T-Mobile US (TMUS) 10-Q 28 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 24, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	T-MOBILE US, INC.
Trading Symbol	TMUS
Entity Central Index Key	1283699
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		810,415,343

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,032	$5,315
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $88 and $83	1,933	1,865
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	3,259	3,062
Accounts receivable from affiliates	85	76
Inventories	1,230	1,085
Deferred tax assets, net	1,033	988
Other current assets	1,063	1,593
Total current assets	11,635	13,984
Property and equipment, net	16,483	16,245
Goodwill	1,683	1,683
Spectrum licenses	24,062	21,955
Other intangible assets, net	805	870
Equipment installment plan receivables due after one year, net	1,583	1,628
Other assets	307	288
Total assets	56,558	56,653
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	6,793	7,364
Current payables to affiliates	216	231
Short-term debt	467	87
Deferred revenue	584	459
Other current liabilities	589	635
Total current liabilities	8,649	8,776
Long-term debt	16,261	16,273
Long-term debt to affiliates	5,600	5,600
Long-term financial obligation	2,523	2,521
Deferred tax liabilities	4,855	4,873
Deferred rents	2,366	2,331
Other long-term liabilities	654	616
Total long-term liabilities	32,259	32,214
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity
5.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock Series A, par value $0.00001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 20,000,000 and 20,000,000 shares issued and outstanding; $1,000 and $1,000 aggregate liquidation value	0	0
Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 811,666,776 and 808,851,108 shares issued, 810,284,271 and 807,468,603 shares outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	38,553	38,503
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,382,505 and 1,382,505 shares issued	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1	1
Accumulated deficit	-22,904	-22,841
Total stockholders' equity	15,650	15,663
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$56,558	$56,653

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowances	$88	$83
5.50% Mandatory convertible preferred stock series A, par value	$0.00	$0.00
5.50% Mandatory convertible preferred stock series A, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
5.50% Mandatory convertible preferred stock series A, shares issued	20,000,000	20,000,000
5.50% Mandatory convertible preferred stock series A, shares outstanding	20,000,000	20,000,000
5.50% Mandatory convertible preferred stock series A, aggregate liquidation value	$1,000	$1,000
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	811,666,776	808,851,108
Common stock, shares outstanding	810,284,271	807,468,603
Treasury stock, at cost	1,382,505	1,382,505

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues
Branded postpaid revenues	$3,774	$3,447
Branded prepaid revenues	1,842	1,648
Wholesale revenues	158	174
Roaming and other service revenues	45	68
Total service revenues	5,819	5,337
Equipment sales	1,851	1,448
Other revenues	108	90
Total revenues	7,778	6,875
Operating expenses
Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	1,395	1,464
Cost of equipment sales	2,679	2,286
Selling, general and administrative	2,372	2,096
Depreciation and amortization	1,087	1,055
Cost of MetroPCS business combination	128	12
Gains on disposal of spectrum licenses	0	-10
Total operating expenses	7,661	6,903
Operating income (loss)	117	-28
Other income (expense)
Interest expense to affiliates	-64	-18
Interest expense	-261	-276
Interest income	112	75
Other expense, net	-8	-6
Total other expense, net	-221	-225
Loss before income taxes	-104	-253
Income tax benefit	-41	-102
Net loss	-63	-151
Dividends on preferred stock	-14	0
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	-77	-151
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of $0 and ($1)	0	-3
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	0	-3
Total comprehensive loss	($63)	($154)
Loss per share
Basic	($0.09)	($0.19)
Diluted	($0.09)	($0.19)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic	808,605,526	802,520,723
Diluted	808,605,526	802,520,723

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities, tax	$0	($1)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$489	$759
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	-982	-947
Purchases of spectrum licenses and other intangible assets	-1,696	0
Other, net	-14	-18
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,692	-965
Financing activities
Repayments of short-term debt for purchases of inventory, property and equipment, net	-63	-226
Other, net	-17	12
Net cash used in financing activities	-80	-214
Change in cash and cash equivalents	-2,283	-420
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of period	5,315	5,891
End of period	$3,032	$5,471

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Note 1 – Basis of Presentation
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of T-Mobile US, Inc. (“T-Mobile” or the “Company”) include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for the fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those for the full year. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the balances and results of operations of T-Mobile and its consolidated subsidiaries. T-Mobile consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries over which it exercises control, as well as variable interest entities (“VIE”) where it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and VIEs which cannot be deconsolidated. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions which affect the financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are based on historical experience, where applicable, and other assumptions which management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates are inherently subject to judgment and actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Recently-Issued Accounting Standards
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” The standard requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected. The standard will become effective for T-Mobile beginning January 1, 2016. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on T-Mobile’s consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The standard requires entities to recognize revenue through the application of a five-step model, which includes identification of the contract, identification of the performance obligations, determination of the transaction price, allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations, and recognition of revenue as the entity satisfies the performance obligations. The standard will become effective for T-Mobile beginning January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance to determine the potential impact on T-Mobile’s consolidated financial statements.

Significant_Transactions

Significant Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Significant Transactions	Note 2 – Significant Transactions
	Spectrum License Transactions
	In 2014, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) began conducting an auction of Advanced Wireless Service (“AWS”) spectrum licenses. In 2015, the FCC announced T-Mobile was the winning bidder of AWS spectrum licenses covering approximately 97 million people for an aggregate bid price of $1.8 billion. T-Mobile paid the FCC $1.4 billion for the AWS spectrum licenses in the first quarter of 2015, which is in addition to a deposit of $0.4 billion provided to the FCC in 2014. In the second quarter of 2015, T-Mobile received the AWS spectrum licenses. The amounts paid were classified as spectrum licenses as of March 31, 2015.

Equipment_Installment_Plan_Rec

Equipment Installment Plan Receivables	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Equipment Installment Plan Receivables	Note 3 – Equipment Installment Plan Receivables
	T-Mobile offers certain retail customers the option to pay for their devices and other purchases in installments over a period of up to 24 months using an Equipment Installment Plan (“EIP”).
	The following table summarizes the EIP receivables:
	(in millions)	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	EIP receivables, gross	$	5,275		$	5,138
	Unamortized imputed discount	(327		)	(332		)
	EIP receivables, net of unamortized imputed discount	4,948			4,806
	Allowance for credit losses	(106		)	(116		)
	EIP receivables, net	$	4,842		$	4,690
	Classified on the balance sheet as:
	Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	3,259		$	3,062
	Equipment installment plan receivables due after one year, net	1,583			1,628
	EIP receivables, net	$	4,842		$	4,690
	T-Mobile uses a proprietary credit scoring model that measures the credit quality of a customer at the time of application for mobile communications service using several factors, such as credit bureau information, consumer credit risk scores and service plan characteristics. Based upon customer credit profiles, T-Mobile classifies EIP receivables into the credit categories of “Prime” and “Subprime”. Prime customer receivables are those with lower delinquency risk and Subprime customer receivables are those with higher delinquency risk. Subprime customers are generally required to make a down payment on their equipment purchases. In addition, certain customers within the Subprime category are required to pay an advance deposit.
	EIP receivables for which invoices have not yet been generated for the customer are classified as Unbilled. EIP receivables for which invoices have been generated but which are not past the contractual due date are classified as Billed – Current. EIP receivables for which invoices have been generated and the payment is past the contractual due date are classified as Billed – Past Due.
	The balance and aging of the EIP receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows:
		March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
	(in millions)	Prime			Subprime			Total		Prime		Subprime		Total
	Unbilled	$	2,623		$	2,359		$	4,982	$	2,639	$	2,213	$	4,852
	Billed – Current	107			100			207		104		95		199
	Billed – Past Due	35			51			86		35		52		87
	EIP receivables, gross	$	2,765		$	2,510		$	5,275	$	2,778	$	2,360	$	5,138
	Activity in the unamortized imputed discount and allowance for credit losses balances for the EIP receivables was as follows:
	(in millions)	March 31,
		2015
	Imputed discount and allowance for credit losses, beginning of period	$	448
	Bad debt expense	77
	Write-offs, net of recoveries	(87		)
	Change in imputed discount on short-term and long-term EIP receivables	(5		)
	Imputed discount and allowance for credit losses, end of period	$	433
	Imputed discount and allowance for credit losses includes the long-term portion of imputed discount of $57 million and $61 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The EIP receivables had weighted average effective imputed interest rates of 9.5% and 9.7% as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Factoring_Arrangement

Factoring Arrangement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]
Factoring Arrangement	Note 4 – Factoring Arrangement
	Transaction Overview
	In 2014, T-Mobile entered into a two-year factoring arrangement to sell certain service accounts receivable on a revolving basis with a current maximum funding limit of $640 million, subject to change upon notification to certain third parties. Sales of receivables occur daily and are settled on a monthly basis. The receivables consist of service charges currently due from customers and are short-term in nature. In connection with the factoring arrangement, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, which qualifies as a bankruptcy remote special purpose entity (“Factoring SPE”). Pursuant to the factoring arrangement, certain subsidiaries of T-Mobile transfer selected receivables to the Factoring SPE.  The Factoring SPE then sells the receivables to an unaffiliated entity (“Factoring VIE”), which was established to facilitate the sale of ownership interest in the receivables to certain third parties.
	Variable Interest Entity
	The Company determined the Factoring VIE is a VIE as it lacks sufficient equity to finance its activities. The Company has a variable interest in the Factoring VIE, but is not the primary beneficiary as it lacks the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Factoring VIE’s economic performance. The activities which most significantly impact the Factoring VIE’s economic performance include committing the Factoring VIE to legal agreements to purchase or sell assets, selecting which receivables are purchased in the factoring arrangement, determining whether the Factoring VIE will sell interests in the purchased service receivables to other parties, and servicing of the receivables. While T-Mobile acts as the servicer of the sold receivables, which is considered a significant activity of the VIE, the Company is acting as an agent in its capacity as the servicer and the counterparty to the factoring arrangement has the ability to remove T-Mobile as the servicing agent of the receivables at will with no recourse available to T-Mobile. As the Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary and does not hold any equity interest, the results of the Factoring VIE are not consolidated into the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Sales of Receivables
	The sales of receivables through the factoring arrangement are treated as sales of financial assets. Upon sale, T-Mobile derecognizes the receivables, as well as the related allowances, and recognizes the net proceeds in cash provided by operating activities.
	The proceeds were net of a receivable for the remainder of the purchase price (“deferred purchase price”), which is received from collections on the service receivables. T-Mobile recognizes the deferred purchase price in cash provided by operating activities due to the short duration of the receivables sold and the nature of the related activity. The deferred purchase price represents a financial asset that can be settled in such a way that T-Mobile may not recover substantially all of its recorded investment due to the creditworthiness of customers. As a result, T-Mobile elected at inception to classify the deferred purchase price as a trading security carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair value included in selling, general and administrative expense. The fair value of the deferred purchase price was determined based on a discounted cash flow model which uses unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs), including customer default rates. Due to the short-term nature of the underlying financial assets, the carrying value approximated fair value. Other current assets, which primarily consisted of the deferred purchase price, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and other current liabilities related to the factoring arrangement were held by the Factoring SPE.
	The following table summarizes the impacts to the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
	(in millions)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Derecognized net receivables	$	677	$	768
	Net cash proceeds since inception	492		610
	Other current assets	204		204
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	—		13
	Other current liabilities	65		55
	Net expenses resulting from the sales of receivables are recognized in selling, general and administrative expense. Prior to the sales of receivables, T-Mobile recognizes impairment charges, rather than bad debt expense, to reduce the receivables to fair value for estimated losses resulting from uncollectible balances. Net expenses also include any resulting gains or losses from the sales of receivables, unrealized gains and losses related to the deferred purchase price, and factoring fees. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, T-Mobile recognized net expenses of $65 million and $27 million, respectively.
	Continuing Involvement
	T-Mobile has continuing involvement with the sold receivables as it services the receivables and is required to repurchase certain receivables, including aged receivables and receivables where write-off is imminent, pursuant to the factoring arrangement. T-Mobile will continue to service the customer and their related receivables, including facilitating customer payment collection, in exchange for a monthly servicing fee. As the receivables are sold on a revolving basis, the customer payment collections are reinvested in new receivable sales. While servicing the receivables, the same policies and procedures are applied to the sold receivables that apply to owned receivables and T-Mobile continues to maintain normal relationships with its customers.
	In addition, T-Mobile has continuing involvement related to the sold receivables as it may be responsible for absorbing additional credit losses pursuant to the agreement. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss related to the involvement with the Factoring VIE was $457 million as of March 31, 2015. The maximum exposure to loss, which is required disclosure under GAAP, represents an estimated loss that would be incurred under severe, hypothetical circumstances whereby the Company would not receive the portion of the contractual proceeds withheld by the Factoring VIE and would also be required to repurchase the maximum amount of receivables pursuant to the agreement without consideration for any recovery.  As T-Mobile believes the probability of these circumstances occurring is very remote, the maximum exposure to loss is not an indication of the Company’s expected loss.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements
	Long-term Debt
	The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt to third parties were determined based on quoted market prices in active markets, and therefore was classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt to affiliates was determined based on a discounted cash flow approach which considers the future cash flows discounted at current rates. The approach includes an estimate for the stand-alone credit risk of T-Mobile. The Company’s long-term debt to affiliates were classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
	The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s long-term debt were as follows:
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	(in millions)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Long-term debt to third parties principal, excluding capital leases	$	15,600	$	16,329	$	15,600	$	16,034
	Long-term debt to affiliates	5,600		5,963		5,600		5,780
	Although the Company has determined the estimated fair value using available market information and commonly accepted valuation methodologies, considerable judgment was required in interpreting market data to develop fair value estimates for the long-term debt. The fair value estimates were based on information available as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. As such, the Company’s estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amount the Company could realize in a current market exchange.

Loss_Per_Share

Loss Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Loss Per Share	Note 6 – Loss Per Share
	The computation of basic and diluted loss per share was as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(in millions, except shares and per share amounts)	2015			2014
	Net loss	$	(63	)	$	(151	)
	Preferred stock dividends	(14		)	—
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(77	)	$	(151	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	808,605,526			802,520,723
	Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and unvested stock awards	—			—
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	808,605,526			802,520,723
	Loss per share - basic	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.19	)
	Loss per share - diluted	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.19	)
	Potentially dilutive securities were not included in the computation of diluted loss per share for certain periods if to do so would have been antidilutive.  As the Company incurred net losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, all outstanding stock options of 3 million and 5 million and unvested stock awards of 23 million and 24 million as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were excluded.  Unvested performance stock units were based on the number of shares ultimately expected to vest based on T-Mobile’s business performance against the specified performance goal. As the Company incurred a net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015, common stock equivalents of 32 million related to the mandatory convertible preferred stock as of March 31, 2015 were excluded.  For the three months ended March 31, 2014, there was no mandatory convertible preferred stock outstanding.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies
	Commitments
	Guarantee Liabilities
	T-Mobile offers a device trade-in program, Just Upgrade My Phone (“JUMP!”), which provides eligible customers a specified-price trade-in right to upgrade their device.  For customers who enroll in the device trade-in program, the Company defers the portion of equipment sales revenue which represents the estimated value of the specified-price trade-in right guarantee.  When customers upgrade their devices, the difference between the trade-in credit to the customer and the fair value of the returned devices is recorded against the guarantee liabilities.  Guarantee liabilities included in other current liabilities were $266 million and $286 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  The estimated EIP receivable balance if all enrolled handset upgrade program customers were to claim their benefit, not including any trade-in value of the required used handset, was $2.8 billion as of March 31, 2015. This is not an indication of the Company’s expected loss exposure as it does not consider the expected fair value of the used handset, which is required to be in good working condition at trade-in, nor does it consider the probability and timing of trade-in.
	Contingencies and Litigation
	T-Mobile is involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, which include numerous court actions alleging that T-Mobile is infringing various patents. Virtually all of the patent infringement cases are brought by non-practicing entities and effectively seek only monetary damages, although they occasionally seek injunctive relief as well. The matters described above have progressed to various stages and a small number may go to trial in the coming 12 months if they are not otherwise resolved. T-Mobile has established an accrual with respect to certain of these matters, where appropriate, which is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements but that T-Mobile does not consider, individually or in the aggregate, material. An accrual is established when T-Mobile believes it is both probable that a loss has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated. For other matters, where the Company has not determined that a loss is probable or because the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company has not recorded an accrual due to various factors typical in contested proceedings, including but not limited to: uncertainty concerning legal theories and their resolution by courts or regulators; uncertain damage theories and demands; and a less than fully developed factual record. While T-Mobile does not expect that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, an unfavorable outcome of some or all of these proceedings could have a material adverse impact on results of operations or cash flows for a particular period. This assessment is based on T-Mobile’s current understanding of relevant facts and circumstances. As such, T-Mobile’s view of these matters is subject to inherent uncertainties and may change in the future.

Additional_Financial_Informati

Additional Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Supplemental Financial Statement Elements [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information	Note 8 – Additional Financial Information
	Network Decommissioning Costs
	Prior to the closing of the business combination with MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (“MetroPCS”), T-Mobile developed integration plans which included the decommissioning of the MetroPCS Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) network and certain other redundant network cell sites. In 2014, T-Mobile began decommissioning the MetroPCS CDMA network and redundant network cell sites. Network decommissioning costs primarily relate to the acceleration of lease costs for decommissioned cell sites for which T-Mobile has ceased use and will no longer receive any economic benefit. Accrued liabilities for network decommissioning costs will be relieved as cash payments are made over the remaining lease terms through 2028. In addition, network decommissioning costs include the write off of deferred items related to certain cell sites, which consist of prepaid rent expense, favorable leases, unfavorable leases and deferred rent expense. T-Mobile recognized network decommissioning costs, including effects of deferred items, of $128 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. T-Mobile intends to decommission certain cell sites and incur additional network decommissioning costs in the range of $375 million to $475 million, a majority of which are expected to be recognized through the rest of 2015.
	Activities in liabilities for network decommissioning costs were as follows:
	(in millions)	March 31,
		2015
	Balances, beginning of period	$	239
	Network decommissioning costs, excluding effects of deferred items	136
	Cash payments	(33		)
	Balances, end of period	$	342
	Classified on the balance sheet as:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	105
	Other long-term liabilities	237
	Network decommissioning liabilities	$	342
	In addition, T-Mobile settled asset retirement obligations of $37 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 in connection with the decommissioning of certain cell sites.
	Supplemental Statements of Cash Flows Information
	The following table summarizes T-Mobile’s supplemental cash flows information:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(in millions)	2015			2014
	Interest and income tax payments:
	Interest payments, net of amounts capitalized	$	327		$	286
	Income tax payments	2			—
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities for purchases of property and equipment	(178		)	(13		)
	Issuance of short-term debt for financing of property and equipment purchases	443			45
	Assets acquired under capital lease obligations	3			3

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio

Guarantor Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantor Subsidiaries	Note 9 – Guarantor Financial Information
	Pursuant to the applicable indentures and supplemental indentures, the long-term debt, excluding capital leases, issued by T-Mobile USA, Inc. (“Issuer”) is fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by T-Mobile (“Parent”) and certain of the Issuer’s 100% owned subsidiaries (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The guarantees of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are subject to release in limited circumstances only upon the occurrence of certain customary conditions. The indentures governing the long-term debt contain covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of the Issuer and the Guarantor Subsidiaries to: incur more debt; pay dividends and make distributions; make certain investments; repurchase stock; create liens or other encumbrances; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into transactions that restrict dividends or distributions from subsidiaries; and merge, consolidate, or sell, or otherwise dispose of, substantially all of their assets. Certain provisions of each of the indentures and the supplemental indentures relating to the long-term debt restrict the ability of the Issuer to loan funds or make payments to Parent. However, the Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries are allowed to make certain permitted payments to the Parent under the terms of the indentures and the supplemental indentures.
	Presented below is the condensed consolidating financial information as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Information
	March 31, 2015
	(in millions)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Assets
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	393		$	1,152		$	1,352		$	135		$	—		$	3,032
	Accounts receivable, net	—			—			1,885			48			—			1,933
	Equipment installment plan receivables, net	—			—			3,259			—			—			3,259
	Accounts receivable from affiliates	—			—			85			—			—			85
	Inventories	—			—			1,230			—			—			1,230
	Deferred tax assets, net	—			—			1,033			—			—			1,033
	Other current assets	—			—			834			229			—			1,063
	Total current assets	393			1,152			9,678			412			—			11,635
	Property and equipment, net (1)	—			—			15,967			516			—			16,483
	Goodwill	—			—			1,683			—			—			1,683
	Spectrum licenses	—			—			24,062			—			—			24,062
	Other intangible assets, net	—			—			805			—			—			805
	Investments in subsidiaries, net	15,325			30,565			—			—			(45,890		)	—
	Intercompany receivables	—			5,891			—			—			(5,891		)	—
	Equipment installment plan receivables due after one year, net	—			—			1,583			—			—			1,583
	Other assets	2			20			275			137			(127		)	307
	Total assets	$	15,720		$	37,628		$	54,053		$	1,065		$	(51,908	)	$	56,558
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Current liabilities
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	—		$	246		$	6,453		$	94		$	—		$	6,793
	Current payables to affiliates	—			136			80			—			—			216
	Short-term debt	—			443			24			—			—			467
	Deferred revenue	—			—			584			—			—			584
	Other current liabilities	—			—			524			65			—			589
	Total current liabilities	—			825			7,665			159			—			8,649
	Long-term debt	—			15,878			383			—			—			16,261
	Long-term debt to affiliates	—			5,600			—			—			—			5,600
	Long-term financial obligation (1)	—			—			271			2,252			—			2,523
	Deferred tax liabilities	—			—			4,982			—			(127		)	4,855
	Deferred rents	—			—			2,366			—			—			2,366
	Negative carrying value of subsidiaries, net	—			—			789			—			(789		)	—
	Intercompany payables	70			—			5,713			108			(5,891		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	—			—			654			—			—			654
	Total long-term liabilities	70			21,478			15,158			2,360			(6,807		)	32,259
	Total stockholders' equity	15,650			15,325			31,230			(1,454		)	(45,101		)	15,650
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	15,720		$	37,628		$	54,053		$	1,065		$	(51,908	)	$	56,558
	-1	Assets and liabilities for Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries are primarily included in VIEs related to the Tower Transaction. See Note 9 – Tower Transaction and Related Long-Term Financial Obligation included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Information
	December 31, 2014
	(in millions)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Assets
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,278		$	2,246		$	697		$	94		$	—		$	5,315
	Accounts receivable, net	—			—			1,817			48			—			1,865
	Equipment installment plan receivables, net	—			—			3,062			—			—			3,062
	Accounts receivable from affiliates	—			—			76			—			—			76
	Inventories	—			—			1,085			—			—			1,085
	Deferred tax assets, net	—			—			988			—			—			988
	Other current assets	—			3			1,341			249			—			1,593
	Total current assets	2,278			2,249			9,066			391			—			13,984
	Property and equipment, net (1)	—			—			15,708			537			—			16,245
	Goodwill	—			—			1,683			—			—			1,683
	Spectrum licenses	—			—			21,955			—			—			21,955
	Other intangible assets, net	—			—			870			—			—			870
	Investments in subsidiaries, net	13,470			30,385			—			—			(43,855		)	—
	Intercompany receivables	—			2,773			—			—			(2,773		)	—
Equipment installment plan receivables due after one year, net	—			—			1,628			—			—			1,628
Other assets	2			17			259			124			(114		)	288
Total assets	$	15,750		$	35,424		$	51,169		$	1,052		$	(46,742	)	$	56,653
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	—		$	349		$	6,914		$	101		$	—		$	7,364
Current payables to affiliates	—			56			175			—			—			231
Short-term debt	—			63			24			—			—			87
Deferred revenue	—			—			459			—			—			459
Other current liabilities	—			—			580			55			—			635
Total current liabilities	—			468			8,152			156			—			8,776
Long-term debt	—			15,886			387			—			—			16,273
Long-term debt to affiliates	—			5,600			—			—			—			5,600
Long-term financial obligation (1)	—			—			271			2,250			—			2,521
Deferred tax liabilities	—			—			4,987			—			(114		)	4,873
Deferred rents	—			—			2,331			—			—			2,331
Negative carrying value of subsidiaries, net	—			—			780			—			(780		)	—
Intercompany payables	87			—			2,589			97			(2,773		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—			—			616			—			—			616
Total long-term liabilities	87			21,486			11,961			2,347			(3,667		)	32,214
Total stockholders' equity	15,663			13,470			31,056			(1,451		)	(43,075		)	15,663
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	15,750		$	35,424		$	51,169		$	1,052		$	(46,742	)	$	56,653
-1	Assets and liabilities for Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries are primarily included in VIEs related to the Tower Transaction. See Note 9 – Tower Transaction and Related Long-Term Financial Obligation included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(in millions)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments			Consolidated
Revenues
Service revenues	$	—		$	—		$	5,562		$	389		$	(132	)	$	5,819
Equipment sales	—			—			1,927			—			(76		)	1,851
Other revenues	—			—			69			42			(3		)	108
Total revenues	—			—			7,558			431			(211		)	7,778
Operating expenses
Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	—			—			1,389			6			—			1,395
Cost of equipment sales	—			—			2,605			150			(76		)	2,679
Selling, general and administrative	—			—			2,340			167			(135		)	2,372
Depreciation and amortization	—			—			1,065			22			—			1,087
Cost of MetroPCS business combination	—			—			128			—			—			128
Total operating expenses	—			—			7,527			345			(211		)	7,661
Operating income	—			—			31			86			—			117
Other income (expense)
Interest expense to affiliates	—			(64		)	—			—			—			(64		)
Interest expense	—			(200		)	(14		)	(47		)	—			(261		)
Interest income	—			—			112			—			—			112
Other income (expense), net	—			32			—			—			(40		)	(8		)
Total other income (expense), net	—			(232		)	98			(47		)	(40		)	(221		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	—			(232		)	129			39			(40		)	(104		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	—			—			(48		)	7			—			(41		)
Earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	(63		)	169			(12		)	—			(94		)	—
Net income (loss)	(63		)	(63		)	165			32			(134		)	(63		)
Dividends on preferred stock	(14		)	—			—			—			—			(14		)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	(77		)	(63		)	165			32			(134		)	(77		)
Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	—			—			—			—			—			—
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	(63	)	$	(63	)	$	165		$	32		$	(134	)	$	(63	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(in millions)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments			Consolidated
Revenues
Service revenues	$	—		$	—		$	5,150		$	265		$	(78	)	$	5,337
Equipment sales	—			—			1,597			—			(149		)	1,448
Other revenues	—			—			58			34			(2		)	90
Total revenues	—			—			6,805			299			(229		)	6,875
Operating expenses
Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	—			—			1,460			4			—			1,464
Cost of equipment sales	—			—			2,313			138			(165		)	2,286
Selling, general and administrative	—			—			2,060			100			(64		)	2,096
Depreciation and amortization	—			—			1,035			20			—			1,055
Cost of MetroPCS business combination	—			—			12			—			—			12
Gain on disposal of spectrum licenses	—			—			(10		)	—			—			(10		)
Total operating expenses	—			—			6,870			262			(229		)	6,903
Operating income (loss)	—			—			(65		)	37			—			(28		)
Other income (expense)
Interest expense to affiliates	—			(18		)	—			—			—			(18		)
Interest expense	—			(214		)	(18		)	(44		)	—			(276		)
Interest income	—			—			75			—			—			75
Other income (expense), net	—			(8		)	2			—			—			(6		)
Total other income (expense), net	—			(240		)	59			(44		)	—			(225		)
Loss before income taxes	—			(240		)	(6		)	(7		)	—			(253		)
Income tax benefit	—			—			(100		)	(2		)	—			(102		)
Earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	(151		)	89			(15		)	—			77			—
Net income (loss)	(151		)	(151		)	79			(5		)	77			(151		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(3		)	(3		)	(3		)	—			6			(3		)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	(154	)	$	(154	)	$	76		$	(5	)	$	83		$	(154	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Information
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(in millions)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments			Consolidated
Operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	20		$	(2,999	)	$	3,427		$	81		$	(40	)	$	489
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	—			—			(982		)	—			—			(982		)
Purchases of spectrum licenses and other intangible assets	—			—			(1,696		)	—			—			(1,696		)
Investment in subsidiaries	(1,905		)	—			—			—			1,905			—
Other, net	—			—			(14		)	—			—			(14		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,905		)	—			(2,692		)	—			1,905			(2,692		)
Financing activities
Proceeds from capital contribution	—			1,905			—			—			(1,905		)	—
Repayments of short-term debt for purchases of inventory, property and equipment, net	—			—			(63		)	—			—			(63		)
Intercompany dividend paid	—			—			—			(40		)	40			—
Other, net	—			—			(17		)	—			—			(17		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	—			1,905			(80		)	(40		)	(1,865		)	(80		)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(1,885		)	(1,094		)	655			41			—			(2,283		)
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of period	2,278			2,246			697			94			—			5,315
End of period	$	393		$	1,152		$	1,352		$	135		$	—		$	3,032
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Information
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(in millions)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments			Consolidated
Operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	5		$	(466	)	$	1,199		$	21		$	—		$	759
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	—			—			(947		)	—			—			(947		)
Other, net	—			—			(18		)	—			—			(18		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			—			(965		)	—			—			(965		)
Financing activities
Repayments of short-term debt for purchases of property and equipment	—			—			(226		)	—			—			(226		)
Other, net	14			—			(2		)	—			—			12
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	14			—			(228		)	—			—			(214		)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	19			(466		)	6			21			—			(420		)
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of period	2,960			2,698			57			176			—			5,891
End of period	$	2,979		$	2,232		$	63		$	197		$	—		$	5,471

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of T-Mobile US, Inc. (“T-Mobile” or the “Company”) include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for the fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those for the full year. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
Principles of Consolidation	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the balances and results of operations of T-Mobile and its consolidated subsidiaries. T-Mobile consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries over which it exercises control, as well as variable interest entities (“VIE”) where it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and VIEs which cannot be deconsolidated. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions which affect the financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are based on historical experience, where applicable, and other assumptions which management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates are inherently subject to judgment and actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently-Issued Accounting Standards	Recently-Issued Accounting Standards
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” The standard requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected. The standard will become effective for T-Mobile beginning January 1, 2016. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on T-Mobile’s consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The standard requires entities to recognize revenue through the application of a five-step model, which includes identification of the contract, identification of the performance obligations, determination of the transaction price, allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations, and recognition of revenue as the entity satisfies the performance obligations. The standard will become effective for T-Mobile beginning January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance to determine the potential impact on T-Mobile’s consolidated financial statements.

Equipment_Installment_Plan_Rec1

Equipment Installment Plan Receivables (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Equipment Installment Plan Receivables	The following table summarizes the EIP receivables:
	(in millions)	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	EIP receivables, gross	$	5,275		$	5,138
	Unamortized imputed discount	(327		)	(332		)
	EIP receivables, net of unamortized imputed discount	4,948			4,806
	Allowance for credit losses	(106		)	(116		)
	EIP receivables, net	$	4,842		$	4,690
	Classified on the balance sheet as:
	Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$	3,259		$	3,062
	Equipment installment plan receivables due after one year, net	1,583			1,628
	EIP receivables, net	$	4,842		$	4,690
Schedule of Equipment Installment Plan Receivables by Credit Category	The balance and aging of the EIP receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows:
		March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
	(in millions)	Prime			Subprime			Total		Prime		Subprime		Total
	Unbilled	$	2,623		$	2,359		$	4,982	$	2,639	$	2,213	$	4,852
	Billed – Current	107			100			207		104		95		199
	Billed – Past Due	35			51			86		35		52		87
	EIP receivables, gross	$	2,765		$	2,510		$	5,275	$	2,778	$	2,360	$	5,138
Schedule of Unamortized Imputed Discount and Allowance for Credit Losses for Equipment Installment Plan Receivables	Activity in the unamortized imputed discount and allowance for credit losses balances for the EIP receivables was as follows:
	(in millions)	March 31,
		2015
	Imputed discount and allowance for credit losses, beginning of period	$	448
	Bad debt expense	77
	Write-offs, net of recoveries	(87		)
	Change in imputed discount on short-term and long-term EIP receivables	(5		)
	Imputed discount and allowance for credit losses, end of period	$	433

Factoring_Arrangement_Factorin

Factoring Arrangement Factoring Arrangement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]
Schedule of Factoring Arrangement	The following table summarizes the impacts to the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
	(in millions)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Derecognized net receivables	$	677	$	768
	Net cash proceeds since inception	492		610
	Other current assets	204		204
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	—		13
	Other current liabilities	65		55

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Values and Fair Values of Long-term Debt	The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s long-term debt were as follows:
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	(in millions)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Long-term debt to third parties principal, excluding capital leases	$	15,600	$	16,329	$	15,600	$	16,034
	Long-term debt to affiliates	5,600		5,963		5,600		5,780

Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Loss Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Loss Per Share	The computation of basic and diluted loss per share was as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(in millions, except shares and per share amounts)	2015			2014
	Net loss	$	(63	)	$	(151	)
	Preferred stock dividends	(14		)	—
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(77	)	$	(151	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	808,605,526			802,520,723
	Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and unvested stock awards	—			—
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	808,605,526			802,520,723
	Loss per share - basic	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.19	)
	Loss per share - diluted	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.19	)

Additional_Financial_Informati1

Additional Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Supplemental Financial Statement Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Network Decommissioning	Activities in liabilities for network decommissioning costs were as follows:
	(in millions)	March 31,
		2015
	Balances, beginning of period	$	239
	Network decommissioning costs, excluding effects of deferred items	136
	Cash payments	(33		)
	Balances, end of period	$	342
	Classified on the balance sheet as:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	105
	Other long-term liabilities	237
	Network decommissioning liabilities	$	342
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information	The following table summarizes T-Mobile’s supplemental cash flows information:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(in millions)	2015			2014
	Interest and income tax payments:
	Interest payments, net of amounts capitalized	$	327		$	286
	Income tax payments	2			—
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities for purchases of property and equipment	(178		)	(13		)
	Issuance of short-term debt for financing of property and equipment purchases	443			45
	Assets acquired under capital lease obligations	3			3

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio1

Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Information	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Information
	March 31, 2015
	(in millions)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Assets
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	393		$	1,152		$	1,352		$	135		$	—		$	3,032
	Accounts receivable, net	—			—			1,885			48			—			1,933
	Equipment installment plan receivables, net	—			—			3,259			—			—			3,259
	Accounts receivable from affiliates	—			—			85			—			—			85
	Inventories	—			—			1,230			—			—			1,230
	Deferred tax assets, net	—			—			1,033			—			—			1,033
	Other current assets	—			—			834			229			—			1,063
	Total current assets	393			1,152			9,678			412			—			11,635
	Property and equipment, net (1)	—			—			15,967			516			—			16,483
	Goodwill	—			—			1,683			—			—			1,683
	Spectrum licenses	—			—			24,062			—			—			24,062
	Other intangible assets, net	—			—			805			—			—			805
	Investments in subsidiaries, net	15,325			30,565			—			—			(45,890		)	—
	Intercompany receivables	—			5,891			—			—			(5,891		)	—
	Equipment installment plan receivables due after one year, net	—			—			1,583			—			—			1,583
	Other assets	2			20			275			137			(127		)	307
	Total assets	$	15,720		$	37,628		$	54,053		$	1,065		$	(51,908	)	$	56,558
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Current liabilities
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	—		$	246		$	6,453		$	94		$	—		$	6,793
	Current payables to affiliates	—			136			80			—			—			216
	Short-term debt	—			443			24			—			—			467
	Deferred revenue	—			—			584			—			—			584
	Other current liabilities	—			—			524			65			—			589
	Total current liabilities	—			825			7,665			159			—			8,649
	Long-term debt	—			15,878			383			—			—			16,261
	Long-term debt to affiliates	—			5,600			—			—			—			5,600
	Long-term financial obligation (1)	—			—			271			2,252			—			2,523
	Deferred tax liabilities	—			—			4,982			—			(127		)	4,855
	Deferred rents	—			—			2,366			—			—			2,366
	Negative carrying value of subsidiaries, net	—			—			789			—			(789		)	—
	Intercompany payables	70			—			5,713			108			(5,891		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	—			—			654			—			—			654
	Total long-term liabilities	70			21,478			15,158			2,360			(6,807		)	32,259
	Total stockholders' equity	15,650			15,325			31,230			(1,454		)	(45,101		)	15,650
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	15,720		$	37,628		$	54,053		$	1,065		$	(51,908	)	$	56,558
	-1	Assets and liabilities for Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries are primarily included in VIEs related to the Tower Transaction. See Note 9 – Tower Transaction and Related Long-Term Financial Obligation included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Information
	December 31, 2014
	(in millions)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Assets
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,278		$	2,246		$	697		$	94		$	—		$	5,315
	Accounts receivable, net	—			—			1,817			48			—			1,865
	Equipment installment plan receivables, net	—			—			3,062			—			—			3,062
	Accounts receivable from affiliates	—			—			76			—			—			76
	Inventories	—			—			1,085			—			—			1,085
	Deferred tax assets, net	—			—			988			—			—			988
	Other current assets	—			3			1,341			249			—			1,593
	Total current assets	2,278			2,249			9,066			391			—			13,984
	Property and equipment, net (1)	—			—			15,708			537			—			16,245
	Goodwill	—			—			1,683			—			—			1,683
	Spectrum licenses	—			—			21,955			—			—			21,955
	Other intangible assets, net	—			—			870			—			—			870
	Investments in subsidiaries, net	13,470			30,385			—			—			(43,855		)	—
	Intercompany receivables	—			2,773			—			—			(2,773		)	—
	Equipment installment plan receivables due after one year, net	—			—			1,628			—			—			1,628
	Other assets	2			17			259			124			(114		)	288
	Total assets	$	15,750		$	35,424		$	51,169		$	1,052		$	(46,742	)	$	56,653
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	—		$	349		$	6,914		$	101		$	—		$	7,364
Current payables to affiliates	—			56			175			—			—			231
Short-term debt	—			63			24			—			—			87
Deferred revenue	—			—			459			—			—			459
Other current liabilities	—			—			580			55			—			635
Total current liabilities	—			468			8,152			156			—			8,776
Long-term debt	—			15,886			387			—			—			16,273
Long-term debt to affiliates	—			5,600			—			—			—			5,600
Long-term financial obligation (1)	—			—			271			2,250			—			2,521
Deferred tax liabilities	—			—			4,987			—			(114		)	4,873
Deferred rents	—			—			2,331			—			—			2,331
Negative carrying value of subsidiaries, net	—			—			780			—			(780		)	—
Intercompany payables	87			—			2,589			97			(2,773		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—			—			616			—			—			616
Total long-term liabilities	87			21,486			11,961			2,347			(3,667		)	32,214
Total stockholders' equity	15,663			13,470			31,056			(1,451		)	(43,075		)	15,663
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	15,750		$	35,424		$	51,169		$	1,052		$	(46,742	)	$	56,653
-1	Assets and liabilities for Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries are primarily included in VIEs related to the Tower Transaction. See Note 9 – Tower Transaction and Related Long-Term Financial Obligation included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	(in millions)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Revenues
	Service revenues	$	—		$	—		$	5,562		$	389		$	(132	)	$	5,819
	Equipment sales	—			—			1,927			—			(76		)	1,851
	Other revenues	—			—			69			42			(3		)	108
	Total revenues	—			—			7,558			431			(211		)	7,778
	Operating expenses
	Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	—			—			1,389			6			—			1,395
	Cost of equipment sales	—			—			2,605			150			(76		)	2,679
	Selling, general and administrative	—			—			2,340			167			(135		)	2,372
	Depreciation and amortization	—			—			1,065			22			—			1,087
	Cost of MetroPCS business combination	—			—			128			—			—			128
	Total operating expenses	—			—			7,527			345			(211		)	7,661
	Operating income	—			—			31			86			—			117
	Other income (expense)
	Interest expense to affiliates	—			(64		)	—			—			—			(64		)
	Interest expense	—			(200		)	(14		)	(47		)	—			(261		)
	Interest income	—			—			112			—			—			112
	Other income (expense), net	—			32			—			—			(40		)	(8		)
	Total other income (expense), net	—			(232		)	98			(47		)	(40		)	(221		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	—			(232		)	129			39			(40		)	(104		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	—			—			(48		)	7			—			(41		)
	Earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	(63		)	169			(12		)	—			(94		)	—
	Net income (loss)	(63		)	(63		)	165			32			(134		)	(63		)
	Dividends on preferred stock	(14		)	—			—			—			—			(14		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	(77		)	(63		)	165			32			(134		)	(77		)
	Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	(63	)	$	(63	)	$	165		$	32		$	(134	)	$	(63	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	(in millions)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Revenues
	Service revenues	$	—		$	—		$	5,150		$	265		$	(78	)	$	5,337
	Equipment sales	—			—			1,597			—			(149		)	1,448
	Other revenues	—			—			58			34			(2		)	90
	Total revenues	—			—			6,805			299			(229		)	6,875
	Operating expenses
	Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	—			—			1,460			4			—			1,464
	Cost of equipment sales	—			—			2,313			138			(165		)	2,286
	Selling, general and administrative	—			—			2,060			100			(64		)	2,096
	Depreciation and amortization	—			—			1,035			20			—			1,055
	Cost of MetroPCS business combination	—			—			12			—			—			12
	Gain on disposal of spectrum licenses	—			—			(10		)	—			—			(10		)
	Total operating expenses	—			—			6,870			262			(229		)	6,903
	Operating income (loss)	—			—			(65		)	37			—			(28		)
	Other income (expense)
	Interest expense to affiliates	—			(18		)	—			—			—			(18		)
	Interest expense	—			(214		)	(18		)	(44		)	—			(276		)
	Interest income	—			—			75			—			—			75
	Other income (expense), net	—			(8		)	2			—			—			(6		)
	Total other income (expense), net	—			(240		)	59			(44		)	—			(225		)
	Loss before income taxes	—			(240		)	(6		)	(7		)	—			(253		)
	Income tax benefit	—			—			(100		)	(2		)	—			(102		)
	Earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	(151		)	89			(15		)	—			77			—
	Net income (loss)	(151		)	(151		)	79			(5		)	77			(151		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
	Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(3		)	(3		)	(3		)	—			6			(3		)
	Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	(154	)	$	(154	)	$	76		$	(5	)	$	83		$	(154	)
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Information	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Information
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	(in millions)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Operating activities
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	20		$	(2,999	)	$	3,427		$	81		$	(40	)	$	489
	Investing activities
	Purchases of property and equipment	—			—			(982		)	—			—			(982		)
	Purchases of spectrum licenses and other intangible assets	—			—			(1,696		)	—			—			(1,696		)
	Investment in subsidiaries	(1,905		)	—			—			—			1,905			—
	Other, net	—			—			(14		)	—			—			(14		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	(1,905		)	—			(2,692		)	—			1,905			(2,692		)
	Financing activities
	Proceeds from capital contribution	—			1,905			—			—			(1,905		)	—
	Repayments of short-term debt for purchases of inventory, property and equipment, net	—			—			(63		)	—			—			(63		)
	Intercompany dividend paid	—			—			—			(40		)	40			—
	Other, net	—			—			(17		)	—			—			(17		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	—			1,905			(80		)	(40		)	(1,865		)	(80		)
	Change in cash and cash equivalents	(1,885		)	(1,094		)	655			41			—			(2,283		)
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Beginning of period	2,278			2,246			697			94			—			5,315
	End of period	$	393		$	1,152		$	1,352		$	135		$	—		$	3,032
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Information
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	(in millions)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Operating activities
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	5		$	(466	)	$	1,199		$	21		$	—		$	759
	Investing activities
	Purchases of property and equipment	—			—			(947		)	—			—			(947		)
	Other, net	—			—			(18		)	—			—			(18		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	—			—			(965		)	—			—			(965		)
	Financing activities
	Repayments of short-term debt for purchases of property and equipment	—			—			(226		)	—			—			(226		)
	Other, net	14			—			(2		)	—			—			12
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	14			—			(228		)	—			—			(214		)
	Change in cash and cash equivalents	19			(466		)	6			21			—			(420		)
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Beginning of period	2,960			2,698			57			176			—			5,891
	End of period	$	2,979		$	2,232		$	63		$	197		$	—		$	5,471

Significant_Transactions_Detai

Significant Transactions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Purchases of spectrum licenses and other intangible assets	$1,696,000,000	$0
FCC Spectrum Auction [Member]
Aggregate bid price of spectrum licenses	1,800,000,000
Purchases of spectrum licenses and other intangible assets	1,400,000,000
Deposit provided to FCC	$400,000,000

Equipment_Installment_Plan_Rec2

Equipment Installment Plan Receivables (EIP Receivables) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Equipment installment plan, maximum payment term	24 months
Equipment Installment Plan Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	5,275	$5,138
Unamortized imputed interest	-327	-332
Equipment installment plan receivables, net of unamortized imputed interest	4,948	4,806
Allowance for credit losses	-106	-116
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	4,842	4,690
Equipment Installment Plan Receivables, Net [Member] | Equipment Installment Plan Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	3,259	3,062
Equipment Installment Plan Receivables Due After One Year, Net [Member] | Equipment Installment Plan Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unamortized imputed interest	-57	-61
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	1,583	$1,628

Equipment_Installment_Plan_Rec3

Equipment Installment Plan Receivables (Gross Receivables by Credit Category) (Details) (Equipment Installment Plan Receivables [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$5,275	$5,138
Unbilled Revenues [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	4,982	4,852
Billed Revenues [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	207	199
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due	86	87
Prime [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	2,765	2,778
Prime [Member] | Unbilled Revenues [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	2,623	2,639
Prime [Member] | Billed Revenues [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	107	104
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due	35	35
Subprime [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	2,510	2,360
Subprime [Member] | Unbilled Revenues [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	2,359	2,213
Subprime [Member] | Billed Revenues [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables	100	95
Equipment installment plan receivables, past due	$51	$52

Equipment_Installment_Plan_Rec4

Equipment Installment Plan Receivables (Unamortized Imputed Discount and Allowance for Credit Losses) (Details) (Equipment Installment Plan Receivables [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Unamortized imputed interest	$327	$332
Weighted average effective imputed interest rate	9.50%	9.70%
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Imputed discount and allowance for credit losses, beginning of period	448
Bad debt expense	77
Write-offs, net of recoveries	-87
Change in imputed discount on short-term and long-term EIP receivables	-5
Imputed discount and allowance for credit losses, end of period	433	448
Equipment Installment Plan Receivables Due After One Year, Net [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Unamortized imputed interest	$57	$61

Factoring_Arrangement_Details

Factoring Arrangement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Qualitative and Quantitative Information, Transferor's Continuing Involvement [Line Items]
Other current liabilities	$589		$635
Factoring Arrangement [Member]
Qualitative and Quantitative Information, Transferor's Continuing Involvement [Line Items]
Maximum funding limit	640
Derecognized net receivables	677		768
Net cash proceeds since inception	492		610
Other current assets	204		204
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	0		13
Other current liabilities	65		55
Net expenses	65	27
Maximum exposure to loss, Factoring VIE	$457

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value of Long-term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]
Long Term Debt, Fair Value [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$15,600	$15,600
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Long Term Debt, Fair Value [Line Items]
Long-term debt	16,329	16,034
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | Deutsche Telekom [Member]
Long Term Debt, Fair Value [Line Items]
Long-term debt	5,600	5,600
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Deutsche Telekom [Member]
Long Term Debt, Fair Value [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$5,963	$5,780

Loss_Per_Share_Details

Loss Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss	($63)	($151)
Dividends on preferred stock	-14	0
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	($77)	($151)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	808,605,526	802,520,723
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and unvested stock awards	0	0
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	808,605,526	802,520,723
Loss per share - basic	($0.09)	($0.19)
Loss per share - diluted	($0.09)	($0.19)
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive outstanding securities	3,000,000	5,000,000
Unvested Stock Awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive outstanding securities	23,000,000	24,000,000
Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive outstanding securities	32,000,000	0

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Guarantee Liabilities) (Details) (Handset Financing Arrangement [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Handset Financing Arrangement [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee liabilities	$266,000,000	$286,000,000
Guarantee liabilities, maximum exposure to loss	$2,800,000,000

Additional_Financial_Informati2

Additional Financial Information (Network Decommissioning Costs) (Details) (MetroPCS Network Decomissioning Costs [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Network decommissioning costs, including effects of deferred items	$128
Balances, beginning of period	239
Network decommissioning costs, excluding effects of deferred items	136
Cash payments	-33
Balances, end of period	342
Asset retirement obligation, liabilities settled	37
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balances, end of period	105
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balances, end of period	237
Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Network decommissioning costs, expected	375
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Network decommissioning costs, expected	$475

Additional_Financial_Informati3

Additional Financial Information (Supplemental Statements of Cash Flows Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Additional Financial Information [Abstract]
Interest payments, net of amounts capitalized	$327	$286
Income tax payments	2	0
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities for purchases of property and equipment	-178	-13
Issuance of short-term debt for financing of property and equipment purchases	443	45
Assets acquired under capital lease obligations	$3	$3

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio2

Guarantor Financial Information (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Information) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,032		$5,315		$5,471	$5,891
Accounts receivable, net	1,933		1,865
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	3,259		3,062
Accounts receivable from affiliates	85		76
Inventories	1,230		1,085
Deferred tax assets, net	1,033		988
Other current assets	1,063		1,593
Total current assets	11,635		13,984
Property and equipment, net	16,483		16,245
Goodwill	1,683		1,683
Spectrum licenses	24,062		21,955
Other intangible assets, net	805		870
Investments in subsidiaries, net	0		0
Intercompany receivables	0		0
Equipment installment plan receivables due after one year, net	1,583		1,628
Other assets	307		288
Total assets	56,558		56,653
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	6,793		7,364
Current payables to affiliates	216		231
Short-term debt	467		87
Deferred revenue	584		459
Other current liabilities	589		635
Total current liabilities	8,649		8,776
Long-term debt	16,261		16,273
Long-term debt to affiliates	5,600		5,600
Long-term financial obligation	2,523		2,521
Deferred tax liabilities	4,855		4,873
Deferred rents	2,366		2,331
Negative carrying value of subsidiaries, net	0		0
Intercompany payables	0		0
Other long-term liabilities	654		616
Total long-term liabilities	32,259		32,214
Total stockholders' equity	15,650		15,663
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	56,558		56,653
Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0		0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0		0
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	0		0
Accounts receivable from affiliates	0		0
Inventories	0		0
Deferred tax assets, net	0		0
Other current assets	0		0
Total current assets	0		0
Property and equipment, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Spectrum licenses	0		0
Other intangible assets, net	0		0
Investments in subsidiaries, net	-45,890		-43,855
Intercompany receivables	-5,891		-2,773
Equipment installment plan receivables due after one year, net	0		0
Other assets	-127		-114
Total assets	-51,908		-46,742
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	0		0
Current payables to affiliates	0		0
Short-term debt	0		0
Deferred revenue	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		0
Total current liabilities	0		0
Long-term debt	0		0
Long-term debt to affiliates	0		0
Long-term financial obligation	0		0
Deferred tax liabilities	-127		-114
Deferred rents	0		0
Negative carrying value of subsidiaries, net	-789		-780
Intercompany payables	-5,891		-2,773
Other long-term liabilities	0		0
Total long-term liabilities	-6,807		-3,667
Total stockholders' equity	-45,101		-43,075
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	-51,908		-46,742
Parent [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	393		2,278		2,979	2,960
Accounts receivable, net	0		0
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	0		0
Accounts receivable from affiliates	0		0
Inventories	0		0
Deferred tax assets, net	0		0
Other current assets	0		0
Total current assets	393		2,278
Property and equipment, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Spectrum licenses	0		0
Other intangible assets, net	0		0
Investments in subsidiaries, net	15,325		13,470
Intercompany receivables	0		0
Equipment installment plan receivables due after one year, net	0		0
Other assets	2		2
Total assets	15,720		15,750
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	0		0
Current payables to affiliates	0		0
Short-term debt	0		0
Deferred revenue	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		0
Total current liabilities	0		0
Long-term debt	0		0
Long-term debt to affiliates	0		0
Long-term financial obligation	0		0
Deferred tax liabilities	0		0
Deferred rents	0		0
Negative carrying value of subsidiaries, net	0		0
Intercompany payables	70		87
Other long-term liabilities	0		0
Total long-term liabilities	70		87
Total stockholders' equity	15,650		15,663
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	15,720		15,750
Issuer [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1,152		2,246		2,232	2,698
Accounts receivable, net	0		0
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	0		0
Accounts receivable from affiliates	0		0
Inventories	0		0
Deferred tax assets, net	0		0
Other current assets	0		3
Total current assets	1,152		2,249
Property and equipment, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Spectrum licenses	0		0
Other intangible assets, net	0		0
Investments in subsidiaries, net	30,565		30,385
Intercompany receivables	5,891		2,773
Equipment installment plan receivables due after one year, net	0		0
Other assets	20		17
Total assets	37,628		35,424
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	246		349
Current payables to affiliates	136		56
Short-term debt	443		63
Deferred revenue	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		0
Total current liabilities	825		468
Long-term debt	15,878		15,886
Long-term debt to affiliates	5,600		5,600
Long-term financial obligation	0		0
Deferred tax liabilities	0		0
Deferred rents	0		0
Negative carrying value of subsidiaries, net	0		0
Intercompany payables	0		0
Other long-term liabilities	0		0
Total long-term liabilities	21,478		21,486
Total stockholders' equity	15,325		13,470
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	37,628		35,424
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1,352		697		63	57
Accounts receivable, net	1,885		1,817
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	3,259		3,062
Accounts receivable from affiliates	85		76
Inventories	1,230		1,085
Deferred tax assets, net	1,033		988
Other current assets	834		1,341
Total current assets	9,678		9,066
Property and equipment, net	15,967		15,708
Goodwill	1,683		1,683
Spectrum licenses	24,062		21,955
Other intangible assets, net	805		870
Investments in subsidiaries, net	0		0
Intercompany receivables	0		0
Equipment installment plan receivables due after one year, net	1,583		1,628
Other assets	275		259
Total assets	54,053		51,169
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	6,453		6,914
Current payables to affiliates	80		175
Short-term debt	24		24
Deferred revenue	584		459
Other current liabilities	524		580
Total current liabilities	7,665		8,152
Long-term debt	383		387
Long-term debt to affiliates	0		0
Long-term financial obligation	271		271
Deferred tax liabilities	4,982		4,987
Deferred rents	2,366		2,331
Negative carrying value of subsidiaries, net	789		780
Intercompany payables	5,713		2,589
Other long-term liabilities	654		616
Total long-term liabilities	15,158		11,961
Total stockholders' equity	31,230		31,056
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	54,053		51,169
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	135		94		197	176
Accounts receivable, net	48		48
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	0		0
Accounts receivable from affiliates	0		0
Inventories	0		0
Deferred tax assets, net	0		0
Other current assets	229		249
Total current assets	412		391
Property and equipment, net	516	[1]	537	[1]
Goodwill	0		0
Spectrum licenses	0		0
Other intangible assets, net	0		0
Investments in subsidiaries, net	0		0
Intercompany receivables	0		0
Equipment installment plan receivables due after one year, net	0		0
Other assets	137		124
Total assets	1,065		1,052
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	94		101
Current payables to affiliates	0		0
Short-term debt	0		0
Deferred revenue	0		0
Other current liabilities	65		55
Total current liabilities	159		156
Long-term debt	0		0
Long-term debt to affiliates	0		0
Long-term financial obligation	2,252	[1]	2,250	[1]
Deferred tax liabilities	0		0
Deferred rents	0		0
Negative carrying value of subsidiaries, net	0		0
Intercompany payables	108		97
Other long-term liabilities	0		0
Total long-term liabilities	2,360		2,347
Total stockholders' equity	-1,454		-1,451
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,065		$1,052
[1]	Assets and liabilities for Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries are primarily included in VIEs related to the Tower Transaction. See Note 9 b Tower Transaction and Related Long-Term Financial Obligation included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year endedB DecemberB 31, 2014.

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio3

Guarantor Financial Information (Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues
Service revenues	$5,819	$5,337
Equipment sales	1,851	1,448
Other revenues	108	90
Total revenues	7,778	6,875
Operating expenses
Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	1,395	1,464
Cost of equipment sales	2,679	2,286
Selling, general and administrative	2,372	2,096
Depreciation and amortization	1,087	1,055
Cost of MetroPCS business combination	128	12
Gains on disposal of spectrum licenses	0	-10
Total operating expenses	7,661	6,903
Operating income (loss)	117	-28
Other income (expense)
Interest expense to affiliates	-64	-18
Interest expense	-261	-276
Interest income	112	75
Other income (expense), net	-8	-6
Total other expense, net	-221	-225
Loss before income taxes	-104	-253
Income tax benefit	-41	-102
Earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	0	0
Net loss	-63	-151
Dividends on preferred stock	-14	0
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	-77	-151
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	0	-3
Total comprehensive loss	-63	-154
Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments [Member]
Revenues
Service revenues	-132	-78
Equipment sales	-76	-149
Other revenues	-3	-2
Total revenues	-211	-229
Operating expenses
Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	0	0
Cost of equipment sales	-76	-165
Selling, general and administrative	-135	-64
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Cost of MetroPCS business combination	0	0
Gains on disposal of spectrum licenses		0
Total operating expenses	-211	-229
Operating income (loss)	0	0
Other income (expense)
Interest expense to affiliates	0	0
Interest expense	0	0
Interest income	0	0
Other income (expense), net	-40	0
Total other expense, net	-40	0
Loss before income taxes	-40	0
Income tax benefit	0	0
Earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	-94	77
Net loss	-134	77
Dividends on preferred stock	0
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	-134
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	0	6
Total comprehensive loss	-134	83
Parent [Member]
Revenues
Service revenues	0	0
Equipment sales	0	0
Other revenues	0	0
Total revenues	0	0
Operating expenses
Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	0	0
Cost of equipment sales	0	0
Selling, general and administrative	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Cost of MetroPCS business combination	0	0
Gains on disposal of spectrum licenses		0
Total operating expenses	0	0
Operating income (loss)	0	0
Other income (expense)
Interest expense to affiliates	0	0
Interest expense	0	0
Interest income	0	0
Other income (expense), net	0	0
Total other expense, net	0	0
Loss before income taxes	0	0
Income tax benefit	0	0
Earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	-63	-151
Net loss	-63	-151
Dividends on preferred stock	-14
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	-77
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	0	-3
Total comprehensive loss	-63	-154
Issuer [Member]
Revenues
Service revenues	0	0
Equipment sales	0	0
Other revenues	0	0
Total revenues	0	0
Operating expenses
Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	0	0
Cost of equipment sales	0	0
Selling, general and administrative	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Cost of MetroPCS business combination	0	0
Gains on disposal of spectrum licenses		0
Total operating expenses	0	0
Operating income (loss)	0	0
Other income (expense)
Interest expense to affiliates	-64	-18
Interest expense	-200	-214
Interest income	0	0
Other income (expense), net	32	-8
Total other expense, net	-232	-240
Loss before income taxes	-232	-240
Income tax benefit	0	0
Earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	169	89
Net loss	-63	-151
Dividends on preferred stock	0
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	-63
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	0	-3
Total comprehensive loss	-63	-154
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Revenues
Service revenues	5,562	5,150
Equipment sales	1,927	1,597
Other revenues	69	58
Total revenues	7,558	6,805
Operating expenses
Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	1,389	1,460
Cost of equipment sales	2,605	2,313
Selling, general and administrative	2,340	2,060
Depreciation and amortization	1,065	1,035
Cost of MetroPCS business combination	128	12
Gains on disposal of spectrum licenses		-10
Total operating expenses	7,527	6,870
Operating income (loss)	31	-65
Other income (expense)
Interest expense to affiliates	0	0
Interest expense	-14	-18
Interest income	112	75
Other income (expense), net	0	2
Total other expense, net	98	59
Loss before income taxes	129	-6
Income tax benefit	-48	-100
Earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	-12	-15
Net loss	165	79
Dividends on preferred stock	0
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	165
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	0	-3
Total comprehensive loss	165	76
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Revenues
Service revenues	389	265
Equipment sales	0	0
Other revenues	42	34
Total revenues	431	299
Operating expenses
Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	6	4
Cost of equipment sales	150	138
Selling, general and administrative	167	100
Depreciation and amortization	22	20
Cost of MetroPCS business combination	0	0
Gains on disposal of spectrum licenses		0
Total operating expenses	345	262
Operating income (loss)	86	37
Other income (expense)
Interest expense to affiliates	0	0
Interest expense	-47	-44
Interest income	0	0
Other income (expense), net	0	0
Total other expense, net	-47	-44
Loss before income taxes	39	-7
Income tax benefit	7	-2
Earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	0	0
Net loss	32	-5
Dividends on preferred stock	0
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	32
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	0	0
Total comprehensive loss	$32	($5)

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio4

Guarantor Financial Information (Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$489	$759
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	-982	-947
Purchases of spectrum licenses and other intangible assets	-1,696	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0
Other, net	-14	-18
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,692	-965
Financing activities
Proceeds from capital contribution	0
Repayments of short-term debt for purchases of inventory, property and equipment, net	-63	-226
Intercompany dividend paid	0
Other, net	-17	12
Net cash used in financing activities	-80	-214
Change in cash and cash equivalents	-2,283	-420
Beginning of period	5,315	5,891
End of period	3,032	5,471
Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments [Member]
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	-40	0
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	0	0
Purchases of spectrum licenses and other intangible assets	0
Investment in subsidiaries	1,905
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	1,905	0
Financing activities
Proceeds from capital contribution	-1,905
Repayments of short-term debt for purchases of inventory, property and equipment, net	0	0
Intercompany dividend paid	40
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-1,865	0
Change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Beginning of period	0	0
End of period	0	0
Parent [Member]
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	20	5
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	0	0
Purchases of spectrum licenses and other intangible assets	0
Investment in subsidiaries	-1,905
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,905	0
Financing activities
Proceeds from capital contribution	0
Repayments of short-term debt for purchases of inventory, property and equipment, net	0	0
Intercompany dividend paid	0
Other, net	0	14
Net cash used in financing activities	0	14
Change in cash and cash equivalents	-1,885	19
Beginning of period	2,278	2,960
End of period	393	2,979
Issuer [Member]
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	-2,999	-466
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	0	0
Purchases of spectrum licenses and other intangible assets	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Financing activities
Proceeds from capital contribution	1,905
Repayments of short-term debt for purchases of inventory, property and equipment, net	0	0
Intercompany dividend paid	0
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	1,905	0
Change in cash and cash equivalents	-1,094	-466
Beginning of period	2,246	2,698
End of period	1,152	2,232
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,427	1,199
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	-982	-947
Purchases of spectrum licenses and other intangible assets	-1,696
Investment in subsidiaries	0
Other, net	-14	-18
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,692	-965
Financing activities
Proceeds from capital contribution	0
Repayments of short-term debt for purchases of inventory, property and equipment, net	-63	-226
Intercompany dividend paid	0
Other, net	-17	-2
Net cash used in financing activities	-80	-228
Change in cash and cash equivalents	655	6
Beginning of period	697	57
End of period	1,352	63
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	81	21
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	0	0
Purchases of spectrum licenses and other intangible assets	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Financing activities
Proceeds from capital contribution	0
Repayments of short-term debt for purchases of inventory, property and equipment, net	0	0
Intercompany dividend paid	-40
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-40	0
Change in cash and cash equivalents	41	21
Beginning of period	94	176
End of period	$135	$197