest in U.S. Cellular on TDS’ equity for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 201 3 (Dollars in thousands) Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders $ 219,037 $ (136,355) $ 141,927 Transfer (to) from the noncontrolling interests Change in TDS’ Capital in excess of par value from (14,785) (12,420) (14,135) U.S. Cellular's issuance of U.S. Cellular shares Change in TDS’ Capital in excess of par value from 1,325 1,296 3,370 U.S. Cellular’s repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares Change in TDS’ Capital in excess of par value from – 7,484 – common control transaction Purchase of ownership in subsidiaries from noncontrolling interests 240 (1,034) (123) Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests (13,220) (4,674) (10,888) Change from net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders and $ 205,817 $ (141,029) $ 131,039 transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Finite-Lived Subsidiaries TDS’ consolidated financial statements include certain noncontrolling interests that mee t 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 pro vide 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 TDS in accordance with the respective partnership agreements. The termination dates of these mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests range from 2085 to 2113. 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, 2015 , net of estimated liquidation costs, is $ 15.7 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 f actors and assumptions which are subjective in nature. Changes in those factors and assumptions could result in a materially larger or smaller settlement amount. TDS currently has no plans or intentions relating to the liquidation of any of the related par tnerships prior to their scheduled termination dates. The corresponding carrying value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in finite-lived consolidated partnerships at December 31, 2015 was $ 4.2 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 TDS’ share, of the appreciation of the underlyin g net assets of these subsidiaries is reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

Common Shareholders' Equity

Common Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Common Shareholders' Equity	Note 16 Common Shareholders’ Equity Common Stock As of Dec ember 31, 2015 , Series A Common Shares were convertible, on a share for share basis, into Common Shares and 7,211,260 Common Shares were reserved for possible issuance upon conversion of Series A Common Shares. The following t able summarizes the number of Common and Series A Common Shares issued and repurchased. Common Shares Common Treasury Shares Series A Common Shares (Shares in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2012 125,512 24,641 7,160 Repurchase of shares – 339 – Conversion of Series A Common Shares 33 – (33) Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans – (1,026) 39 Balance at December 31, 2013 125,545 23,954 7,166 Repurchase of shares – 1,542 – Conversion of Series A Common Shares 25 – (25) Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans – (646) 38 Balance at December 31, 2014 125,570 24,850 7,179 Conversion of Series A Common Shares 1 – (1) Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans – (1,034) 33 Balance at December 31, 2015 125,571 23,816 7,211 Tax-Deferred Savings Plan TDS has reserved 90,341 Common Shares at December 31, 2015 , 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 and TDS’ contributions in a TDS Common Share fund, a U.S. Cellular Common Share fund or certain unaffiliated funds. Common Share Repurchases TDS and U.S. Cellular Share Repurchases On August 2, 2013, the Board of Directors of TDS authorized a $ 250 million stock repurchase program for the purchase of TDS Common Shares from time to time pursuant to open market purchases, block transactions, private purchases or otherwise, depending on market conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date. On November 17, 2009, 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. T hese purchases 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. Share repurchases made under these autho rizations were as follows: Year Ended December 31, Number of Average Cost (Shares and dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) Shares Per Share Amount 2015 U.S. Cellular Common Shares 178 $ 34.86 $ 6,188 TDS Common Shares – – – 2014 U.S. Cellular Common Shares 496 $ 38.19 $ 18,943 TDS Common Shares 1,542 25.36 39,096 2013 U.S. Cellular Common Shares 499 $ 37.19 $ 18,544 TDS Common Shares 339 28.60 9,692

Stock Based Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Stock Based Compensation	Note 17 Stock-Based Compensation TDS Consolidated The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recognized during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Stock option awards $ 18,431 $ 15,802 $ 12,973 Restricted stock unit awards 20,067 17,968 15,535 Deferred compensation bonus and matching stock unit awards 622 690 550 Awards under Non-Employee Director compensation plan 1,280 1,333 1,280 Total stock-based compensation, before income taxes 40,400 35,793 30,338 Income tax benefit (15,267) (13,519) (11,459) Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes $ 25,133 $ 22,274 $ 18,879 At December 31, 2015 , unrecognized compensati on cost for all stock ‑ based compensation awards was $ 42.8 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years. The following table provides a summary of the stock-ba sed compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Selling, general and administrative expense $ 37,465 $ 32,505 $ 27,130 Cost of services and products 2,935 3,288 3,208 Total stock-based compensation $ 40,400 $ 35,793 $ 30,338 TDS’ tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options and other awards totaled $ 7.7 million in 2015 . TDS (Excluding U.S. Cellular) The information in this section relates to stock ‑ based compensation plans using the equity instruments of TDS. Participants in these plans are employees of TDS Corporate and TDS Telecom and Non-employee Directors of TDS. Information related to plans using the equity instruments of U.S. Cellular are shown in the U.S. Cellular section following the TDS section. Under the TDS Long-Term Incentive Plans, TDS may gran t fixed and performance based incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation stock unit awards to key employees. TDS had reserved 17,389,000 Common Shares at December 31, 2015 for equity awards granted and to be granted under the TDS Long-Term Incentive Plans in effect. At December 31, 2015 , the only types of awards outstanding are fi xed non-qualified stock option awards, restricted stock unit awards, and deferred compensation stock unit awards. TDS has also established a Non-Employee Directors’ compensation plan under which it has reserved 139,000 TDS Common Shares at December 31, 2015 for issuance as compensation to members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of TDS. TDS uses treasury stock to satisfy requirements for shares issued pursuant to its various stock-based compensation plans. Long-Term Incentive Plan – 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 periods up to three years from the date of grant. Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 expire between 2016 and 2025. However, vested stock options typically expire 30 days after the effective date of an employee’s te rmination 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 equ als the market value of TDS common stock on the date of grant. TDS estimated the fair value of stock options granted in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 using the Black Scholes valuation model and the assumptions shown in the table below: 2015 2014 2013 Expected life 6.1 years 5.8 years 5.7 years Expected annual volatility rate 30.8% 39.6% 41.0% Dividend yield 1.9% 2.0% 2.3% Risk-free interest rate 1.8% 1.8% 1.0% Estimated annual forfeiture rate 3.2% 2.9% 2.9% A summary of TDS stock options (total and portion exercisable) and changes during 2015 , is presented in the tables and narrative below. Weighted Average Weighted Remaining Average Aggregate Contractual Number of Exercise Intrinsic Life Common Share Options Options Prices Value (in years) Outstanding at December 31, 2014 9,140,000 $ 30.25 (6,487,000 exercisable) 32.93 Granted 998,000 29.26 Exercised (575,000) 23.11 Forfeited (21,000) 26.30 Expired (407,000) 37.09 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 9,135,000 $ 30.29 $ 9,531,000 5.3 (6,009,000 exercisable) $ 32.54 $ 5,548,000 3.8 The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the TDS stock options granted in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $ 7.66 , $ 8.66 and $ 7.01 , respectiv ely. The aggregate intrinsic value of TDS stock options exercised in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $ 3.8 mi llion, $ 0.2 million and $ 2.5 million, respectively. T he aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between TDS’ closing stock pric es and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that was received by the option holders upon exercise or that would have been received by option holders had all options been exercised on D ecember 31, 2015 . Long-Term Incentive Plans – Restricted Stock Units – TDS also grants restricted stock unit awards to key employees. Each outstanding restricted stock unit is convertible into one Common Share Award. The restricted stock unit awards currently outstanding were granted in 2013 , 2014 and 2015 and will vest in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. TDS estimates the fair value of restricted stock units by reducing the grant-date price of TDS’ s hares by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate, since employees are not entitled to dividends declared on the underlying sh ares while the restricted stock is unvested. 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 TDS nonvested restricted sto ck units and changes during 2015, is presented in the table below: Common Restricted Stock Units Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at December 31, 2014 692,000 $ 23.20 Granted 368,000 $ 27.57 Forfeited (16,000) $ 25.60 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 1,044,000 $ 24.70 No restricted stock units vested during 2015. The total fair values as of the respective vesting dates of restricted stock units vested during 2014 and 2013 were $ 7.5 million and $ 5.8 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the restricted stock u nits granted in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $ 27.57 , $ 25.26 and $ 21.09 , respectively. Long-Term Incentive Plans – Deferred Compensation Stock Units – Certain TDS employees may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual bonuses and to receive a company matching contr ibution 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 TDS Common Share units. The amount of TDS’ matching contribution depends on the portion of the annual bonus that is deferred. Participants receive a 25% stock unit 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 TDS Common Share units. The total fair values of deferred compensation stock units that vested during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were $ 0.1 million, $ 0.1 million and $ 0.1 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the deferred compensation stock units granted in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $ 25.36 , $ 23.27 and $ 21.99 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , there were 261,000 vested but unissued deferred compensation stock units valued at $ 6.8 million. Compensation of Non-Employee Directors – TDS issued 28,000 , 33,000 and 33,000 Common Shares under its Non-Employee Director plan in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Dividend Reinvestment Plans (“DRIP”) – TDS had reserved 605,000 Common Shares at December 31, 2015 , for issuance under Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plans and 107,000 Series A Common Shares for issuance under the Series A Common Share Automatic Dividend Reinves tment Plan. These plans enabled holders of TDS’ Common Shares and Preferred Shares to reinvest cash dividends in Common Shares and holders of Series A Common Shares to reinvest cash dividends in Series A Common Shares. The purchase price of the shares is 95% of the market value, based on the average of the daily high and low sales prices for TDS’ Common Shares on the New York Stock Exchange for the ten trading days preceding the date on which the purchase is made. These plans are considered non-compensat ory plans; therefore no compensation expense is recognized for stock issued under these plans. U.S. Cellular The information in this section relates to stock ‑ based compensation plans using the equity instruments of U.S. Cellular. Participants in these pla ns are employees of U.S. Cellular and Non-employee Directors of U.S. Cellular. Information related to plans using the equity instruments of TDS are shown in the previous section. 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 un its, and deferred compensation stock unit awards to key employees. At December 31, 2015 , the only types of awards outstanding are fixed non-qualified stock option awards, restricted stock unit awards, a nd 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. On June 25, 2013, U.S. Cellular paid a special cash dividend to all holders of U.S. Cellular Common Shares and Series A Common Shares as of June 11, 2013. Outstanding U.S. Cellular stock options, restricted stock unit awards and deferred compensation stock units were equitably adjusted for th e special cash dividend. The impact of such adjustments are fully reflected for all years presented. See Note 5 — Earnings Per Share for additional information. At December 31, 2015 , U.S. Cellular had reserved 9,340,000 Common Shares for equity awards granted and to be granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plans and 183,000 Common Shares for issuan ce 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 grant ed 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, 201 5 expire between 2016 and 2025. 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 estimated the fair value of stock options granted during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 using the Black-Scholes val uation model and the assumptions shown in the table below. 2015 2014 2013 Expected life 4.6 years 4.5 years 4.6-9.0 years Expected annual volatility rate 30.1% 28.0%-28.1% 29.2%-39.6% Dividend yield 0% 0% 0% Risk-free interest rate 1.2% 1.4%-1.5% 0.7%-2.4% Estimated annual forfeiture rate 9.7% 9.4% 0.0%-8.1% 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 2015, is presented in the table below: Weighted Average Weighted Remaining Average Aggregate Contractual Number of Exercise Intrinsic Life Common Share Options Options Price Value (in years) Outstanding at December 31, 2014 3,388,000 $ 41.51 (1,586,000 exercisable) 45.28 Granted 1,279,000 36.42 Exercised (321,000) 32.94 Forfeited (110,000) 37.57 Expired (134,000) 43.77 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 4,102,000 $ 40.62 $ 11,292,000 6.8 (1,849,000 exercisable) $ 44.33 $ 3,733,000 4.6 The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the U.S. Cellular stock options granted in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $ 9.94 , $ 10.68 and $ 11.53 , respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of U.S. Cellular stock options exercised in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $ 2.1 million, $ 2.0 million and $ 6.8 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (t he difference between U.S. Cellular’s closing stock price and the exercise price multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that was received by the option holders upon exercise or that would have been received by option holders had all options been exercised on December 31, 2015 . Long-Term Incentive Plans – Restricted Stock Units – U.S. Cellular grants restricted stock unit awards, which generally vest after three years, to key employees. 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, 2015 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, 2014 1,142,000 $ 35.60 Granted 478,000 37.24 Vested (349,000) 34.05 Forfeited (77,000) 35.76 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 1,194,000 $ 36.70 The total fair value of restricted stock units that vested during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $ 12.9 million, $ 11.1 million and $ 8.8 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the restricted stock units granted in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $ 37.24 , $ 41.24 and $ 32.06 , 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 portio n 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. The total fair value of deferred compensation stock units that vested during 2015 and 2013 was $ 0.2 million and less than $ 0.1 million, respective ly. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the deferred compensation stock units granted in 2015 and 2013 was $ 35.96 and $ 31.50 , respectively. There were no deferred compensation stock units granted or that vested during 2014. As of December 31, 2015 , there were 6,000 vested but unissued deferred compensation stock units valued at $ 0.2 million. Compensation of Non-Employee Directors – U.S. Cellular issued 15,000 , 14,200 and 13,000 Common Shares in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respe ctively, under its Non-Employee Director compensation plan.

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Business Segment Information	Note 18 Business Segment Information U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom are billed for all services they receive from TDS, consisting pr imarily of information processing, accounting and finance, and general management services. Such billings are based on expenses specifically identified to U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom and on allocations of common expenses. Management believes the method used to allocate common expenses is reasonable and that all expenses and costs applicable to U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom are reflected in the accompanying business segment information on a basis that is representative of what they would have been if U.S . Cellular and TDS Telecom operated on a stand-alone basis. Financial data for TDS’ reportable segments for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , is as follows. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements for additional information. TDS Telecom Year End ed or as of December 31, 2015 U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable HMS TDS Telecom Eliminations TDS Telecom Total Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in thousands) Operating revenues Service $ 3,350,431 $ 698,938 $ 174,529 $ 116,810 $ (4,621) $ 985,656 $ (14,118) $ 4,321,969 Equipment and product sales 646,422 1,965 437 169,985 – 172,387 35,463 854,272 Total operating revenues 3,996,853 700,903 174,966 286,795 (4,621) 1,158,043 21,345 5,176,241 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below) 775,042 254,879 78,758 85,163 (4,334) 414,466 1,402 1,190,910 Cost of equipment and products 1,052,810 2,212 169 142,927 – 145, 308 25,913 1,224,031 Selling, general and administrative 1,493,730 193,850 53,738 47,104 (287) 294,405 (7,672) 1,780,463 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 606,455 165,841 35,271 26,94 8 – 228,060 9,846 844,361 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 16,313 5,094 691 89 – 5,874 (11) 22,176 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (113,555) (9,530) – – – (9,530) (12,802) (135,887) (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges (146,884) – – – – – – (146,884) Operating income (loss) 312,942 88,557 6,339 (15,436) – 79,460 4,669 397,071 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 140,083 17 – – – 17 (24) 140,076 Interest and dividend income 36,332 2,193 37 35 – 2,265 186 38,783 Interest expense (86,194) 1,133 458 (2,329) – (738) (54,787) (141,719) Other, net 466 (22) 3 (98) – (117) 42 391 Income (loss) before income taxes 403,629 91,878 6,837 (17,828) – 80,887 (49,914) 434,602 Income tax expense (benefit)¹ 156,334 34,972 (19,314) 171,992 Net income (loss) 247,295 45,915 (30,600) 262,610 Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 606,455 165,841 35,271 26,94 8 – 228,060 9,846 844,361 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 16,313 5,094 691 89 – 5,874 (11) 22,176 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (113,555) (9,53 0) – – – (9,530) (12,802) (135,887) (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges (146,884) – – – – – – (146,884) Interest expense 86,194 (1,133) (458) 2,329 – 738 54,787 141,719 Income tax expense (benefit)¹ 156,334 34,972 (19,314) 171,992 Adjusted EBITDA 2 $ 852,152 $ 252,150 $ 42,341 $ 11,538 $ – $ 306,029 $ 1,906 $ 1,160,087 Investments in unconsolidated entities $ 363,384 $ 3,802 $ – $ – $ – $ 3,802 $ 34,534 $ 401,720 Total assets $ 7,059,978 $ 1,312,394 $ 577,788 $ 285,929 $ – $ 2,176,11 1 $ 186,373 $ 9,422,462 Capital expenditures $ 533,053 $ 140,433 $ 51,573 $ 27,059 $ – $ 219,065 $ 7,250 $ 759,368 TDS Telecom Year Ende d or as of December 31, 2014 U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable HMS TDS Telecom Eliminations TDS Telecom Total Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in thousands) Operating revenues Service $ 3,397,937 $ 714,586 $ 116,855 $ 109,766 $ (3,697) $ 937,510 $ (6,793) $ 4,328,654 Equipment and product sales 494,810 1,836 – 148,966 – 150,802 35,172 680,784 Total operating revenues 3,892,747 716,422 116,855 258,732 (3,697) 1,088,312 28,379 5,009,438 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below) 769,911 256,878 54,265 77,392 (3,504) 385,031 9,716 1,164,658 Cost of equ ipment and products 1,192,669 2,336 – 126,362 – 128,698 25,444 1,346,811 Selling, general and administrative 1,591,914 189,956 36,175 53,020 (193) 278,958 (5,065) 1,865,807 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 605,997 169,044 23,643 26,91 2 – 219,599 10,936 836,532 Loss on impairment of assets – – – 84,000 – 84,000 3,802 87,802 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 21,469 2,091 2,482 181 – 4,754 308 26,531 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (32,830) (2,357) – – – (2,357) 19,341 (15,846) (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges (112,993) – – – – – – (112,993) Operating income (loss) (143,390) 98,474 290 (109,135) – (10,371) (36,103) (189,864) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 129,764 8 – – – 8 2,193 131,965 Interest and dividend income 12,148 2,396 8 26 – 2,430 2,379 16,957 Interest expense (57,386) 2,695 95 (1,602) – 1,188 (55,199) (111,397) Other, net 160 (32) (1) 12 – (21) (24) 115 Income (loss) before income taxes (58,704) 103,541 392 (110,699) – (6,766) (86,754) (152,224) Income tax expense (benefit)¹ (11,782) 17,590 (10,740) (4,932) Net income (loss) (46,922) (24,356) (76,014) (147,292) Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 605,997 169,044 23,643 26,91 2 – 219,599 10,936 836,532 Loss on impairment of assets – – – 84,000 – 84,000 3,802 87,802 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 21,469 2,091 2,482 181 – 4,75 4 308 26,531 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (32,830) (2,357 ) – – – (2,357) 19,341 (15,846) (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges (112,993) – – – – – – (112,993) Interest expense 57,386 (2,695) (95) 1,602 – (1,188) 55,199 111,397 Income tax expense (benefit)¹ (11,782) 17,590 (10,740) (4,932) Adjusted EBITDA 2 $ 480,325 $ 269,624 $ 26,422 $ 1,996 $ – $ 298,042 $ 2,832 $ 781,199 Investments in unconsolidated entities $ 283,014 $ 3,803 $ – $ – $ – $ 3,803 $ 34,912 $ 321,729 Total assets 3 $ 6,462,309 $ 1,419,478 $ 563,585 $ 268,972 $ – $ 2,252,035 $ 140,078 $ 8,854,422 Capital expenditures $ 557,615 $ 135,805 $ 35,640 $ 36,618 $ – $ 208,063 $ 4,899 $ 770,577 TDS Telecom Year Ende d or as of December 31, 2013 U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable HMS TDS Telecom Eliminations TDS Telecom Total Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in thousands) Operating revenues Service $ 3,594,773 $ 723,372 $ 35,883 $ 94,875 $ (1,063) $ 853,067 $ (4,349) $ 4,443,491 Equipment and product sales 324,063 3,195 – 90,741 – 93,936 39,746 457,745 Total operating revenues 3,918,836 726,567 35,883 185,616 (1,063) 947,003 35,397 4,901,236 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below) 763,435 266,635 17,274 60,423 (1,00 0) 343,332 11,416 1,118,183 Cost of equipment and products 999,000 3,831 – 75,991 – 79,822 28,311 1,107,133 Selling, general and administrative 1,677,395 220,097 11,054 44,945 (63) 276,033 (5,650) 1,947,778 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 803,781 170,868 7,571 24,262 – 202,701 11,595 1,018,077 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 30,606 130 28 125 – 283 (48) 30,841 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (24 6,767) – – – – – (53,889) (300,656) (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges (255,479) – – – – – – (255,479) Operating income (loss) 146,865 65,006 (44) (20,130) – 44,832 43,662 235,359 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 131,949 19 – – – 19 746 132,714 Interest and dividend income 3,961 1,759 2 63 – 1,824 3,307 9,092 Gain (loss) on investments 18,556 830 – – – 830 (4,839) 14,547 Interest expense (43,963) 3,265 (74) (1,626) – 1,565 (56,413) (98,811) Other, net 288 (214) – 29 – (185) (140) (37) Income (loss) before income taxes 257,656 70,665 (116) (21,664) – 48,885 (13,677) 292,864 Income tax expense (benefit)¹ 113,134 19,084 (6,175) 126,043 Net income (loss) 144,522 29,801 (7,502) 166,821 Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 803,781 170,868 7,571 24,262 – 202,701 11,595 1,018,077 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 30,606 130 28 125 – 283 (48) 30,841 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (24 6,767) – – – – – (53,889) (300,656) (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges (255,479) – – – – – – (255,479) Gain (loss) on investments (18,556) (830) – – – (830) 4,839 (14,547) Interest expense 43,963 (3,265) 74 1,626 – (1,565) 56,413 98,811 Income tax expense (benefit)¹ 113,134 19,084 (6,175) 126,043 Adjusted EBITDA 2 $ 615,204 $ 237,568 $ 7,557 $ 4,349 $ – $ 249,474 $ 5,233 $ 869,911 Investments in unconsolidated entities $ 265,585 $ 3,809 $ – $ – $ – $ 3,809 $ 32,378 $ 301,772 Total assets 3 $ 6,430,255 $ 1,452,502 $ 278,969 $ 328,397 $ – $ 2,059,868 $ 370,905 $ 8,861,028 Capital expenditures $ 737,501 $ 140,009 $ 8,375 $ 16,474 $ – $ 164,858 $ 7,301 $ 909,660 1 Income tax expense (benefit) is not provided at the individual segment level for Wireline, Cable and HMS. TDS calculates inc ome tax expense for “TDS Telecom Total”. 2 Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (“Adjusted EBITDA”) is a segment measure repor ted to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. Adjusted EBITDA excludes these items in order to show operating results on a more comparable basis from period to period. From time to time, TDS may also exclude other items from Adjusted EBITDA if such items help reflect operating results on a more comp arable basis. TDS does not intend to imply that any of such items that are excluded are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future. TDS believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of TDS’ operating results before significan t recurring non-cash charges, discrete gains and losses, and other items as indicated above. 3 ASU 2015-03, regarding simplification of the presentation of debt issuance costs, was adopted as of December 31, 2015 and ap plied retrospectively. All prior year numbers have been revised to conform to this standard.

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosu

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	Note 19 Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures Following are supplemental cash flow disclosures regarding interest paid and income taxes paid. Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Interest paid $ 134,916 $ 108,510 $ 96,241 Income taxes paid, net of refunds received 57,442 48,876 175,629 Following are supplemental cash flow disclosures regarding transactions related to stock-based compensation awards. In certain situations, TDS and U.S. Cellular withhold 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 t axes required to be withheld from the stock award holder at the time of the exercise or vesting. TDS and U.S. Cellular then pay the amount of the required tax withholdings to the taxing authorities in cash. TDS: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Common Shares withheld 3,163 109,061 265,748 Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld $ 76 $ 2,751 $ 7,639 Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options 13,405 732 12,092 Cash disbursements for payment of taxes (76) (2,751) (2,438) Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards $ 13,329 $ (2,019) $ 9,654 U.S. Cellular: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Common Shares withheld 228,011 163,355 606,582 Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld $ 8,448 $ 6,868 $ 25,179 Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options 6,881 5,166 10,468 Cash disbursements for payment of taxes (4,714) (4,336) (4,684) Net cash receipts from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards $ 2,167 $ 830 $ 5,784 Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“the Recovery Act”), TDS Telecom was awarded and received $ 93.9 million in federal grants an d provided $ 32.4 million of its own funds to complete 44 projects to provide broadband access in unserved areas. TDS Telecom received $ 15.1 million, $ 15.3 million, and $ 41.9 million in grants in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. These funds reduced the carrying amount of the assets to which they relate. TDS Telecom had recorded $ 14.2 million in grants receivable at December 31, 2014 as a component of Accounts receivable, Other , in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. On September 27, 2012, the FCC conducted a single round, sealed bid, reverse auction to award up to $ 300 million in one-time Mobility Fund Phase I support to successful bidders that commit to provide 3G, or better, wireless service in areas designated as unserved by the F CC. This auction was designated by the FCC as Auction 901. U.S. Cellular and several of its wholly-owned subsidiaries participated in Auction 901 and were winning bidders in eligible areas within 10 states and will receive up t o $ 40.1 million in one-time support from the Mobility Fund. These funds when received reduce the carrying amount of the assets to which they relate or offset operating expenses. In connection with these winning bids, in June 2 013, U.S. Cellular provided $ 17.4 million letters of credit to the FCC, of which the entire amount remained outstanding as of December 31, 2015 . U.S. Cellular has received $ 13.4 million in support funds, of which the entire balance has been spent as of December 31, 2015 . In 2014 , $ 1.9 million was included as a component of Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and $ 11.5 million reduced the carrying amount of the assets to which they relate, which are included in Property, plant and equipme nt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. U.S. Cellular has set up a receivable in the amount of $ 18.4 million as of December 31, 2015 as part of Phase II of the Mobility Fund.

Certain Relationships And Relat

Certain Relationships And Related Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions	Note 20 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions The following persons are partners of Sidley Austin LLP, the principal law firm of TDS and its subsidiaries: Walter C.D. C arlson, a trustee and beneficiary of a voting trust that controls TDS, the non-executive Chairman of the Board and member of the Board of Directors of TDS and a director of U.S. Cellular, a subsidiary of 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 Corporation and an Assistant Secretary of certain subsidiaries of TDS. Walter C.D. Carlson does not provide legal services to TDS or its subsidiaries. TDS, U.S. Cellular and their subsidiaries incurred legal costs from Sidley Austin LLP of $ 11.9 million in 2015 , $ 15.4 million in 2014 and $ 17.6 million in 2013 . The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of TDS 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.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block
Subsequent events	Note 21 Subsequent Events In January 2016, TDS entered into an agreement to purchase a 700 MHz A Block license for $ 36.0 million. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2016 pending regulatory approval. In February 2016, TDS entered into multiple agreements with third parties that provide for the transfer of certain AWS and PCS spectrum licenses and approximately $ 30 million in cash to U.S. Cellular, in exchange for U.S. Cellular transferring certain AWS, PCS and 700 MHz licenses to the third parties. The transactions are subject to regulato ry approval and other customary closing conditions, and are expected to close in 2016. Upon closing of the transactions, TDS expects to recognize a gain.

Summary of Significant Accoun29

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Significant Accounting Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations	Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“TDS”) is a diversified telecommunications company providing high-quality services to approximately 4.9 million wireless customers and 1.2 million wireline and cable connections at December 31, 2015 . TDS conducts all of its wireless operations through its 84% -owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”). TDS provides broadband, video, voice and hosted and managed services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications Corporation (“TDS Telecom”). TDS has the following reportable segments: U.S. Cellular, Wireline, Cable, and Hosted and Managed Services (“HMS”) operations. TDS’ non-reportable other business activities are presented as “Corporate, Eliminations and Other”. This includes the operations of TDS’ wh olly-owned subsidiary Suttle-Straus, Inc. (“Suttle-Straus”). Suttle-Straus’ financial results were not significant to TDS’ operations. All of TDS’ segments operate only in the United States, except for HMS, which includes an insignificant foreign operati on. See Note 18 — Business Segment Information for summary financial information on each business segment.
Principles of Consolidation	The accounting policies of TDS conform to accountin g 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 i n these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS, its majority-owned subsidiaries, general partnerships in which it has a majority partnership interest and variable interest entitie s (“VIEs”) in which TDS is the primary beneficiary. Both VIE and primary beneficiary represent terms defined by GAAP. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Reclassifications	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conf orm to the 2015 financial statement presentation. In the fourth quarter of 2015, TDS adopted, on a retrospective basis, Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“AS U 2015-03”). See discussion of ASU 2015-03 below under Debt Issuance Costs.
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 estimate s. Significant estimates are involved in accounting for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, income taxes and equipment installment plans.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with orig inal maturities of three months or less.
Accounts Receivable	U.S. Cellular’s accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed by customers for wireless services and equipment sales, including sales of certain devic es under equipment installment plans through its owned and agent distribution channels, by agents for sales of equipment to them and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems. TDS Telecom’s accounts receivable pr imarily consist of amounts owed by customers for services and products provided, by interexchange carriers for long-distance traffic which TDS Telecom carries on its network, and by interstate and intrastate revenue pools that distribute access charges.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Th e 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 cou ld 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. TDS 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 or market, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method and market de termined by replacement cost or estimated net realizable value.
Intangible Assets	Licenses Licenses consist of direct and incremental costs incurred in acquiring Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses to provide wireless service. TDS has determined that wireles s 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. TDS and its conso lidated 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. TDS and its consolidated subsidiaries are required to renew their FCC licenses every ten years or, in some cases, every fifteen years. To date, all of TDS’ license renewal applications have been granted by the FCC. Generally, license renewal applications filed by licensees otherwise in compliance with FCC reg ulations 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 entit lement 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. TDS bel ieves 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. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2015, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into eleven units of accounting based on geographic service areas. The eleven units of accounting consisted of four geographic units of accounting for developed operating market licenses (“built licenses”) and seven geographic non-operating market licenses (“unbuilt licenses”). As part of the current year annual impair ment evaluation, U.S. Cellular evaluated the aggregation criteria based on how such licenses are deployed and provide value in U.S. Cellular’s operations, and current industry and market factors. It was determined the built licenses should be aggregated i nto one unit of accounting. The unbuilt licenses continued to be separated into seven geographic units of accounting. As of November 1, 2015, U.S. Cellular performed a qualitative impairment assessment to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of the built and unbuilt licenses exceed their carrying value. In 2014, U.S. Cellular estimated the fair value of built licenses for purposes of impairment testing using the build-out method. The build-out method estimates the fair value o f Licenses by discounting to present value the future cash flows calculated based on a hypothetical cost to build-out U.S. Cellular’s network. For units of accounting which consist of unbuilt licenses, the fair value of the unbuilt licenses is assumed to change by the same percentage, and in the same direction, that the fair value of built licenses measured using the build-out method changed during the period. Based on the impairment assessments performed, U.S. Cellular did not have an impairment of its L icenses in 2015 or 2014 . See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional details related to Licenses. Goodwill TDS has Goodwill as a result of its acquisition of wireless, wireline, cable and HMS companies and, under previous business combination guidance in effect prior to 2009, step acquisitions related to U.S. Cellular’s repurchase of its common shares. Such Go odwill represents the excess of the total purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in these transactions. TDS performs its annual impairment assessment of Goodwill as of November 1 of each year or more frequently if there are events or ci rcumstances that cause TDS to believe the carrying value of individual reporting units exceeds their respective fair values on a more likely than not basis. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional details related to Goodwill. U.S. Cellular For purposes of conducting its annual Goodwill impairment test as of November 1, 2015, U.S. Cellular identified one reporting unit. In 2014, U.S. Cellular identified four reporting units based on four geographic groupings of operating markets, representing four geographic service areas. Due to the evolution of the business and the extent to which U.S. Cellular has similar customers, products and services, and operations across all geographic regions, and also operates one interdependent network, U.S. Cellular determined it had one reporting unit as of November 1, 2015. The change in reporting units required U.S. Cellular to perform an impairment test for both the previous four reporting units and one new reporting unit as of November 1, 2015. A discounted cash flow approach was used to value each reporting unit for purposes of the Goodwill impairment review. Based upon the impairment assessments performed, U.S. Cellular did not have an impairment of its Goodwill in 2015 or 2014 . TDS Telecom For purposes of conducting its annual Goodwill impairment test as of the November 1, 2015 and 2014 , TDS Telecom has identified three reporting units: Wireline, Cable and HMS. The discounted cash flow approach and guideline public company method were used to value the Wireline and Cable reporting unit s for the 2015 and 2014 annual impairment tests and the HMS reporting unit for the 2015 impairment test. For the 2014 annual impairment test, TDS Telecom performed a quali tative assessment of the HMS reporting unit due to the interim impairment test performed on the HMS reporting unit during the third quarter of 2014. Based on the impairment assessments performed, Wireline and Cable did not have an impairment of their Good will in 2015 or 2014 . HMS also did not have an impairment of its Goodwill in 2015; however, HMS recognized a loss on impairment in 2014 as described in Note 7 — Intangible Assets . Franchise Rights TDS Telecom has Franchise rights as a result of acquisitions of cable businesses. Franchise rights are intangible assets that provide their holder wit h the right to operate a business in a certain geographical location as sanctioned by the franchiser, usually a government agency. TDS has determined that Franchise rights are indefinite-lived intangible assets and, therefore, not subject to amortization because TDS expects both the renewal by the granting authorities and the cash flows generated from the Franchise rights to continue indefinitely. Cable Franchise rights are generally granted for ten year periods and may be renewed for additional terms upo n approval by the granting authority. TDS anticipates that future renewals of its Franchise rights will be granted. TDS Telecom performs its annual impairment assessment of Franchise rights as of November 1 of each year or more frequently if there are e vents or circumstances that cause TDS Telecom to believe the carrying value of Franchise rights exceeds their fair value on a more likely than not basis. TDS Telecom tests Franchise rights for impairment at a unit of accounting level for which one unit of accounting was identified. TDS Telecom estimates the fair value of franchise rights for purposes of impairment testing using the build-out method. Based on the impairment assessments performed, TDS Telecom did not have an impairment of Franchise rights in 2015 or 2014 . See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional details related to Franchise rights.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	For its equity method investments for which financial information is readily available, TDS records its equity in the earnings of the entity in the current period. For its equity method i nvestments for which financial information is not readily available, TDS records its equity in the earnings of the entity on a one quarter lag basis.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment is stated at the original cost of constructio n 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 Cost of services or Selling, general and administrative expense, as applicable. Retirements and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the original cost of t he 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 dis posals, net. TDS capitalizes certain costs of developing new information systems.
Depreciation and Amortization	Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset, except for certain Wireline segment assets, which use the group depreciation method. The group depreciation method develops a depreciation rate based on the average useful life of a specific group of assets, rather than each asset individually. TDS 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. Due to the Divestiture Transaction more fully described in Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges , U.S. Cellular changed the useful lives of certain assets in 2013. Other than the Divestiture Transaction, there were no material changes to useful lives of property, plant and equipment in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . See Note 9 — Property, Plant and Equipment for additional details related to useful lives.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets	TDS 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 networ k operations center. U.S. Cellular operates a single integrated national wireless network, and the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities represent cash flows gene rated by this single interdependent network. TDS Telecom has three asset groups of Wireline, Cable and HMS for purposes of assessing property, plant and equipment for impairment based on their integrated network, assets and operations. The cash flows gene rated by each of these groups is 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 bu sinesses that obtain customers for U.S. Cellular. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , U.S. Cellular had accrued $ 75.7 million and $ 95.3 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 r elated to issuing various borrowing instruments and other long-term agreements, and are amortized over the respective term of each instrument. TDS early adopted ASU 2015-03 using the retrospective method as of December 31, 2015. ASU 2015-03 requires cert ain debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as an offset to the related debt obligation. Debt issuance costs related to TDS and U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit facilities are excluded from the scope of ASU 2015-03 and are recorded in Oth er assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As a result of the retrospective adoption, TDS reclassified unamortized debt issuance costs of $ 52.5 million as of December 31, 2014 from Other assets and defer red charges to Long-term debt, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Other than this reclassification, the adoption of ASU 2015-03 did not have an impact on TDS’ consolidated financial statements.
Asset Retirement Obligations	TDS accounts for asset retir ement 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, TDS records a liability equal to the net pres ent 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, TDS updates its estimates relating to cash flows required and timing of settlement. TDS 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 TDS are recorded at cost as treasury shares and result in a reduction of equity. When treasury shares are reissued, TDS 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 Capital in excess of par value or Retained earnings.
Revenue Recognition	Revenues related to ser vices are recognized as services are rendered. Revenues billed in advance or in arrears of the services being provided are estimated and deferred or accrued, as appropriate. Revenues from sales of equipment, products and accessories are recognized when T DS no longer has any requirements to perform, when title has passed and when the products are accepted by the customer. Multiple Deliverable Arrangements U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom sell multiple element service and equipment offerings. In these instan ces, revenues are allocated using the relative selling price method. Under this method, arrangement consideration is allocated to each element on the basis of its relative selling price. Revenue recognized for the delivered items is limited to the amount due from the customer that is not contingent upon the delivery of additional products or services. Loyalty Reward Program In March 2015, U.S. Cellular announced that it would discontinue its loyalty reward program effective September 1, 2015. All unredee med reward points expired at that time and the deferred revenue balance of $ 58.2 million related to such expired points was recognized as service revenues. At December 31, 2014 , U.S. Cellular had deferred revenue related to loyalty reward points outstanding of $ 94.6 million. U.S. Cellular followed the deferred revenue method of accounting for its loyalty reward program. Under this method, revenue allocated to loyalty reward points was deferred. The amount allocated to the loyalty points was based on the estimated retail price of the products and services for which points may be redeemed divided by the number of loyalty points required to receive such products and services. This was calculated on a weighted average basis and required U.S. Cellular to estimate the percentage of loyalty points that would be redeemed for each product or service. Revenue was recognized at the time of custome r redemption or when such points were depleted via an account maintenance charge. U.S. Cellular employed the proportional model to recognize revenues associated with breakage. Under the proportional model, U.S. Cellular allocated a portion of the estimat ed future breakage to each redemption and recorded revenue proportionally. In the fourth quarter of 2013, U.S. Cellular issued loyalty reward points with a value of $ 43.5 million as a loyalty bonus in recognition of the incon venience experienced by customers during U.S. Cellular’s billing system conversion in 2013. The value of the loyalty bonus reduced Service revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in 2013. Equipment Installment Plans U.S. Cellular equipment revenue under equipment installment plan contracts is recognized at the time the device is delivered to the end-user customer for the selling price of the device, net of any deferred imputed interest or trade-in right, if applicable. Imputed interest is reflected as a reduction to the receivable balance and recognized over the duration of the plan as a component of Interest and dividend income. See Note 3 — Equipment Installment Plans f or additional information. 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 incenti ves are recognized as a reduction to revenue at the time the wireless device sale to the customer occurs. 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 histori cal experience of such redemptions. Activation Fees TDS charges its end customers activation fees in connection with the sale of certain services and equipment. Activation fees charged by TDS Telecom in conjunction with a service offering are deferred and recognized over the average customer’s service period. Device activation fees charged at U.S. Cellular agent locations in connection with subsidized device sales are deferred and recognized over a period that corresponds with the length of the customer’s service contract. Device activation fees charged at U.S. Cellular company-owned retail stores in connection w ith subsidized device sales are recognized at the time the device is delivered to the customer. Device activation fees charged at both agent locations and U.S. Cellular company-owned retail stores in connection with equipment installment plan device trans actions are deferred and recognized over a period that corresponds with the equipment upgrade eligibility date based on the contract terms. Amounts Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities – Gross vs. Net TDS records amounts collec ted from customers and remitted to governmental authorities net within a tax liability account if the tax is assessed upon the customer and TDS merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is a ssessed upon TDS, 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 O perations. The amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $ 95.3 million, $ 113.5 million and $ 131.0 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Wholesale Revenues TDS Telecom earns wholesale revenues in its Wireline segment as a result of its participation in revenue pools with other telephone companies for interstate revenue and for certain intrastate revenue. Such pools are funded by long distance revenue and/or access charges within state jurisdictions and by access charg es in the interstate jurisdiction. Wholesale revenues earned through the various pooling processes are recorded based on estimates following the National Exchange Carrier Association’s rules as approved by the FCC. Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (“ET C”) 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 t he 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.
Advertising Costs	TDS expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $ 267.9 million, $ 228.5 million and $ 212.8 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
Income Taxes	TDS files a consolidated federal income tax return. 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 tax rates anticipated to be in effect when the temporary differences 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 la ws 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. TDS evaluates income tax uncertainties, assesses the probability of the ultimate settlement with the applicable taxing authority and records an amount based on that assessment. In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, Income Taxes: Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Tax es (“ASU 2015-17”), requiring all deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any related valuation allowance, to be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. The classification change for all deferred taxes as non-current simplifies entities’ processes as it eliminates the need to separately identify the net current and net non-current deferred tax asset or liability in each jurisdiction and allocate valuation allowances. TDS is required to adopt ASU 2015-17 on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permi tted. TDS early adopted this standard using the prospective method as of December 31, 2015. No prior period amounts were adjusted.
Stock-Based Compensation and Other Plans	TDS has established long-term incentive plans, dividend reinvestment plans, and a non-employee director compensation plan. See Note 17 — Stock-Based Compensation for additional information. The dividend reinvestment plan of TDS is not considered a compensatory plan and, t herefore, recognition of compensation costs for grants made under this plan is not required. All other plans are considered compensatory plans; therefore, recognition of compensation costs for grants made under these plans is required. TDS values its shar e-based payment transactions using a Black-Scholes valuation model. Stock-based compensation cost recognized during the period is based on the portion of the share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Accordingly, stock-based compen sation 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. Pre-vesting forfeitures and expected lif e 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. TDS 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 TDS’ common stock over a period commensurate with the expected life. The dividend yield as sumption is equal to the dividends declared in the most recent year as a percentage of the share price on the date of grant. 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. TDS stock option awards cliff vest in three years. Therefore, compensation cost for TDS stock option awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting p eriod. U.S. Cellular stock option awards vest on an annual basis in three separate tranches. Compensation cost for U.S. Cellular stock option awards is recognized using a graded attribution method over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. TDS and U.S. Cellular restricted stock units cliff vest in three years. Therefore, compensation cost for TDS and U.S. Cellular restricted stock units is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is gene rally the vesting period.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model to use in accoun ting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date, requiring the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018. Early adoption as of January 1, 2017 is permitted; however, TDS does not intend to adopt early. TDS is evaluating the effects that adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial position, results of operations, and disclosures. In August 2014, the FA SB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 requires TDS to assess its ability to continue as a going concern each interim and annual repo rting period and provide certain disclosures if there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, including management’s plan to alleviate the substantial doubt. TDS is required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2014-15 fo r the annual period ending December 31, 2016, but early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 will not impact TDS’ financial position or results of operations but may impact future disclosures. In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Sta ndards Update 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 simplifies consolidation accounting by reducing the number of consolidation models. Additionally, ASU 2015-02 changes certain criteria for identify ing variable interest entities. TDS adopted the provisions of this standard as of January 1, 2016. TDS expects that certain consolidated subsidiaries that are not defined as variable interest entities under current accounting guidance will be defined as variable interest entities under the provisions of ASU 2015-02. However, TDS’ adoption of ASU 2015-02 will not change the group of entities which TDS is required to consolidate in its financial statements. Accordingly, the adoption of ASU 2015-02 will no t impact its financial position or results of operations. In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-11, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”), which requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. TDS is required to adopt ASU 2015-11 on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. TDS is evaluating the effects that adoption of ASU 2015-11 will have on its financial position and results of operations. In September 2015, t he FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-16, Business Combinations: Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (“ASU 2015-16”). ASU 2015-16 simplifies how adjustments are made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination during the measurement period. TDS adopted ASU 2015-16 on January 1, 2016. There will be no immediate impacts to TDS’ financial position, results of operations, and disclosures. In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). This AS U introduces changes to current accounting for equity investments and financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. TDS is required to adopt ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018. C ertain provisions are eligible for early adoption. TDS is evaluating the effects that adoption of ASU 2016-01 will have on its financial position and results of operations.
Variable Interest Entities	TDS consolidates variable interest entities ( “ VIEs ” ) in which it has a controlling financial interest and is 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 performa nce and (b) the obligation to absorb the VIE losses and right to receive benefits that are significant to the VIE. TDS reviews these criteria initially at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when reconsideration events occur.
Legal proceedings	TDS 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 TDS believes t hat 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 proce edings 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.

Summary of Significant Accoun30

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 48,637 $ 65,604 $ 33,415 Additions, net of recoveries 112,292 107,861 105,629 Deductions (104,701) (124,828) (73,440) Balance at end of year 1 $ 56,228 $ 48,637 $ 65,604 1 In 2015 and 2014, balance includes an allowance of $5.5 million and $6.1 million, respectively, related to the long-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures
Fair value measurements	TDS has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below. Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents 1 $ 984,643 $ 984,643 $ 471,901 $ 471,901 Long-term debt Retail 2 1,753,250 1,766,308 1,453,250 1,414,105 Insti tutional 2 533,015 501,461 532,722 513,647 Other 2 215,538 215,456 4,749 4,675

Equipment Installment Plans (Ta

Equipment Installment Plans (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equipment Installment Plans
Equipment installment plans	The following table summarizes the unbil led equipment installment plan receivables as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Such amounts are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Accounts receivable – customer s and agents and Other assets and deferred charges, where applicable. December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Short-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 278,709 $ 127,400 Short-term portion of unbilled deferred interest (20,810) (16,365) Short-term portion of unbilled allowance for credit losses (13,827) (3,686) Short-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 244,072 $ 107,349 Long-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 75,738 $ 89,435 Long-term portion of unbilled deferred interest (2,283) (2,791) Long-term portion of unbilled allowance for credit losses (5,537) (6,065) Long-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 67,918 $ 80,579

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure
Income taxes receivable (payable)	TDS’ current income taxes balances at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Federal income taxes receivable $ 66,785 $ 108,820 Net state income taxes receivable 3,309 4,391
Income tax expense (benefit)	Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Current Federal $ 92,887 $ (87,736) $ 181,579 State 8,256 11,091 11,614 Deferred Federal 60,939 41,851 (65,970) Federal - valuation allowance adjustment – (10,816) – State 9,910 2,208 (1,180) State - valuation allowance adjustment – 38,470 – $ 171,992 $ (4,932) $ 126,043
Income tax reconciliation	A reconciliation of TDS’ income tax expense computed at the statutory rate to the reported income tax expense, and the statutory federal income tax expense rate to TDS’ effective income tax expense rate is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate (Dollars in thousands) Statutory federal income tax expense and rate $ 152,111 35.0 % $ (53,278) 35.0 % $ 102,502 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 1 11,002 2.5 42,834 (28.1) 10,548 3.6 Effect of noncontrolling interests 2,791 0.6 (5,777) 3.8 (1,034) (0.4) Gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets 2 – – – – 14,949 5.1 Change in federal valuation allowance 3 2,022 0.5 (8,697) 5.7 – – Goodwill impairment 4 – – 18,260 (12.0) – – Other differences, net 4,066 1.0 1,726 (1.2) (922) (0.3) Total income tax expense (benefit) and rate $ 171,992 39.6 % $ (4,932) 3.2 % $ 126,043 43.0 % 1 State income taxes, net of federal benefit, include changes in unrecognized tax benefits as well as adjustments to the valuation allowance. During the third quarter of 2014 TDS recorded a $38.5 million increase to income tax expense related to a valuation allowance recorded against certain state deferred tax assets. 2 Gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets represents 2013 tax expense related to the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation and the Divestiture Transaction. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges and Note 8 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities for additional information. 3 Change in federal valuation allowance in 2015 relates primarily to losses incurred by certain entities where realization of deferred tax assets is not "more likely than not." The decrease to income tax expense in 2014 was due to a valuation allowance reduction for federal net operating losses previously limited under loss utilization rules. 4 Goodwill impairment reflects an adjustment to increase income tax expense by $18.3 million related to a portion of the goodwill impairment of Suttle-Straus and the HMS reporting unit recorded in 2014 which is nonde ductible for income tax purposes. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional information related to the goodwill impairment.
Temporary income tax differences	Significant components of TDS’ deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Deferred tax assets Current deferred tax assets $ – $ 113,402 Net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards 137,574 135,676 Stock-based compensation 61,680 54,789 Compensation and benefits - other 37,744 11,014 Deferred rent 19,896 19,604 Other 92,787 35,523 Total deferred tax assets 349,681 370,008 Less valuation allowance (112,357) (113,553) Net deferred tax assets 237,324 256,455 Deferred tax liabilities Property, plant and equipment 672,473 667,540 Licenses/intangibles 300,669 259,865 Partnership investments 163,287 151,123 Other – 9,724 Total deferred tax liabilities 1,136,429 1,088,252 Net deferred income tax liability $ 899,105 $ 831,797
Deferred tax valuation allowance	A summary of TDS' deferred tax asset valuation allowance is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 113,553 $ 79,064 $ 70,502 Charged (credited) to income tax expense (1,196) 34,489 1,954 Charged to other accounts – – 6,608 Balance at end of year $ 112,357 $ 113,553 $ 79,064
Income tax unrecognized benefits summary	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Unrecognized tax benefits balance at beginning of year $ 37,816 $ 30,390 $ 28,420 Additions for tax positions of current year 7,382 7,610 6,388 Additions for tax positions of prior years 1,783 883 1,858 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (1,434) (399) (467) Reductions for settlements of tax positions (1,225) (312) (1,337) Reductions for lapses in statutes of limitations (5,448) (356) (4,472) Unrecognized tax benefits balance at end of year $ 38,874 $ 37,816 $ 30,390

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share	The amounts used in computing earnings (loss) 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, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars and shares in thousands, except earnings per share) Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders: Net income (loss) available to common shareholders of TDS used in basic earnings (loss) per share $ 218,988 $ (136,404) $ 141,878 Adjustments to compute diluted earnings: Noncontrolling interest adjustment (1,525) – (1,058) Preferred dividend adjustment 49 – 49 Net income (loss) available to common shareholders of TDS used in $ 217,512 $ (136,404) $ 140,869 diluted earnings (loss) per share Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share Common Shares 101,453 101,304 101,339 Series A Common Shares 7,192 7,181 7,151 Total 108,645 108,485 108,490 Effects of dilutive securities: Stock options 1 773 – 209 Restricted stock units 1 436 – 375 Preferred shares 1 56 – 58 Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings (loss) per share 109,910 108,485 109,132 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders $ 2.02 $ (1.26) $ 1.31 Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders $ 1.98 $ (1.26) $ 1.29 1 There were no effects of dilutive securities in 2014 due to the net loss for the year.
Summary of antidilutive shares	Certain Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted stock units or conversion of convertible preferred shares were not included in average diluted shares outstanding f or the calculation of Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded is shown in the table below. Year Ended De cember 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Shares in thousands) Stock options 4,499 8,984 7,120 Restricted stock units 190 839 171 Preferred shares – 56 –

Acquisitions Divestitures and E

Acquisitions Divestitures and Exchanges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combination
Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges	TDS' acquisitions in 2015 and 2014 and the allocation of the purchase price for these acquisitions were as follows: Allocation of Purchase Price Purchase Price 1 Goodwill 2 Licenses Franchise Rights Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization 3 Net Tangible Assets/(Liabilities) (Dollars in thousands) 2015 U.S. Cellular licenses 4 $ 345,807 $ – $ 345,807 $ – $ – $ – Total $ 345,807 $ – $ 345,807 $ – $ – $ – 2014 U.S. Cellular licenses $ 41,707 $ – $ 41,707 $ – $ – $ – TDS Telecom cable business 273,789 33,610 2,703 120,979 14,056 102,441 Total $ 315,496 $ 33,610 $ 44,410 $ 120,979 $ 14,056 $ 102,441 1 Cash amounts paid for acquisitions may differ from the purchase price due to cash acquired in the transactions and the timing of cash payments related to the respective transactions. 2 The entire amount of Goodwill acquired in 2014 was amortizable for income tax purposes. 3 In 2014, at the date of acquisition, the weighted average amortization period for Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization acquired was 4.6 years for TDS Telecom's cable business. 4 Includes purchases totaling $338.3 million made by Advantage Spectrum from the FCC for licenses in Auction 97. These licenses have not yet been granted by the FCC.
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Assets and Liabilities held for sale	TDS did not have any assets or liabilities classified as held for sale at December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2014 , the following assets and liabilities were classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as "Assets held fo r sale" and "Liabilities held for sale": Current Assets Other Assets and Deferred Charges Licenses Goodwill Property, Plant and Equipment Total Assets Held for Sale (Dollars in thousands) 2014 Divestiture of Spectrum Licenses $ – $ – $ 56,809 $ – $ – $ 56,809 Sale of Business - Towers 1,472 773 – 4,344 31,770 38,359 Divestiture of Wireline markets 215 2 – 4,100 3,858 8,175 Total $ 1,687 $ 775 $ 56,809 $ 8,444 $ 35,628 $ 103,343 Current Liabilities Other Deferred Liabilities and Credits Total Liabilities Held for Sale (Dollars in thousands) 2014 Sale of Business - Towers $ 3,607 $ 17,641 $ 21,248 Divestiture of Wireline markets 218 177 395 Total $ 3,825 $ 17,818 $ 21,643

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Licenses
Licenses	Licenses U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable Other 1 Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 1,405,759 $ 2,800 $ – $ 15,220 $ 1,423,779 Acquisitions 41,707 – 2,703 – 44,410 Transferred to Assets held for sale (56,809) – – – (56,809) Exchanges, net 55,780 – – – 55,780 Divestitures – – – (15,220) (15,220) Other 1,634 – – – 1,634 Bal ance at December 31, 2014 1,448,071 2,800 2,703 – 1,453,574 Acquisitions 2 345,807 – – – 345,807 Exchanges, net 43,485 – – – 43,485 Other 1,482 – – – 1,482 Bal ance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,838,845 $ 2,800 $ 2,703 $ – $ 1,844,348 1 Represents the transfer of licenses from Airadigm to U.S. Cellular in 2014. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for additional information. 2 Amount in 2015 includes purchases totaling $338.3 million made by Advantage Spectrum from the FCC for licenses in which it was the provisional winning bidder in Auction 97. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, and Note 14 — Variable Interest Entities for further information. These licenses have not yet been granted by the FCC. Franchise Rights Cable (Dollars in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 123,668 Acquisitions 120,979 Other (347) Balance at December 31, 2014 244,300 Other (120) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 244,180 Goodwill U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable HMS Other Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013¹ $ 232,041 $ 420,458 $ 61,712 $ 118,830 $ 3,802 $ 836,843 Acquisitions – – 33,610 – – 33,610 Loss on impairment – – – (84,000) (3,802) (87,802) Divestitures (291) (2,564) – – – (2,855) Transferred to Assets held for sale (4,344) (4,100) – – – (8,444) Balance at December 31, 2014 227,406 413,794 95,322 34,830 – 771,352 Divestitures – (5,005) – – – (5,005) Other (555) – – – – (555) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 226,851 $ 408,789 $ 95,322 $ 34,830 $ – $ 765,792
Goodwill
Goodwill	Goodwill U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable HMS Other Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2013¹ $ 232,041 $ 420,458 $ 61,712 $ 118,830 $ 3,802 $ 836,843 Acquisitions – – 33,610 – – 33,610 Loss on impairment – – – (84,000) (3,802) (87,802) Divestitures (291) (2,564) – – – (2,855) Transferred to Assets held for sale (4,344) (4,100) – – – (8,444) Balance at December 31, 2014 227,406 413,794 95,322 34,830 – 771,352 Divestitures – (5,005) – – – (5,005) Other (555) – – – – (555) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 226,851 $ 408,789 $ 95,322 $ 34,830 $ – $ 765,792 1 Includes accumulated impairment losses in prior periods as follows: $333.9 million for U.S. Cellular, $29.4 million for Wireline and $0.5 million for Other.

Investment in Unconsolidated En

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information
Equity and cost method investments	Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in wireless and wireline entities in which TDS holds a noncontrolling interest. These investments are accounted for using either the equity or cost method as sho wn in the following table: December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Equity method investments: Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments $ 123,250 $ 127,939 Cumulative share of income 1,468,312 1,323,898 Cumulative share of distributions (1,205,497) (1,145,438) 386,065 306,399 Cost method investments 15,655 15,330 Total investments in unconsolidated entities $ 401,720 $ 321,729
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 TDS’ equity method investments: December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Current $ 670,723 $ 733,133 Due from affiliates 88,685 303,322 Property and other 4,604,312 2,345,562 $ 5,363,720 $ 3,382,017 Liabilit ies and Equity Current liabilities $ 810,121 $ 407,073 Deferred credits 242,301 175,516 Long-term liabilities 157,785 29,342 Long-term capital lease obligations 1,539 1,722 Partners’ capital and shareholders’ equity 4,151,974 2,768,364 $ 5,363,720 $ 3,382,017
Equity method investments, summarized results of operations	Year E nded December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Results of Operations Revenues $ 6,979,184 $ 6,700,266 $ 6,239,200 Operating expenses 5,245,216 5,063,925 4,492,372 Operating income 1,733,968 1,636,341 1,746,828 Other income (expense), net (9,049) 6,741 4,019 Net income $ 1,724,919 $ 1,643,082 $ 1,750,847

Property, Plant and Equpment (T

Property, Plant and Equpment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment	TDS’ Property, plant and equipment in service and under construction, and related accumulated depreciation and amortization, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: Useful Lives December 31, (Years) 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Land N/A $ 54,567 $ 52,946 Buildings 5-40 506,486 480,028 Leasehold and land improvements 1-30 1,137,414 1,130,468 Cable and wire 15-35 1,688,606 1,628,782 Network and switching equipment 5-13 2,278,425 2,239,176 Cell site equipment 7-25 3,382,743 3,284,993 Office furniture and equipment 3-10 586,975 634,853 Other operating assets and equipment 3-12 205,132 204,625 System development 1-7 1,459,437 1,319,930 Work in process N/A 220,276 218,243 11,520,061 11,194,044 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (7,755,584) (7,347,919) $ 3,764,477 $ 3,846,125

Asset Retirement Obligation (Ta

Asset Retirement Obligation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]
Asset retirement obligations	In 2015 and 2014 , U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom performed a review of the assumptions and estimated costs related to asset retirement obligations. The results of the revie ws (identified as “Revisions in estimated cash outflows”) and other changes in asset retirement obligations during 2015 and 2014 were as follows: 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 239,032 $ 275,238 Additional liabilities accrued 1,661 4,907 Revisions in estimated cash outflows (3,669) (992) Disposition of assets (9,684) (46,242) Accretion expense 15,735 17,506 Transferred to Liabilities held for sale – (11,385) Balance at end of year¹ $ 243,075 $ 239,032 1 The total amount of asset retirement obligations related to the Divestiture Transaction and Airadigm Transaction included in Other current liabilities was $9.1 million as of December 31, 2014.

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt instrument facilities	The fol lowing table summarizes the terms of such revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2015 : TDS U.S. Cellular (Dollars in millions) Maximum borrowing capacity $ 400.0 $ 300.0 Letters of credit outstanding $ 0.6 $ 17.5 Amount borrowed $ – $ – Amount available for use $ 399.4 $ 282.5 Illustrative borrowing rate: One-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus contractual spread 1 2.18 % 2.18 % Illustrative LIBOR Rate 0.43 % 0.43 % Contractual spread 1.75 % 1.75 % Commitment fees on amount available for use 2 0.30 % 0.30 % Agreement date Dec 2010 Dec 2010 Maturity date Dec 2017 Dec 2017 Fees incurred attributable to the Revolving Credit Facility are as follows: Fees incurred as a percent of Maximum borrowing capacity for 2015 0.33 % 0.29 % Fees incurred, amount 2015 $ 1.3 $ 0.9 2014 $ 0.9 $ 3.0 2013 $ 0.9 $ 0.8 1 Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a contractual spread based on TDS' or U.S. Cellular’s credit rating or, at TDS' or U.S. Cellular’s option, an alternate “Base Rate” as defined in the revolving credit agreement. TD S and 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 TDS or U.S. Cellular and approved by the lenders). 2 The revolving credit facility has commitment fees based on the unsecured senior debt ratings assigned to TDS and U.S. Cellular by certain ratings agencies.
Long term debt	Long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Issuance date Maturity date Call date Principal Amount Less Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs Total Principal Amount Less Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs Total (Dollars in thousands) TDS: Unsecured Senior Notes 6.625% March 2005 March 2045 March 2010 $ 116,250 $ 3,567 $ 112,683 $ 116,250 $ 3,604 $ 112,646 6.875% Nov 2010 Nov 2059 Nov 2015 225,000 7,537 217,463 225,000 7,561 217,439 7.00 0% March 2011 March 2060 March 2016 300,000 9,621 290,379 300,000 9,650 290,350 5.875% Nov 2012 Dec 2061 Dec 2017 195,000 6,718 188,282 195,000 6,744 188,256 Purch ase contract Oct 2001 Oct 2021 1,097 – 1,097 1,097 – 1,097 Total Parent 837,347 27,443 809,904 837,347 27,559 809,788 Subsidiaries: U.S. Cellular - Unsecured Senior Notes 6.700% Dec 2003 and June 2004 Dec 2033 Dec 2003 544,000 15,247 528,753 544,000 15,656 528,344 6.950% May 2011 May 2060 May 2016 342,000 10,905 331,095 342,000 10,937 331,063 7.250% Dec 2014 Dec 2063 Dec 2019 275,000 9,629 265,371 275,000 9,644 265,356 7.250% Nov 2015 Nov 2064 Nov 2020 300,000 10,316 289,684 – – – Term Loan Jan 2015 Jan 2022 225,000 2,283 222,717 – – – Obligation on capital leases 2,200 – 2,200 2,143 – 2,143 TDS Telecom - Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) and other notes 691 691 699 699 Obligation on capital leases 733 – 733 767 – 767 Other - Long-term notes Through 2016 2,961 – 2,961 3,686 – 3,686 Obligation on capital leases 24 24 31 – 31 Total Subsidiaries 1,692,609 48,380 1,644,229 1,168,326 36,237 1,132,089 Total long-term debt $ 2,529,956 $ 75,823 $ 2,454,133 $ 2,005,673 $ 63,796 $ 1,941,877 Long-term debt, current $ 14,306 $ 808 Long-term debt, noncurrent $ 2,439,827 $ 1,941,069

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax	The following amounts are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet before affecting such amounts for income taxes: December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Net prior service costs $ 6,846 $ 17,246 Net actuarial loss (7,280) (8,436) $ (434) $ 8,810
Funded status of post-retirement benefit plans	The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for the other post-retirement benefit plan. December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 34,645 $ 46,142 Service cost 549 1,018 Interest cost 1,540 2,255 Plan amendments 7,412 (2,057) Actuarial (gain) loss (3,723) (10,897) Prescription drug subsidy 227 264 Employee contribution 2,222 2,216 Benefits paid (4,101) (4,296) Benefit obligation at end of year 38,771 34,645 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 51,324 49,743 Actual return (loss) on plan assets 395 3,495 Employee contribution 2,222 2,216 Employer contribution 168 166 Benefits paid (4,101) (4,296) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 50,008 51,324 Funded status $ 11,237 $ 16,679
Fair value of plan assets	The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the plans’ assets at fair value, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . 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 over all risk profile, and therefore Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets. There were no Level 3 assets for any years presented. Mutual funds are valued based on the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. The bank common trust is entirely comprised of the BlackRock Intermediate Government/Credit Bond Index Fund F (“BlackRock Bond Fund”) and is valued using the market approach which values the underlying investments in the fund using observable inputs for similar assets. December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds International equity 1 $ 11,912 $ – $ 11,912 Money market 2 3,139 – 3,139 US large cap 3 22,327 – 22,327 Bank common trust Bond 4 – 12,630 12,630 Total plan assets at fair value $ 37,378 $ 12,630 $ 50,008 December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Total (Dollars in thousands) Mutual funds Bond 5 $ 12,842 $ – $ 12,842 International equity 1 12,003 – 12,003 Money market 2 2,053 – 2,053 US large cap 3 20,191 – 20,191 US small cap 6 4,234 – 4,234 Other – 1 1 Total plan assets at fair value $ 51,323 $ 1 $ 51,324 1 International equity - This type of fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in the stocks of companies located outside the United States that are considered to have the potential for above-average capital appreciation. 2 Money market - This type of fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality, dollar-denominated short-term debt securities. 3 US large cap - This type of fund seeks to track the performance of several benchmark indices that measure the investment return of large-capitalization stocks. The funds attempt to replicate the indices by investing substantially all of their assets in the stocks that make up the various indices in approximately the same proportion as the weighting in the indices. 4 Bond (bank common trust) – This type of fund seeks to achieve maximum total return by investing in Bond Index Funds and other short-term investments. 5 Bond (mutual funds) - This type of fund seeks to achieve a maximum total return, consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment management by investing in a wide spectrum of fixed income instruments including bonds, debt securities and other similar instruments issued by government and private-sector entities. 6 US small cap - This type of fund seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index that measures the investment return of small-capitalization stocks. The fund attempts to replicate the index by investing substantially all of its assets in the stocks that make up the index in approximately the same proportion as the weighting in the index.
Plan asset investment allocation	The following table summarizes how plan assets are invested. Allocation of Plan Assets at December 31, Investment Target Asset Category Allocation 2015 2014 U.S. equities 45% 44.7% 47.6% International equities 25% 23.8% 23.4% Debt securities 30% 31.5% 29.0%
Net periodic benefit cost	Net periodic benefit cost recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations includes the following components: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 549 $ 1,018 $ 1,348 Interest cost 1,540 2,255 2,137 Expected return on plan assets (3,252) (3,402) (3,065) Amortization of prior service costs 1 (2,988) (3,644) (3,605) Amortization of actuarial losses 2 290 1,287 2,452 Net post-retirement cost (benefit) $ (3,861) $ (2,486) $ (733) 1 Based on straight-line amortization over the average time remaining before active employees become fully eligible for plan benefits. 2 Based on straight-line amortization over the average time remaining before active employees retire.
Assumptions used to calculate net periodic benefit cost	The following assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost: December 31, 2015 2014 Benefit obligations Discount rate 4.40% 4.20% Net periodic benefit cost Discount rate 4.20% 5.00% Expected return on plan assets 6.50% 7.00%
Change in health care cost trend rate	A 1% increase or decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 : One Percent Increase Decrease (Dollars in thousands) Effect on total service and interest cost components $ 14 $ (13) Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation $ 230 $ (202)
Estimated future post-retirement benefit payments	The following estimated future benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid: Year Estimated Future Post-Retirement Benefit Payments (Dollars in thousands) 2016 $ 1,823 2017 1,969 2018 2,061 2019 2,163 2020 2,257 2021-2025 12,229

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure
Lease commitments	As of December 31, 2015 , future minimum rental payments requ ired 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 Operating Leases Future Minimum Future Minimum Rental Payments Rental Receipts (Dollars in thousands) 2016 $ 156,882 $ 48,304 2017 136,248 40,180 2018 117,806 31,940 2019 100,894 21,608 2020 87,993 10,184 Thereafter 724,217 1,238 Total $ 1,324,040 $ 153,454

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Consolidated VIE assets and liabilities	The following table presents the classification of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,435 $ 2,588 Other current assets 265 278 Licenses 1 648,661 312,977 Property, plant and equipment, net 7,722 10,671 Other assets and deferred charges 147 60,059 Total assets $ 658,230 $ 386,573 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 143 $ 110 Deferred liabilities and credits 489 622 Total liabilities $ 632 $ 732 1 At December 31, 2015, includes purchases totaling $338.3 million made by Advantage Spectrum from the FCC as described below.

Noncontrolling Interests (Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interests	The following schedule discloses the effects of N et income attributable to TDS shareholders and changes in TDS’ ownership interest in U.S. Cellular on TDS’ equity for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 201 3 (Dollars in thousands) Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders $ 219,037 $ (136,355) $ 141,927 Transfer (to) from the noncontrolling interests Change in TDS’ Capital in excess of par value from (14,785) (12,420) (14,135) U.S. Cellular's issuance of U.S. Cellular shares Change in TDS’ Capital in excess of par value from 1,325 1,296 3,370 U.S. Cellular’s repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares Change in TDS’ Capital in excess of par value from – 7,484 – common control transaction Purchase of ownership in subsidiaries from noncontrolling interests 240 (1,034) (123) Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests (13,220) (4,674) (10,888) Change from net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders and $ 205,817 $ (141,029) $ 131,039 transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests

Common Shareholders' Equity (Ta

Common Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Common Share Repurchases
Schedule of common shares, rollforward	The following t able summarizes the number of Common and Series A Common Shares issued and repurchased. Common Shares Common Treasury Shares Series A Common Shares (Shares in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2012 125,512 24,641 7,160 Repurchase of shares – 339 – Conversion of Series A Common Shares 33 – (33) Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans – (1,026) 39 Balance at December 31, 2013 125,545 23,954 7,166 Repurchase of shares – 1,542 – Conversion of Series A Common Shares 25 – (25) Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans – (646) 38 Balance at December 31, 2014 125,570 24,850 7,179 Conversion of Series A Common Shares 1 – (1) Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans – (1,034) 33 Balance at December 31, 2015 125,571 23,816 7,211
Share repurchases	Share repurchases made under these autho rizations were as follows: Year Ended December 31, Number of Average Cost (Shares and dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) Shares Per Share Amount 2015 U.S. Cellular Common Shares 178 $ 34.86 $ 6,188 TDS Common Shares – – – 2014 U.S. Cellular Common Shares 496 $ 38.19 $ 18,943 TDS Common Shares 1,542 25.36 39,096 2013 U.S. Cellular Common Shares 499 $ 37.19 $ 18,544 TDS Common Shares 339 28.60 9,692

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock based compensation
Stock-based compensation	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recognized during 2015, 2014 and 2013: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Stock option awards $ 18,431 $ 15,802 $ 12,973 Restricted stock unit awards 20,067 17,968 15,535 Deferred compensation bonus and matching stock unit awards 622 690 550 Awards under Non-Employee Director compensation plan 1,280 1,333 1,280 Total stock-based compensation, before income taxes 40,400 35,793 30,338 Income tax benefit (15,267) (13,519) (11,459) Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes $ 25,133 $ 22,274 $ 18,879
Stock-based compensation, allocation by financial statement line item	The following table provides a summary of the stock-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Selling, general and administrative expense $ 37,465 $ 32,505 $ 27,130 Cost of services and products 2,935 3,288 3,208 Total stock-based compensation $ 40,400 $ 35,793 $ 30,338
Stock-based compensation, fair value assumptions	TDS estimated the fair value of stock options granted in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 using the Black Scholes valuation model and the assumptions shown in the table below: 2015 2014 2013 Expected life 6.1 years 5.8 years 5.7 years Expected annual volatility rate 30.8% 39.6% 41.0% Dividend yield 1.9% 2.0% 2.3% Risk-free interest rate 1.8% 1.8% 1.0% Estimated annual forfeiture rate 3.2% 2.9% 2.9% U.S. Cellular estimated the fair value of stock options granted during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 using the Black-Scholes valuation model and the assumptions shown in the table below. 2015 2014 2013 Expected life 4.6 years 4.5 years 4.6-9.0 years Expected annual volatility rate 30.1% 28.0%-28.1% 29.2%-39.6% Dividend yield 0% 0% 0% Risk-free interest rate 1.2% 1.4%-1.5% 0.7%-2.4% Estimated annual forfeiture rate 9.7% 9.4% 0.0%-8.1%
Summary of stock options	A summary of TDS stock options (total and portion exercisable) and changes during 2015 , is presented in the tables and narrative below. Weighted Average Weighted Remaining Average Aggregate Contractual Number of Exercise Intrinsic Life Common Share Options Options Prices Value (in years) Outstanding at December 31, 2014 9,140,000 $ 30.25 (6,487,000 exercisable) 32.93 Granted 998,000 29.26 Exercised (575,000) 23.11 Forfeited (21,000) 26.30 Expired (407,000) 37.09 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 9,135,000 $ 30.29 $ 9,531,000 5.3 (6,009,000 exercisable) $ 32.54 $ 5,548,000 3.8 A summary of U.S. Cellular stock options outstanding (total and portion exercisable) and changes during 2015, is presented in the table below: Weighted Average Weighted Remaining Average Aggregate Contractual Number of Exercise Intrinsic Life Common Share Options Options Price Value (in years) Outstanding at December 31, 2014 3,388,000 $ 41.51 (1,586,000 exercisable) 45.28 Granted 1,279,000 36.42 Exercised (321,000) 32.94 Forfeited (110,000) 37.57 Expired (134,000) 43.77 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 4,102,000 $ 40.62 $ 11,292,000 6.8 (1,849,000 exercisable) $ 44.33 $ 3,733,000 4.6
Summary of nonvested restricted stock units	A summary of TDS nonvested restricted stock units and changes during 2015, is presented in the table below: Common Restricted Stock Units Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at December 31, 2014 692,000 $ 23.20 Granted 368,000 $ 27.57 Forfeited (16,000) $ 25.60 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 1,044,000 $ 24.70 A summary of U.S. Cellular nonvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2015 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, 2014 1,142,000 $ 35.60 Granted 478,000 37.24 Vested (349,000) 34.05 Forfeited (77,000) 35.76 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 1,194,000 $ 36.70

Business Segment (Tables)

Business Segment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Segment Information
Business segment information	TDS Telecom Year End ed or as of December 31, 2015 U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable HMS TDS Telecom Eliminations TDS Telecom Total Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in thousands) Operating revenues Service $ 3,350,431 $ 698,938 $ 174,529 $ 116,810 $ (4,621) $ 985,656 $ (14,118) $ 4,321,969 Equipment and product sales 646,422 1,965 437 169,985 – 172,387 35,463 854,272 Total operating revenues 3,996,853 700,903 174,966 286,795 (4,621) 1,158,043 21,345 5,176,241 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below) 775,042 254,879 78,758 85,163 (4,334) 414,466 1,402 1,190,910 Cost of equipment and products 1,052,810 2,212 169 142,927 – 145, 308 25,913 1,224,031 Selling, general and administrative 1,493,730 193,850 53,738 47,104 (287) 294,405 (7,672) 1,780,463 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 606,455 165,841 35,271 26,94 8 – 228,060 9,846 844,361 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 16,313 5,094 691 89 – 5,874 (11) 22,176 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (113,555) (9,530) – – – (9,530) (12,802) (135,887) (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges (146,884) – – – – – – (146,884) Operating income (loss) 312,942 88,557 6,339 (15,436) – 79,460 4,669 397,071 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 140,083 17 – – – 17 (24) 140,076 Interest and dividend income 36,332 2,193 37 35 – 2,265 186 38,783 Interest expense (86,194) 1,133 458 (2,329) – (738) (54,787) (141,719) Other, net 466 (22) 3 (98) – (117) 42 391 Income (loss) before income taxes 403,629 91,878 6,837 (17,828) – 80,887 (49,914) 434,602 Income tax expense (benefit)¹ 156,334 34,972 (19,314) 171,992 Net income (loss) 247,295 45,915 (30,600) 262,610 Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 606,455 165,841 35,271 26,94 8 – 228,060 9,846 844,361 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 16,313 5,094 691 89 – 5,874 (11) 22,176 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (113,555) (9,53 0) – – – (9,530) (12,802) (135,887) (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges (146,884) – – – – – – (146,884) Interest expense 86,194 (1,133) (458) 2,329 – 738 54,787 141,719 Income tax expense (benefit)¹ 156,334 34,972 (19,314) 171,992 Adjusted EBITDA 2 $ 852,152 $ 252,150 $ 42,341 $ 11,538 $ – $ 306,029 $ 1,906 $ 1,160,087 Investments in unconsolidated entities $ 363,384 $ 3,802 $ – $ – $ – $ 3,802 $ 34,534 $ 401,720 Total assets $ 7,059,978 $ 1,312,394 $ 577,788 $ 285,929 $ – $ 2,176,11 1 $ 186,373 $ 9,422,462 Capital expenditures $ 533,053 $ 140,433 $ 51,573 $ 27,059 $ – $ 219,065 $ 7,250 $ 759,368 TDS Telecom Year Ende d or as of December 31, 2014 U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable HMS TDS Telecom Eliminations TDS Telecom Total Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in thousands) Operating revenues Service $ 3,397,937 $ 714,586 $ 116,855 $ 109,766 $ (3,697) $ 937,510 $ (6,793) $ 4,328,654 Equipment and product sales 494,810 1,836 – 148,966 – 150,802 35,172 680,784 Total operating revenues 3,892,747 716,422 116,855 258,732 (3,697) 1,088,312 28,379 5,009,438 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense reported below) 769,911 256,878 54,265 77,392 (3,504) 385,031 9,716 1,164,658 Cost of equ ipment and products 1,192,669 2,336 – 126,362 – 128,698 25,444 1,346,811 Selling, general and administrative 1,591,914 189,956 36,175 53,020 (193) 278,958 (5,065) 1,865,807 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 605,997 169,044 23,643 26,91 2 – 219,599 10,936 836,532 Loss on impairment of assets – – – 84,000 – 84,000 3,802 87,802 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 21,469 2,091 2,482 181 – 4,754 308 26,531 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (32,830) (2,357) – – – (2,357) 19,341 (15,846) (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges (112,993) – – – – – – (112,993) Operating income (loss) (143,390) 98,474 290 (109,135) – (10,371) (36,103) (189,864) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 129,764 8 – – – 8 2,193 131,965 Interest and dividend income 12,148 2,396 8 26 – 2,430 2,379 16,957 Interest expense (57,386) 2,695 95 (1,602) – 1,188 (55,199) (111,397) Other, net 160 (32) (1) 12 – (21) (24) 115 Income (loss) before income taxes (58,704) 103,541 392 (110,699) – (6,766) (86,754) (152,224) Income tax expense (benefit)¹ (11,782) 17,590 (10,740) (4,932) Net income (loss) (46,922) (24,356) (76,014) (147,292) Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 605,997 169,044 23,643 26,91 2 – 219,599 10,936 836,532 Loss on impairment of assets – – – 84,000 – 84,000 3,802 87,802 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 21,469 2,091 2,482 181 – 4,75 4 308 26,531 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (32,830) (2,357 ) – – – (2,357) 19,341 (15,846) (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges (112,993) – – – – – – (112,993) Interest expense 57,386 (2,695) (95) 1,602 – (1,188) 55,199 111,397 Income tax expense (benefit)¹ (11,782) 17,590 (10,740) (4,932) Adjusted EBITDA 2 $ 480,325 $ 269,624 $ 26,422 $ 1,996 $ – $ 298,042 $ 2,832 $ 781,199 Investments in unconsolidated entities $ 283,014 $ 3,803 $ – $ – $ – $ 3,803 $ 34,912 $ 321,729 Total assets 3 $ 6,462,309 $ 1,419,478 $ 563,585 $ 268,972 $ – $ 2,252,035 $ 140,078 $ 8,854,422 Capital expenditures $ 557,615 $ 135,805 $ 35,640 $ 36,618 $ – $ 208,063 $ 4,899 $ 770,577 TDS Telecom Year Ende d or as of December 31, 2013 U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable HMS TDS Telecom Eliminations TDS Telecom Total Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in thousands) Operating revenues Service $ 3,594,773 $ 723,372 $ 35,883 $ 94,875 $ (1,063) $ 853,067 $ (4,349) $ 4,443,491 Equipment and product sales 324,063 3,195 – 90,741 – 93,936 39,746 457,745 Total operating revenues 3,918,836 726,567 35,883 185,616 (1,063) 947,003 35,397 4,901,236 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below) 763,435 266,635 17,274 60,423 (1,00 0) 343,332 11,416 1,118,183 Cost of equipment and products 999,000 3,831 – 75,991 – 79,822 28,311 1,107,133 Selling, general and administrative 1,677,395 220,097 11,054 44,945 (63) 276,033 (5,650) 1,947,778 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 803,781 170,868 7,571 24,262 – 202,701 11,595 1,018,077 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 30,606 130 28 125 – 283 (48) 30,841 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (24 6,767) – – – – – (53,889) (300,656) (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges (255,479) – – – – – – (255,479) Operating income (loss) 146,865 65,006 (44) (20,130) – 44,832 43,662 235,359 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 131,949 19 – – – 19 746 132,714 Interest and dividend income 3,961 1,759 2 63 – 1,824 3,307 9,092 Gain (loss) on investments 18,556 830 – – – 830 (4,839) 14,547 Interest expense (43,963) 3,265 (74) (1,626) – 1,565 (56,413) (98,811) Other, net 288 (214) – 29 – (185) (140) (37) Income (loss) before income taxes 257,656 70,665 (116) (21,664) – 48,885 (13,677) 292,864 Income tax expense (benefit)¹ 113,134 19,084 (6,175) 126,043 Net income (loss) 144,522 29,801 (7,502) 166,821 Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 803,781 170,868 7,571 24,262 – 202,701 11,595 1,018,077 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 30,606 130 28 125 – 283 (48) 30,841 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (24 6,767) – – – – – (53,889) (300,656) (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges (255,479) – – – – – – (255,479) Gain (loss) on investments (18,556) (830) – – – (830) 4,839 (14,547) Interest expense 43,963 (3,265) 74 1,626 – (1,565) 56,413 98,811 Income tax expense (benefit)¹ 113,134 19,084 (6,175) 126,043 Adjusted EBITDA 2 $ 615,204 $ 237,568 $ 7,557 $ 4,349 $ – $ 249,474 $ 5,233 $ 869,911 Investments in unconsolidated entities $ 265,585 $ 3,809 $ – $ – $ – $ 3,809 $ 32,378 $ 301,772 Total assets 3 $ 6,430,255 $ 1,452,502 $ 278,969 $ 328,397 $ – $ 2,059,868 $ 370,905 $ 8,861,028 Capital expenditures $ 737,501 $ 140,009 $ 8,375 $ 16,474 $ – $ 164,858 $ 7,301 $ 909,660 1 Income tax expense (benefit) is not provided at the individual segment level for Wireline, Cable and HMS. TDS calculates inc ome tax expense for “TDS Telecom Total”. 2 Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (“Adjusted EBITDA”) is a segment measure repor ted to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. Adjusted EBITDA excludes these items in order to show operating results on a more comparable basis from period to period. From time to time, TDS may also exclude other items from Adjusted EBITDA if such items help reflect operating results on a more comp arable basis. TDS does not intend to imply that any of such items that are excluded are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future. TDS believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of TDS’ operating results before significan t recurring non-cash charges, discrete gains and losses, and other items as indicated above. 3 ASU 2015-03, regarding simplification of the presentation of debt issuance costs, was adopted as of December 31, 2015 and ap plied retrospectively. All prior year numbers have been revised to conform to this standard.

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclo48

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Interest paid $ 134,916 $ 108,510 $ 96,241 Income taxes paid, net of refunds received 57,442 48,876 175,629 TDS: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Common Shares withheld 3,163 109,061 265,748 Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld $ 76 $ 2,751 $ 7,639 Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options 13,405 732 12,092 Cash disbursements for payment of taxes (76) (2,751) (2,438) Net cash receipts (disbursements) from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards $ 13,329 $ (2,019) $ 9,654 U.S. Cellular: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Dollars in thousands) Common Shares withheld 228,011 163,355 606,582 Aggregate value of Common Shares withheld $ 8,448 $ 6,868 $ 25,179 Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options 6,881 5,166 10,468 Cash disbursements for payment of taxes (4,714) (4,336) (4,684) Net cash receipts from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards $ 2,167 $ 830 $ 5,784

Summary of Significant Accoun49

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Number of wireless customers		4,900,000
Wireline and Cable connections		1,200,000
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities		$ 95,300		$ 113,500		$ 131,000
Advertising costs		267,900		228,500		212,800
Other assets and deferred charges		196,461		282,037
Long-term debt, net		2,439,827		1,941,069
Service		4,321,969		4,328,654		4,443,491
Effect of adoption of new ASUs
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Other assets and deferred charges				(52,500)
Long-term debt, net				(52,500)
Long-term
Accounts receivable
Unbilled allowance for credit losses		5,537		6,065
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning balance		48,637	[1]	65,604	[1]	33,415
Additions, net of recoveries		112,292		107,861		105,629
Deductions		(104,701)		(124,828)		(73,440)
Allowance for doubtful accounts, ending balance	[1]	$ 56,228		48,637		65,604
U.S. Cellular
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
TDS ownership of U.S. Cellular		84.00%
Agent liability		$ 75,700		95,300
Service		3,350,431		3,397,937		3,594,773
U.S. Cellular | Loyalty Rewards Program
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Deferred revenue				94,600
Service		58,200
U.S. Cellular | Loyalty Rewards Program | Special issuance
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Deferred revenue						43,500
TDS Telecom
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Service		$ 985,656		$ 937,510		$ 853,067
[1]	In 2015 and 2014, balance includes an allowance of $5.5 million and $6.1 million, respectively, related to the long-term portion of unbilled equipment installment plan receivables.

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financial Instruments
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 984,643	$ 471,901	$ 830,014	$ 740,481
Retail | Minimum
Financial Instruments
Fair value assumption, interest rate	0.00%	0.00%
Retail | Maximum
Financial Instruments
Fair value assumption, interest rate	7.51%	7.25%
Fair Value | Level 1
Financial Instruments
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 984,643	$ 471,901
Fair Value | Level 2 | Retail
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	1,766,308	1,414,105
Fair Value | Level 2 | Institutional
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	501,461	513,647
Fair Value | Level 2 | Other
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	215,456	4,675
Book Value
Financial Instruments
Cash and cash equivalents	984,643	471,901
Book Value | Retail
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	1,753,250	1,453,250
Book Value | Institutional
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	533,015	532,722
Book Value | Other
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	$ 215,538	$ 4,749

Equipment Installment Plans (De

Equipment Installment Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equipment installment plans
Guarantee liability	$ 92,700	$ 57,500
Imputed interest rate	9.70%	10.20%
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections
Immaterial Error Correction	TDS recorded out-of-period adjustments in 2015 due to errors related to equipment installment plan transactions that were attributable to 2014.  TDS has determined that these adjustments were not material to prior annual periods, and also were not material to the current year results.  These equipment installment plan adjustments had the impact of reducing Equipment sales revenues by $6.2 million and Income before income taxes by $5.8 million in 2015.
Equipment and product sales	$ 854,272	$ 680,784	$ 457,745
Income before income taxes	434,602	(152,224)	$ 292,864
Adjustment
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections
Equipment and product sales	6,200
Income before income taxes	$ 5,800
Adjustment | Equipment installment plans
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections
Immaterial Error Correction	TDS recorded out-of-period adjustments in 2015 due to errors related to equipment installment plan transactions that were attributable to 2014.  TDS has determined that these adjustments were not material to prior annual periods, and also were not material to the current year results.  These equipment installment plan adjustments had the impact of reducing Equipment sales revenues by $6.2 million and Income before income taxes by $5.8 million in 2015.
Short-term
Equipment installment plan receivables
Unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$ 278,709	127,400
Unbilled deferred interest	(20,810)	(16,365)
Unbilled allowance for credit losses	(13,827)	(3,686)
Unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, net	244,072	107,349
Long-term
Equipment installment plan receivables
Unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, gross	75,738	89,435
Unbilled deferred interest	(2,283)	(2,791)
Unbilled allowance for credit losses	(5,537)	(6,065)
Unbilled equipment installment plan receivables, net	$ 67,918	$ 80,579

Income Taxes, Balances (Details

Income Taxes, Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure
Income taxes receivable	$ 70,094	$ 113,708
Federal
Income Tax Disclosure
Income taxes receivable	66,785	108,820
State
Income Tax Disclosure
Income taxes receivable	$ 3,309	$ 4,391

Income Taxes, Expense (Benefit)

Income Taxes, Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income tax expense (benefit)
Current federal income tax expense (benefit)	$ 92,887	$ (87,736)	$ 181,579
Current state income tax expense	8,256	11,091	11,614
Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)	60,939	41,851	(65,970)
Federal - valuation allowance adjustment		(10,816)
Deferred state income tax expense (benefit)	9,910	2,208	(1,180)
State - valuation allowance adjustment		38,470
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 171,992	$ (4,932)	$ 126,043

Income Taxes, Expense Reconcili

Income Taxes, Expense Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income tax expense reconciliation
Statutory federal income tax expense		$ 152,111	$ (53,278)	$ 102,502
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	[1]	11,002	42,834	10,548
Effect of noncontrolling interests		2,791	(5,777)	(1,034)
Gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets	[2]			14,949
Change in federal valuation allowance	[3]	2,022	(8,697)
Goodwill impairment	[4]		18,260
Other differences, net		4,066	1,726	(922)
Total income tax expense (benefit)		$ 171,992	$ (4,932)	$ 126,043
[1]	State income taxes, net of federal benefit, include changes in unrecognized tax benefits as well as adjustments to the valuation allowance. During the third quarter of 2014 TDS recorded a $38.5 million increase to income tax expense related to a valuation allowance recorded against certain state deferred tax assets.
[2]	Gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets represents 2013 tax expense related to the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation and the Divestiture Transaction. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges and Note 8 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities for additional information.
[3]	Change in federal valuation allowance in 2015 relates primarily to losses incurred by certain entities where realization of deferred tax assets is not "more likely than not." The decrease to income tax expense in 2014 was due to a valuation allowance reduction for federal net operating losses previously limited under loss utilization rules.
[4]	Goodwill impairment reflects an adjustment to increase income tax expense by $18.3 million related to a portion of the goodwill impairment of Suttle-Straus and the HMS reporting unit recorded in 2014 which is nondeductible for income tax purposes. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional information related to the goodwill impairment.

Income Taxes, Rate Reconciliati

Income Taxes, Rate Reconciliation (Details)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income tax rate reconciliation
Statutory federal income tax rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	[1]	2.50%	(28.10%)	3.60%
Effect of noncontrolling interests		0.60%	3.80%	(0.40%)
Gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets	[2]			5.10%
Change in federal valuation allowance	[3]	0.50%	5.70%
Goodwill impairment	[4]		(12.00%)
Other differences, net		1.00%	(1.20%)	(0.30%)
Total income tax rate		39.60%	3.20%	43.00%
[1]	State income taxes, net of federal benefit, include changes in unrecognized tax benefits as well as adjustments to the valuation allowance. During the third quarter of 2014 TDS recorded a $38.5 million increase to income tax expense related to a valuation allowance recorded against certain state deferred tax assets.
[2]	Gains (losses) on investments and sale of assets represents 2013 tax expense related to the NY1 & NY2 Deconsolidation and the Divestiture Transaction. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges and Note 8 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities for additional information.
[3]	Change in federal valuation allowance in 2015 relates primarily to losses incurred by certain entities where realization of deferred tax assets is not "more likely than not." The decrease to income tax expense in 2014 was due to a valuation allowance reduction for federal net operating losses previously limited under loss utilization rules.
[4]	Goodwill impairment reflects an adjustment to increase income tax expense by $18.3 million related to a portion of the goodwill impairment of Suttle-Straus and the HMS reporting unit recorded in 2014 which is nondeductible for income tax purposes. See Note 7 — Intangible Assets for additional information related to the goodwill impairment.

Income Taxes, Components of Def

Income Taxes, Components of Deferred Income Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets
Current deferred tax assets		$ 113,402
Net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards	$ 137,574	135,676
Stock-based compensation	61,680	54,789
Compensation and benefits - other	37,744	11,014
Deferred rent	19,896	19,604
Other	92,787	35,523
Total deferred tax assets	349,681	370,008
Less valuation allowance	(112,357)	(113,553)
Net deferred tax assets	237,324	256,455
Deferred income tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment	672,473	667,540
Licenses/intangibles	300,669	259,865
Partnership investments	163,287	151,123
Other		9,724
Total deferred tax liabilities	1,136,429	1,088,252
Net deferred tax liability	899,105	831,797
Net deferred income tax asset
Deferred income tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liability		107,700
Net deferred income tax liability
Deferred income tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liability	900,100	941,500
Other assets and deferred charges
Deferred income tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liability	$ 1,000	$ 2,000

Income Taxes, Net Operating Los

Income Taxes, Net Operating Losses (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
State
Income Tax Disclosure
NOL carryforwards	$ 2,400
Deferred income tax asset for State NOL carryforwards	$ 114.2
State | Minimum
Income Tax Disclosure
Expiration of NOL carryforwards	Dec. 31, 2016
State | Maximum
Income Tax Disclosure
Expiration of NOL carryforwards	Dec. 31, 1935
Federal
Income Tax Disclosure
Deferred income tax asset for Federal NOL carryforwards (entities not on Federal return)	$ 23.4
Federal | Minimum
Income Tax Disclosure
Expiration of NOL carryforwards	Dec. 31, 2018
Federal | Maximum
Income Tax Disclosure
Expiration of NOL carryforwards	Dec. 31, 1935

Income Taxes, Deferred Tax Valu

Income Taxes, Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred tax valuation allowance, rollfoward
Balance at beginning of period	$ 113,553
Balance at end of period	112,357	$ 113,553
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
Deferred tax valuation allowance, rollfoward
Balance at beginning of period	113,553	79,064	$ 70,502
Charged (credited) to income tax expense	(1,196)	34,489	1,954
Charged to other accounts			6,608
Balance at end of period	$ 112,357	$ 113,553	$ 79,064

Income Taxes, Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes, Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of unrecognized income tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	$ 37,816	$ 30,390	$ 28,420
Additions for tax positions of current year	7,382	7,610	6,388
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,783	883	1,858
Reduction for tax positions of prior years	(1,434)	(399)	(467)
Reductions for settlements of tax positions	(1,225)	(312)	(1,337)
Reductions for lapses in statutes of limitations	(5,448)	(356)	(4,472)
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	38,874	37,816	30,390
Effect of unrecognized tax benefit on income tax expense	$ 25,600	$ 24,600	$ 19,800

Income Taxes, Additional Disclo

Income Taxes, Additional Disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits reasonably possible in the next twelve months	$ 10
Net accrued interest and penalties, total	16.8	$ 16.2
Interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits	$ 0.6	$ 3.4	$ 0.7
Federal
Income Tax Disclosure
All audit periods prior to this year are closed	2,012
State
Income Tax Disclosure
All audit periods prior to this year are closed	2,011

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders of TDS used in basic earnings (loss) per share		$ 218,988	$ (136,404)	$ 141,878
Adjustments to compute diluted earnings
Noncontrolling interest adjustment		(1,525)		(1,058)
Preferred dividend adjustment		49		49
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders of TDS used in diluted earnings (loss) per share		$ 217,512	$ (136,404)	$ 140,869
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share		108,645	108,485	108,490
Effects of dilutive securities:
Stock options	[1]	773		209
Restricted stock units	[1]	436		375
Preferred shares	[1]	56		58
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings (loss) per share		109,910	108,485	109,132
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders		$ 2.02	$ (1.26)	$ 1.31
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to TDS shareholders		$ 1.98	$ (1.26)	$ 1.29
U.S. Cellular
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Dividend payable date				Jun. 25, 2013
Dividend date of record				Jun. 11, 2013
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends per share paid				$ 5.75
Series A Common and Common Shares, dividends paid				$ 482,300
Stock Options
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Antidilutive shares		4,499	8,984	7,120
Restricted Stock Units
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Antidilutive shares		190	839	171
Preferred Shares
Earnings per share, Other disclosures
Antidilutive shares			56
Common Shares
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share		101,453	101,304	101,339
Series A Common Shares
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings (loss) per share		7,192	7,181	7,151
[1]	There were no effects of dilutive securities in 2014 due to the net loss for the year.

Acquisitions, Divestitures and

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Federal Communications Commission deposit							$ 60,000
Goodwill					$ 765,792		771,352
Licenses					1,844,348		1,453,574
Franchise rights					$ 244,180		244,300
Baja Broadband, LLC
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Description of acquired entity					In August 2013, TDS Telecom acquired substantially all of the assets of Baja Broadband, LLC (“Baja”) for $264.1 million in cash. Baja is a cable company that operates in markets primarily in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah and offers broadband, video and voice services, which complement the TDS Telecom portfolio of products.  Baja is included in the Cable segment for reporting purposes.
Purchase price				$ 264,100
MSN Communications, Inc.
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Voting stock acquired			100.00%
Description of acquired entity					In October 2013, TDS acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of MSN Communications, Inc. (“MSN”) for $43.6 million in cash.  MSN is an information technology solutions provider whose service offerings complement the HMS portfolio of products.  MSN is included in the HMS segment for reporting purposes.
Purchase price			$ 43,600
BendBroadband
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Description of acquired entity					In September 2014, TDS acquired substantially all of the assets of a group of companies operating as BendBroadband, headquartered in Bend, Oregon for $260.7 million in cash.  BendBroadband is a full-service communications company, offering an extensive range of broadband, fiber connectivity, cable television and telephone services for commercial and residential customers in Central Oregon.  As part of the agreement, TDS also acquired a Tier III data center providing colocation and managed services and a cable advertising and broadcast business.  BendBroadband service offerings complement the current portfolio of products offered through TDS Telecom businesses.  Goodwill was recorded due primarily to the expectation of future growth and synergies in Cable segment operations.  The operations of the data center are included in the HMS segment.  The operations of the cable and the advertising and broadcast businesses are included in the Cable segment.
Acquisitions
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Purchase price	[1]				$ 345,807		315,496
Goodwill	[2]						33,610
Licenses					$ 345,807		44,410
Franchise rights							120,979
Intangible assets subject to amortization	[3]						14,056
Net tangible assets (liabilities)							102,441
U.S. Cellular | Airadigm Communications, Inc.
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Description of acquired entity					In May 2014, U.S. Cellular entered into a License Purchase and Customer Recommendation Agreement with Airadigm Communications Inc. (“Airadigm”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDS.  In September 2014, pursuant to the License Purchase and Customer Recommendation Agreement, Airadigm transferred FCC spectrum licenses and certain tower assets in certain markets in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan, to U.S. Cellular for $91.5 million in cash (the “Airadigm Transaction”).  Since both parties to this transaction are controlled by TDS, upon closing, U.S. Cellular recorded the transferred assets at Airadigm’s net book value of $15.2 million.
Purchase price		$ 91,500
Book value of transferred assets		15,200
U.S. Cellular | Auction 97
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Description of acquired entity					U.S. Cellular participated in Auction 97 indirectly through its limited partnership interest in Advantage Spectrum. Advantage Spectrum was the provisional winning bidder for 124 licenses for an aggregate winning bid of $338.3 million, after its expected designated entity discount of 25%. Advantage Spectrum’s bid amount, less the upfront payment of $60.0 million paid in 2014, was paid to the FCC in March 2015. These licenses have not yet been granted by the FCC. See Note 14 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.
U.S. Cellular | License Acquisitions
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Purchase price	[1]				$ 345,807	[4]	41,707
Licenses					$ 345,807	[4]	41,707
U.S. Cellular | License Acquisitions | Auction 97
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Description of acquired entity					U.S. Cellular participated in Auction 97 indirectly through its limited partnership interest in Advantage Spectrum. Advantage Spectrum was the provisional winning bidder for 124 licenses for an aggregate winning bid of $338.3 million, after its expected designated entity discount of 25%. Advantage Spectrum’s bid amount, less the upfront payment of $60.0 million paid in 2014, was paid to the FCC in March 2015. These licenses have not yet been granted by the FCC. See Note 14 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.
Federal Communications Commission deposit							60,000
Licenses won					124
Total winning bid					$ 338,300
Designated entity auction discount					25.00%
TDS Telecom Cable | Business Acquisitions
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Purchase price	[1]						273,789
Goodwill	[2]						33,610
Licenses							2,703
Franchise rights							120,979
Intangible assets subject to amortization	[3]						14,056
Net tangible assets (liabilities)							$ 102,441
TDS Telecom Cable | Business Acquisitions | BendBroadband
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Description of acquired entity					In September 2014, TDS acquired substantially all of the assets of a group of companies operating as BendBroadband, headquartered in Bend, Oregon for $260.7 million in cash.  BendBroadband is a full-service communications company, offering an extensive range of broadband, fiber connectivity, cable television and telephone services for commercial and residential customers in Central Oregon.  As part of the agreement, TDS also acquired a Tier III data center providing colocation and managed services and a cable advertising and broadcast business.  BendBroadband service offerings complement the current portfolio of products offered through TDS Telecom businesses.  Goodwill was recorded due primarily to the expectation of future growth and synergies in Cable segment operations.  The operations of the data center are included in the HMS segment.  The operations of the cable and the advertising and broadcast businesses are included in the Cable segment.
Purchase price		$ 260,700
TDS Telecom HMS | Business Acquisitions
Acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges
Weighted average useful life, acquired finite lived intangibles							10 years
[1]	Cash amounts paid for acquisitions may differ from the purchase price due to cash acquired in the transactions and the timing of cash payments related to the respective transactions.
[2]	The entire amount of Goodwill acquired in 2014 was amortizable for income tax purposes.
[3]	In 2014, at the date of acquisition, the weighted average amortization period for Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization acquired was 4.6 years for TDS Telecom's cable business.
[4]	Includes purchases totaling $338.3 million made by Advantage Spectrum from the FCC for licenses in Auction 97. These licenses have not yet been granted by the FCC.

Acquisitions, Divestitures an63

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, divestitures (Details) $ in Thousands	May. 16, 2013USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges						$ 342,870	$ 187,645	$ 811,120
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net						$ (135,887)	(15,846)	(300,656)
Assets held for sale
Current assets			$ 1,687				1,687
Other assets and deferred charges			775				775
Licenses			56,809				56,809
Goodwill			8,444				8,444
Property, plant and equipment			35,628				35,628
Total Assets held for sale			103,343				103,343
Liabilities held for sale
Current liabilities			3,825				3,825
Other deferred liabilities and credits			17,818				17,818
Total liabilities held for sale			21,643				21,643
Non-operating Market Licenses
Assets held for sale
Licenses			56,809				56,809
Total Assets held for sale			56,809				56,809
Wireline Markets
Divestitures
Business divestiture description						In 2015, TDS sold certain Wireline markets for $25.6 million, including working capital adjustments, and recognized aggregated gains of $9.5 million
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges						$ 25,600
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net						(9,500)
Assets held for sale
Current assets			215				215
Other assets and deferred charges			2				2
Goodwill			4,100				4,100
Property, plant and equipment			3,858				3,858
Total Assets held for sale			8,175				8,175
Liabilities held for sale
Current liabilities			218				218
Other deferred liabilities and credits			177				177
Total liabilities held for sale			395				395
Tower sale - second closing
Assets held for sale
Current assets			1,472				1,472
Other assets and deferred charges			773				773
Goodwill			4,344				4,344
Property, plant and equipment			31,770				31,770
Total Assets held for sale			38,359				38,359
Liabilities held for sale
Current liabilities			3,607				3,607
Other deferred liabilities and credits			17,641				17,641
Total liabilities held for sale			$ 21,248				21,248
U.S. Cellular
Divestiture Financial Impacts
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net						$ (113,555)	(32,830)	(246,767)
U.S. Cellular | Divestiture Transaction
Divestitures
Business divestiture description						On May 16, 2013, pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement, U.S. Cellular sold customers and certain PCS spectrum licenses to subsidiaries of Sprint Corp. fka Sprint Nextel Corporation (“Sprint”) in U.S. Cellular’s Chicago, central Illinois, St. Louis and certain Indiana/Michigan/Ohio markets (“Divestiture Markets”) in consideration for $480 million in cash. The Purchase and Sale Agreement also contemplated certain other agreements, together with the Purchase and Sale Agreement collectively referred to as the “Divestiture Transaction.” These agreements require Sprint to reimburse U.S. Cellular up to $200 million (the “Sprint Cost Reimbursement”) for certain network decommissioning costs, network site lease rent and termination costs, network access termination costs, and employee termination benefits for specified engineering employees.
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	$ 480,000
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net						$ (6,000)	$ (29,300)	(302,000)
U.S. Cellular | Mississippi Valley
Divestitures
Business divestiture description						In October 2013, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of its Mississippi Valley non-operating market license (“unbuilt license”) for $308.0 million.  At the time of the sale, a $250.6 million gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges					$ 308,000
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net					$ (250,600)
U.S. Cellular | St. Louis
Divestitures
Business divestiture description						In March 2014, U.S. Cellular sold the majority of its St. Louis area non-operating market spectrum license for $92.3 million.  A gain of $75.8 million was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the first quarter of 2014.
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges				$ 92,300
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				$ (75,800)
U.S. Cellular | Tower sale
Divestitures
Business divestiture description						In December 2014, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement with a third party to sell 595 towers and certain related contracts, assets, and liabilities for $159.0 million. This agreement and related transactions are referred to as the “Tower Sale” and were accomplished in two closings. The first closing occurred in December 2014 and included the sale of 236 towers, without tenants, for $10.0 million. On this same date, U.S. Cellular received $7.5 million in earnest money. At the time of the first closing, a $4.7 million gain was recorded. The second closing for the remaining 359 towers, primarily with tenants, took place in January 2015, at which time U.S. Cellular received $141.8 million in additional cash proceeds and TDS recorded a gain of $120.2 million in (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net.
Number Of Towers						595			595
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges						$ 159,000
U.S. Cellular | Tower sale - first closing
Divestitures
Number Of Towers			236				236
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges			$ 10,000
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net			(4,700)
U.S. Cellular | Tower sale - second closing
Divestitures
Number Of Towers		359
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges		$ 141,800
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		$ (120,200)
U.S. Cellular | Sprint Cost Reimbursement
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges									$ 111,600
U.S. Cellular | Sprint Cost Reimbursement | Divestiture Transaction
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges						$ 30,000	$ 71,100	$ 10,600
U.S. Cellular | Sprint Cost Reimbursement | Maximum | Divestiture Transaction
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges									$ 200,000
U.S. Cellular | Earnest money received | Tower sale - first closing
Divestiture Financial Impacts
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges			$ 7,500

Acquisitions, Divestitures an64

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, exchanges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Exchanges
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges					$ (146,884)	$ (112,993)	$ (255,479)
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges					342,870	187,645	811,120
Other current liabilities			$ 181,803		127,023	181,803
Carrying value			1,453,574		1,844,348	1,453,574
U.S. Cellular
Exchanges
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges					$ (146,884)	(112,993)	$ (255,479)
U.S. Cellular | PCS and AWS license exchange
Exchanges
Asset exchange description					In September 2014, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement with a third party to exchange certain PCS and AWS licenses for certain other PCS and AWS licenses and $28.0 million of cash. This license exchange was accomplished in two closings. The first closing occurred in December 2014 at which time U.S. Cellular transferred licenses to the counterparty with a net book value of $11.5 million, received licenses with an estimated fair value, per a market approach, of $51.5 million, recorded a $21.7 million gain and recorded an $18.3 million deferred credit in Other current liabilities. The license that was transferred to the counterparty in the second closing had a net book value of $22.2 million. The second closing occurred in July 2015. At the time of the second closing, U.S. Cellular received $28.0 million in cash and recognized the deferred credit from the first closing, resulting in a total gain of $24.0 million recorded on this part of the license exchange.
U.S. Cellular | PCS and AWS license exchange - first closing
Exchanges
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges			(21,700)
Fair value			51,500			51,500
Other current liabilities			18,300			18,300
Carrying value			$ 11,500			$ 11,500
U.S. Cellular | PCS and AWS license exchange - second closing
Exchanges
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges	$ (24,000)
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	28,000
Carrying value	$ 22,200
U.S. Cellular | PCS license exchange
Exchanges
Asset exchange description					In March 2015, U.S. Cellular exchanged certain of its unbuilt PCS licenses for certain other PCS licenses located in U.S. Cellular’s existing operating markets and $117.0 million of cash. As of the transaction date, the licenses received in the transaction had an estimated fair value, per a market approach, of $43.5 million. A gain of $125.2 million was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the first quarter of 2015.
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges		$ (125,200)
Fair value		43,500
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges		$ 117,000
U.S. Cellular | Spectrum exchange
Exchanges
Asset exchange description					In February 2014, U.S. Cellular completed an exchange whereby U.S. Cellular received one E block PCS spectrum license covering Milwaukee, WI in exchange for one D block PCS spectrum license covering Milwaukee, WI.  The exchange of licenses provided U.S. Cellular with spectrum to meet anticipated future capacity and coverage requirements.  No cash, customers, network assets, other assets or liabilities were included in the exchange.  As a result of this transaction, TDS recognized a gain of $15.7 million, representing the difference between the $15.9 million fair value of the license surrendered, calculated using a market approach valuation method, and the $0.2 million carrying value of the license surrendered.  This gain was recorded in (Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the first quarter of 2014.
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges				$ (15,700)
Fair value				15,900
Carrying value				$ 200

Intangible Assets (Details)

Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill
Balance, beginning of period		$ 771,352
Balance, end of period		765,792		$ 771,352
Licenses
Licenses and Franchise Rights
Balance, beginning of period		1,453,574		1,423,779
Acquisitions		345,807	[1]	44,410
Transferred to Assets held for sale				(56,809)
Exchanges		43,485		55,780
Divestitures				(15,220)
Other		1,482		1,634
Balance, end of period		1,844,348		1,453,574
Licenses | U.S. Cellular
Licenses and Franchise Rights
Balance, beginning of period		1,448,071		1,405,759
Acquisitions		345,807	[1]	41,707
Transferred to Assets held for sale				(56,809)
Exchanges		43,485		55,780
Other		1,482		1,634
Balance, end of period		1,838,845		1,448,071
Licenses | TDS Telecom Wireline
Licenses and Franchise Rights
Balance, beginning of period		2,800		2,800
Balance, end of period		2,800		2,800
Licenses | TDS Telecom Cable
Licenses and Franchise Rights
Balance, beginning of period		2,703
Acquisitions				2,703
Balance, end of period		2,703		2,703
Licenses | Other
Licenses and Franchise Rights
Balance, beginning of period	[2]			15,220
Divestitures	[2]			(15,220)
Franchise rights | TDS Telecom Cable
Licenses and Franchise Rights
Balance, beginning of period		244,300		123,668
Acquisitions				120,979
Other		(120)		(347)
Balance, end of period		244,180		244,300
Goodwill
Goodwill
Balance, beginning of period		771,352		836,843	[3]
Acquisitions				33,610
Loss on impairment				(87,802)
Divestitures		5,005		(2,855)
Transferred to Assets held for sale				(8,444)
Other		(555)
Balance, end of period		765,792		771,352
Goodwill | U.S. Cellular
Goodwill
Balance, beginning of period		227,406		232,041	[3]
Divestitures				(291)
Transferred to Assets held for sale				(4,344)
Other		(555)
Accumulated impairment losses in prior periods				(333,900)
Balance, end of period		226,851		227,406
Goodwill | TDS Telecom Wireline
Goodwill
Balance, beginning of period		413,794		420,458	[3]
Divestitures		5,005		(2,564)
Transferred to Assets held for sale				(4,100)
Accumulated impairment losses in prior periods				(29,400)
Balance, end of period		408,789		413,794
Goodwill | TDS Telecom Cable
Goodwill
Balance, beginning of period		95,322		61,712	[3]
Acquisitions				33,610
Balance, end of period		95,322		95,322
Goodwill | TDS Telecom HMS
Goodwill
Balance, beginning of period		34,830		118,830	[3]
Loss on impairment				(84,000)
Balance, end of period		$ 34,830		34,830
Goodwill | Other
Goodwill
Balance, beginning of period	[3]			3,802
Loss on impairment				(3,802)
Accumulated impairment losses in prior periods				$ (500)
[1]	Amount in 2015 includes purchases totaling $338.3 million made by Advantage Spectrum from the FCC for licenses in which it was the provisional winning bidder in Auction 97. See Note 6 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, and Note 14 — Variable Interest Entities for further information. These licenses have not yet been granted by the FCC.
[2]	Represents the transfer of licenses from Airadigm to U.S. Cellular in 2014. See Note 6 - Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for additional information.
[3]	Includes accumulated impairment losses in prior periods as follows: $333.9 million for U.S. Cellular, $29.4 million for Wireline and $0.5 million for Other.

Investment in Unconsolidated 66

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity and cost method investments
Capital contributions, loans, advances and adjustments	$ 123,250	$ 127,939
Cumulative share of income	1,468,312	1,323,898
Cumulative share of distributions	1,205,497	1,145,438
Equity method investments	386,065	306,399
Cost method investments	15,655	15,330
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	401,720	321,729	$ 301,772
Equity method investments, combined assets
Current	670,723	733,133
Due from affiliates	88,685	303,322
Property and other	4,604,312	2,345,562
Total assets	5,363,720	3,382,017
Equity method investments, combined liabilities and equity
Current liabilities	810,121	407,073
Deferred credits	242,301	175,516
Long-term liabilities	157,785	29,342
Long-term capital lease obligations	1,539	1,722
Partners' capital and shareholders' equity	4,151,974	2,768,364
Total liabilities and equity	5,363,720	3,382,017
Equity method investments, combined income statements
Revenues	6,979,184	6,700,266	6,239,200
Operating expenses	5,245,216	5,063,925	4,492,372
Operating income	1,733,968	1,636,341	1,746,828
Other income (expense), net	(9,049)	6,741	4,019
Net income	$ 1,724,919	$ 1,643,082	$ 1,750,847

Investment in Unconsolidated 67

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities, Deconsolidation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Deconsolidation of New York Partnerships
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$ 401,720	$ 301,772	$ 321,729
St. Lawrence Seaway RSA Cellular Partnership
Deconsolidation of New York Partnerships
Ownership interest in equity method investment	60.00%
New York RSA 2 Cellular Partnership
Deconsolidation of New York Partnerships
Ownership interest in equity method investment	57.14%
St. Lawrence Seaway RSA Cellular Partnership and New York RSA 2 Cellular Partnership
Deconsolidation of New York Partnerships
Date Of Deconsolidation	Apr. 3, 2013
Deconsolidation gain		$ 14,500

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment
Land	$ 54,567	$ 52,946
Buildings	506,486	480,028
Leasehold and land improvements	1,137,414	1,130,468
Cable and wire	1,688,606	1,628,782
Network and switching equipment	2,278,425	2,239,176
Cell site equipment	3,382,743	3,284,993
Office furniture and equipment	586,975	634,853
Other operating assets and equipment	205,132	204,625
System development	1,459,437	1,319,930
Work in process	220,276	218,243
Property, plant and equipment, gross	11,520,061	11,194,044
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(7,755,584)	(7,347,919)
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,764,477	3,846,125
Depreciation and amortization expense	810,500	797,600	$ 984,400
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	$ 22,176	26,531	30,841
Buildings | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	5 years
Buildings | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	40 years
Leasehold and land improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	1 year
Leasehold and land improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	30 years
Cable and wire | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	15 years
Cable and wire | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	35 years
Network and switching equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	5 years
Network and switching equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	13 years
Cell site equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	7 years
Cell site equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	25 years
Office furniture and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	3 years
Office furniture and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	10 years
Other operating assets and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	3 years
Other operating assets and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	12 years
System development | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	1 year
System development | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Useful life	7 years
U.S. Cellular
Property, Plant and Equipment
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	$ 16,313	21,469	30,606
TDS Telecom
Property, Plant and Equipment
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5,874	4,754	283
TDS Telecom Wireline
Property, Plant and Equipment
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	5,094	2,091	130
Other
Property, Plant and Equipment
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	$ (11)	$ 308	$ (48)

Asset Retirement Obligation (De

Asset Retirement Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Asset retirement obligation
Asset retirement obligation - Balance at beginning of year		$ 239,032	[1]	$ 275,238
Additional liabilities accrued		1,661		4,907
Revisions in estimated cash outflows		(3,669)		(992)
Disposition of assets		(9,684)		(46,242)
Accretion expense		15,735		17,506
Transferred to Liabilities held for sale				(11,385)
Asset retirement obligation - Balance at end of year	[1]	243,075		239,032
Other current liabilities
Asset retirement obligation
Asset retirement obligation - Balance at beginning of year		$ 9,100
Asset retirement obligation - Balance at end of year				$ 9,100
[1]	The total amount of asset retirement obligations related to the Divestiture Transaction and Airadigm Transaction included in Other current liabilities was $9.1 million as of December 31, 2014.

Debt, revolving credit faciliti

Debt, revolving credit facilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revolving credit
Subordination agreement description		In connection with U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit facility, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement dated December 17, 2010 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, 2015, 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.
Revolving credit facility, terms of agreement		In July 2014, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into amendments to the revolving credit facilities agreements which increased the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (the ratio of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness to Consolidated Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) that the companies are required to maintain. Beginning July 1, 2014, TDS and U.S. Cellular are required to maintain the Consolidated Leverage Ratio at a level not to exceed 3.75 to 1.00 for the period of the four fiscal quarters most recently ended (this was 3.00 to 1.00 prior to July 1, 2014). The terms of the amendment decrease the maximum permitted Consolidated Leverage Ratio beginning January 1, 2016 from 3.75 to 3.50, with further decreases effective July 1, 2016 and January 1, 2017 (and will return to 3.00 to 1.00 at that time). For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, the actual Consolidated Leverage Ratio was 2.25 to 1.00. Future changes in TDS’ and U.S. Cellular’s financial condition could negatively impact their ability to meet the financial covenants and requirements in their revolving credit facilities agreements. TDS also has certain other non-material credit facilities from time to time.
TDS Revolving credit facility
Revolving credit
Debt issuance cost		$ 3.6
TDS Revolving credit facility | TDS Parent Company
Revolving credit
Maximum borrowing capacity		400
Letters of credit outstanding		0.6
Amount available for use		$ 399.4
Illustrative borrowing rate: One-month London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus contractual spread	[1]	2.18%
Illustrative LIBOR rate		0.43%
Contractual spread		1.75%
Commitment fees on amount available for use	[2]	0.30%
Fees incurred as a percent of Maximum borrowing capacity for 2015		0.33%
Fees incurred, amount		$ 1.3	$ 0.9	$ 0.9
Agreement date		Dec. 17, 2010
Maturity date		Dec. 17, 2017
U.S. Cellular Revolving credit facility
Revolving credit
Subordination agreement description		In connection with U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit facility, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement dated December 17, 2010 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, 2015, 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.
U.S. Cellular Revolving credit facility | U.S. Cellular
Revolving credit
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 300
Letters of credit outstanding		17.5
Amount available for use		$ 282.5
Illustrative borrowing rate: One-month London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus contractual spread	[1]	2.18%
Illustrative LIBOR rate		0.43%
Contractual spread		1.75%
Commitment fees on amount available for use	[2]	0.30%
Fees incurred as a percent of Maximum borrowing capacity for 2015		0.29%
Fees incurred, amount		$ 0.9	$ 3	$ 0.8
Agreement date		Dec. 17, 2010
Maturity date		Dec. 17, 2017
[1]	Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a contractual spread based on TDS' or U.S. Cellular’s credit rating or, at TDS' or U.S. Cellular’s option, an alternate “Base Rate” as defined in the revolving credit agreement. TDS and 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 TDS or U.S. Cellular and approved by the lenders).
[2]	The revolving credit facility has commitment fees based on the unsecured senior debt ratings assigned to TDS and U.S. Cellular by certain ratings agencies.

Debt, long-term debt (Details)

Debt, long-term debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term debt
Principal amount	$ 2,529,956	$ 2,005,673
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	75,823	63,796
Total long-term debt	2,454,133	1,941,877
Cash proceeds	525,000	275,000	$ 37
Current portion of long-term debt	14,306	808
Long-term debt, net	2,439,827	1,941,069
TDS Parent Company
Long-term debt
Principal amount	837,347	837,347
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	27,443	27,559
Long-term debt	809,904	809,788
Long-term debt maturities
Scheduled principal payments 2016	14,300
Scheduled principal payments 2017	12,100
Scheduled principal payments 2018	11,400
Scheduled principal payments 2019	11,400
Scheduled principal payments 2020	$ 11,400
TDS Parent Company | 7% Senior Notes
Long-term debt
Interest rate on debt	7.00%
Date of debt issuance	Mar. 21, 2011
Maturity date of debt issued	Mar. 15, 2060
Call date of debt issued	Mar. 15, 2016
Principal amount	$ 300,000	300,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	9,621	9,650
Long-term debt	$ 290,379	290,350
TDS Parent Company | 6.625% Senior Notes
Long-term debt
Interest rate on debt	6.625%
Date of debt issuance	Mar. 31, 2005
Maturity date of debt issued	Mar. 31, 2045
Call date of debt issued	Mar. 31, 2010
Principal amount	$ 116,250	116,250
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	3,567	3,604
Long-term debt	$ 112,683	112,646
TDS Parent Company | 6.875% Senior Notes
Long-term debt
Interest rate on debt	6.875%
Date of debt issuance	Nov. 16, 2010
Maturity date of debt issued	Nov. 15, 2059
Call date of debt issued	Nov. 15, 2015
Principal amount	$ 225,000	225,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	7,537	7,561
Long-term debt	$ 217,463	217,439
TDS Parent Company | 5.875% Senior Notes
Long-term debt
Interest rate on debt	5.875%
Date of debt issuance	Nov. 26, 2012
Maturity date of debt issued	Dec. 1, 2061
Call date of debt issued	Dec. 1, 2017
Principal amount	$ 195,000	195,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	6,718	6,744
Long-term debt	$ 188,282	188,256
TDS Parent Company | Purchase contracts
Long-term debt
Date of debt issuance	Oct. 3, 2001
Maturity date of debt issued	Oct. 3, 2021
Principal amount	$ 1,097	1,097
Purchase contracts	$ 1,097	1,097
U.S. Cellular | 6.95% Senior Notes
Long-term debt
Interest rate on debt	6.95%
Date of debt issuance	May 9, 2011
Maturity date of debt issued	May 15, 2060
Call date of debt issued	May 15, 2016
Principal amount	$ 342,000	342,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	10,905	10,937
Long-term debt	$ 331,095	331,063
U.S. Cellular | 6.7% Senior Notes
Long-term debt
Interest rate on debt	6.70%
Maturity date of debt issued	Dec. 15, 2033
Call date of debt issued	Dec. 31, 2003
Principal amount	$ 544,000	544,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	15,247	15,656
Long-term debt	$ 528,753	528,344
U.S. Cellular | 6.7% Senior Notes | Maximum
Long-term debt
Date of debt issuance	Jun. 28, 2004
U.S. Cellular | 6.7% Senior Notes | Minimum
Long-term debt
Date of debt issuance	Dec. 8, 2003
U.S. Cellular | 7.25% Senior Notes
Long-term debt
Interest rate on debt	7.25%
Date of debt issuance	Dec. 1, 2014
Maturity date of debt issued	Dec. 1, 2063
Call date of debt issued	Dec. 8, 2019
Principal amount	$ 275,000	275,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	9,629	9,644
Long-term debt	$ 265,371	265,356
U.S. Cellular | 7.25% Senior Notes
Long-term debt
Interest rate on debt	7.25%
Date of debt issuance	Nov. 23, 2015
Maturity date of debt issued	Nov. 23, 2064
Call date of debt issued	Nov. 30, 2020
Principal amount	$ 300,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	10,316
Long-term debt	289,684
Debt issuance cost	10,300
Cash proceeds	$ 289,700
U.S. Cellular | U.S. Cellular Term loan facility
Long-term debt
Date of debt issuance	Jan. 21, 2015
Maturity date of debt issued	Jan. 21, 2022
Principal amount	$ 225,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	2,283
Long-term debt	222,717
U.S. Cellular | Obligation on capital leases
Long-term debt
Principal amount	2,200	2,143
Obligation on capital leases	2,200	2,143
TDS Telecom | Rural Utility Service and other notes
Long-term debt
Principal amount	691	699
Long-term debt	691	699
TDS Telecom | Obligation on capital leases
Long-term debt
Principal amount	733	767
Obligation on capital leases	$ 733	767
Other | Long-term notes
Long-term debt
Maturity date of debt issued	Dec. 2, 2016
Principal amount	$ 2,961	3,686
Long-term debt	2,961	3,686
Other | Obligation on capital leases
Long-term debt
Principal amount	24	31
Obligation on capital leases	24	31
Total Subsidiaries
Long-term debt
Principal amount	1,692,609	1,168,326
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	48,380	36,237
Long-term debt	$ 1,644,229	$ 1,132,089

Debt, term loan facility (Detai

Debt, term loan facility (Details) - U.S. Cellular Term loan facility - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Term loan
Payment terms		In January 2015, U.S. Cellular entered into a senior term loan credit facility. In July 2015, U.S. Cellular borrowed the full amount of $225 million available under this facility in two separate draws. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings will be reset at three and six month intervals at a rate of LIBOR plus 250 basis points. This credit facility 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 will be due and payable in quarterly installments of $2.8 million beginning in March 2016 through December 2021, and the remaining unpaid balance will be due and payable in January 2022. This facility was entered into for general corporate purposes, including working capital, spectrum purchases and capital expenditures.
Subordination agreement description		In connection with U.S. Cellular’s term loan credit facility, TDS and U.S. Cellular entered into a subordination agreement dated January 21, 2015 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 in the U.S. Cellular revolving credit facility described above. As of December 31, 2015, U.S. Cellular had no outstanding consolidated funded indebtedness or refinancing indebtedness that was subordinated to the term loan facility pursuant to this subordination agreement.
U.S. Cellular
Term loan
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 225
Agreement date		Jan. 21, 2015
Contractual spread		2.50%
Frequency of periodic Term Loan payment		quarterly
Maturity date		Jan. 21, 2022
U.S. Cellular | Expected event
Term loan
Term Loan periodic payment amount	$ 2.8

Employee Benefit Plans, defined

Employee Benefit Plans, defined Contribution Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee benefits
Description of defined contribution plan	TDS sponsors a qualified noncontributory defined contribution pension plan. The plan provides benefits for certain employees of TDS Corporate, TDS Telecom and U.S. Cellular. Under this plan, pension costs are calculated separately for each participant and are funded annually. Total pension costs were $16.4 million, $16.4 million and $16.2 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, TDS sponsors a defined contribution retirement savings plan (“401(k)”) plan. Total costs incurred from TDS’ contributions to the 401(k) plan were $25.7 million, $25.3 million and $24.8 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Pension
Employee benefits
Defined contribution cost	$ 16.4	$ 16.4	$ 16.2
401(k)
Employee benefits
Defined contribution cost	$ 25.7	$ 25.3	$ 24.8

Employee Benefit Plans, other P

Employee Benefit Plans, other Post-Retirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Amounts included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, before tax
Net prior service costs		$ 6,846	$ 17,246
Net actuarial loss		(7,280)	(8,436)
Sum net prior service cost and net actuarial loss		(434)	8,810
Amounts to be amortized to net benefit cost
Estimated net actuarial loss amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost next year		200
Estimated prior service cost gain amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost next year		2,000
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year		34,645	46,142
Service cost		549	1,018	$ 1,348
Interest cost		1,540	2,255	2,137
Plan amendments		7,412	(2,057)
Actuarial (gain) loss		(3,723)	(10,897)
Prescription drug subsidy		227	264
Employee contribution		2,222	2,216
Benefits paid		(4,101)	(4,296)
Benefit obligation at end of year		38,771	34,645	46,142
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments And Revaluation		8,600
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		51,324	49,743
Actual return (loss) on plan assets		395	3,495
Employee contribution		2,222	2,216
Employer contribution		168	166
Benefits paid		(4,101)	(4,296)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		50,008	51,324	49,743
Funded status		$ 11,237	16,679
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation
Three year return		8.02%
Five year return		7.40%
Net periodic benefit cost
Service cost		$ 549	1,018	1,348
Interest cost		1,540	2,255	2,137
Expected return on plan assets		(3,252)	(3,402)	(3,065)
Amortization of prior service costs	[1]	(2,988)	(3,644)	(3,605)
Amortization of actuarial losses	[2]	290	1,287	2,452
Net post-retirement cost		$ (3,861)	$ (2,486)	$ (733)
Benefit obligations
Discount rate		4.40%	4.20%
Net periodic benefit cost assumptions
Discount rate		4.20%	5.00%
Expected return on plan assets		6.50%	7.00%
Discount rate assumptions		The discount rate for 2015 and 2014 was determined using a hypothetical Aa spot yield curve represented by a series of annualized individual spot discount rates from six months to 99 years. The spot rate curve was derived from a direct calculation of the implied forward rate curve based on the included bond cash flows. This yield curve, when populated with projected cash flows that represent the expected timing and amount of TDS plan benefit payments, produces a single effective interest discount rate that is used to measure the plan’s liabilities. The expected rate of return was determined using the target asset allocation for the TDS plan and rate of return expectations for each asset class. The measurement date for actuarial determination was December 31, 2015. For measurement purposes, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2015 to be 9.5% for plan participants aged 65 and above, and 7.3% for participants under age 65. For all participants the 2015 annual rate of increase is expected to decrease to 5.0% by 2024. The 2014 expected rate of increase was 7.8% for plan participants aged 65 and above, and 7.5% for participants under age 65, decreasing to 5.0% for all participants by 2022.
Health care trend rates
Ultimate health care cost trend rate		5.00%	5.00%
One percent increase effect on total service and interest cost components		$ 14
One percent decrease effect on total service and interest cost components		(13)
One percent increase effect on post-retirement benefit obligation		230
One percent decrease effect on post-retirement benefit obligation		(202)
Estimated future post-retirement benefit payments
2,016		1,823
2,017		1,969
2,018		2,061
2,019		2,163
2,020		2,257
Estimated future post-retirement benefit payments - 6-10 years		$ 12,229
65 and older
Health care trend rates
Health care cost trend rate		9.50%	7.80%
Under 65
Health care trend rates
Health care cost trend rate		7.30%	7.50%
Level 1
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$ 51,323
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		37,378	$ 51,323
Level 2
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		12,630	1
Bond Mutual Funds
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	[3]	$ 12,842
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[3]		$ 12,842
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation
Investment strategy of mutual fund		Bond (mutual funds) - This type of fund seeks to achieve a maximum total return, consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment management by investing in a wide spectrum of fixed income instruments including bonds, debt securities and other similar instruments issued by government and private-sector entities.
Target asset allocation		30.00%
Actual asset allocation		31.50%	29.00%
Bond Mutual Funds | Level 1
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	[3]	$ 12,842
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[3]		$ 12,842
Equity Mutual Funds | U.S. Large Cap
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	[4]	20,191
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[4]	$ 22,327	20,191
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation
Investment strategy of mutual fund		US large cap - This type of fund seeks to track the performance of several benchmark indices that measure the investment return of large-capitalization stocks. The funds attempt to replicate the indices by investing substantially all of their assets in the stocks that make up the various indices in approximately the same proportion as the weighting in the indices.
Equity Mutual Funds | U.S. Large Cap | Level 1
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	[4]	$ 20,191
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[4]	22,327	20,191
Equity Mutual Funds | U.S. Small Cap
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	[5]	$ 4,234
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[5]		4,234
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation
Investment strategy of mutual fund		US small cap - This type of fund seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index that measures the investment return of small-capitalization stocks. The fund attempts to replicate the index by investing substantially all of its assets in the stocks that make up the index in approximately the same proportion as the weighting in the index.
Equity Mutual Funds | U.S. Small Cap | Level 1
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	[5]	$ 4,234
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[5]		4,234
Equity Mutual Funds | International
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	[6]	12,003
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[6]	$ 11,912	$ 12,003
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation
Investment strategy of mutual fund		International equity - This type of fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in the stocks of companies located outside the United States that are considered to have the potential for above-average capital appreciation.
Target asset allocation		25.00%
Actual asset allocation		23.80%	23.40%
Equity Mutual Funds | International | Level 1
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	[6]	$ 12,003
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[6]	$ 11,912	$ 12,003
Equity Mutual Funds | United States
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation
Target asset allocation		45.00%
Actual asset allocation		44.70%	47.60%
Money Market Mutual Funds
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	[7]	$ 2,053
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[7]	$ 3,139	$ 2,053
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation
Investment strategy of mutual fund		Money market - This type of fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality, dollar-denominated short-term debt securities.
Money Market Mutual Funds | Level 1
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	[7]	$ 2,053
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[7]	3,139	2,053
Bond Bank Common Trust
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[8]	$ 12,630
Benefit plan, investment and asset allocation
Investment strategy of mutual fund		Bond (bank common trust) – This type of fund seeks to achieve maximum total return by investing in Bond Index Funds and other short-term investments.
Bond Bank Common Trust | Level 2
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	[8]	$ 12,630
Other
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year			1
Other | Level 2
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$ 1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year			$ 1
[1]	Based on straight-line amortization over the average time remaining before active employees become fully eligible for plan benefits.
[2]	Based on straight-line amortization over the average time remaining before active employees retire.
[3]	Bond (mutual funds) - This type of fund seeks to achieve a maximum total return, consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment management by investing in a wide spectrum of fixed income instruments including bonds, debt securities and other similar instruments issued by government and private-sector entities.
[4]	US large cap - This type of fund seeks to track the performance of several benchmark indices that measure the investment return of large-capitalization stocks. The funds attempt to replicate the indices by investing substantially all of their assets in the stocks that make up the various indices in approximately the same proportion as the weighting in the indices.
[5]	US small cap - This type of fund seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index that measures the investment return of small-capitalization stocks. The fund attempts to replicate the index by investing substantially all of its assets in the stocks that make up the index in approximately the same proportion as the weighting in the index.
[6]	International equity - This type of fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in the stocks of companies located outside the United States that are considered to have the potential for above-average capital appreciation.
[7]	Money market - This type of fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality, dollar-denominated short-term debt securities.
[8]	Bond (bank common trust) – This type of fund seeks to achieve maximum total return by investing in Bond Index Funds and other short-term investments.

Commitments and Contingencies,

Commitments and Contingencies, minimum lease obligations (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure
Operating leases	TDS and its subsidiaries have leases for certain plant facilities, office space, retail store sites, cell sites, data centers and data-processing 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.
Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due
2,016	$ 156,882
2,017	136,248
2,018	117,806
2,019	100,894
2,020	87,993
After 2,020	724,217
Total	1,324,040
Operating Leases Future Minimum Receipts
2,016	48,304
2,017	40,180
2,018	31,940
2,019	21,608
2,020	10,184
After 2,020	1,238
Total	$ 153,454

Commitments and Contingencies76

Commitments and Contingencies, additional lease information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure
Rent expense, noncancellable long-term operating lease	$ 168.4	$ 177	$ 187.4
Rent expense, cancellable short-term operating lease	$ 10.8	$ 8.8	$ 12.5

Commitments and Contingencies77

Commitments and Contingencies, purchase commitments (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Apple
Long-term Purchase Commitment
Purchase commitment agreement description	During 2013, U.S. Cellular entered into agreements with Apple to purchase certain minimum quantities of Apple iPhone products and fund marketing programs related to the Apple iPhone and iPad products over a three-year period beginning in November 2013. Based on current forecasts, TDS estimates that the remaining contractual commitment as of December 31, 2015 under these agreements is approximately $196 million. At this time, TDS expects to meet its contractual commitments with Apple.
Purchase commitment period	3 years
Purchase commitment remaining estimated payments	$ 196
Amdocs Software Systems Limited
Long-term Purchase Commitment
Purchase commitment agreement description	In November 2014, U.S. Cellular executed a Master Statement of Work and certain other documents with Amdocs Software Systems Limited (“Amdocs”). The agreement provides that U.S. Cellular will outsource to Amdocs certain support functions for its Billing and Operational Support System (“B/OSS”). Such functions include application support, billing operations and some infrastructure services. The agreement has a term through September 30, 2019, subject to five one-year renewal periods at U.S. Cellular’s option. The estimated amount to be paid to Amdocs with respect to the agreement during the remaining term is approximately $83 million (exclusive of travel and expenses and subject to certain potential adjustments).
Purchase commitment period	5 years
Purchase commitment remaining estimated payments	$ 83

Commitments and Contingencies78

Commitments and Contingencies, legal accruals and unasserted claims (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Loss Contingency, Estimate
Accrual for legal proceedings and unasserted claims	$ 0.5	$ 0.4

Variable Interest Entities (Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents			$ 984,643	$ 471,901	$ 830,014	$ 740,481
Other current assets			30,293	29,766
Licenses			1,844,348	1,453,574
Property, plant and equipment, net			3,764,477	3,846,125
Other assets and deferred charges			196,461	282,037
Liabilities
Current liabilities			944,384	1,063,256
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
Federal Communications Commission deposit				60,000
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features			$ 1,097	1,150
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections
Immaterial Error Correction			TDS recorded out-of-period adjustments in 2015 due to errors related to equipment installment plan transactions that were attributable to 2014.  TDS has determined that these adjustments were not material to prior annual periods, and also were not material to the current year results.  These equipment installment plan adjustments had the impact of reducing Equipment sales revenues by $6.2 million and Income before income taxes by $5.8 million in 2015.
Net income (loss)			$ 262,610	(147,292)	166,821
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders			219,037	(136,355)	141,927
U.S. Cellular
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections
Net income (loss)			247,295	(46,922)	$ 144,522
Variable Interest Entities
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents			1,435	2,588
Other current assets			265	278
Licenses	[1]		648,661	312,977
Property, plant and equipment, net			7,722	10,671
Other assets and deferred charges			147	60,059
Total assets			658,230	386,573
Liabilities
Current liabilities			143	110
Deferred liabilities and credits			489	622
Total liabilities			632	732
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
Capital contributions, loans or advances			$ 280,600	60,900
Advantage Spectrum L.P.
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
Federal Communications Commission deposit				$ 60,000
Licenses won			124
Total winning bid			$ 338,300
Designated entity auction discount			25.00%
Other auction charges			$ 2,300
King Street Wireless L.P.
Variable Interest Entities, Other Disclosures
Cash distributions paid		$ 60,000
King Street Wireless, L.P. distribution paid to U.S. Cellular		54,000
King Street Wireless, L.P. distribution paid to King Street Wireless, Inc.		$ 6,000
King Street Wireless L.P. | Adjustment
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections
Immaterial Error Correction			During 2015, TDS recorded out-of-period adjustments attributable to 2013 and 2014, related to an agreement with King Street Wireless. TDS has determined that these adjustments were not material to the prior quarterly or annual periods, and also were not material to the full year 2015 results. As a result of these out-of-period adjustments, Net income decreased by $2.8 million and Net income attributable to TDS shareholders decreased by $3.3 million in 2015.
Net income (loss)			$ 2,800
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders			$ 3,300
[1]	At December 31, 2015, includes purchases totaling $338.3 million made by Advantage Spectrum from the FCC as described below.

Noncontrolling Interests (Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders	$ 219,037	$ (136,355)	$ 141,927
Transfer (to) from the noncontrolling interests
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's issuance of U.S. Cellular shares	(14,785)	(12,420)	(14,135)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's repurchase of U.S. Cellular shares	1,325	1,296	3,370
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from common control transaction		7,484
Purchase of ownership in subsidiaries from noncontrolling interests	240	(1,034)	(123)
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	(13,220)	(4,674)	(10,888)
Change from net income (loss) attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	$ 205,817	$ (141,029)	$ 131,039
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
Termination date range of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests - begin	2,085
Termination date range of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests - end	2,113
Settlement value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 15,700
Carrying value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 4,200

Common Shareholders' Equity, Eq

Common Shareholders' Equity, Equity Rollforward (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common shareholders' equity, share rollforward
Common stock, shares issued beginning balance	132,749,000
Common stock, shares issued ending balance	132,782,000	132,749,000
Treasury Common Shares
Common shareholders' equity, share rollforward
Treasury shares, beginning balance	24,850,000
Treasury shares, ending balance	23,816,000	24,850,000
Common Shares
Common shareholders' equity, share rollforward
Common stock, shares issued beginning balance	125,570,000	125,545,000	125,512,000
Conversion of Series A Common shares	1,000	25,000	33,000
Common stock, shares issued ending balance	125,571,000	125,570,000	125,545,000
Common Shares | Treasury Common Shares
Common shareholders' equity, share rollforward
Treasury shares, beginning balance	24,850,000	23,954,000	24,641,000
Repurchase of shares		1,542,000	339,000
Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans - Treasury shares	(1,034,000)	(646,000)	(1,026,000)
Treasury shares, ending balance	23,816,000	24,850,000	23,954,000
Common Shares | Series A Share Conversion
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures
Shares reserved	7,211,260
Common Shares | Tax-Deferred Savings Plan
Common shareholders' equity, other disclosures
Shares reserved	90,341
Series A Common Shares
Common shareholders' equity, share rollforward
Common stock, shares issued beginning balance	7,179,000	7,166,000	7,160,000
Conversion of Series A Common shares	(1,000)	(25,000)	(33,000)
Dividend reinvestment, incentive and compensation plans	33,000	38,000	39,000
Common stock, shares issued ending balance	7,211,000	7,179,000	7,166,000

Common Shareholders' Equity, 82

Common Shareholders' Equity, Equity Repurchase (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share repurchases
Amount		$ 39,096	$ 9,692
Treasury Shares
Share repurchases
Amount		$ 39,096	$ 9,692
Common Shares | Treasury Shares
Share repurchases
Repurchase of shares		1,542,000	339,000
Average cost per share		$ 25.36	$ 28.60
Common Shares | TDS Parent Company | Treasury Shares
Share repurchases
Amount		$ (39,096)	$ (9,692)
Common share repurchase authorization	On August 2, 2013, the Board of Directors of TDS authorized a $250 million stock repurchase program for the purchase of TDS Common Shares from time to time pursuant to open market purchases, block transactions, private purchases or otherwise, depending on market conditions. This authorization does not have an expiration date.
Repurchase authorization, dollar value	$ 250,000
Repurchase expiration	This authorization does not have an expiration date.
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | U.S. Cellular | Treasury Shares
Share repurchases
Repurchase of shares	178,000	496,000	499,000
Average cost per share	$ 34.86	$ 38.19	$ 37.19
Amount	$ (6,188)	$ (18,943)	$ (18,544)
Common share repurchase authorization	On November 17, 2009, 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. These purchases 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.
Repurchase authorization, additional number of shares	1,300,000
Repurchase expiration	This authorization does not have an expiration date.

Stock-Based Compensation, TDS C

Stock-Based Compensation, TDS Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock based compensation
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 40,400	$ 35,793	$ 30,338
Income tax benefit	(15,267)	(13,519)	(11,459)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	25,133	22,274	18,879
Unrecognized compensation cost for all stock-based compensation awards	$ 42,800
Weighted average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost for all stock-based compensation awards	1 year 11 months
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and other awards	$ 7,700
Cost of services and products
Stock based compensation
Stock-based compensation expense	2,935	3,288	3,208
Selling, general and administrative expense
Stock based compensation
Stock-based compensation expense	37,465	32,505	27,130
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options
Stock based compensation
Stock-based compensation expense	18,431	15,802	12,973
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Restricted Stock Units
Stock based compensation
Stock-based compensation expense	20,067	17,968	15,535
Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units
Stock based compensation
Stock-based compensation expense	622	690	550
Non-Employee Directors' Plan
Stock based compensation
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,280	$ 1,333	$ 1,280
TDS Parent Company | 2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans
Stock-based compensation, overview
Terms of award	Under the TDS Long-Term Incentive Plans, TDS 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.
TDS Parent Company | 2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options
Stock-based compensation, overview
Terms of award	Stock options granted to key employees are exercisable over a specified period not in excess of ten years. Stock options generally vest over periods up to three years from the date of grant. Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 expire between 2016 and 2025. 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 TDS common stock on the date of grant.
TDS Parent Company | 2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Minimum
Stock-based compensation, overview
Stock options expiration date	Jun. 19, 2016
TDS Parent Company | 2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Maximum
Stock-based compensation, overview
Stock options expiration date	May 11, 2025
TDS Parent Company | 2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Restricted Stock Units
Stock-based compensation, overview
Terms of award	TDS also grants restricted stock unit awards to key employees. Each outstanding restricted stock unit is convertible into one Common Share Award. The restricted stock unit awards currently outstanding were granted in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and will vest in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
TDS Parent Company | 2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units
Stock-based compensation, overview
Terms of award	Certain TDS 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 TDS Common Share units. The amount of TDS’ matching contribution depends on the portion of the annual bonus that is deferred. Participants receive a 25% stock unit 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 TDS Common Share units.
TDS Parent Company | Common Shares | 2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans
Stock-based compensation, overview
Shares reserved	17,389,000
TDS Parent Company | Common Shares | Non-Employee Directors' Plan
Stock-based compensation, overview
Shares reserved	139,000
TDS Parent Company | Common Shares | Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plans
Stock-based compensation, overview
Shares reserved	605,000
TDS Parent Company | Series A Common Shares | Series A Common Share Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Stock-based compensation, overview
Shares reserved	107,000

Stock-Based Compensation, TDS e

Stock-Based Compensation, TDS excluding U.S. Cellular, Valuation model (Details) - TDS Parent Company - 2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans - Stock Options	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions
Expected life	6 years 1 month	5 years 10 months	5 years 8 months
Expected annual volatility rate	30.80%	39.60%	41.00%
Dividend yield	1.90%	2.00%	2.30%
Risk-free interest rate	1.80%	1.80%	1.00%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate	3.20%	2.90%	2.90%

Stock-Based Compensation, TDS85

Stock-Based Compensation, TDS excluding U.S. Cellular, Stock option rollforward schedules (Details) - TDS Parent Company - Common Shares - Stock Options - 2011 and 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plans - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, number of shares
Outstanding, begin of period	9,140,000
Exercisable options, begin of period	6,487,000
Granted options	998,000
Exercised options	(575,000)
Forfeited options	(21,000)
Expired options	(407,000)
Outstanding, end of period	9,135,000	9,140,000
Exercisable options, end of period	6,009,000	6,487,000
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, other information
Options outstanding, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	$ 30.25
Options exercisable, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	32.93
Options granted, weighted average exercise price	29.26
Options exercised, weighted average exercise price	23.11
Options forfeited, weighted average exercise price	26.30
Options expired, weighted average exercise price	37.09
Options outstanding, end of period - weighted average exercise price	30.29	$ 30.25
Options exercisable, end of period - weighted average exercise price	32.54	32.93
Options granted, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 7.66	$ 8.66	$ 7.01
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercised	$ 3,800,000	$ 200,000	$ 2,500,000
Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding	9,531,000
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable	$ 5,548,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life, outstanding	5 years 4 months
Weighted average remaining contractual life, exercisable	3 years 10 months

Stock-Based Compensation, TDS86

Stock-Based Compensation, TDS excluding U.S. Cellular, Nonvested shares and other stock compensation disclosures (Details) - TDS Parent Company - Common Shares - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Compensation Stock Units
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value
Fair value of vested stock units	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 25.36	$ 23.27	$ 21.99
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans
Vested number of shares, unissued	261,000
Vested number of shares, unissued, fair value	$ 6.8
Restricted Stock Units
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares rollforward, number of shares
Nonvested stock units, begin of period - Number of shares	692,000
Granted number of shares	368,000
Forfeited number of shares	(16,000)
Nonvested stock units, end of period - Number of shares	1,044,000	692,000
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested stock units - begin of period weighted average grant date fair value	$ 23.20
Granted weighted average grant date fair value	27.57	$ 25.26	$ 21.09
Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value	25.60
Nonvested stock units - end of period weighted average grant date fair value	$ 24.70	$ 23.20
Fair value of vested stock units		$ 7.5	$ 5.8
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans
Granted number of shares	368,000
Non-Employee Directors' Plan
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans
Shares issued	28,000	33,000	33,000

Stock-Based Compensation, U.S.

Stock-Based Compensation, U.S. Cellular, Overview and Valuation model (Details) - U.S. Cellular - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans
Stock-based compensation, overview
Terms of award	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, 2015, the only types of awards outstanding are fixed non-qualified stock option awards, restricted stock unit awards, and deferred compensation stock unit awards.
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Minimum
Stock-based compensation, overview
Stock options expiration date	Apr. 3, 2016
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Maximum
Stock-based compensation, overview
Stock options expiration date	Apr. 1, 2025
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units
Stock-based compensation, overview
Terms of award	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.
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans
Stock-based compensation, overview
Shares reserved	9,340,000
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions
Expected annual volatility rate, minimum	30.10%	28.00%	29.20%
Expected annual volatility rate, maximum	30.10%	28.10%	39.60%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	1.20%	1.40%	0.70%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	1.20%	1.50%	2.40%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate, minimum	9.70%	9.40%	0.00%
Estimated annual forfeiture rate, maximum	9.70%	9.40%	8.10%
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Minimum
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions
Expected life	4 years 7 months	4 years 6 months	4 years 7 months
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Stock Options | Maximum
Black Scholes valuation model assumptions
Expected life	4 years 7 months	4 years 6 months	9 years
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | Non-Employee Directors' Plan
Stock-based compensation, overview
Shares reserved	183,000

Stock-Based Compensation, U.S88

Stock-Based Compensation, U.S. Cellular, Stock option rollforward schedules (Details) - U.S. Cellular - U.S. Cellular Common Shares - 2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans - Stock Options - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, number of shares
Outstanding, begin of period	3,388,000
Exercisable options, begin of period	1,586,000
Granted options	1,279,000
Exercised options	(321,000)
Forfeited options	(110,000)
Expired options	(134,000)
Outstanding, end of period	4,102,000	3,388,000
Exercisable options, end of period	1,849,000	1,586,000
Stock compensation, stock option rollforward schedule, other information
Options outstanding, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	$ 41.51
Options exercisable, begin of period - weighted average exercise price	45.28
Options granted, weighted average exercise price	36.42
Options exercised, weighted average exercise price	32.94
Options forfeited, weighted average exercise price	37.57
Options expired, weighted average exercise price	43.77
Options outstanding, end of period - weighted average exercise price	40.62	$ 41.51
Options exercisable, end of period - weighted average exercise price	44.33	45.28
Options granted, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 9.94	$ 10.68	$ 11.53
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercised	$ 2,100,000	$ 2,000,000	$ 6,800,000
Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding	11,292,000
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable	$ 3,733,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life, outstanding	6 years 10 months
Weighted average remaining contractual life, exercisable	4 years 7 months

Stock-Based Compensation, U.S89

Stock-Based Compensation, U.S. Cellular, Nonvested shares and other stock compensation disclosures (Details) - U.S. Cellular - U.S. Cellular Common Shares - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Restricted Stock Units
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares rollforward, number of shares
Nonvested stock units, begin of period - Number of shares	1,142,000
Granted number of shares	478,000
Vested number of shares	(349,000)
Forfeited number of shares	(77,000)
Nonvested stock units, end of period - Number of shares	1,194,000	1,142,000
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested stock units - begin of period weighted average grant date fair value	$ 35.60
Granted weighted average grant date fair value	37.24	$ 41.24	$ 32.06
Vested weighted average grant date fair value	34.05
Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value	35.76
Nonvested stock units - end of period weighted average grant date fair value	$ 36.70	$ 35.60
Fair value of vested stock units	$ 12.9	$ 11.1	$ 8.8
2005 and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plans | Deferred Compensation Stock Units
Stock based compensation, Nonvested shares weighted average grant date fair value
Granted weighted average grant date fair value	$ 35.96		$ 31.50
Fair value of vested stock units	$ 0.2		$ 0.1
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans
Vested number of shares, unissued	6,000
Vested number of shares, unissued, fair value	$ 0.2
Non-Employee Directors' Plan
Shares issued and granted under stock compensation plans
Shares issued	15,000	14,200	13,000

Business Segment (Details)

Business Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Business Segment Information
Service		$ 4,321,969	$ 4,328,654		$ 4,443,491
Equipment and product sales		854,272	680,784		457,745
Total operating revenues		5,176,241	5,009,438		4,901,236
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)		1,190,910	1,164,658		1,118,183
Cost of equipment and products		1,224,031	1,346,811		1,107,133
Selling, general and administrative		1,780,463	1,865,807		1,947,778
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		844,361	836,532		1,018,077
Loss on impairment of assets			87,802
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		22,176	26,531		30,841
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		(135,887)	(15,846)		(300,656)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges		(146,884)	(112,993)		(255,479)
Operating income (loss)		397,071	(189,864)		235,359
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities		140,076	131,965		132,714
Interest and dividend income		38,783	16,957		9,092
Gain (loss) on investments					14,547
Interest expense		(141,719)	(111,397)		(98,811)
Other, net		391	115		(37)
Income (loss) before income taxes		434,602	(152,224)		292,864
Income tax expense (benefit)		171,992	(4,932)		126,043
Net income (loss)		262,610	(147,292)		166,821
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		844,361	836,532		1,018,077
Loss on impairment of assets			87,802
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		22,176	26,531		30,841
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		(135,887)	(15,846)		(300,656)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net		(146,884)	(112,993)		(255,479)
Gain (loss) on investments					(14,547)
Interest expense		141,719	111,397		98,811
Income tax expense (benefit)		171,992	(4,932)		126,043
Adjusted EBITDA	[1]	1,160,087	781,199		869,911
Investments in unconsolidated entities		401,720	321,729		301,772
Total assets		9,422,462	8,854,422		8,861,028	[2]
Capital expenditures		759,368	770,577		909,660
U.S. Cellular
Business Segment Information
Service		3,350,431	3,397,937		3,594,773
Equipment and product sales		646,422	494,810		324,063
Total operating revenues		3,996,853	3,892,747		3,918,836
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)		775,042	769,911		763,435
Cost of equipment and products		1,052,810	1,192,669		999,000
Selling, general and administrative		1,493,730	1,591,914		1,677,395
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		606,455	605,997		803,781
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		16,313	21,469		30,606
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		(113,555)	(32,830)		(246,767)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges		(146,884)	(112,993)		(255,479)
Operating income (loss)		312,942	(143,390)		146,865
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities		140,083	129,764		131,949
Interest and dividend income		36,332	12,148		3,961
Gain (loss) on investments					18,556
Interest expense		(86,194)	(57,386)		(43,963)
Other, net		466	160		288
Income (loss) before income taxes		403,629	(58,704)		257,656
Income tax expense (benefit)	[3]	156,334	(11,782)		113,134
Net income (loss)		247,295	(46,922)		144,522
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		606,455	605,997		803,781
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		16,313	21,469		30,606
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		(113,555)	(32,830)		(246,767)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net		(146,884)	(112,993)		(255,479)
Gain (loss) on investments					(18,556)
Interest expense		86,194	57,386		43,963
Income tax expense (benefit)	[3]	156,334	(11,782)		113,134
Adjusted EBITDA	[1]	852,152	480,325		615,204
Investments in unconsolidated entities		363,384	283,014		265,585
Total assets		7,059,978	6,462,309	[2]	6,430,255	[2]
Capital expenditures		533,053	557,615		737,501
TDS Telecom Wireline
Business Segment Information
Service		698,938	714,586		723,372
Equipment and product sales		1,965	1,836		3,195
Total operating revenues		700,903	716,422		726,567
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)		254,879	256,878		266,635
Cost of equipment and products		2,212	2,336		3,831
Selling, general and administrative		193,850	189,956		220,097
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		165,841	169,044		170,868
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		5,094	2,091		130
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		(9,530)	(2,357)
Operating income (loss)		88,557	98,474		65,006
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities		17	8		19
Interest and dividend income		2,193	2,396		1,759
Gain (loss) on investments					830
Interest expense		1,133	2,695		3,265
Other, net		(22)	(32)		(214)
Income (loss) before income taxes		91,878	103,541		70,665
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		165,841	169,044		170,868
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		5,094	2,091		130
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		(9,530)	(2,357)
Gain (loss) on investments					(830)
Interest expense		(1,133)	(2,695)		(3,265)
Adjusted EBITDA	[1]	252,150	269,624		237,568
Investments in unconsolidated entities		3,802	3,803		3,809
Total assets		1,312,394	1,419,478	[2]	1,452,502	[2]
Capital expenditures		140,433	135,805		140,009
TDS Telecom Cable
Business Segment Information
Service		174,529	116,855		35,883
Equipment and product sales		437
Total operating revenues		174,966	116,855		35,883
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)		78,758	54,265		17,274
Cost of equipment and products		169
Selling, general and administrative		53,738	36,175		11,054
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		35,271	23,643		7,571
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		691	2,482		28
Operating income (loss)		6,339	290		(44)
Interest and dividend income		37	8		2
Interest expense		458	95		(74)
Other, net		3	(1)
Income (loss) before income taxes		6,837	392		(116)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		35,271	23,643		7,571
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		691	2,482		28
Interest expense		(458)	(95)		74
Adjusted EBITDA	[1]	42,341	26,422		7,557
Total assets		577,788	563,585	[2]	278,969	[2]
Capital expenditures		51,573	35,640		8,375
TDS Telecom HMS
Business Segment Information
Service		116,810	109,766		94,875
Equipment and product sales		169,985	148,966		90,741
Total operating revenues		286,795	258,732		185,616
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)		85,163	77,392		60,423
Cost of equipment and products		142,927	126,362		75,991
Selling, general and administrative		47,104	53,020		44,945
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		26,948	26,912		24,262
Loss on impairment of assets			84,000
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		89	181		125
Operating income (loss)		(15,436)	(109,135)		(20,130)
Interest and dividend income		35	26		63
Interest expense		(2,329)	(1,602)		(1,626)
Other, net		(98)	12		29
Income (loss) before income taxes		(17,828)	(110,699)		(21,664)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		26,948	26,912		24,262
Loss on impairment of assets			84,000
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		89	181		125
Interest expense		2,329	1,602		1,626
Adjusted EBITDA	[1]	11,538	1,996		4,349
Total assets		285,929	268,972	[2]	328,397	[2]
Capital expenditures		27,059	36,618		16,474
TDS Telecom Eliminations
Business Segment Information
Service		(4,621)	(3,697)		(1,063)
Total operating revenues		(4,621)	(3,697)		(1,063)
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)		(4,334)	(3,504)		(1,000)
Selling, general and administrative		(287)	(193)		(63)
TDS Telecom
Business Segment Information
Service		985,656	937,510		853,067
Equipment and product sales		172,387	150,802		93,936
Total operating revenues		1,158,043	1,088,312		947,003
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)		414,466	385,031		343,332
Cost of equipment and products		145,308	128,698		79,822
Selling, general and administrative		294,405	278,958		276,033
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		228,060	219,599		202,701
Loss on impairment of assets			84,000
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		5,874	4,754		283
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		(9,530)	(2,357)
Operating income (loss)		79,460	(10,371)		44,832
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities		17	8		19
Interest and dividend income		2,265	2,430		1,824
Gain (loss) on investments					830
Interest expense		(738)	1,188		1,565
Other, net		(117)	(21)		(185)
Income (loss) before income taxes		80,887	(6,766)		48,885
Income tax expense (benefit)	[3]	34,972	17,590		19,084
Net income (loss)		45,915	(24,356)		29,801
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		228,060	219,599		202,701
Loss on impairment of assets			84,000
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		5,874	4,754		283
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		(9,530)	(2,357)
Gain (loss) on investments					(830)
Interest expense		738	(1,188)		(1,565)
Income tax expense (benefit)	[3]	34,972	17,590		19,084
Adjusted EBITDA	[1]	306,029	298,042		249,474
Investments in unconsolidated entities		3,802	3,803		3,809
Total assets		2,176,111	2,252,035	[2]	2,059,868	[2]
Capital expenditures		219,065	208,063		164,858
Corporate, Eliminations and Other
Business Segment Information
Service		(14,118)	(6,793)		(4,349)
Equipment and product sales		35,463	35,172		39,746
Total operating revenues		21,345	28,379		35,397
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)		1,402	9,716		11,416
Cost of equipment and products		25,913	25,444		28,311
Selling, general and administrative		(7,672)	(5,065)		(5,650)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		9,846	10,936		11,595
Loss on impairment of assets			3,802
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		(11)	308		(48)
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		(12,802)	19,341		(53,889)
Operating income (loss)		4,669	(36,103)		43,662
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities		(24)	2,193		746
Interest and dividend income		186	2,379		3,307
Gain (loss) on investments					(4,839)
Interest expense		(54,787)	(55,199)		(56,413)
Other, net		42	(24)		(140)
Income (loss) before income taxes		(49,914)	(86,754)		(13,677)
Income tax expense (benefit)	[3]	(19,314)	(10,740)		(6,175)
Net income (loss)		(30,600)	(76,014)		(7,502)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		9,846	10,936		11,595
Loss on impairment of assets			3,802
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net		(11)	308		(48)
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net		(12,802)	19,341		(53,889)
Gain (loss) on investments					4,839
Interest expense		54,787	55,199		56,413
Income tax expense (benefit)	[3]	(19,314)	(10,740)		(6,175)
Adjusted EBITDA	[1]	1,906	2,832		5,233
Investments in unconsolidated entities		34,534	34,912		32,378
Total assets		186,373	140,078	[2]	370,905	[2]
Capital expenditures		$ 7,250	$ 4,899		$ 7,301
[1]	Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (“Adjusted EBITDA”) is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. Adjusted EBITDA excludes these items in order to show operating results on a more comparable basis from period to period. From time to time, TDS may also exclude other items from Adjusted EBITDA if such items help reflect operating results on a more comparable basis. TDS does not intend to imply that any of such items that are excluded are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future. TDS believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, discrete gains and losses, and other items as indicated above.
[2]	ASU 2015-03, regarding simplification of the presentation of debt issuance costs, was adopted as of December 31, 2015 and applied retrospectively. All prior year numbers have been revised to conform to this standard.
[3]	Income tax expense (benefit) is not provided at the individual segment level for Wireline, Cable and HMS. TDS calculates income tax expense for "TDS Telecom Total".

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclo91

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)shares
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Interest paid	$ 134,916	$ 108,510	$ 96,241
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received	57,442	48,876	175,629
Accounts receivable, Other	97,543	135,144
Other assets and deferred charges	196,461	282,037
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation
Net cash receipts from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	13,329	(2,019)	9,654
U.S. Cellular
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation
Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options	6,881	5,166	10,468
Cash disbursements for payments of taxes	(4,714)	(4,336)	(4,684)
Net cash receipts from exercise of stock options and vesting of other stock awards	$ 2,167	830	5,784
U.S. Cellular | Auction 901 Mobility Funds
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
FCC auction date	Sep. 27, 2012
FCC auction amount received	$ 13,400
FCC auction number of states won	10
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 17,400
Other assets and deferred charges	18,400
U.S. Cellular | Maximum | Auction 901 Mobility Funds
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
FCC auction amount	300,000
FCC auction amount awarded	40,100
TDS Parent Company
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation
Cash receipts upon exercise of stock options	13,405	732	12,092
Cash disbursements for payments of taxes	(76)	(2,751)	(2,438)
TDS Telecom
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Recovery Act Projects Company Funds	$ 32,400
Recovery Act Projects	44
Recovery Act Grants Received	$ 15,100	15,300	$ 41,900
Recovery Act Cumulative Grants Received	$ 93,900
TDS Telecom | American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Grants
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Accounts receivable, Other		$ 14,200
Common Shares | U.S. Cellular
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation
Shares withheld | shares	228,011	163,355	606,582
Aggregate value of shares withheld	$ 8,448	$ 6,868	$ 25,179
Common Shares | TDS Parent Company
Supplemental cash flows, stock based compensation
Shares withheld | shares	3,163	109,061	265,748
Aggregate value of shares withheld	$ 76	$ 2,751	$ 7,639
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | Other assets and deferred charges | Auction 901 Mobility Funds
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
FCC auction amount received		1,900
U.S. Cellular Common Shares | Property, plant and equipment, net | Auction 901 Mobility Funds
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
FCC auction amount received		$ 11,500

Certain Relationships and Rel92

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions (Details) - Sidley Austin LLP - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Certain relationships and related transactions
Legal expense	$ 11.9	$ 15.4	$ 17.6
Description of related transaction	The following persons are partners of Sidley Austin LLP, the principal law firm of TDS and its subsidiaries: Walter C.D. Carlson, a trustee and beneficiary of a voting trust that controls TDS, the non-executive Chairman of the Board and member of the Board of Directors of TDS and a director of U.S. Cellular, a subsidiary of 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 Corporation and an Assistant Secretary of certain subsidiaries of TDS. Walter C.D. Carlson does not provide legal services to TDS or its subsidiaries. TDS, U.S. Cellular and their subsidiaries incurred legal costs from Sidley Austin LLP of $11.9 million in 2015, $15.4 million in 2014 and $17.6 million in 2013.

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2016
Subsequent events
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges		$ 342,870	$ 187,645	$ 811,120
Subsequent event
Subsequent events
Subsequent Event Description		In January 2016, TDS entered into an agreement to purchase a 700 MHz A Block license for $36.0 million. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2016 pending regulatory approval. In February 2016, TDS entered into multiple agreements with third parties that provide for the transfer of certain AWS and PCS spectrum licenses and approximately $30 million in cash to U.S. Cellular, in exchange for U.S. Cellular transferring certain AWS, PCS and 700 MHz licenses to the third parties. The transactions are subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, and are expected to close in 2016. Upon closing of the transactions, TDS expects to recognize a gain.
License acquisition agreement amount					$ 36,000
Subsequent event | Expected event
Subsequent events
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	$ 30,000