Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) 10-Q 6 Aug 21 2021 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021shares
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-14157
Entity Registrant Name	TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001051512
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	36-2669023
Entity Address, Address Line One	30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 4000
Entity Address, City or Town	Chicago
Entity Address, State or Province	IL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	60602
City Area Code	(312)
Local Phone Number	630-1900
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Smaller Reporting Company	false
Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Common Shares
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares, $.01 par value
Trading Symbol	TDS
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	107,441,800
Depository Shares each representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of 6.625% Series UU Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, $.01 par value
Title of 12(b) Security	Depository Shares each representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of 6.625% Series UU Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, $.01 par value
Trading Symbol	TDSPrU
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
6.625% Senior Notes
Title of 12(b) Security	6.625% Senior Notes due 2045
Trading Symbol	TDI
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
5.875% Senior Notes
Title of 12(b) Security	5.875% Senior Notes due 2061
Trading Symbol	TDA
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Series A Common Shares
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	7,303,600

Consolidated Statement of Opera

Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 1,311	$ 1,263	$ 2,629	$ 2,524
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative	416	398	804	809
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	234	236	457	470
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	3	4	8	8
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	0	0	(1)	0
Total operating expenses	1,253	1,185	2,461	2,373
Operating income	58	78	168	151
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	48	44	90	90
Interest and dividend income	3	2	6	8
Interest expense	(86)	(38)	(138)	(75)
Other, net	0	0	(1)	(1)
Total investment and other income (expense)	(35)	8	(43)	22
Income before income taxes	23	86	125	173
Income tax expense (benefit)	(11)	8	20	12
Net income	34	78	105	161
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	7	13	19	26
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	27	65	86	135
TDS Preferred Share dividends	7	0	9	0
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders	$ 20	$ 65	$ 77	$ 135
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	115	114	115	115
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.57	$ 0.67	$ 1.18
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	116	115	116	115
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17	$ 0.56	$ 0.65	$ 1.15
Service
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 1,049	$ 1,016	$ 2,091	$ 2,042
Operating expenses
Cost of goods and services	324	306	623	599
Equipment and product sales
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	262	247	538	482
Operating expenses
Cost of goods and services	$ 276	$ 241	$ 570	$ 487

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 34	$ 78	$ 105	$ 161
Change related to retirement plan Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost for the period
Amortization of prior service cost	1	1	1	2
Comprehensive income	35	79	106	163
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	7	13	19	26
Comprehensive income attributable to TDS shareholders	$ 28	$ 66	$ 87	$ 137

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 105	$ 161
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	457	470
Bad debts expense	22	48
Stock-based compensation expense	24	25
Deferred income taxes, net	40	150
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(90)	(90)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	80	91
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	8	8
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)	0
Other operating activities	37	1
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations
Accounts receivable	37	21
Equipment installment plans receivable	(32)	22
Inventory	(35)	15
Accounts payable	(106)	49
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	6	(8)
Accrued taxes	(25)	(115)
Accrued interest	(3)	0
Other assets and liabilities	(43)	(42)
Net cash provided by operating activities	481	806
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment	(457)	(610)
Cash paid for intangible assets	(1,264)	(144)
Cash received from investments	3	1
Cash paid for investments	0	(1)
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	1	1
Advance payments for license acquisitions	0	(16)
Other investing activities	2	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,715)	(769)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of long-term debt	1,192	175
Repayment of long-term debt	(1,301)	(5)
Issuance of TDS Preferred Shares	420	0
TDS Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	(5)	(3)
UScellular Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	(13)	(8)
Repurchase of TDS Common Shares	(3)	(14)
Repurchase of UScellular Common Shares	(2)	(23)
Dividends paid to TDS shareholders	(49)	(39)
Payment of debt and equity issuance costs	(30)	(7)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(2)	(1)
Other financing activities	(6)	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	201	75
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(1,033)	112
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period	1,452	474
End of period	$ 419	$ 586

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Millions		Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 385	$ 1,429
Short-term investments		0	3
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances of $59 and $67, respectively		976	1,004
Other, less allowances of $3 and $2, respectively		96	108
Inventory, net		189	154
Prepaid expenses		108	105
Income taxes receivable		187	187
Other current assets		50	36
Total current assets		1,991	3,026
Assets held for sale		3	2
Licenses		3,926	2,638
Goodwill		547	547
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $81 and $71, respectively		207	213
Investments in unconsolidated entities		487	477
Property, plant and equipment
In service and under construction		13,857	13,659
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		9,885	9,687
Property, plant and equipment, net		3,972	3,972
Operating lease right-of-use assets		1,021	998
Other assets and deferred charges		626	652
Total assets	[1]	12,780	12,525
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt		6	5
Accounts payable		374	508
Customer deposits and deferred revenues		199	193
Accrued interest		13	16
Accrued taxes		66	69
Accrued compensation		92	132
Short-term operating lease liabilities		138	129
Other current liabilities		98	101
Total current liabilities		986	1,153
Liabilities held for sale		0	1
Deferred liabilities and credits
Deferred income tax liability, net		903	863
Long-term operating lease liabilities		951	940
Other deferred liabilities and credits		538	541
Long-term debt, net		3,335	3,424
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features		10	10
TDS shareholders’ equity
Series A Common and Common Shares Authorized 290 shares (25 Series A Common and 265 Common Shares) Issued 133 shares (7 Series A Common and 126 Common Shares) Outstanding 115 shares (7 Series A Common and 108 Common Shares) and 114 shares (7 Series A Common and 107 Common Shares), respectively Par Value ($.01 per share)		1	1
Capital in excess of par value		2,462	2,482
Preferred Shares, par value $0.01 per share, $25,000 liquidation preference per share, .017 shares outstanding		406	0
Treasury shares, at cost, 18 and 19 Common Shares, respectively		(458)	(477)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(2)	(4)
Retained earnings		2,812	2,802
Total TDS shareholders' equity		5,221	4,804
Noncontrolling interests		836	789
Total equity		6,057	5,593
Total liabilities and equity	[1]	$ 12,780	$ 12,525
[1]	The consolidated total assets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,240 million and $1,042 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $17 million and $18 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of TDS. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($)		Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts receivable
Customer and agent allowances		$ 59,000,000	$ 67,000,000
Other allowances		3,000,000	2,000,000
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets accumulated amortization		$ 81,000,000	$ 71,000,000
TDS shareholders’ equity
Authorized shares (in shares)		290,000,000	290,000,000
Issued shares (in shares)		133,000,000	133,000,000
Outstanding shares (in shares)		115,000,000	114,000,000
Par value per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Par value per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)		$ 25,000
Outstanding shares (in shares)		17,000
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Total assets	[1]	$ 12,780,000,000	$ 12,525,000,000
Series A Common Shares
TDS shareholders’ equity
Authorized shares (in shares)		25,000,000	25,000,000
Issued shares (in shares)		7,000,000	7,000,000
Outstanding shares (in shares)		7,000,000	7,000,000
Common Shares
TDS shareholders’ equity
Authorized shares (in shares)		265,000,000	265,000,000
Issued shares (in shares)		126,000,000	126,000,000
Outstanding shares (in shares)		108,000,000	107,000,000
Par value per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Treasury shares at cost (in shares)		18,000,000	19,000,000
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Total assets		$ 1,841,000,000	$ 1,803,000,000
Total liabilities		78,000,000	79,000,000
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity | No recourse
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Total liabilities		17,000,000	18,000,000
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity | Assets held
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Total assets		$ 1,240,000,000	$ 1,042,000,000
[1]	The consolidated total assets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,240 million and $1,042 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $17 million and $18 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of TDS. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

Consolidated Statement of Chang

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Series A Common and Common shares	Capital in excess of par value	Preferred Shares	Treasury shares	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Retained earnings	Total TDS shareholders' equity	Noncontrolling interests
Retained earnings | ASC 842	$ (1)						$ (1)	$ (1)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019	5,404	$ 1	$ 2,468		$ (479)	$ (9)	2,672	4,653	$ 751
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	135						135	135
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	26							0	26
Other comprehensive income	2					2		2
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends	(39)						(39)	(39)
Repurchase of Common Shares	(14)				(14)			(14)
Dividend reinvestment plan	1				1			1
Incentive and compensation plans	5		8		13		(16)	5
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	(15)		(4)					(4)	(11)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1)							0	(1)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2020	5,503	1	2,472		(479)	(7)	2,751	4,738	765
Retained earnings | ASC 842	(1)						(1)	(1)
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2020	5,449	1	2,489		(480)	(8)	2,718	4,720	729
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	65						65	65
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	13							0	13
Other comprehensive income	1					1		1
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends	(20)						(20)	(20)
Repurchase of Common Shares	(8)				(8)			(8)
Incentive and compensation plans	3		5		9		(11)	3
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	1		(22)					(22)	23
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2020	5,503	1	2,472		(479)	(7)	2,751	4,738	765
Retained earnings	2,802
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020	5,593	1	2,482	$ 0	(477)	(4)	2,802	4,804	789
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	86						86	86
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	19							0	19
Other comprehensive income	2					2		2
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends	(40)						(40)	(40)
Issuance of TDS Preferred Shares, net of costs	406			406				406
TDS Preferred share dividends	(9)						(9)	(9)
Repurchase of Common Shares	(3)				(3)			(3)
Dividend reinvestment plan	0				1		(1)	0
Incentive and compensation plans	7		12		21		(26)	7
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	(2)		(32)					(32)	30
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(2)							0	(2)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2021	6,057	1	2,462	406	(458)	(2)	2,812	5,221	836
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2021	6,054	1	2,488	408	(472)	(3)	2,830	5,252	802
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	27						27	27
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	7							0	7
Other comprehensive income	1					1		1
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends	(20)						(20)	(20)
TDS Preferred share dividends	(9)			(2)			(7)	(9)
Incentive and compensation plans	4		8		14		(18)	4
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans	(7)		(34)					(34)	27
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2021	6,057	$ 1	$ 2,462	$ 406	$ (458)	$ (2)	$ 2,812	$ 5,221	$ 836
Retained earnings	$ 2,812

Consolidated Statement of Cha_2

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
TDS Common and Series A Common Share dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.175	$ 0.17	$ 0.350	$ 0.340
TDS Preferred share dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 552.0833		$ 552.0833

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Note 1 Basis of Presentation The accounting policies of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, including TDS’ 82%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular) and TDS’ wholly-owned subsidiaries, TDS Telecommunications LLC and TDS Broadband LLC (collectively, TDS Telecom). In addition, the consolidated financial statements include certain entities in which TDS has a variable interest that requires consolidation under GAAP. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. TDS’ business segments reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2021, are UScellular and TDS Telecom. TDS’ non-reportable other business activities are presented as “Corporate, Eliminations and Other”, which includes the operations of TDS’ wholly-owned hosted and managed services (HMS) subsidiary, which operates under the OneNeck IT Solutions brand, and its wholly-owned subsidiary Suttle-Straus, Inc. (Suttle-Straus). HMS’ and Suttle-Straus’ financial results were not significant to TDS’ operations. All of TDS’ segments operate only in the United States. See Note 13 — Business Segment Information for summary financial information on each business segment. The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by TDS pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, TDS believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2020. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed) necessary for the fair statement of TDS’ financial position as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and its results of operations, comprehensive income and changes in equity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, and its cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. TDS has not changed its significant accounting and reporting policies from those disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Change in Reportable Segments During the first quarter of 2021, TDS modified its reporting segment structure to combine its Wireline and Cable segments into a single reportable segment for TDS Telecom. TDS Telecom believes this presentation better articulates its progress and performance against its strategy, which includes a focus on overall broadband growth and future fiber deployment across its markets. This change also reflects TDS Telecom's progress in aligning its organizational, operational and support structures to leverage one cost base to better support its customers across all of its markets. Prior periods have been updated to conform to this revised presentation. See Note 13 — Business Segment Information for additional information on TDS' reportable segments. Restricted Cash TDS presents restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet to the total of the amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 385 $ 1,429 Restricted cash included in Other current assets 34 23 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows $ 419 $ 1,452

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Note 2 Revenue Recognition Disaggregation of Revenue In the following table, TDS' revenues are disaggregated by type of service, which represents the relevant categorization of revenues for TDS' reportable segments, and timing of recognition. Service revenues are recognized over time and Equipment and product sales are point in time. Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Type of service: Retail service $ 686 $ — $ — $ 686 Inbound roaming 28 — — 28 Residential — 160 — 160 Commercial — 46 — 46 Wholesale — 44 — 44 Other service 40 — 18 58 Service revenues from contracts with customers 754 251 18 1,022 Equipment and product sales 240 — 22 262 Total revenues from contracts with customers 994 251 39 1,284 Operating lease income 20 1 6 27 Total operating revenues $ 1,014 $ 252 $ 45 $ 1,311 Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Type of service: Retail service $ 658 $ — $ — $ 658 Inbound roaming 41 — — 41 Residential — 145 — 145 Commercial — 48 — 48 Wholesale — 46 — 46 Other service 35 — 17 52 Service revenues from contracts with customers 734 239 17 990 Equipment and product sales 220 — 27 247 Total revenues from contracts with customers 954 240 43 1,237 Operating lease income 19 1 6 26 Total operating revenues $ 973 $ 241 $ 49 $ 1,263 Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Type of service: Retail service $ 1,371 $ — $ — $ 1,371 Inbound roaming 56 — — 56 Residential — 317 — 317 Commercial — 93 — 93 Wholesale — 89 — 89 Other service 77 — 34 111 Service revenues from contracts with customers 1,504 499 34 2,037 Equipment and product sales 492 1 45 538 Total revenues from contracts with customers 1,996 499 79 2,575 Operating lease income 41 1 12 54 Total operating revenues $ 2,037 $ 501 $ 91 $ 2,629 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Type of service: Retail service $ 1,329 $ — $ — $ 1,329 Inbound roaming 77 — — 77 Residential — 289 — 289 Commercial — 98 — 98 Wholesale — 92 — 92 Other service 71 — 35 106 Service revenues from contracts with customers 1,477 479 35 1,990 Equipment and product sales 422 1 59 482 Total revenues from contracts with customers 1,899 479 94 2,472 Operating lease income 38 2 12 52 Total operating revenues $ 1,937 $ 481 $ 106 $ 2,524 Numbers may not foot due to rounding. Contract Balances The following table provides balances for contract assets from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Other current assets and Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Contract assets $ 13 $ 13 Contract liabilities $ 229 $ 216 Revenue recognized related to contract liabilities existing at January 1, 2021 was $146 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. Transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations The following table includes estimated service revenues expected to be recognized related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. These estimates represent service revenues to be recognized when services are delivered to customers pursuant to service plan contracts and under certain roaming agreements with other carriers. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of June 30, 2021 and may vary from actual results. As practical expedients, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, and contracts with a fixed per-unit price and variable quantity, are excluded from these estimates. Service Revenues (Dollars in millions) Remainder of 2021 $ 262 2022 200 Thereafter 207 Total $ 669 Contract Cost Assets TDS expects that commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts are recoverable and therefore TDS defers and amortizes these costs. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are expensed as incurred. TDS also incurs fulfillment costs, such as installation costs, where there is an expectation that a future benefit will be realized. Deferred commission fees and fulfillment costs are amortized based on the timing of transfer of the goods or services to which the assets relate, typically the contract term. Contract cost asset balances, which are recorded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, were as follows: June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Costs to obtain contracts Sales commissions $ 136 $ 139 Fulfillment costs Installation costs 10 10 Total contract cost assets $ 146 $ 149 Amortization of contract cost assets was $29 million and $59 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, and $30 million and $61 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and was included in Selling, general and administrative expenses and Cost of services expenses.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 3 Fair Value Measurements As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, TDS did not have any material financial or nonfinancial assets or liabilities that were required to be recorded at fair value in its Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP. The provisions of GAAP establish a fair value hierarchy that contains three levels for inputs used in fair value measurements. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is not representative of its expected performance or its overall risk profile and, therefore, Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets. TDS has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below. Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value (Dollars in millions) Long-term debt Retail 2 $ 2,153 $ 2,276 $ 2,753 $ 2,809 Institutional 2 535 670 535 707 Other 2 720 720 230 230 Long-term debt excludes lease obligations, the current portion of Long-term debt and debt financing costs. The fair value of “Retail” Long-term debt was estimated using market prices for TDS and UScellular Senior Notes, which are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. TDS’ “Institutional” debt consists of UScellular’s 6.7% Senior Notes which are traded over the counter. TDS’ “Other” debt consists of senior term loan credit agreements, revolving credit agreement and receivables securitization agreement. TDS estimated the fair value of its Institutional and Other debt through a discounted cash flow analysis using the interest rates or estimated yield to maturity for each borrowing, which ranged from 1.26% to 4.34% and 1.35% to 3.75% at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The fair values of Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and Short-term investments approximate their book values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.

Equipment Installment Plans

Equipment Installment Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Equipment Installment Plans	Note 4 Equipment Installment Plans UScellular sells devices to customers under equipment installment plans over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time or amount of payments, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device and have the remaining unpaid equipment installment contract balance waived, subject to certain conditions, including trading in the original device in good working condition and signing a new equipment installment contract. The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables. June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 1,015 $ 1,007 Allowance for credit losses (72) (78) Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 943 $ 929 Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as: Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion) $ 598 $ 590 Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion) 345 339 Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 943 $ 929 UScellular uses various inputs, including internal data, information from credit bureaus and other sources, to evaluate the credit profiles of its customers. From this evaluation, a credit class is assigned to the customer that determines the number of eligible lines, the amount of credit available, and the down payment requirement, if any. These credit classes are grouped into four credit categories: lowest risk, lower risk, slight risk and higher risk. A customer's assigned credit class is reviewed periodically and a change is made, if appropriate. An equipment installment plan billed amount is considered past due if not paid within 30 days. The balance and aging of the equipment installment plan receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows: June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Lowest Risk Lower Risk Slight Risk Higher Risk Total Lowest Risk Lower Risk Slight Risk Higher Risk Total (Dollars in millions) Unbilled $ 836 $ 95 $ 24 $ 6 $ 961 $ 819 $ 98 $ 22 $ 9 $ 948 Billed — current 35 4 1 — 40 36 5 1 1 43 Billed — past due 7 4 2 1 14 8 5 2 1 16 Total $ 878 $ 103 $ 27 $ 7 $ 1,015 $ 863 $ 108 $ 25 $ 11 $ 1,007 The balance of the equipment installment plan receivables as of June 30, 2021 on a gross basis by year of origination were as follows: 2018 2019 2020 2021 Total (Dollars in millions) Lowest Risk $ 2 $ 140 $ 415 $ 321 $ 878 Lower Risk — 11 48 44 103 Slight Risk — 2 8 17 27 Higher Risk — 1 3 3 7 Total $ 2 $ 154 $ 474 $ 385 $ 1,015 Activity for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows: June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period $ 78 $ 84 Bad debts expense 13 33 Write-offs, net of recoveries (19) (35) Allowance for credit losses, end of period $ 72 $ 82

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 5 Income Taxes The effective tax rate on Income before income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 was (48.9)% and 15.5%, respectively. These effective tax rates were lower than normal due primarily to the reduction of tax accruals resulting from expirations of state statute of limitations for prior tax years.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 6 Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period adjusted to include the effects of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities primarily include incremental shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of performance and restricted stock units. The amounts used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders were as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in basic earnings per share $ 20 $ 65 $ 77 $ 135 Adjustments to compute diluted earnings: Noncontrolling interest adjustment — — (1) (2) Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in diluted earnings per share $ 20 $ 65 $ 76 $ 133 Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share: Common Shares 108 107 108 108 Series A Common Shares 7 7 7 7 Total 115 114 115 115 Effects of dilutive securities 1 1 1 — Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share 116 115 116 115 Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders $ 0.18 $ 0.57 $ 0.67 $ 1.18 Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders $ 0.17 $ 0.56 $ 0.65 $ 1.15 Certain Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of performance and restricted stock units were not included in weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the calculation of Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded was 3 million for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 5 million and 4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Note 7 Intangible Assets Activity related to Licenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021, is presented below: Licenses (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 2,638 Acquisitions 1,283 Transferred to Assets held for sale (1) Capitalized interest 6 Balance at June 30, 2021 $ 3,926 In February 2021, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 254 wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.7-3.98 GHz bands (Auction 107) for $1,283 million. UScellular paid $30 million of this amount in 2020 and the remainder in March 2021. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 107 were granted by the FCC in July 2021. Additionally, UScellular expects to be obligated to pay approximately $178 million in total from 2021 through 2024 related to relocation costs and accelerated relocation incentive payments. Such additional costs were accrued and capitalized at the time the licenses were granted, which occurred after the period ended June 30, 2021. The spectrum must be cleared by incumbent providers before UScellular can access it. UScellular does not expect to have access to this spectrum until late 2023.

Investments In Unconsolidated E

Investments In Unconsolidated Entities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	Note 8 Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in entities in which TDS holds a noncontrolling interest. TDS’ Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using either the equity method or measurement alternative method as shown in the table below. The carrying value of measurement alternative method investments represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes. June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Equity method investments $ 465 $ 456 Measurement alternative method investments 22 21 Total investments in unconsolidated entities $ 487 $ 477 The following table, which is based on unaudited information provided in part by third parties, summarizes the combined results of operations of TDS’ equity method investments. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 (Dollars in millions) Revenues $ 1,748 $ 1,586 $ 3,482 $ 3,249 Operating expenses 1,221 1,098 2,502 2,265 Operating income 527 488 980 984 Other income (expense), net (2) (2) 10 1 Net income $ 525 $ 486 $ 990 $ 985

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Note 9 Debt Revolving Credit Agreements The following table summarizes the revolving credit agreements as of June 30, 2021: TDS UScellular (Dollars in millions) Maximum borrowing capacity $ 400 $ 300 Letters of credit outstanding $ 1 $ — Amount borrowed $ 125 $ — Amount available for use $ 274 $ 300 Borrowings under the TDS revolving credit agreement bear interest at a rate of London Inter-bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.50%. TDS and UScellular believe that they were in compliance with all of the financial covenants and other requirements set forth in their revolving credit agreements as of June 30, 2021. In July 2021, TDS and UScellular amended and restated their revolving credit agreements. The maturity date of the agreements was extended to July 2026 and the consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in the agreements, may not be greater than 3.75 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. There were no significant changes to other terms of the revolving credit agreements. Term Loan Agreements The following table summarizes the term loan credit agreements as of June 30, 2021: TDS UScellular (Dollars in millions) Maximum borrowing capacity $ 200 $ 300 Amount borrowed $ 200 $ 300 Amount available for use $ — $ — As of June 30, 2021, borrowings under the TDS term loan bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.0% and principal reductions are due and payable in quarterly installments of $0.5 million beginning in June 2021. In July 2021, TDS amended and restated its term loan agreement to allow for an additional $300 million of borrowing capacity. Principal reductions on the existing borrowings are due and payable in quarterly installments of $0.5 million beginning in December 2021. Amounts borrowed under the existing term loan agreement will bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.0% and be due and payable in July 2028. Borrowings under the additional $300 million borrowing capacity will bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.50% and be due and payable in July 2031. Principal reductions on any new borrowings will be due and payable in quarterly installments beginning in December 2022 at a rate of 0.25% of the initial outstanding principal balance through September 2026 and at a rate of 0.625% of the initial outstanding principal balance from December 2026 through the maturity date. Additionally, the consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in the agreement, may not be greater than 3.75 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. There were no significant changes to other terms of the term loan agreement. As of June 30, 2021, borrowings under the UScellular term loan bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25% and principal reductions are due and payable in quarterly installments of $0.75 million beginning in September 2021. In July 2021, UScellular amended and restated its term loan agreement to allow for an additional $200 million of borrowing capacity. Principal reductions on the existing borrowings are due and payable in quarterly installments of $0.75 million beginning in December 2021. Amounts borrowed under the existing term loan agreement will bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.0% and be due and payable in July 2028. Borrowings under the additional $200 million borrowing capacity will bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.50% and be due and payable in July 2031. Principal reductions on any new borrowings will be due and payable in quarterly installments beginning in December 2022 at a rate of 0.25% of the initial outstanding principal balance through September 2026 and at a rate of 0.625% of the initial outstanding principal balance from December 2026 through the maturity date. Additionally, the consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in the agreement, may not be greater than 3.75 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. There were no significant changes to other terms of the term loan agreement. TDS and UScellular believe that they were in compliance with all of the financial covenants and other requirements set forth in their senior term loan credit agreements as of June 30, 2021. Receivables Securitization Agreement At June 30, 2021, UScellular had a receivables securitization agreement for securitized borrowings using its equipment installment receivables for general corporate purposes. Amounts under the receivables securitization agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in December 2022, which may be extended from time to time as specified therein. The outstanding borrowings bear interest at floating rates. In March 2021, UScellular borrowed $275 million under its receivables securitization agreement. In June 2021, UScellular repaid $200 million of the outstanding borrowing. In June 2021, UScellular increased the borrowing capacity under the receivables securitization agreement to $450 million. As of June 30, 2021, the outstanding borrowings under the agreement were $100 million and the unused capacity under the agreement was $350 million, subject to sufficient collateral to satisfy the asset borrowing base provisions of the agreement. UScellular believes that it was in compliance with all of the financial covenants and other requirements set forth in its receivables securitization agreement as of June 30, 2021. As of June 30, 2021, the USCC Master Note Trust held $382 million of assets available to be pledged as collateral for the receivables securitization agreement. In July 2021, UScellular amended the receivables securitization agreement. The consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in the agreement, may not be greater than 3.75 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. There were no significant changes to other terms of the receivable securitization agreement. Other Long-Term Debt In May 2021, TDS redeemed its outstanding $225 million of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2059 and $300 million of 7.0% Senior Notes due 2060, and UScellular redeemed its outstanding $275 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2063. At time of redemption, $26 million of interest expense was recorded related to unamortized debt issuance costs related to the notes. The notes were redeemed at a price of 100% of the principal amount, including accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In May 2021, UScellular issued $500 million of 5.5% Senior Notes due in June 2070, and received cash proceeds of $484 million after payment of debt issuance costs of $16 million. These funds will be used for general corporate purposes. Interest on these notes is payable quarterly beginning in September 2021. UScellular may redeem these notes, in whole or in part, at any time after June 2026 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. In June 2021, UScellular redeemed its outstanding $300 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2064. At time of redemption, $10 million of interest expense was recorded related to unamortized debt issuance costs for these notes. The notes were redeemed at a price of 100% of the principal amount, including accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In August 2021, TDS announced that it will redeem its outstanding $116 million of 6.625% Senior Notes due 2045 and UScellular announced that it will redeem its outstanding $342 million of 6.95% Senior Notes due 2060. At time of redemption, $14 million of interest expense will be recorded related to unamortized debt issuance costs related to the notes. The notes are expected to be redeemed on September 1, 2021, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, including accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	Note 10 Variable Interest Entities Consolidated VIEs TDS consolidates VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by GAAP and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. TDS reviews the criteria for a controlling financial interest at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when events warranting reconsideration occur. These VIEs have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. UScellular formed USCC EIP LLC (Seller/Sub-Servicer), USCC Receivables Funding LLC (Transferor) and the USCC Master Note Trust (Trust), collectively the special purpose entities (SPEs), to facilitate a securitized borrowing using its equipment installment plan receivables. Under a Receivables Sale Agreement, UScellular wholly-owned, majority-owned and unconsolidated entities, collectively referred to as “affiliated entities”, transfer device equipment installment plan contracts to the Seller/Sub-Servicer. The Seller/Sub-Servicer aggregates device equipment installment plan contracts, and performs servicing, collection and all other administrative activities related to accounting for the equipment installment plan contracts. The Seller/Sub-Servicer sells the eligible equipment installment plan receivables to the Transferor, a bankruptcy remote entity, which subsequently sells the receivables to the Trust. The Trust, which is bankruptcy remote and isolated from the creditors of UScellular, will be responsible for issuing asset-backed variable funding notes (Notes), which are collateralized by the equipment installment plan receivables owned by the Trust. Given that UScellular has the power to direct the activities of these SPEs, and that these SPEs lack sufficient equity to finance their activities, UScellular is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in the SPEs and, therefore, consolidates them. All transactions with third parties (e.g., issuance of the asset-backed variable funding notes) will be accounted for as a secured borrowing due to the pledging of equipment installment plan contracts as collateral, significant continuing involvement in the transferred assets, subordinated interests of the cash flows, and continued evidence of control of the receivables. The following VIEs were formed to participate in FCC auctions of wireless spectrum licenses and to fund, establish, and provide wireless service with respect to any FCC wireless spectrum licenses won in the auctions: ▪ Advantage Spectrum, L.P. (Advantage Spectrum) and Sunshine Spectrum, Inc., the general partner of Advantage Spectrum; and ▪ King Street Wireless, L.P. (King Street Wireless) and King Street Wireless, Inc., the general partner of King Street Wireless. These particular VIEs are collectively referred to as designated entities. The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these VIEs is shared. Specifically, the general partner of these VIEs has the exclusive right to manage, operate and control the limited partnerships and make all decisions to carry on the business of the partnerships. The general partner of each partnership needs the consent of the limited partner, an indirect TDS subsidiary, to sell or lease certain wireless spectrum licenses, to make certain large expenditures, admit other partners or liquidate the limited partnerships. Although the power to direct the activities of these VIEs is shared, TDS has the most significant level of exposure to the variability associated with the economic performance of the VIEs, indicating that TDS is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Therefore, in accordance with GAAP, these VIEs are consolidated. TDS also consolidates other VIEs that are limited partnerships that provide wireless service. A limited partnership is a variable interest entity unless the limited partners hold substantive participating rights or kick-out rights over the general partner. For certain limited partnerships, UScellular is the general partner and manages the operations. In these partnerships, the limited partners do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights and, further, such limited partners do not have the authority to remove the general partner. Therefore, these limited partnerships also are recognized as VIEs and are consolidated under the variable interest model. The following table presents the classification and balances of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 31 $ 18 Short-term investments — 3 Accounts receivable 647 638 Inventory, net 3 3 Other current assets 31 21 Licenses 637 637 Property, plant and equipment, net 98 99 Operating lease right-of-use assets 39 37 Other assets and deferred charges 355 347 Total assets $ 1,841 $ 1,803 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 23 $ 26 Long-term operating lease liabilities 35 34 Other deferred liabilities and credits 20 19 Total liabilities 1 $ 78 $ 79 1 Total liabilities does not include amounts borrowed under the receivables securitization agreement. See Note 9 – Debt for additional information. Unconsolidated VIEs TDS manages the operations of and holds a variable interest in certain other limited partnerships, but is not the primary beneficiary of these entities and, therefore, does not consolidate them under the variable interest model. TDS’ total investment in these unconsolidated entities was $5 million at both June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and is included in Investments in unconsolidated entities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. The maximum exposure from unconsolidated VIEs is limited to the investment held by TDS in those entities. Other Related Matters TDS made contributions, loans or advances to its VIEs totaling $50 million and $88 million, during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of which $21 million in 2021 and $67 million in 2020, are related to USCC EIP LLC as discussed above. TDS may agree to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these or other VIEs and/or to their general partners to provide additional funding for operations or the development of wireless spectrum licenses granted in various auctions. TDS may finance such amounts with a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under its revolving credit or receivables securitization agreements and/or other long-term debt. There is no assurance that TDS will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all to provide such financial support.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interests	Note 11 Noncontrolling Interests The following schedule discloses the effects of Net income attributable to TDS shareholders and changes in TDS’ ownership interest in UScellular on TDS’ equity: Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 (Dollars in millions) Net income attributable to TDS shareholders $ 86 $ 135 Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's issuance of UScellular shares (43) (32) Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's repurchases of UScellular shares 1 14 Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests (42) (18) Net income attributable to TDS shareholders after transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests $ 44 $ 117

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Note 12 Shareholders' Equity Preferred Stock In March 2021, TDS issued 16,800 shares of TDS’ 6.625% Series UU Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (Preferred Shares) for $25,000 per Preferred Share, for total gross proceeds of $420 million. The Preferred Shares were issued to a depositary to facilitate the issuance of 16,800,000 depositary shares (Depositary Shares), each representing 1/1,000 th of a Preferred Share. TDS received net cash proceeds of $406 million after payment of issuance costs of $14 million. The proceeds were for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, the funding of capital expenditures associated with TDS Telecom's fiber program and retirement of existing debt. Each holder of Depositary Shares is entitled to a proportional fractional interest in all rights and preferences of the Preferred Shares, including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights. The Preferred Shares have no maturity or mandatory redemption date and are not redeemable at the option of the holders. Dividends on the Preferred Shares, when declared, are payable quarterly at a rate equal to 6.625% per year. As of June 30, 2021, there were no dividends in arrears. The Preferred Shares rank senior to TDS’ Common Shares and junior to all of TDS’ existing and future indebtedness outstanding under the TDS’ credit facilities and unsecured senior notes. Upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation, holders of Preferred Shares are entitled to a liquidating distribution of $25,000 per Preferred Share after satisfaction of liabilities and obligations to creditors. The Preferred Shares do not have voting rights, except under limited conditions. TDS may, at its option, redeem the Preferred shares (a) in whole or in part, on or after March 31, 2026 at a redemption price of $25,000 per Preferred Share, or (b) in whole but not in part, any time prior to March 31, 2026, within 120 days after a credit rating downgrade as specified in the offering prospectus, at a redemption price of $25,500 per Preferred Share, or (c) in whole or in part, within 120 days of the occurrence of a change in control as specified in the offering prospectus, at a redemption price of $25,000 per Preferred Share, plus, in each case, all accumulated and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) up to the redemption date. The Preferred Shares are convertible, at the option of the holder, to shares of TDS Common Shares upon a change of control as specified in the offering prospectus. The conversion right is the lesser of (a) Common Shares equal to $25,000 per Preferred Share plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, divided by the TDS Common Stock price, or (b) 2,773.200 Common Shares for each Preferred Share, which represents one-half the conversion rate at the time of closing. In both cases, certain other adjustments and provisions may impact the conversion.

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Note 13 Business Segment Information UScellular and TDS Telecom are billed for services they receive from TDS, consisting primarily of information processing, accounting, finance, and general management services. Such billings are based on expenses specifically identified to UScellular and TDS Telecom and on allocations of common expenses. Management believes the method used to allocate common expenses is reasonable and that all expenses and costs applicable to UScellular and TDS Telecom are reflected in the accompanying business segment information on a basis that is representative of what they would have been if UScellular and TDS Telecom operated on a stand-alone basis. During the first quarter of 2021, TDS modified its reporting segment structure to combine its Wireline and Cable segments into a single reportable segment for TDS Telecom. TDS Telecom believes this presentation better articulates its progress and performance against its strategy, which includes a focus on overall broadband growth and future fiber deployment across its markets. This change also reflects TDS Telecom's progress in aligning its organizational, operational and support structures to leverage one cost base to better support its customers across all of its markets. Prior periods have been updated to conform to this revised presentation. Financial data for TDS’ reportable segments for the three and six month periods ended, or as of June 30, 2021 and 2020, is as follows. See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation for additional information. Three Months Ended or as of June 30, 2021 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Operating revenues Service $ 774 $ 251 $ 24 $ 1,049 Equipment and product sales 240 — 22 262 Total operating revenues 1,014 252 45 1,311 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below) 204 101 19 324 Cost of equipment and products 258 — 18 276 Selling, general and administrative 334 73 9 416 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 180 49 5 234 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 2 1 — 3 Operating income (loss) 36 28 (6) 58 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 47 — 1 48 Interest and dividend income 2 — 1 3 Interest expense (60) 1 (27) (86) Income (loss) before income taxes 25 29 (31) 23 Income tax expense (benefit) (10) 7 (8) (11) Net income (loss) 35 22 (23) 34 Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 180 49 5 234 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 2 1 — 3 Interest expense 60 (1) 27 86 Income tax expense (benefit) (10) 7 (8) (11) Adjusted EBITDA 1 $ 267 $ 78 $ 1 $ 346 Investments in unconsolidated entities $ 445 $ 4 $ 38 $ 487 Total assets $ 9,920 $ 2,433 $ 427 $ 12,780 Capital expenditures $ 148 $ 99 $ 3 $ 250 Three Months Ended or as of June 30, 2020 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Operating revenues Service $ 753 $ 240 $ 23 $ 1,016 Equipment and product sales 220 — 27 247 Total operating revenues 973 241 49 1,263 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below) 197 92 17 306 Cost of equipment and products 218 — 23 241 Selling, general and administrative 323 66 9 398 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 178 51 7 236 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 4 — — 4 Operating income (loss) 53 31 (6) 78 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 44 — — 44 Interest and dividend income 1 1 — 2 Interest expense (25) 1 (14) (38) Income (loss) before income taxes 73 33 (20) 86 Income tax expense (benefit) 4 5 (1) 8 Net income (loss) 69 28 (19) 78 Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 178 51 7 236 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 4 — — 4 Interest expense 25 (1) 14 38 Income tax expense (benefit) 4 5 (1) 8 Adjusted EBITDA 1 $ 280 $ 83 $ 1 $ 364 Investments in unconsolidated entities $ 445 $ 4 $ 37 $ 486 Total assets $ 8,500 $ 2,210 $ 451 $ 11,161 Capital expenditures $ 168 $ 75 $ 4 $ 247 Six Months Ended or as of June 30, 2021 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Operating revenues Service $ 1,545 $ 500 $ 46 $ 2,091 Equipment and product sales 492 1 45 538 Total operating revenues 2,037 501 91 2,629 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below) 389 199 35 623 Cost of equipment and products 533 — 37 570 Selling, general and administrative 639 143 22 804 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 350 98 9 457 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 7 1 — 8 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (1) — — (1) Operating income (loss) 120 60 (12) 168 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 88 — 2 90 Interest and dividend income 3 — 3 6 Interest expense (97) 2 (43) (138) Other, net — — (1) (1) Income (loss) before income taxes 114 62 (51) 125 Income tax expense (benefit) 1 17 15 (12) 20 Net income (loss) 97 46 (38) 105 Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 350 98 9 457 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 7 1 — 8 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (1) — — (1) Interest expense 97 (2) 43 138 Income tax expense (benefit) 1 17 15 (12) 20 Adjusted EBITDA 2 $ 567 $ 158 $ 2 $ 727 Capital expenditures $ 273 $ 169 $ 4 $ 446 Six Months Ended or as of June 30, 2020 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Operating revenues Service $ 1,515 $ 480 $ 47 $ 2,042 Equipment and product sales 422 1 59 482 Total operating revenues 1,937 481 106 2,524 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below) 377 188 34 599 Cost of equipment and products 435 — 52 487 Selling, general and administrative 659 130 20 809 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 354 103 13 470 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 8 — — 8 Operating income (loss) 104 59 (12) 151 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 89 — 1 90 Interest and dividend income 5 4 (1) 8 Interest expense (49) 2 (28) (75) Other, net — (1) — (1) Income (loss) before income taxes 149 64 (40) 173 Income tax expense (benefit) 1 8 8 (4) 12 Net income (loss) 141 56 (36) 161 Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 354 103 13 470 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 8 — — 8 Interest expense 49 (2) 28 75 Income tax expense (benefit) 1 8 8 (4) 12 Adjusted EBITDA 2 $ 560 $ 165 $ 1 $ 726 Capital expenditures $ 405 $ 128 $ 6 $ 539 Numbers may not foot due to rounding. 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 assessing their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. TDS believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, gains and losses, and other items as presented above as they provide additional relevant and useful information to investors and other users of TDS' financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of its operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management's evaluation of business performance.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Accounting Policy Disclosures [Line Items]
Principles of Consolidation	The accounting policies of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, including TDS’ 82%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular) and TDS’ wholly-owned subsidiaries, TDS Telecommunications LLC and TDS Broadband LLC (collectively, TDS Telecom). In addition, the consolidated financial statements include certain entities in which TDS has a variable interest that requires consolidation under GAAP. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. TDS’ business segments reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2021, are UScellular and TDS Telecom. TDS’ non-reportable other business activities are presented as “Corporate, Eliminations and Other”, which includes the operations of TDS’ wholly-owned hosted and managed services (HMS) subsidiary, which operates under the OneNeck IT Solutions brand, and its wholly-owned subsidiary Suttle-Straus, Inc. (Suttle-Straus). HMS’ and Suttle-Straus’ financial results were not significant to TDS’ operations. All of TDS’ segments operate only in the United States. See Note 13 — Business Segment Information for summary financial information on each business segment.
Basis of Accounting	The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by TDS pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, TDS believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2020. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed) necessary for the fair statement of TDS’ financial position as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and its results of operations, comprehensive income and changes in equity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, and its cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. TDS has not changed its significant accounting and reporting policies from those disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Revenue from Contract with Customer	As practical expedients, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, and contracts with a fixed per-unit price and variable quantity, are excluded from these estimates.TDS expects that commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts are recoverable and therefore TDS defers and amortizes these costs. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are expensed as incurred. TDS also incurs fulfillment costs, such as installation costs, where there is an expectation that a future benefit will be realized. Deferred commission fees and fulfillment costs are amortized based on the timing of transfer of the goods or services to which the assets relate, typically the contract term.
Variable Interest Entities	TDS consolidates VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by GAAP and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. TDS reviews the criteria for a controlling financial interest at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when events warranting reconsideration occur. These VIEs have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Basis of Presentation (Tables)

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet to the total of the amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 385 $ 1,429 Restricted cash included in Other current assets 34 23 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows $ 419 $ 1,452

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenues	In the following table, TDS' revenues are disaggregated by type of service, which represents the relevant categorization of revenues for TDS' reportable segments, and timing of recognition. Service revenues are recognized over time and Equipment and product sales are point in time. Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Type of service: Retail service $ 686 $ — $ — $ 686 Inbound roaming 28 — — 28 Residential — 160 — 160 Commercial — 46 — 46 Wholesale — 44 — 44 Other service 40 — 18 58 Service revenues from contracts with customers 754 251 18 1,022 Equipment and product sales 240 — 22 262 Total revenues from contracts with customers 994 251 39 1,284 Operating lease income 20 1 6 27 Total operating revenues $ 1,014 $ 252 $ 45 $ 1,311 Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Type of service: Retail service $ 658 $ — $ — $ 658 Inbound roaming 41 — — 41 Residential — 145 — 145 Commercial — 48 — 48 Wholesale — 46 — 46 Other service 35 — 17 52 Service revenues from contracts with customers 734 239 17 990 Equipment and product sales 220 — 27 247 Total revenues from contracts with customers 954 240 43 1,237 Operating lease income 19 1 6 26 Total operating revenues $ 973 $ 241 $ 49 $ 1,263 Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Type of service: Retail service $ 1,371 $ — $ — $ 1,371 Inbound roaming 56 — — 56 Residential — 317 — 317 Commercial — 93 — 93 Wholesale — 89 — 89 Other service 77 — 34 111 Service revenues from contracts with customers 1,504 499 34 2,037 Equipment and product sales 492 1 45 538 Total revenues from contracts with customers 1,996 499 79 2,575 Operating lease income 41 1 12 54 Total operating revenues $ 2,037 $ 501 $ 91 $ 2,629 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Type of service: Retail service $ 1,329 $ — $ — $ 1,329 Inbound roaming 77 — — 77 Residential — 289 — 289 Commercial — 98 — 98 Wholesale — 92 — 92 Other service 71 — 35 106 Service revenues from contracts with customers 1,477 479 35 1,990 Equipment and product sales 422 1 59 482 Total revenues from contracts with customers 1,899 479 94 2,472 Operating lease income 38 2 12 52 Total operating revenues $ 1,937 $ 481 $ 106 $ 2,524 Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
Contract with Customer, Assets and Liabilities	The following table provides balances for contract assets from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Other current assets and Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Contract assets $ 13 $ 13 Contract liabilities $ 229 $ 216
Remaining Performance Obligations	The following table includes estimated service revenues expected to be recognized related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. These estimates represent service revenues to be recognized when services are delivered to customers pursuant to service plan contracts and under certain roaming agreements with other carriers. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of June 30, 2021 and may vary from actual results. As practical expedients, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, and contracts with a fixed per-unit price and variable quantity, are excluded from these estimates. Service Revenues (Dollars in millions) Remainder of 2021 $ 262 2022 200 Thereafter 207 Total $ 669
Contract Cost Assets	TDS expects that commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts are recoverable and therefore TDS defers and amortizes these costs. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are expensed as incurred. TDS also incurs fulfillment costs, such as installation costs, where there is an expectation that a future benefit will be realized. Deferred commission fees and fulfillment costs are amortized based on the timing of transfer of the goods or services to which the assets relate, typically the contract term. Contract cost asset balances, which are recorded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, were as follows: June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Costs to obtain contracts Sales commissions $ 136 $ 139 Fulfillment costs Installation costs 10 10 Total contract cost assets $ 146 $ 149

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	TDS has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below. Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value (Dollars in millions) Long-term debt Retail 2 $ 2,153 $ 2,276 $ 2,753 $ 2,809 Institutional 2 535 670 535 707 Other 2 720 720 230 230

Equipment Installment Plans (Ta

Equipment Installment Plans (Table)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Equipment installment plan receivables	The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables. June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 1,015 $ 1,007 Allowance for credit losses (72) (78) Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 943 $ 929 Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as: Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion) $ 598 $ 590 Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion) 345 339 Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 943 $ 929
Equipment installment plan receivables credit categories	The balance and aging of the equipment installment plan receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows: June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Lowest Risk Lower Risk Slight Risk Higher Risk Total Lowest Risk Lower Risk Slight Risk Higher Risk Total (Dollars in millions) Unbilled $ 836 $ 95 $ 24 $ 6 $ 961 $ 819 $ 98 $ 22 $ 9 $ 948 Billed — current 35 4 1 — 40 36 5 1 1 43 Billed — past due 7 4 2 1 14 8 5 2 1 16 Total $ 878 $ 103 $ 27 $ 7 $ 1,015 $ 863 $ 108 $ 25 $ 11 $ 1,007 The balance of the equipment installment plan receivables as of June 30, 2021 on a gross basis by year of origination were as follows: 2018 2019 2020 2021 Total (Dollars in millions) Lowest Risk $ 2 $ 140 $ 415 $ 321 $ 878 Lower Risk — 11 48 44 103 Slight Risk — 2 8 17 27 Higher Risk — 1 3 3 7 Total $ 2 $ 154 $ 474 $ 385 $ 1,015
Equipment installment plans allowance for credit losses	Activity for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows: June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period $ 78 $ 84 Bad debts expense 13 33 Write-offs, net of recoveries (19) (35) Allowance for credit losses, end of period $ 72 $ 82

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	The amounts used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders were as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in basic earnings per share $ 20 $ 65 $ 77 $ 135 Adjustments to compute diluted earnings: Noncontrolling interest adjustment — — (1) (2) Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in diluted earnings per share $ 20 $ 65 $ 76 $ 133 Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share: Common Shares 108 107 108 108 Series A Common Shares 7 7 7 7 Total 115 114 115 115 Effects of dilutive securities 1 1 1 — Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share 116 115 116 115 Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders $ 0.18 $ 0.57 $ 0.67 $ 1.18 Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders $ 0.17 $ 0.56 $ 0.65 $ 1.15

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Licenses
Licenses	Activity related to Licenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021, is presented below: Licenses (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 2,638 Acquisitions 1,283 Transferred to Assets held for sale (1) Capitalized interest 6 Balance at June 30, 2021 $ 3,926

Investments in Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity and measurement alternative method investments	TDS’ Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using either the equity method or measurement alternative method as shown in the table below. The carrying value of measurement alternative method investments represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes. June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Equity method investments $ 465 $ 456 Measurement alternative method investments 22 21 Total investments in unconsolidated entities $ 487 $ 477 The following table, which is based on unaudited information provided in part by third parties, summarizes the combined results of operations of TDS’ equity method investments. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2021 2020 2021 2020 (Dollars in millions) Revenues $ 1,748 $ 1,586 $ 3,482 $ 3,249 Operating expenses 1,221 1,098 2,502 2,265 Operating income 527 488 980 984 Other income (expense), net (2) (2) 10 1 Net income $ 525 $ 486 $ 990 $ 985

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Revolving credit facilities	The following table summarizes the revolving credit agreements as of June 30, 2021: TDS UScellular (Dollars in millions) Maximum borrowing capacity $ 400 $ 300 Letters of credit outstanding $ 1 $ — Amount borrowed $ 125 $ — Amount available for use $ 274 $ 300 The following table summarizes the term loan credit agreements as of June 30, 2021: TDS UScellular (Dollars in millions) Maximum borrowing capacity $ 200 $ 300 Amount borrowed $ 200 $ 300 Amount available for use $ — $ —

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Consolidated VIE assets and liabilities	The following table presents the classification and balances of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 31 $ 18 Short-term investments — 3 Accounts receivable 647 638 Inventory, net 3 3 Other current assets 31 21 Licenses 637 637 Property, plant and equipment, net 98 99 Operating lease right-of-use assets 39 37 Other assets and deferred charges 355 347 Total assets $ 1,841 $ 1,803 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 23 $ 26 Long-term operating lease liabilities 35 34 Other deferred liabilities and credits 20 19 Total liabilities 1 $ 78 $ 79 1 Total liabilities does not include amounts borrowed under the receivables securitization agreement. See Note 9 – Debt for additional information.

Noncontrolling Interests (Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net [Abstract]
Noncontrolling interests	The following schedule discloses the effects of Net income attributable to TDS shareholders and changes in TDS’ ownership interest in UScellular on TDS’ equity: Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 (Dollars in millions) Net income attributable to TDS shareholders $ 86 $ 135 Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's issuance of UScellular shares (43) (32) Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's repurchases of UScellular shares 1 14 Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests (42) (18) Net income attributable to TDS shareholders after transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests $ 44 $ 117

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business segment information	Financial data for TDS’ reportable segments for the three and six month periods ended, or as of June 30, 2021 and 2020, is as follows. See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation for additional information. Three Months Ended or as of June 30, 2021 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Operating revenues Service $ 774 $ 251 $ 24 $ 1,049 Equipment and product sales 240 — 22 262 Total operating revenues 1,014 252 45 1,311 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below) 204 101 19 324 Cost of equipment and products 258 — 18 276 Selling, general and administrative 334 73 9 416 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 180 49 5 234 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 2 1 — 3 Operating income (loss) 36 28 (6) 58 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 47 — 1 48 Interest and dividend income 2 — 1 3 Interest expense (60) 1 (27) (86) Income (loss) before income taxes 25 29 (31) 23 Income tax expense (benefit) (10) 7 (8) (11) Net income (loss) 35 22 (23) 34 Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 180 49 5 234 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 2 1 — 3 Interest expense 60 (1) 27 86 Income tax expense (benefit) (10) 7 (8) (11) Adjusted EBITDA 1 $ 267 $ 78 $ 1 $ 346 Investments in unconsolidated entities $ 445 $ 4 $ 38 $ 487 Total assets $ 9,920 $ 2,433 $ 427 $ 12,780 Capital expenditures $ 148 $ 99 $ 3 $ 250 Three Months Ended or as of June 30, 2020 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Operating revenues Service $ 753 $ 240 $ 23 $ 1,016 Equipment and product sales 220 — 27 247 Total operating revenues 973 241 49 1,263 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below) 197 92 17 306 Cost of equipment and products 218 — 23 241 Selling, general and administrative 323 66 9 398 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 178 51 7 236 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 4 — — 4 Operating income (loss) 53 31 (6) 78 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 44 — — 44 Interest and dividend income 1 1 — 2 Interest expense (25) 1 (14) (38) Income (loss) before income taxes 73 33 (20) 86 Income tax expense (benefit) 4 5 (1) 8 Net income (loss) 69 28 (19) 78 Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 178 51 7 236 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 4 — — 4 Interest expense 25 (1) 14 38 Income tax expense (benefit) 4 5 (1) 8 Adjusted EBITDA 1 $ 280 $ 83 $ 1 $ 364 Investments in unconsolidated entities $ 445 $ 4 $ 37 $ 486 Total assets $ 8,500 $ 2,210 $ 451 $ 11,161 Capital expenditures $ 168 $ 75 $ 4 $ 247 Six Months Ended or as of June 30, 2021 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Operating revenues Service $ 1,545 $ 500 $ 46 $ 2,091 Equipment and product sales 492 1 45 538 Total operating revenues 2,037 501 91 2,629 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below) 389 199 35 623 Cost of equipment and products 533 — 37 570 Selling, general and administrative 639 143 22 804 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 350 98 9 457 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 7 1 — 8 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (1) — — (1) Operating income (loss) 120 60 (12) 168 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 88 — 2 90 Interest and dividend income 3 — 3 6 Interest expense (97) 2 (43) (138) Other, net — — (1) (1) Income (loss) before income taxes 114 62 (51) 125 Income tax expense (benefit) 1 17 15 (12) 20 Net income (loss) 97 46 (38) 105 Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 350 98 9 457 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 7 1 — 8 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (1) — — (1) Interest expense 97 (2) 43 138 Income tax expense (benefit) 1 17 15 (12) 20 Adjusted EBITDA 2 $ 567 $ 158 $ 2 $ 727 Capital expenditures $ 273 $ 169 $ 4 $ 446 Six Months Ended or as of June 30, 2020 UScellular TDS Telecom Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total (Dollars in millions) Operating revenues Service $ 1,515 $ 480 $ 47 $ 2,042 Equipment and product sales 422 1 59 482 Total operating revenues 1,937 481 106 2,524 Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below) 377 188 34 599 Cost of equipment and products 435 — 52 487 Selling, general and administrative 659 130 20 809 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 354 103 13 470 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 8 — — 8 Operating income (loss) 104 59 (12) 151 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 89 — 1 90 Interest and dividend income 5 4 (1) 8 Interest expense (49) 2 (28) (75) Other, net — (1) — (1) Income (loss) before income taxes 149 64 (40) 173 Income tax expense (benefit) 1 8 8 (4) 12 Net income (loss) 141 56 (36) 161 Add back: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 354 103 13 470 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 8 — — 8 Interest expense 49 (2) 28 75 Income tax expense (benefit) 1 8 8 (4) 12 Adjusted EBITDA 2 $ 560 $ 165 $ 1 $ 726 Capital expenditures $ 405 $ 128 $ 6 $ 539 Numbers may not foot due to rounding. 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 assessing their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. TDS believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, gains and losses, and other items as presented above as they provide additional relevant and useful information to investors and other users of TDS' financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of its operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management's evaluation of business performance.

Basis of Presentation - Narrati

Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Change in reportable segments	Change in Reportable SegmentsDuring the first quarter of 2021, TDS modified its reporting segment structure to combine its Wireline and Cable segments into a single reportable segment for TDS Telecom. TDS Telecom believes this presentation better articulates its progress and performance against its strategy, which includes a focus on overall broadband growth and future fiber deployment across its markets. This change also reflects TDS Telecom's progress in aligning its organizational, operational and support structures to leverage one cost base to better support its customers across all of its markets. Prior periods have been updated to conform to this revised presentation. See Note 13 — Business Segment Information for additional information on TDS' reportable segments.
UScellular
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
TDS ownership of UScellular	82.00%

Basis of Presentation - Cash, C

Basis of Presentation - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 385	$ 1,429
Restricted cash included in Other current assets	34	23
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows	$ 419	$ 1,452	$ 586	$ 474

Revenue Recognition - Disaggreg

Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 1,284	$ 1,237	$ 2,575	$ 2,472
Operating lease income	27	26	54	52
Total operating revenues	1,311	1,263	2,629	2,524
Transferred over time
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,022	990	2,037	1,990
Transferred over time | Retail service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	686	658	1,371	1,329
Transferred over time | Inbound roaming
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	28	41	56	77
Transferred over time | Residential
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	160	145	317	289
Transferred over time | Commercial
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	46	48	93	98
Transferred over time | Wholesale
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	44	46	89	92
Transferred over time | Other service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	58	52	111	106
Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	262	247	538	482
UScellular
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	994	954	1,996	1,899
Operating lease income	20	19	41	38
Total operating revenues	1,014	973	2,037	1,937
UScellular | Transferred over time
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	754	734	1,504	1,477
UScellular | Transferred over time | Retail service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	686	658	1,371	1,329
UScellular | Transferred over time | Inbound roaming
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	28	41	56	77
UScellular | Transferred over time | Residential
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0	0	0
UScellular | Transferred over time | Commercial
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0	0	0
UScellular | Transferred over time | Wholesale
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0	0	0
UScellular | Transferred over time | Other service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	40	35	77	71
UScellular | Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	240	220	492	422
TDS Telecom
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	251	240	499	479
Operating lease income	1	1	1	2
Total operating revenues	252	241	501	481
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	251	239	499	479
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time | Retail service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0	0	0
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time | Inbound roaming
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0	0	0
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time | Residential
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	160	145	317	289
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time | Commercial
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	46	48	93	98
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time | Wholesale
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	44	46	89	92
TDS Telecom | Transferred over time | Other service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0	0	0
TDS Telecom | Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0	1	1
Corporate, Eliminations and Other
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	39	43	79	94
Operating lease income	6	6	12	12
Total operating revenues	45	49	91	106
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	18	17	34	35
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Retail service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0	0	0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Inbound roaming
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0	0	0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Residential
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0	0	0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Commercial
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0	0	0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Wholesale
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	0	0	0	0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred over time | Other service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	18	17	34	35
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Transferred at point in time | Equipment and product sales
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 22	$ 27	$ 45	$ 59

Revenue Recognition - Contract

Revenue Recognition - Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract assets	$ 13	$ 13
Contract liabilities	229	$ 216
Revenue recognized	$ 146

Revenue Recognition - Performan

Revenue Recognition - Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 669
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-07-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 262
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period	6 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 200
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 207
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period

Revenue Recognition - Contrac_2

Revenue Recognition - Contract Cost Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Contract Cost Assets
Contract cost assets	$ 146	$ 149
Sales commissions
Contract Cost Assets
Contract cost assets	136	139
Installation costs
Contract Cost Assets
Contract cost assets	$ 10	$ 10

Revenue Recognition - Narrative

Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Capitalized contract cost
Amortization of contract cost assets	$ 29	$ 30	$ 59	$ 61

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
6.7% Senior Notes | UScellular
Financial Instruments
Interest rate	6.70%
Book Value | Retail
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	$ 2,153	$ 2,753
Book Value | Institutional
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	535	535
Book Value | Other
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	720	230
Fair Value | Level 2 | Retail
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	2,276	2,809
Fair Value | Level 2 | Institutional
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	670	707
Fair Value | Level 2 | Other
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	$ 720	$ 230
Interest rate | Institutional and Other | Minimum
Financial Instruments
Fair value assumption, interest rate	1.26%	1.35%
Interest rate | Institutional and Other | Maximum
Financial Instruments
Fair value assumption, interest rate	4.34%	3.75%

Equipment Installment Plans - E

Equipment Installment Plans - EIP Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$ 1,015	$ 1,007
Allowance for credit losses	(72)	(78)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	943	929
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	598	590
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$ 345	$ 339

Equipment Installment Plans - G

Equipment Installment Plans - Gross Receivables by Credit Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$ 1,015	$ 1,007
2018	2
2019	154
2020	474
2021	385
Unbilled | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	961	948
Billed | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	40	43
Billed | Past due
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	14	16
Lowest Risk
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	878	863
2018	2
2019	140
2020	415
2021	321
Lowest Risk | Unbilled | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	836	819
Lowest Risk | Billed | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	35	36
Lowest Risk | Billed | Past due
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	7	8
Lower Risk
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	103	108
2018	0
2019	11
2020	48
2021	44
Lower Risk | Unbilled | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	95	98
Lower Risk | Billed | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	4	5
Lower Risk | Billed | Past due
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	4	5
Slight Risk
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	27	25
2018	0
2019	2
2020	8
2021	17
Slight Risk | Unbilled | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	24	22
Slight Risk | Billed | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	1	1
Slight Risk | Billed | Past due
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	2	2
Higher Risk
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	7	11
2018	0
2019	1
2020	3
2021	3
Higher Risk | Unbilled | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	6	9
Higher Risk | Billed | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	0	1
Higher Risk | Billed | Past due
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$ 1	$ 1

Equipment Installment Plans - A

Equipment Installment Plans - Allowance for Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Allowance for credit losses
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period	$ 78
Allowance for credit losses, end of period	72
Equipment Installment Plan Receivable
Allowance for credit losses
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period	78	$ 84
Bad debts expense	13	33
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(19)	(35)
Allowance for credit losses, end of period	$ 72	$ 82

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	(48.90%)	9.60%	15.50%	6.90%

Earnings Per Share - Reconcilia

Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Earnings per share
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in basic earnings per share	$ 20	$ 65	$ 77	$ 135
Noncontrolling interest adjustment	0	0	(1)	(2)
Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders used in diluted earnings per share	$ 20	$ 65	$ 76	$ 133
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share (in shares)	115	114	115	115
Effects of dilutive securities (in shares)	1	1	1	0
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share (in shares)	116	115	116	115
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.57	$ 0.67	$ 1.18
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17	$ 0.56	$ 0.65	$ 1.15
Common Shares
Earnings per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share (in shares)	108	107	108	108
Series A Common Shares
Earnings per share
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share (in shares)	7	7	7	7

Earnings Per Share - Narrative

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (in shares)	3	5	3	4

Intangible Assets (Details)

Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)
Licenses
Acquisitions	$ 1,283
Transferred to Assets held for sale	(1)
Capitalized interest	6
Balance, end of period	$ 3,926

Intangible Assets - Narrative (

Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Jul. 01, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)license	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Licenses
Cash paid for licenses		$ 1,264	$ 144
Auction 107
Licenses
Licenses won | license		254
Total winning bid		$ 1,283
FCC upfront payment				$ 30
Auction 107 | Subsequent event
Licenses
Cash paid for licenses	$ 178

Investments in Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities - Schedule of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity method investments	$ 465		$ 465		$ 456
Measurement alternative method investments	22		22		21
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	487	$ 486	487	$ 486	$ 477
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenues	1,311	1,263	2,629	2,524
Operating expenses	1,253	1,185	2,461	2,373
Operating income	58	78	168	151
Other income (expense), net	0	0	(1)	(1)
Net income	34	78	105	161
Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenues	1,748	1,586	3,482	3,249
Operating expenses	1,221	1,098	2,502	2,265
Operating income	527	488	980	984
Other income (expense), net	(2)	(2)	10	1
Net income	$ 525	$ 486	$ 990	$ 985

Debt - Revolving Credit Agreeme

Debt - Revolving Credit Agreements (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jul. 20, 2021
Subsequent event
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Consolidated leverage ratio		3.75
TDS Revolving credit facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 400
Letters of credit outstanding	1
Amount borrowed	125
Amount available for use	$ 274
TDS Revolving credit facility | LIBOR rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Contractual spread	1.50%
UScellular Revolving credit facility | UScellular
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 300
Letters of credit outstanding	0
Amount borrowed	0
Amount available for use	$ 300

Debt - Term Loan Agreements (De

Debt - Term Loan Agreements (Details)	Dec. 01, 2026	Dec. 01, 2022	Dec. 01, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jul. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jul. 20, 2021
Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated leverage ratio							3.75
TDS Term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity						$ 200,000,000
Amount borrowed						200,000,000
Amount available for use						0
Repayment of long-term debt						$ 500,000
TDS Term loan facility | LIBOR rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread						2.00%
TDS Term loan facility | LIBOR rate | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread					2.00%
TDS Term loan facility Amendment | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt			$ 500,000
Borrowing capacity increase					$ 300,000,000
Repayment of long-term debt rate	0.625%	0.25%
Consolidated leverage ratio					3.75
TDS Term loan facility Amendment | LIBOR rate | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread					2.50%
UScellular | UScellular Term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity						$ 300,000,000
Amount borrowed						300,000,000
Amount available for use						$ 0
UScellular | UScellular Term loan facility | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt			$ 750,000	$ 750,000
UScellular | UScellular Term loan facility | LIBOR rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread						2.25%
UScellular | UScellular Term loan facility | LIBOR rate | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread					2.00%
UScellular | UScellular Term Loan facility amendment | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity increase					$ 200,000,000
Repayment of long-term debt rate	0.625%	0.25%
Consolidated leverage ratio					3.75
UScellular | UScellular Term Loan facility amendment | LIBOR rate | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread					2.50%

Debt - Receivables Securitizati

Debt - Receivables Securitization Agreement (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jul. 21, 2021	Jul. 20, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt	$ 1,301	$ 5
Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated leverage ratio				3.75
UScellular | Receivables securitization agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount borrowed	100				$ 275
Repayment of long-term debt	200
Maximum borrowing capacity	450
Amount available for use	350
Assets pledged as collateral	$ 382
UScellular | Receivables securitization agreement | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated leverage ratio			3.75

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 01, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs		$ 26
Redemption price rate		100.00%
Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 14
Redemption price rate	100.00%
6.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount redeemed		$ 225
Interest rate		6.875%
7.0% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount redeemed		$ 300
Interest rate		7.00%
7.25% 2063 Senior Notes | UScellular
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount redeemed		$ 275
Interest rate		7.25%
5.5% 2070 Senior Notes | UScellular
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		5.50%
Redemption price rate		100.00%
Principal amount		$ 500
Long-term debt		484
Debt issuance costs		16
7.25% 2064 Senior Notes | UScellular
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount redeemed		$ 300
Interest rate		7.25%
Unamortized debt issuance costs		$ 10
Redemption price rate		100.00%
6.625% Senior Notes | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount redeemed	$ 116
Interest rate	6.625%
6.95% Senior Notes | UScellular | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount redeemed	$ 342
Interest rate	6.95%

Variable Interest Entities - Co

Variable Interest Entities - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021		Dec. 31, 2020		Jun. 30, 2020
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 385		$ 1,429
Short-term investments	0		3
Accounts receivable	976		1,004
Inventory, net	189		154
Other current assets	50		36
Licenses	3,926		2,638
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,972		3,972
Operating lease right-of-use assets	1,021		998
Other assets and deferred charges	626		652
Total assets	12,780	[1]	12,525	[1]	$ 11,161
Liabilities
Current liabilities	986		1,153
Long-term operating lease liabilities	951		940
Other deferred liabilities and credits	538		541
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	31		18
Short-term investments	0		3
Accounts receivable	647		638
Inventory, net	3		3
Other current assets	31		21
Licenses	637		637
Property, plant and equipment, net	98		99
Operating lease right-of-use assets	39		37
Other assets and deferred charges	355		347
Total assets	1,841		1,803
Liabilities
Current liabilities	23		26
Long-term operating lease liabilities	35		34
Other deferred liabilities and credits	20		19
Total liabilities	$ 78		$ 79
[1]	The consolidated total assets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,240 million and $1,042 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $17 million and $18 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of TDS. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

Variable Interest Entities - Na

Variable Interest Entities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, maximum exposure	$ 5		$ 5
Capital contributions, loans or advances	50	$ 88
USCC EIP LLC
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Capital contributions, loans or advances	$ 21	$ 67

Noncontrolling Interests (Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net [Abstract]
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders	$ 27	$ 65	$ 86	$ 135
Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's issuance of UScellular shares			(43)	(32)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's repurchases of UScellular shares			1	14
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			(42)	(18)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders after transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			$ 44	$ 117

Shareholders' Equity (Details)

Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Gross proceeds	$ 420,000,000	$ 0
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)	$ 25,000
Preferred Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued	16,800
Interest rate	6.625%
Shares issued (price per share)	$ 25,000
Gross proceeds	$ 420,000,000
Depositary shares	16,800,000
Net cash proceeds	406,000,000
Issuance costs	14,000,000
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)	$ 25,000
Redemption price per Preferred Share	$ 25,000
Common Shares issued upon conversion	2,773.200
Redemption price after credit rating downgrade | Preferred Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Redemption price per Preferred Share	$ 25,500

Business Segment Information (D

Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021		Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 1,311		$ 1,263	$ 2,629		$ 2,524
Selling, general and administrative	416		398	804		809
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	234		236	457		470
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	3		4	8		8
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	0		0	(1)		0
Operating income	58		78	168		151
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	48		44	90		90
Interest and dividend income	3		2	6		8
Interest expense	(86)		(38)	(138)		(75)
Other, net	0		0	(1)		(1)
Income before income taxes	23		86	125		173
Income tax expense (benefit)	(11)		8	20		12
Net income	34		78	105		161
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	234		236	457		470
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	3		4	8		8
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	0		0	(1)		0
Interest expense	86		38	138		75
Income tax expense (benefit)	(11)		8	20		12
Adjusted EBITDA	346		364	727		726
Investments in unconsolidated entities	487		486	487		486	$ 477
Total assets	12,780	[1]	11,161	12,780	[1]	11,161	$ 12,525	[1]
Capital expenditures	250		247	446		539
Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,049		1,016	2,091		2,042
Cost of goods and services	324		306	623		599
Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	262		247	538		482
Cost of goods and services	276		241	570		487
UScellular
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	1,014		973	2,037		1,937
Selling, general and administrative	334		323	639		659
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	180		178	350		354
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	2		4	7		8
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				(1)
Operating income	36		53	120		104
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	47		44	88		89
Interest and dividend income	2		1	3		5
Interest expense	(60)		(25)	(97)		(49)
Other, net				0		0
Income before income taxes	25		73	114		149
Income tax expense (benefit)	(10)		4	17		8
Net income	35		69	97		141
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	180		178	350		354
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	2		4	7		8
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				(1)
Interest expense	60		25	97		49
Income tax expense (benefit)	(10)		4	17		8
Adjusted EBITDA	267		280	567		560
Investments in unconsolidated entities	445		445	445		445
Total assets	9,920		8,500	9,920		8,500
Capital expenditures	148		168	273		405
UScellular | Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	774		753	1,545		1,515
Cost of goods and services	204		197	389		377
UScellular | Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	240		220	492		422
Cost of goods and services	258		218	533		435
TDS Telecom
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	252		241	501		481
Selling, general and administrative	73		66	143		130
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	49		51	98		103
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	1		0	1		0
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				0
Operating income	28		31	60		59
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	0		0	0		0
Interest and dividend income	0		1	0		4
Interest expense	1		1	2		2
Other, net				0		(1)
Income before income taxes	29		33	62		64
Income tax expense (benefit)	7		5	15		8
Net income	22		28	46		56
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	49		51	98		103
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	1		0	1		0
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				0
Interest expense	(1)		(1)	(2)		(2)
Income tax expense (benefit)	7		5	15		8
Adjusted EBITDA	78		83	158		165
Investments in unconsolidated entities	4		4	4		4
Total assets	2,433		2,210	2,433		2,210
Capital expenditures	99		75	169		128
TDS Telecom | Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	251		240	500		480
Cost of goods and services	101		92	199		188
TDS Telecom | Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	0		0	1		1
Cost of goods and services	0		0	0		0
Corporate, Eliminations and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	45		49	91		106
Selling, general and administrative	9		9	22		20
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	5		7	9		13
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	0		0	0		0
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				0
Operating income	(6)		(6)	(12)		(12)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	1		0	2		1
Interest and dividend income	1		0	3		(1)
Interest expense	(27)		(14)	(43)		(28)
Other, net				(1)		0
Income before income taxes	(31)		(20)	(51)		(40)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(8)		(1)	(12)		(4)
Net income	(23)		(19)	(38)		(36)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	5		7	9		13
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	0		0	0		0
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net				0
Interest expense	27		14	43		28
Income tax expense (benefit)	(8)		(1)	(12)		(4)
Adjusted EBITDA	1		1	2		1
Investments in unconsolidated entities	38		37	38		37
Total assets	427		451	427		451
Capital expenditures	3		4	4		6
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	24		23	46		47
Cost of goods and services	19		17	35		34
Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Equipment and product sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	22		27	45		59
Cost of goods and services	$ 18		$ 23	$ 37		$ 52
[1]	The consolidated total assets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,240 million and $1,042 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $17 million and $18 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of TDS. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.