Shenandoah Telecommunications (SHEN) 10-Q 7 Aug 18 2018 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Aug. 01, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SHENANDOAH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CO/VA/
Entity Central Index Key	354,963
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		49,558,696

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATE

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 65,569	$ 78,585
Accounts receivable, net	58,614	54,184
Income taxes receivable	589	17,311
Inventory, net	6,207	5,704
Prepaid expenses and other	64,163	17,111
Total current assets	195,142	172,895
Investments, including $3,336 and $3,279 carried at fair value	11,949	11,472
Property, plant and equipment, net	668,339	686,327
Other Assets:
Intangible assets, net	396,908	380,979
Goodwill	146,497	146,497
Deferred charges and other assets, net	34,021	13,690
Total assets	1,452,856	1,411,860
Current Liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt, net of unamortized loan fees	84,631	64,397
Accounts payable	22,674	28,953
Advanced billings and customer deposits	6,668	21,153
Accrued compensation	6,738	9,167
Accrued liabilities and other	18,086	13,914
Total current liabilities	138,797	137,584
Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of unamortized loan fees	715,265	757,561
Other Long-Term Liabilities
Deferred income taxes	111,125	100,879
Deferred lease	19,309	15,782
Asset retirement obligations	21,867	21,211
Retirement plan obligations	13,223	13,328
Other liabilities	15,080	15,293
Total other long-term liabilities	180,604	166,493
Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock, no par value, authorized 96,000 shares; issued and outstanding 49,558 shares in 2018 and 49,328 shares in 2017.	0	0
Additional paid in capital	46,172	44,787
Retained earnings	359,893	297,205
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	12,125	8,230
Total shareholders’ equity	418,190	350,222
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 1,452,856	$ 1,411,860

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDAT3

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Investments carried at fair value	$ 3,268	$ 3,279
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	96,000,000	96,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	49,558,000	49,328,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	49,558,000	49,328,000

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDAT4

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Operating revenues:
Operating revenues	$ 154,030	$ 153,258	$ 305,762	$ 307,138
Total operating revenues	154,030	153,258	305,762	307,138
Operating expenses:
Operating expenses:	49,134	48,416	98,476	97,193
Cost of goods sold	15,166	4,965	30,971	9,949
Selling, general and administrative	29,915	43,022	58,665	83,175
Acquisition, integration and migration expenses	0	3,678	0	8,167
Depreciation and amortization	41,117	44,925	84,604	89,729
Total operating expenses	135,332	145,006	272,716	288,213
Operating income (loss)	18,698	8,252	33,046	18,925
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(8,851)	(9,389)	(18,183)	(18,489)
Gain (loss) on investments, net	56	73	24	193
Non-operating income (loss), net	783	1,224	1,804	2,479
Income (loss) before income taxes	10,686	160	16,691	3,108
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,862	240	4,038	847
Net income (loss)	7,824	(80)	12,653	2,261
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate hedge, net of tax	833	(1,375)	3,895	(776)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 8,657	$ (1,455)	$ 16,548	$ 1,485
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ 0	$ 0.26	$ 0.05
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ 0	$ 0.25	$ 0.05
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic (in shares)	49,547	49,115	49,511	49,083
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)	50,070	49,115	50,029	49,850
Service revenues and other
Operating revenues:
Operating revenues	$ 138,021	$ 150,308	$ 272,174	$ 300,829
Equipment revenues
Operating revenues:
Operating revenues	$ 16,009	$ 2,950	$ 33,588	$ 6,309

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDAT5

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2018 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Shares of Common Stock (no par value)	Additional Paid in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	49,328	49,328
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 350,222		$ 44,787	$ 297,205	$ 8,230
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (loss)	12,653			12,653
Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax of $1.4 million	3,895				3,895
Other comprehensive gain (loss), tax	1,400
Stock based compensation (in shares)		205
Stock based compensation	3,407		3,407
Stock options exercised (in shares)		15
Stock options exercised	104		104
Common stock issued	10		10
Shares retired for settlement of employee taxes upon issuance of vested equity awards (in shares)		(66)
Shares retired for settlement of employee taxes upon issuance of vested equity awards	(2,136)		(2,136)
Common stock issued to acquire non-controlling interests of nTelos (in shares)		76
Common stock issued to acquire non-controlling interest in nTelos	$ 0
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2018	49,558	49,558
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2018	$ 418,190		$ 46,172	359,893	$ 12,125
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Change in accounting principle - adoption of accounting standard (Note 2)	$ 50,035			$ 50,035

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDAT6

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 12,653	$ 2,261
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	71,637	76,695
Amortization reflected as operating expense	12,967	12,950
Amortization reflected as rent expense in cost of services	175	593
Bad debt expense	758	886
Stock based compensation expense, net of amount capitalized	3,407	2,418
Waived management fee	18,606	18,107
Deferred income taxes	(9,325)	(11,954)
(Gain) loss on investments	(24)	(187)
Net (gain) loss from patronage and equity investments	(1,552)	(1,447)
Amortization of long-term debt issuance costs	2,365	2,385
Accrued interest and other	101	854
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(11,060)	5,196
Inventory, net	(503)	25,049
Income taxes receivable	16,722	(1,908)
Other assets	3,909	(126)
Accounts payable	2,486	(40,558)
Income taxes payable	0	(435)
Deferred lease	1,353	2,493
Other deferrals and accruals	2,469	(6,478)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	127,144	86,794
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(62,322)	(68,766)
Proceeds from sale of assets	447	269
Cash distributions (contributions) from investments and other	(3)	7
Sprint expansion	(52,000)	(6,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(113,878)	(74,490)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Principal payments on long-term debt	(24,250)	(12,125)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility borrowings	15,000	0
Proceeds from credit facility borrowings	0	25,000
Principal payments on revolving credit facility	(15,000)	0
Taxes paid for equity award issuances	(2,032)	(1,598)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(26,282)	11,277
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(13,016)	23,581
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	78,585	36,193
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	65,569	59,774
Cash payments for:
Interest, net of capitalized interest of $737 and $1,035, respectively	16,902	17,085
Income tax refunds received, net of taxes paid	(3,359)	15,150
Capital expenditures payable	$ 6,324	$ 4,567

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDAT7

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Other cash flow information:
Capitalized interest	$ 737	$ 1,035

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Shenandoah Telecommunications Company and Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the interim results have been reflected therein in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial reporting and as required by Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements may not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for audited financial statements. The information contained herein should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Adoption of New Accounting Principles There have been no developments related to recently issued accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and note disclosures, from those disclosed in the Company's 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, that would be expected to impact the Company except for the topics discussed below. The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (" Topic 606", or "the new revenue recognition standard" ), and all related amendments, effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method as discussed in Note 2 , Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company recognized the cumulative effect of applying the new revenue recognition standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The comparative information has not been retrospectively modified and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases ( Topic 842 ), which requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with terms greater than 12 months. The standard also requires disclosures by lessees and lessors about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases, as well as changes in the categorization of rental costs, from rent expense to interest and depreciation expense. Other effects may occur depending on the types of leases and the specific terms of them utilized by particular lessees. The ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and early application is permitted. Modified retrospective application is required. In September 2017 and January 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-13, which included Revenue Recognition ( Topic 605 ) , Revenue from Contracts with Customers ( Topic 606 ) , Leases ( Topic 840 ) , and Leases ( Topic 842 ) , and ASU No. 2018-01 , Leases ( Topic 842 ) , Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842 , and provided additional implementation guidance on ASU 2016-02. The Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact of the new standard on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company is in the early stages of implementation and currently believes that the most notable impact to its financial statements upon the adoption of this ASU will be the recognition of a material right-of-use asset and a lease liability for its real estate and equipment leases. The Company is continuing to assess potential impacts that the standard may have on current accounting policies and procedures, and is implementing a new lease management system to assist in the application of the new standard. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . Under existing U.S. GAAP, the effects of changes in tax rates and laws on deferred tax balances are recorded as a component of income tax expense in the period in which the law was enacted. When deferred tax balances related to items originally recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income are adjusted, certain tax effects become stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in ASU No. 2018-02 allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The amendments in this ASU also require certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption in any period is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU No. 2018-02.

Revenue from Contracts with Cus

Revenue from Contracts with Customers	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contracts with Customers	Revenue from Contracts with Customers The Company earns revenue primarily through the sale of our wireless telecommunications services, wireless equipment, and business, residential, and enterprise cable and wireline services that include video, internet, voice, and data services. Revenue earned for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was as follows: (in thousands) Wireless Cable Wireline Consolidated Wireless service $ 93,219 $ — $ — $ 93,219 Wireless equipment 15,819 — — 15,819 Business, residential and enterprise — 29,466 10,513 39,979 Tower and other 3,244 2,645 8,599 14,488 Total revenue 112,282 32,111 19,112 163,505 Internal revenues (1,244 ) (1,097 ) (7,134 ) (9,475 ) Total operating revenue $ 111,038 $ 31,014 $ 11,978 $ 154,030 Revenues earned for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was as follows: (in thousands) Wireless Cable Wireline Consolidated Wireless service $ 182,978 $ — $ — $ 182,978 Wireless equipment 33,193 — — 33,193 Business, residential and enterprise — 58,597 21,204 79,801 Tower and other 6,509 5,225 17,615 29,349 Total revenue 222,680 63,822 38,819 325,321 Internal revenues (2,483 ) (2,128 ) (14,948 ) (19,559 ) Total operating revenue $ 220,197 $ 61,694 $ 23,871 $ 305,762 Wireless service The majority of the Company's revenue is earned through providing network access to Sprint under the affiliate agreement, which represents approximately 61% of consolidated revenues. Wireless service revenue is variable based on billed revenues to Sprint’s subscribers in the Company's affiliate area, less applicable fees retained by Sprint. The Company's revenue related to Sprint’s postpaid customers is the amount that Sprint bills its postpaid subscribers, reduced by customer credits, write-offs of receivables, and 8% management and 8.6% service fees. The Company is also charged for the costs of subsidized handsets sold through Sprint’s national channels as well as commissions paid by Sprint to third-party resellers in the Company's service territory. The Company's revenue related to Sprint’s prepaid customers is the amount Sprint bills its prepaid subscribers, reduced by costs to acquire and support the customer, based on national averages for Sprint’s prepaid programs, and a 6% management fee. The Company considers Sprint, rather than Sprint's subscribers, to be the customer under the new revenue recognition standard and the Company's performance obligation is to provide Sprint a series of continuous network access services. The reimbursement to Sprint for the costs of handsets sold through Sprint’s national channels, as well as commissions paid by Sprint to third-party resellers in our service territory represent consideration payable to a customer that is not in exchange for a distinct service under Topic 606. Therefore, these reimbursements result in increases to our contract asset position that are subsequently recognized as a reduction of revenue over the average subscriber life of approximately two years which is the period the Company expects those payments to result in increased revenues. Historically, under ASC 605 the customer was considered the subscriber rather than Sprint and as a result, reimbursement payments to Sprint for costs of handsets and commissions were recorded as operating expenses in the period incurred. During 2017, these costs totaled $63.5 million recorded in cost of goods and services, and $16.9 million recorded in selling, general and administrative costs. On January 1, 2018, upon adoption, the Company recorded a wireless contract asset of approximately $42.8 million . During the three months ended June 30, 2018 , payments that increased the wireless contract asset balance totaled $14.6 million and amortization reflected as a reduction of revenue totaled approximately $13.7 million . During the six months ended June 30, 2018 , payments that increased the wireless contract asset balance totaled $28.4 million and amortization reflected as a reduction of revenue totaled approximately $27.1 million . The wireless contract asset balance as of June 30, 2018 was approximately $44.1 million . Wireless equipment The Company owns and operates Sprint-branded retail stores within their geographic territory from which the Company sells equipment, primarily wireless handsets, and service to Sprint subscribers. The Company's equipment is generally sold to subscribers under subsidized plans or to Sprint under equipment financing plans. Under the equipment financing plans, Sprint purchases the equipment from the Company and resells the equipment to their subscribers. Historically, under ASC 605, the Company concluded that it was the agent in these equipment financing transactions and recorded revenues net of related handset costs which were approximately $63.8 million in 2017 . Under Topic 606 the Company concluded that it is the principal in these equipment financing transactions, as the Company controls and bears the risk of ownership of the inventory prior to sale, and accordingly revenues and handset costs are recorded on a gross basis, the corresponding cost of the equipment is recorded separately to cost of goods sold. Business, residential and enterprise The Company earns revenue in the cable and wireline segments from business, residential, and enterprise customers where the performance obligations are to provide cable and telephone network services, sell and lease equipment and wiring services, and lease fiber-optic cable capacity. The Company's arrangements are generally composed of contracts that are cancellable at the customer’s discretion without penalty at any time. As there are multiple performance obligations in these arrangements, the Company recognizes revenue based on the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service. The Company generally recognizes these revenues over time as customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of the service, with the exception of equipment sales and home wiring which are recognized as revenue at a point in time when control transfers and when installation is complete, respectively. Under the new revenue recognition standard, the Company concluded that installation services do not represent a separate performance obligation. Accordingly, installation fees are allocated to services and are recognized ratably over the longer of the contract term or the period the unrecognized portion of the fee remains material to the contract, typically 10 and 11 months for cable and wireline customers, respectively. Historically, the Company deferred these fees over the estimated customer life of 42 months. Additionally, the Company incurs commission and installation costs related to in-house and third-party vendors that were previously expensed as incurred. Under Topic 606, the Company capitalizes and amortizes these commission and installation costs over the expected benefit period which is approximately 44 months, 72 months, and 46 months, for cable, wireline, and enterprise business, respectively. Tower / Other Tower revenues consist primarily of tower space leases accounted for under Topic 840, Leases , and Other revenues include network access-related charges for service provided to customers across the segments. The cumulative effect of the changes made to our consolidated January 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard were as follows: (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments due to Topic 606 Balance at January 1, 2018 Assets Prepaid expenses and other $ 17,111 $ 36,577 $ 53,688 Deferred charges and other assets, net 13,690 16,107 29,797 Liabilities Advanced billing and customer deposits 21,153 (14,302 ) 6,851 Deferred income taxes 100,879 18,151 119,030 Other long-term liabilities 15,293 (1,200 ) 14,093 Retained earnings 297,205 50,035 347,240 The impact of the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard on our consolidated income statement and balance sheet was as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 (in thousands) As Reported Balances without Adoption of Topic 606 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) Operating revenues: Service revenues and other $ 138,021 $ 156,267 $ (18,246 ) Equipment revenues 16,009 1,799 14,210 Operating expenses: Cost of services 49,134 48,999 135 Cost of goods sold 15,166 6,328 8,838 Selling, general and administrative 29,915 45,579 (15,664 ) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (in thousands) As Reported Balances without Adoption of Topic 606 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) Operating revenues: Service revenues and other $ 272,174 $ 310,079 $ (37,905 ) Equipment revenues 33,588 3,858 29,730 Operating expenses: Cost of services 98,476 98,198 278 Cost of goods sold 30,971 12,446 18,525 Selling, general and administrative 58,665 88,547 (29,882 ) As of June 30, 2018 (in thousands) As Reported Balances without Adoption of Topic 606 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) Assets Prepaid expenses and other $ 64,163 $ 26,215 $ 37,948 Deferred charges and other assets, net 34,021 18,094 15,927 Liabilities Advanced billing and customer deposits 6,668 22,704 (16,036 ) Deferred income taxes 111,125 92,190 18,935 Other long-term liabilities 15,080 16,259 (1,179 ) Retained earnings 359,893 307,738 52,155 Future performance obligations On June 30, 2018 , the Company had approximately $3.1 million of transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations, which is exclusive of contracts with original expected duration of one year or less. The Company expects to recognize approximately $0.4 million of this amount as revenue during the remainder of 2018, $0.6 million in 2019, an additional $0.6 million by 2020, and the balance thereafter. Contract acquisition costs and costs to fulfill contracts Capitalized contract costs represent contract fulfillment costs and contract acquisition costs which include commissions and installation costs in our cable and wireline segments. Capitalized contract costs are amortized on a straight line basis over the contract term plus expected renewals. The Company applies the practical expedient to expense contract acquisition costs when incurred if the amortization period would be twelve months or less. The amortization of these costs is included in cost of services, and selling, general and administrative expenses. Amounts capitalized were approximately $9.8 million as of June 30, 2018 of which $4.6 million is presented as prepaid expenses and other and $5.2 million is presented as deferred charges and other assets, net. Amortization recognized during the six -month period ended at June 30, 2018 was approximately $2.7 million .

Acquisition

Acquisition	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition	Acquisition Sprint Territory Expansion: Effective February 1, 2018, the Company signed an expansion agreement with Sprint to expand its wireless service coverage area to include certain areas in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, (the “Expansion Area”). The agreement includes certain network build out requirements in the Expansion Area, and the ability to utilize Sprint’s spectrum in the Expansion Area. Pursuant to the expansion agreement, Sprint agreed to, among other things, transition the provision of network coverage in the Expansion Area from Sprint to the Company. The expansion agreement required a payment of $52.0 million for the right to service the Expansion Area pursuant to the Affiliate Agreements plus an additional payment of up to $5.0 million after acceptance of certain equipment at the Sprint cell sites in the Expansion Area. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition. The Company recorded the following in the wireless segment: ($ in thousands) Estimated Useful Life (in years) February 1, 2018 Affiliate Contract Expansion 12 $ 45,148 Prepayment of tangible assets 0 6,497 Off-market leases - favorable 16.5 3,665 Off-market leases - unfavorable 4.2 (3,310 ) Total $ 52,000 Estimated useful lives are approximate and represent the average of the remaining useful lives as of the acquisition date. The Company allocated the purchase price to the components identified in the table above based on the relative fair value of each component. The fair value of the components was determined using an income and cost approach. The affiliate contract expansion asset is classified as "Intangible assets, net". The prepayment of tangible assets are classified as "Prepaid expenses and other" within current assets on the Company's balance sheet. The off-market leases - favorable and off-market leases - unfavorable, are classified as "Intangible assets, net" and "Deferred lease", respectively, on the Company's balance sheet.

Customer Concentration

Customer Concentration	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Customer Concentration	Customer Concentration Significant Contractual Relationship: In 1999, the Company executed a Management Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Sprint whereby the Company committed to construct and operate a personal communications service (PCS) network using CDMA air interface technology. The Agreement has been amended numerous times. Under the amended Agreement, the Company is the exclusive PCS Affiliate of Sprint providing wireless mobility communications network products and services on the 800 MHz, 1900 MHz and 2.5 GHz spectrum ranges in its territory across a multi-state area covering large portions of central and western Virginia, south-central Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and portions of Maryland, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio. The Company is authorized to use the Sprint brand in its territory, and operate its network under Sprint’s radio spectrum licenses. As an exclusive PCS Affiliate of Sprint, the Company has the exclusive right to build, own and maintain its portion of Sprint’s nationwide PCS network, in the aforementioned areas, to Sprint’s specifications. The initial term of the Agreement extends through November 2029 , with two successive 10 -year renewal periods, unless terminated by either party under provisions outlined in the Agreement. Upon non-renewal, the Company may cause Sprint to buy or Sprint may cause the Company to sell, the business at 90% of “Entire Business Value” (EBV) as defined in the Agreement. EBV is defined as i) the fair market value of a going concern paid by a willing buyer to a willing seller; ii) valued as if the business will continue to utilize existing brands and operate under existing agreements; and, iii) valued as if Manager (Shentel) owns the spectrum. Determination of EBV is made by an independent appraisal process. Amendment to the Affiliate agreement related to the acquisition of Expansion Area : Effective with the acquisition of Expansion Area on February 1, 2018, the Company amended its Agreement with Sprint to expand its wireless service area to include certain areas in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. The agreement includes certain network build out requirements in the Expansion Area, and the ability to utilize Sprint’s spectrum in the Expansion Area along with certain other amendments to the Affiliate Agreements. Pursuant to the Expansion Agreement, Sprint agreed to, among other things, transition the provision of network coverage in the Expansion Area from Sprint to the Company.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EPS)

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EPS)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EPS)	Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EPS) Basic EPS was computed by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share was computed under the treasury stock method, assuming the conversion as of the beginning of the period, for all dilutive stock options. Diluted EPS was computed by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding and potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the period under the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive securities include stock options and restricted stock units and shares that the Company is contractually obligated to issue in the future. The following table indicates the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Calculation of net income (loss) per share: Net income (loss) $ 7,824 $ (80 ) $ 12,653 $ 2,261 Weighted average shares outstanding 49,547 49,115 49,511 49,083 Basic income (loss) per share $ 0.16 $ — $ 0.26 $ 0.05 Effect of stock options outstanding: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 49,547 49,115 49,511 49,083 Effect from dilutive shares and options outstanding 523 — 518 767 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 50,070 49,115 50,029 49,850 Diluted income (loss) per share $ 0.16 $ — $ 0.25 $ 0.05 The computation of diluted EPS does not include certain unvested awards, on a weighted average basis, because their inclusion would have an anti-dilutive effect on EPS. The awards excluded because of their anti-dilutive effect were as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Awards excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive 23 786 115 87

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Other investments, comprised of equity securities which do not have readily determinable fair values, consist of the following: (in thousands) 6/30/2018 12/31/2017 Cost method: CoBank $ 7,258 $ 6,818 Other – Equity in other telecommunications partners 781 811 8,039 7,629 Equity method: Other 574 564 574 564 Total other investments $ 8,613 $ 8,193 The CoBank investment is primarily related to patronage distributions of restricted equity and is a required investment related to the Credit Facility. Refer to Note 12, Long-Term Debt , for additional information. The Company's investments carried at fair value consisted of: (in thousands) 6/30/2018 12/31/2017 Domestic equity funds $ 2,933 $ 2,856 International equity funds 403 423 $ 3,336 $ 3,279 Investments carried at fair value were acquired under a rabbi trust arrangement related to the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP). The Company purchases investments in the trust to mirror the investment elections of participants in the SERP. The Company recorded net gains of $56 thousand and $68 thousand in the three months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017 , respectively. The Company recorded net gains of $24 thousand and $187 thousand in the six months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017 , respectively. Fair values for these investments are determined by quoted market prices (Level 2 fair values) for the underlying mutual funds, which may be based upon net asset value. Gains and losses on the investments in the trust are reflected as increases or decreases in the liability owed to the participants. The increases or decreases to the liability are recorded as pension expense included within "Non-operating income (loss), net" in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The following tables present the hierarchy for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 Balance sheet location: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Prepaid expenses and other: Interest rate swaps $ — $ 4,577 $ — $ 4,577 Deferred charges and other assets, net: Interest rate swaps — 13,925 — 13,925 Total $ — $ 18,502 $ — $ 18,502 (in thousands) For the year ended December 31, 2017 Balance sheet location: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Cash Equivalents: Money market funds $ 150 $ — $ — $ 150 Prepaid expenses and other: Interest rate swaps — 2,411 — 2,411 Deferred charges and other assets, net: Interest rate swaps — 10,776 — 10,776 Total $ 150 $ 13,187 $ — $ 13,337 Level 1- Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date. Level 2 - Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 - Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Financial instruments are defined as cash, or other financial instruments to a third party. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, investments carried at fair value, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The Company's Long-term debt and interest rate swaps approximate fair value because of their floating rate structure. Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities in the financial statements and measured at fair value on a recurring basis. See Note 10, Derivatives and Hedging , for additional information. The Company measures its interest rate swaps at fair value and recognizes such derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of swaps are recognized in other comprehensive income, as the Company has designated these swaps as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. The Company entered into these swaps to manage a portion of its exposure to interest rate movements by converting a portion of its variable rate long-term debt to fixed rate debt. The Company determines the fair value of its security holdings based on pricing from its vendors. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of financial instruments having Level 2 inputs were derived from non-binding consensus prices that are corroborated by observable market data or quoted market prices for similar instruments. Such market prices may be quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs) or pricing determined using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs). The Company has certain non-marketable long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, refer to Note 6, Investments , for additional information.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following: (in thousands) Estimated Useful Lives June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Land $ 6,459 $ 6,418 Buildings and structures 10 - 40 years 205,373 195,540 Cable and wire 4 - 40 years 296,276 286,999 Equipment and software 2 - 17 years 756,643 730,228 Plant in service 1,264,751 1,219,185 Plant under construction 67,584 62,202 Total property, plant and equipment 1,332,335 1,281,387 Less accumulated amortization and depreciation 663,996 595,060 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 668,339 $ 686,327

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill consisted of the following: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Goodwill - Wireless $ 146,383 $ 146,383 Goodwill - Cable 104 104 Goodwill - Wireline 10 10 Goodwill $ 146,497 $ 146,497 Intangible assets consisted of the following: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Gross Accumulated Amortization and Other Net Gross Accumulated Amortization and Other Net Non-amortizing intangibles: Cable franchise rights $ 64,334 $ — $ 64,334 $ 64,334 $ — $ 64,334 Railroad crossing rights 141 — 141 141 — 141 Total non-amortizing intangibles 64,475 — 64,475 64,475 — 64,475 Finite-lived intangibles: Affiliate contract expansion - wireless 455,306 (137,437 ) 317,869 410,157 (105,964 ) 304,193 Favorable leases - wireless 15,758 (1,537 ) 14,221 13,103 (1,222 ) 11,881 Acquired subscribers - cable 25,265 (25,174 ) 91 25,265 (25,100 ) 165 Other intangibles 463 (211 ) 252 463 (198 ) 265 Total finite-lived intangibles 496,792 (164,359 ) 332,433 448,988 (132,484 ) 316,504 Total intangible assets $ 561,267 $ (164,359 ) $ 396,908 $ 513,463 $ (132,484 ) $ 380,979 Affiliate contract expansion is amortized over the expected benefit period and is further reduced by the amount of waived management fees received from Sprint which totaled $79.2 million since May 6, 2016, the date of the non-monetary exchange. The gross carrying amount of certain intangibles was affected by the expansion of the Company's wireless service coverage area with Sprint. See note 3, Acquisition for additional information.

Derivatives and Hedging

Derivatives and Hedging	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging	Derivatives and Hedging The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as its classification on the consolidated balance sheet: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, Balance Sheet Location of Derivative Financial Instruments: Prepaid expenses and other $ 4,577 $ 2,411 Deferred charges and other assets, net 13,925 10,776 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 18,502 $ 13,187 The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component: Six months ended June 30, 2018 (in thousands) Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Income Tax (Expense) Benefit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxes Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 13,187 $ (4,957 ) $ 8,230 Net change in unrealized gain (loss) 5,315 (1,420 ) 3,895 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 5,315 (1,420 ) 3,895 Balance as of June 30, 2018 $ 18,502 $ (6,377 ) $ 12,125 The outstanding notional amounts of the cash flow hedge were $406.1 million and $418.3 million as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. See Note 7, Fair Value Measurements , for additional information.

Other Assets and Accrued Liabil

Other Assets and Accrued Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets and Accrued Liabilities	Other Assets and Accrued Liabilities Prepaid expenses and other, classified as current assets, included the following: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Prepaid rent $ 9,929 $ 10,519 Prepaid maintenance expenses 3,806 3,062 Interest rate swaps 4,577 2,411 Deferred contract costs 37,947 — Other 7,904 1,119 Prepaid expenses and other $ 64,163 $ 17,111 Deferred contract and other costs include amounts reimbursed to Sprint for commissions and device costs, and commissions and installation costs in the Company’s Cable and Wireline segments. The deferred contract and other costs increased due to the adoption of Topic 606. Refer to Note 2, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , for additional information. Deferred charges and other assets, classified as long-term assets, included the following: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Interest rate swaps $ 13,925 $ 10,776 Deferred contract costs 15,953 — Other 4,143 2,914 Deferred charges and other assets, net $ 34,021 $ 13,690 Deferred contract and other costs include amounts reimbursed to Sprint for commissions and device costs, and commissions and installation costs in the Company’s Cable and Wireline segments. The deferred contract and other costs increased due to the adoption of Topic 606. Refer to Note 2, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , for additional information. Accrued liabilities and other, classified as current liabilities, included the following: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Sales and property taxes payable $ 4,805 $ 3,872 Severance accrual 13 1,028 Asset retirement obligations 641 492 Accrued programming costs 2,934 2,805 Other current liabilities 9,693 5,717 Accrued liabilities and other $ 18,086 $ 13,914 Other liabilities, classified as long-term liabilities, included the following: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Non-current portion of deferred revenues $ 12,782 $ 14,030 Other 2,298 1,263 Other liabilities $ 15,080 $ 15,293 The Company's asset retirement obligations are included in the balance sheet captions "Asset retirement obligations" and "Accrued liabilities and other". The Company records the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement and removal of leasehold improvements or equipment. The Company also records a corresponding asset, which is depreciated over the life of the leasehold improvement or equipment. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation is adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. The terms associated with its operating leases, and applicable zoning ordinances of certain jurisdictions, define the Company’s obligations which are estimated and vary based on the size of the towers.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Total debt as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Term loan A-1 $ 412,250 $ 436,500 Term loan A-2 400,000 400,000 812,250 836,500 Less: unamortized loan fees 12,354 14,542 Total debt, net of unamortized loan fees $ 799,896 $ 821,958 Current maturities of long term debt, net of current unamortized loan fees $ 84,631 $ 64,397 Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of unamortized loan fees $ 715,265 $ 757,561 As of June 30, 2018 , the Company's indebtedness totaled approximately $799.9 million , net of unamortized loan fees of $12.4 million , with an annualized overall weighted average interest rate of approximately 3.90% . As of June 30, 2018 , the Term Loan A-1 bears interest at one-month LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% , while the Term Loan A-2 bears interest at one-month LIBOR plus a margin of 2.50% . For June 2018 , one-month LIBOR was 1.98% . LIBOR resets monthly. The Term Loan A-1 required quarterly principal repayments of $6.1 million , which began on September 30, 2016 and continued through June 30, 2017, increased to $12.1 million quarterly from September 30, 2017 through June 30, 2020 ; then increases to $18.2 million quarterly from September 30, 2020 through March 31, 2021, with the remaining balance due June 30, 2021 . The Term Loan A-2 requires quarterly principal repayments of $10.0 million beginning on September 30, 2018 through March 31, 2023 , with the remaining balance due June 30, 2023 . The 2016 credit agreement also requires the Company to enter into one or more hedge agreements to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. The Company elected to hedge the minimum required under the 2016 credit agreement, and entered into a pay-fixed, receive-variable swap on 50% of the aggregate expected principal balance of the term loans outstanding. The Company will receive one month LIBOR and pay a fixed rate of 1.16% , in addition to the 2.25% initial spread on Term Loan A-1 and the 2.50% initial spread on Term Loan A-2. The 2016 credit agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants customary to secured credit facilities, including covenants restricting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries, subject to negotiated exceptions, to incur additional indebtedness and additional liens on their assets, engage in mergers or acquisitions or dispose of assets, pay dividends or make other distributions, voluntarily prepay other indebtedness, enter into transactions with affiliated persons, make investments, and change the nature of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ businesses. Indebtedness outstanding under any of the facilities may be accelerated by an Event of Default, as defined in the 2016 credit agreement. The Facilities are secured by a pledge by the Company of its stock and membership interests in its subsidiaries, a guarantee by the Company’s subsidiaries other than Shenandoah Telephone Company, and a security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company and the guarantors. The Company is subject to certain financial covenants to be measured on a trailing twelve month basis each calendar quarter unless otherwise specified. These covenants include: • a limitation on the Company’s total leverage ratio, defined as indebtedness divided by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, of less than or equal to 3.75 to 1.00 from the closing date through December 30, 2018, then 3.25 to 1.00 through December 30, 2019, and 3.00 to 1.00 thereafter; • a minimum debt service coverage ratio, defined as EBITDA minus certain cash taxes divided by the sum of all scheduled principal payments on the Term Loans and scheduled principal payments on other indebtedness plus cash interest expense, greater than 2.00 to 1.00; and • maintain a minimum liquidity balance of greater than $25 million . The balance includes amounts available under the revolver facility plus unrestricted cash and cash equivalents on deposit in a deposit account for which a control agreement has been delivered to the administrative agent under the 2016 credit agreement. As shown below, as of June 30, 2018 , the Company was in compliance with the covenants in its credit agreements. Actual Covenant Requirement Total Leverage Ratio 2.89 3.75 or Lower Debt Service Coverage Ratio 3.40 2.00 or Higher Minimum Liquidity Balance (in thousands) $ 139,333 $25 million or Higher Credit Facility Modification: On February 16, 2018, the Company, entered into a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “Second Amendment”) with CoBank, ACB, as administrative agent of its Credit Agreement and the various financial institutions party thereto (the “Lenders”), which modifies the Credit Agreement by (i) reducing the interest rate paid by the Company by 50 basis points with respect to certain loans made by the Lenders to the Company under the Credit Agreement, and (ii) allowing the Company to make charitable contributions to the Shentel Foundation, a Virginia nonstock corporation, of up to $1.5 million in any fiscal year.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company files U.S. federal income tax returns and various state and local income tax returns. The net operating losses acquired in the nTelos acquisition are open to examination from 2002 forward. Tax filings prior to 2014, excluding the acquired net operating losses, are no longer subject to examination. The Company is not subject to any state or federal income tax audits as of June 30, 2018 . The effective tax rate has fluctuated in recent periods due to the minimal base of pre-tax earnings or losses and has been further impacted by share based compensation tax benefits which are recognized as incurred under the provisions of ASC 740, " Income Taxes ". On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”) was enacted, substantially changing the U.S. tax system. The 2017 Tax Act includes a number of changes to existing U.S. tax laws that impact the Company, most notably a reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The 2017 Tax Act also provides immediate expensing for certain qualified assets acquired and placed into service after September 27, 2017 as well as prospective changes beginning in 2018, including acceleration of tax revenue recognition, additional limitations on deductibility of executive compensation and limitations on the deductibility of interest. On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act. The Company recognized the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act in its 2017 consolidated financial statements in accordance with SAB No. 118. As of June 30, 2018 , the Company is continuing to evaluate the provisional amounts recorded related to the 2017 Tax Act at December 31, 2017 , and has not recognized any additional adjustments to such provisional amounts.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 (in thousands) Wireless Cable Wireline Other Eliminations Consolidated External revenues Service revenues $ 93,219 $ 28,748 $ 5,301 $ — $ — $ 127,268 Equipment revenues 15,819 144 46 — — 16,009 Other 2,000 2,122 6,631 — — 10,753 Total external revenues 111,038 31,014 11,978 — — 154,030 Internal revenues 1,244 1,097 7,134 — (9,475 ) — Total operating revenues 112,282 32,111 19,112 — (9,475 ) 154,030 Operating expenses Cost of services 33,488 15,125 9,373 12 (8,864 ) 49,134 Cost of goods sold 15,082 63 20 1 — 15,166 Selling, general and administrative 12,367 4,661 1,686 11,812 (611 ) 29,915 Depreciation amortization 31,565 6,179 3,240 133 — 41,117 Total operating expenses 92,502 26,028 14,319 11,958 (9,475 ) 135,332 Operating income (loss) $ 19,780 $ 6,083 $ 4,793 $ (11,958 ) $ — $ 18,698 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 : (in thousands) Wireless Cable Wireline Other Eliminations Consolidated External revenues Service revenues $ 107,681 $ 26,883 $ 5,128 $ — $ — $ 139,692 Equipment revenues 2,779 147 24 — — 2,950 Other 2,439 1,948 6,229 — — 10,616 Total external revenues 112,899 28,978 11,381 — — 153,258 Internal revenues 1,234 586 8,195 — (10,015 ) — Total operating revenues 114,133 29,564 19,576 — (10,015 ) 153,258 Operating expenses Cost of services 33,497 14,920 9,329 — (9,329 ) 48,416 Cost of goods sold 4,972 (9 ) 1 — — 4,965 Selling, general and administrative 29,637 4,867 1,683 7,521 (686 ) 43,022 Acquisition, integration and migration expenses 4,124 — — (446 ) — 3,678 Depreciation and amortization 35,551 6,090 3,155 129 — 44,925 Total operating expenses 107,781 25,868 14,168 7,204 (10,015 ) 145,006 Operating income (loss) $ 6,352 $ 3,696 $ 5,408 $ (7,204 ) $ — $ 8,252 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (in thousands) Wireless Cable Wireline Other Eliminations Consolidated External revenues Service revenues $ 182,978 $ 57,219 $ 10,609 $ — $ — $ 250,806 Equipment revenues 33,193 303 92 — — 33,588 Other 4,026 4,172 13,170 — — 21,368 Total external revenues 220,197 61,694 23,871 — — 305,762 Internal revenues 2,483 2,128 14,948 — (19,559 ) — Total operating revenues 222,680 63,822 38,819 — (19,559 ) 305,762 Operating expenses Cost of services 67,238 30,281 19,175 12 (18,230 ) 98,476 Cost of goods sold 30,809 119 42 1 — 30,971 Selling, general and administrative 24,502 9,609 3,403 22,480 (1,329 ) 58,665 Depreciation and amortization 65,490 12,203 6,634 277 — 84,604 Total operating expenses 188,039 52,212 29,254 22,770 (19,559 ) 272,716 Operating income (loss) $ 34,641 $ 11,610 $ 9,565 $ (22,770 ) $ — $ 33,046 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 (in thousands) Wireless Cable Wireline Other Eliminations Consolidated External revenues Service revenues $ 215,867 $ 53,294 $ 10,176 $ — $ — $ 279,337 Equipment revenues 5,924 329 56 — — 6,309 Other 5,337 3,800 12,355 — — 21,492 Total external revenues 227,128 57,423 22,587 — — 307,138 Internal revenues 2,468 1,154 16,143 — (19,765 ) — Total operating revenues 229,596 58,577 38,730 — (19,765 ) 307,138 Operating expenses Cost of services 66,920 30,098 18,563 — (18,388 ) 97,193 Cost of goods sold 9,868 41 40 — — 9,949 Selling, general and administrative 58,101 9,725 3,359 13,367 (1,377 ) 83,175 Acquisition, integration and migration expenses 7,916 — — 251 — 8,167 Depreciation and amortization 71,303 11,879 6,286 261 — 89,729 Total operating expenses 214,108 51,743 28,248 13,879 (19,765 ) 288,213 Operating income (loss) $ 15,488 $ 6,834 $ 10,482 $ (13,879 ) $ — $ 18,925 A reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ operating income (loss) to consolidated income (loss) before taxes is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Total consolidated operating income (loss) $ 18,698 $ 8,252 $ 33,046 $ 18,925 Interest expense (8,851 ) (9,389 ) (18,183 ) (18,489 ) Gain (loss) on investments, net 56 73 24 193 Non-operating income (loss), net 783 1,224 1,804 2,479 Income (loss) before income taxes $ 10,686 $ 160 $ 16,691 $ 3,108 As of January 1, 2018, the Company records stock compensation expense to the Other segment. Previously, stock compensation expense was allocated among all of the segments.

Basis of Presentation Basis of

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Adoption of New Accounting Principles Policy	Adoption of New Accounting Principles There have been no developments related to recently issued accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and note disclosures, from those disclosed in the Company's 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, that would be expected to impact the Company except for the topics discussed below. The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (" Topic 606", or "the new revenue recognition standard" ), and all related amendments, effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method as discussed in Note 2 , Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company recognized the cumulative effect of applying the new revenue recognition standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The comparative information has not been retrospectively modified and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases ( Topic 842 ), which requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with terms greater than 12 months. The standard also requires disclosures by lessees and lessors about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases, as well as changes in the categorization of rental costs, from rent expense to interest and depreciation expense. Other effects may occur depending on the types of leases and the specific terms of them utilized by particular lessees. The ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and early application is permitted. Modified retrospective application is required. In September 2017 and January 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-13, which included Revenue Recognition ( Topic 605 ) , Revenue from Contracts with Customers ( Topic 606 ) , Leases ( Topic 840 ) , and Leases ( Topic 842 ) , and ASU No. 2018-01 , Leases ( Topic 842 ) , Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842 , and provided additional implementation guidance on ASU 2016-02. The Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact of the new standard on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company is in the early stages of implementation and currently believes that the most notable impact to its financial statements upon the adoption of this ASU will be the recognition of a material right-of-use asset and a lease liability for its real estate and equipment leases. The Company is continuing to assess potential impacts that the standard may have on current accounting policies and procedures, and is implementing a new lease management system to assist in the application of the new standard. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . Under existing U.S. GAAP, the effects of changes in tax rates and laws on deferred tax balances are recorded as a component of income tax expense in the period in which the law was enacted. When deferred tax balances related to items originally recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income are adjusted, certain tax effects become stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in ASU No. 2018-02 allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The amendments in this ASU also require certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption in any period is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU No. 2018-02.

Revenue from Contracts with C23

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The Company earns revenue primarily through the sale of our wireless telecommunications services, wireless equipment, and business, residential, and enterprise cable and wireline services that include video, internet, voice, and data services. Revenue earned for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was as follows: (in thousands) Wireless Cable Wireline Consolidated Wireless service $ 93,219 $ — $ — $ 93,219 Wireless equipment 15,819 — — 15,819 Business, residential and enterprise — 29,466 10,513 39,979 Tower and other 3,244 2,645 8,599 14,488 Total revenue 112,282 32,111 19,112 163,505 Internal revenues (1,244 ) (1,097 ) (7,134 ) (9,475 ) Total operating revenue $ 111,038 $ 31,014 $ 11,978 $ 154,030 Revenues earned for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was as follows: (in thousands) Wireless Cable Wireline Consolidated Wireless service $ 182,978 $ — $ — $ 182,978 Wireless equipment 33,193 — — 33,193 Business, residential and enterprise — 58,597 21,204 79,801 Tower and other 6,509 5,225 17,615 29,349 Total revenue 222,680 63,822 38,819 325,321 Internal revenues (2,483 ) (2,128 ) (14,948 ) (19,559 ) Total operating revenue $ 220,197 $ 61,694 $ 23,871 $ 305,762
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles	The cumulative effect of the changes made to our consolidated January 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard were as follows: (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments due to Topic 606 Balance at January 1, 2018 Assets Prepaid expenses and other $ 17,111 $ 36,577 $ 53,688 Deferred charges and other assets, net 13,690 16,107 29,797 Liabilities Advanced billing and customer deposits 21,153 (14,302 ) 6,851 Deferred income taxes 100,879 18,151 119,030 Other long-term liabilities 15,293 (1,200 ) 14,093 Retained earnings 297,205 50,035 347,240 The impact of the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard on our consolidated income statement and balance sheet was as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 (in thousands) As Reported Balances without Adoption of Topic 606 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) Operating revenues: Service revenues and other $ 138,021 $ 156,267 $ (18,246 ) Equipment revenues 16,009 1,799 14,210 Operating expenses: Cost of services 49,134 48,999 135 Cost of goods sold 15,166 6,328 8,838 Selling, general and administrative 29,915 45,579 (15,664 ) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (in thousands) As Reported Balances without Adoption of Topic 606 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) Operating revenues: Service revenues and other $ 272,174 $ 310,079 $ (37,905 ) Equipment revenues 33,588 3,858 29,730 Operating expenses: Cost of services 98,476 98,198 278 Cost of goods sold 30,971 12,446 18,525 Selling, general and administrative 58,665 88,547 (29,882 ) As of June 30, 2018 (in thousands) As Reported Balances without Adoption of Topic 606 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) Assets Prepaid expenses and other $ 64,163 $ 26,215 $ 37,948 Deferred charges and other assets, net 34,021 18,094 15,927 Liabilities Advanced billing and customer deposits 6,668 22,704 (16,036 ) Deferred income taxes 111,125 92,190 18,935 Other long-term liabilities 15,080 16,259 (1,179 ) Retained earnings 359,893 307,738 52,155

Acquisition (Tables)

Acquisition (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination	The Company recorded the following in the wireless segment: ($ in thousands) Estimated Useful Life (in years) February 1, 2018 Affiliate Contract Expansion 12 $ 45,148 Prepayment of tangible assets 0 6,497 Off-market leases - favorable 16.5 3,665 Off-market leases - unfavorable 4.2 (3,310 ) Total $ 52,000

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EP25

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EPS) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table indicates the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Calculation of net income (loss) per share: Net income (loss) $ 7,824 $ (80 ) $ 12,653 $ 2,261 Weighted average shares outstanding 49,547 49,115 49,511 49,083 Basic income (loss) per share $ 0.16 $ — $ 0.26 $ 0.05 Effect of stock options outstanding: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 49,547 49,115 49,511 49,083 Effect from dilutive shares and options outstanding 523 — 518 767 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 50,070 49,115 50,029 49,850 Diluted income (loss) per share $ 0.16 $ — $ 0.25 $ 0.05
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	The awards excluded because of their anti-dilutive effect were as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Awards excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive 23 786 115 87

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of other investments which do not have readily determinable fair values	Other investments, comprised of equity securities which do not have readily determinable fair values, consist of the following: (in thousands) 6/30/2018 12/31/2017 Cost method: CoBank $ 7,258 $ 6,818 Other – Equity in other telecommunications partners 781 811 8,039 7,629 Equity method: Other 574 564 574 564 Total other investments $ 8,613 $ 8,193
Schedule Of Investments Carried At Fair Value	The Company's investments carried at fair value consisted of: (in thousands) 6/30/2018 12/31/2017 Domestic equity funds $ 2,933 $ 2,856 International equity funds 403 423 $ 3,336 $ 3,279

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Hierarchy, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following tables present the hierarchy for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 Balance sheet location: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Prepaid expenses and other: Interest rate swaps $ — $ 4,577 $ — $ 4,577 Deferred charges and other assets, net: Interest rate swaps — 13,925 — 13,925 Total $ — $ 18,502 $ — $ 18,502 (in thousands) For the year ended December 31, 2017 Balance sheet location: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Cash Equivalents: Money market funds $ 150 $ — $ — $ 150 Prepaid expenses and other: Interest rate swaps — 2,411 — 2,411 Deferred charges and other assets, net: Interest rate swaps — 10,776 — 10,776 Total $ 150 $ 13,187 $ — $ 13,337
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following tables present the hierarchy for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 Balance sheet location: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Prepaid expenses and other: Interest rate swaps $ — $ 4,577 $ — $ 4,577 Deferred charges and other assets, net: Interest rate swaps — 13,925 — 13,925 Total $ — $ 18,502 $ — $ 18,502 (in thousands) For the year ended December 31, 2017 Balance sheet location: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Cash Equivalents: Money market funds $ 150 $ — $ — $ 150 Prepaid expenses and other: Interest rate swaps — 2,411 — 2,411 Deferred charges and other assets, net: Interest rate swaps — 10,776 — 10,776 Total $ 150 $ 13,187 $ — $ 13,337

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following: (in thousands) Estimated Useful Lives June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Land $ 6,459 $ 6,418 Buildings and structures 10 - 40 years 205,373 195,540 Cable and wire 4 - 40 years 296,276 286,999 Equipment and software 2 - 17 years 756,643 730,228 Plant in service 1,264,751 1,219,185 Plant under construction 67,584 62,202 Total property, plant and equipment 1,332,335 1,281,387 Less accumulated amortization and depreciation 663,996 595,060 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 668,339 $ 686,327

Goodwill and Other Intangible29

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	Goodwill consisted of the following: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Goodwill - Wireless $ 146,383 $ 146,383 Goodwill - Cable 104 104 Goodwill - Wireline 10 10 Goodwill $ 146,497 $ 146,497
Schedule of Intangible Assets	Intangible assets consisted of the following: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Gross Accumulated Amortization and Other Net Gross Accumulated Amortization and Other Net Non-amortizing intangibles: Cable franchise rights $ 64,334 $ — $ 64,334 $ 64,334 $ — $ 64,334 Railroad crossing rights 141 — 141 141 — 141 Total non-amortizing intangibles 64,475 — 64,475 64,475 — 64,475 Finite-lived intangibles: Affiliate contract expansion - wireless 455,306 (137,437 ) 317,869 410,157 (105,964 ) 304,193 Favorable leases - wireless 15,758 (1,537 ) 14,221 13,103 (1,222 ) 11,881 Acquired subscribers - cable 25,265 (25,174 ) 91 25,265 (25,100 ) 165 Other intangibles 463 (211 ) 252 463 (198 ) 265 Total finite-lived intangibles 496,792 (164,359 ) 332,433 448,988 (132,484 ) 316,504 Total intangible assets $ 561,267 $ (164,359 ) $ 396,908 $ 513,463 $ (132,484 ) $ 380,979

Derivative and Hedging (Tables)

Derivative and Hedging (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Financial Instrument as Well as its Classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as its classification on the consolidated balance sheet: (in thousands) June 30, December 31, Balance Sheet Location of Derivative Financial Instruments: Prepaid expenses and other $ 4,577 $ 2,411 Deferred charges and other assets, net 13,925 10,776 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 18,502 $ 13,187
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component: Six months ended June 30, 2018 (in thousands) Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Income Tax (Expense) Benefit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxes Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 13,187 $ (4,957 ) $ 8,230 Net change in unrealized gain (loss) 5,315 (1,420 ) 3,895 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 5,315 (1,420 ) 3,895 Balance as of June 30, 2018 $ 18,502 $ (6,377 ) $ 12,125

Other Assets and Accrued Liab31

Other Assets and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Assets	Prepaid expenses and other, classified as current assets, included the following: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Prepaid rent $ 9,929 $ 10,519 Prepaid maintenance expenses 3,806 3,062 Interest rate swaps 4,577 2,411 Deferred contract costs 37,947 — Other 7,904 1,119 Prepaid expenses and other $ 64,163 $ 17,111
Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent	Deferred charges and other assets, classified as long-term assets, included the following: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Interest rate swaps $ 13,925 $ 10,776 Deferred contract costs 15,953 — Other 4,143 2,914 Deferred charges and other assets, net $ 34,021 $ 13,690
Summary of Accrued Liabilities and Other	Accrued liabilities and other, classified as current liabilities, included the following: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Sales and property taxes payable $ 4,805 $ 3,872 Severance accrual 13 1,028 Asset retirement obligations 641 492 Accrued programming costs 2,934 2,805 Other current liabilities 9,693 5,717 Accrued liabilities and other $ 18,086 $ 13,914
Summary of Other Liabilities	Other liabilities, classified as long-term liabilities, included the following: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Non-current portion of deferred revenues $ 12,782 $ 14,030 Other 2,298 1,263 Other liabilities $ 15,080 $ 15,293

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long term debt	Total debt as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following: (in thousands) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Term loan A-1 $ 412,250 $ 436,500 Term loan A-2 400,000 400,000 812,250 836,500 Less: unamortized loan fees 12,354 14,542 Total debt, net of unamortized loan fees $ 799,896 $ 821,958 Current maturities of long term debt, net of current unamortized loan fees $ 84,631 $ 64,397 Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of unamortized loan fees $ 715,265 $ 757,561
Financial covenants in credit agreements	As shown below, as of June 30, 2018 , the Company was in compliance with the covenants in its credit agreements. Actual Covenant Requirement Total Leverage Ratio 2.89 3.75 or Lower Debt Service Coverage Ratio 3.40 2.00 or Higher Minimum Liquidity Balance (in thousands) $ 139,333 $25 million or Higher

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Selected Financial Data for Segments	Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 (in thousands) Wireless Cable Wireline Other Eliminations Consolidated External revenues Service revenues $ 93,219 $ 28,748 $ 5,301 $ — $ — $ 127,268 Equipment revenues 15,819 144 46 — — 16,009 Other 2,000 2,122 6,631 — — 10,753 Total external revenues 111,038 31,014 11,978 — — 154,030 Internal revenues 1,244 1,097 7,134 — (9,475 ) — Total operating revenues 112,282 32,111 19,112 — (9,475 ) 154,030 Operating expenses Cost of services 33,488 15,125 9,373 12 (8,864 ) 49,134 Cost of goods sold 15,082 63 20 1 — 15,166 Selling, general and administrative 12,367 4,661 1,686 11,812 (611 ) 29,915 Depreciation amortization 31,565 6,179 3,240 133 — 41,117 Total operating expenses 92,502 26,028 14,319 11,958 (9,475 ) 135,332 Operating income (loss) $ 19,780 $ 6,083 $ 4,793 $ (11,958 ) $ — $ 18,698 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 : (in thousands) Wireless Cable Wireline Other Eliminations Consolidated External revenues Service revenues $ 107,681 $ 26,883 $ 5,128 $ — $ — $ 139,692 Equipment revenues 2,779 147 24 — — 2,950 Other 2,439 1,948 6,229 — — 10,616 Total external revenues 112,899 28,978 11,381 — — 153,258 Internal revenues 1,234 586 8,195 — (10,015 ) — Total operating revenues 114,133 29,564 19,576 — (10,015 ) 153,258 Operating expenses Cost of services 33,497 14,920 9,329 — (9,329 ) 48,416 Cost of goods sold 4,972 (9 ) 1 — — 4,965 Selling, general and administrative 29,637 4,867 1,683 7,521 (686 ) 43,022 Acquisition, integration and migration expenses 4,124 — — (446 ) — 3,678 Depreciation and amortization 35,551 6,090 3,155 129 — 44,925 Total operating expenses 107,781 25,868 14,168 7,204 (10,015 ) 145,006 Operating income (loss) $ 6,352 $ 3,696 $ 5,408 $ (7,204 ) $ — $ 8,252 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (in thousands) Wireless Cable Wireline Other Eliminations Consolidated External revenues Service revenues $ 182,978 $ 57,219 $ 10,609 $ — $ — $ 250,806 Equipment revenues 33,193 303 92 — — 33,588 Other 4,026 4,172 13,170 — — 21,368 Total external revenues 220,197 61,694 23,871 — — 305,762 Internal revenues 2,483 2,128 14,948 — (19,559 ) — Total operating revenues 222,680 63,822 38,819 — (19,559 ) 305,762 Operating expenses Cost of services 67,238 30,281 19,175 12 (18,230 ) 98,476 Cost of goods sold 30,809 119 42 1 — 30,971 Selling, general and administrative 24,502 9,609 3,403 22,480 (1,329 ) 58,665 Depreciation and amortization 65,490 12,203 6,634 277 — 84,604 Total operating expenses 188,039 52,212 29,254 22,770 (19,559 ) 272,716 Operating income (loss) $ 34,641 $ 11,610 $ 9,565 $ (22,770 ) $ — $ 33,046 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 (in thousands) Wireless Cable Wireline Other Eliminations Consolidated External revenues Service revenues $ 215,867 $ 53,294 $ 10,176 $ — $ — $ 279,337 Equipment revenues 5,924 329 56 — — 6,309 Other 5,337 3,800 12,355 — — 21,492 Total external revenues 227,128 57,423 22,587 — — 307,138 Internal revenues 2,468 1,154 16,143 — (19,765 ) — Total operating revenues 229,596 58,577 38,730 — (19,765 ) 307,138 Operating expenses Cost of services 66,920 30,098 18,563 — (18,388 ) 97,193 Cost of goods sold 9,868 41 40 — — 9,949 Selling, general and administrative 58,101 9,725 3,359 13,367 (1,377 ) 83,175 Acquisition, integration and migration expenses 7,916 — — 251 — 8,167 Depreciation and amortization 71,303 11,879 6,286 261 — 89,729 Total operating expenses 214,108 51,743 28,248 13,879 (19,765 ) 288,213 Operating income (loss) $ 15,488 $ 6,834 $ 10,482 $ (13,879 ) $ — $ 18,925
Reconciliation of Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations from Segments to Consolidated	A reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ operating income (loss) to consolidated income (loss) before taxes is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Total consolidated operating income (loss) $ 18,698 $ 8,252 $ 33,046 $ 18,925 Interest expense (8,851 ) (9,389 ) (18,183 ) (18,489 ) Gain (loss) on investments, net 56 73 24 193 Non-operating income (loss), net 783 1,224 1,804 2,479 Income (loss) before income taxes $ 10,686 $ 160 $ 16,691 $ 3,108

Revenue from Contracts with C34

Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Revenue by Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	$ 154,030	$ 153,258	$ 305,762	$ 307,138
Wireless
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	111,038	112,899	220,197	227,128
Cable
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	31,014	28,978	61,694	57,423
Wireline
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	11,978	$ 11,381	23,871	$ 22,587
Operating Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	163,505		325,321
Operating Segments | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	93,219		182,978
Operating Segments | Wireless equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	15,819		33,193
Operating Segments | Business, residential and enterprise
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	39,979		79,801
Operating Segments | Tower and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	14,488		29,349
Operating Segments | Wireless
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	112,282		222,680
Operating Segments | Wireless | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	93,219		182,978
Operating Segments | Wireless | Wireless equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	15,819		33,193
Operating Segments | Wireless | Business, residential and enterprise
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	0		0
Operating Segments | Wireless | Tower and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	3,244		6,509
Operating Segments | Cable
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	32,111		63,822
Operating Segments | Cable | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	0		0
Operating Segments | Cable | Wireless equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	0		0
Operating Segments | Cable | Business, residential and enterprise
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	29,466		58,597
Operating Segments | Cable | Tower and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	2,645		5,225
Operating Segments | Wireline
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	19,112		38,819
Operating Segments | Wireline | Wireless service
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	0		0
Operating Segments | Wireline | Wireless equipment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	0		0
Operating Segments | Wireline | Business, residential and enterprise
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	10,513		21,204
Operating Segments | Wireline | Tower and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	8,599		17,615
Intersegment Eliminations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	(9,475)		(19,559)
Intersegment Eliminations | Wireless
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	(1,244)		(2,483)
Intersegment Eliminations | Cable
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	(1,097)		(2,128)
Intersegment Eliminations | Wireline
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	$ (7,134)		$ (14,948)

Revenue from Contracts with C35

Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated revenue		61.00%
Management fee, percentage		8.00%
Service fee retained by Sprint		8.60%
Management fee on prepaid wireless revenues and costs		6.00%
Average subscriber life		2 years
Wireless contract asset balance	$ 44.1	$ 44.1		$ 42.8
Payments to increase wireless contract asset balance	14.6	28.4
Amortization to reduce revenue	13.7	$ 27.1
Revenue recorded from equipment financing transactions			$ 63.8
Estimated customer life (in months)		42 months
Cost to fulfill contract	9.8	$ 9.8
Amortization of capitalized costs to fulfill contracts	2.7	$ 2.7
Cable
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Installation revenue, recognition period		10 months
Commissions and other costs, recognition period (in months)		44 months
Wireline
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Installation revenue, recognition period		11 months
Commissions and other costs, recognition period (in months)		72 months
Enterprise
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Commissions and other costs, recognition period (in months)		46 months
Prepaid expenses and other
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cost to fulfill contract	4.6	$ 4.6
Deferred charges and other assets, net
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cost to fulfill contract	$ 5.2	$ 5.2
Cost of Goods and Services Sold
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reimbursement payments, cost of equipment and commissions			63.5
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reimbursement payments, cost of equipment and commissions			$ 16.9

Revenue from Contracts with C36

Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Adjustments to Previously Reported Consolidated Financial Statements from the Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other	$ 64,163		$ 64,163		$ 53,688	$ 17,111
Deferred charges and other assets, net	34,021		34,021		29,797	13,690
Liabilities [Abstract]
Advanced billings and customer deposits	6,668		6,668		6,851	21,153
Deferred income taxes	111,125		111,125		119,030	100,879
Other long-term liabilities	15,080		15,080		14,093	15,293
Retained earnings	359,893		359,893		347,240	297,205
Operating revenues	154,030	$ 153,258	305,762	$ 307,138
Operating expenses:	49,134	48,416	98,476	97,193
Cost of goods sold	15,166	4,965	30,971	9,949
Selling, general and administrative	29,915	43,022	58,665	83,175
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606
Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other	26,215		26,215			17,111
Deferred charges and other assets, net	18,094		18,094			13,690
Liabilities [Abstract]
Advanced billings and customer deposits	22,704		22,704			21,153
Deferred income taxes	92,190		92,190			100,879
Other long-term liabilities	16,259		16,259			15,293
Retained earnings	307,738		307,738			$ 297,205
Operating expenses:	48,999		98,198
Cost of goods sold	6,328		12,446
Selling, general and administrative	45,579		88,547
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other	37,948		37,948		36,577
Deferred charges and other assets, net	15,927		15,927		16,107
Liabilities [Abstract]
Advanced billings and customer deposits	(16,036)		(16,036)		(14,302)
Deferred income taxes	18,935		18,935		18,151
Other long-term liabilities	(1,179)		(1,179)		(1,200)
Retained earnings	52,155		52,155		$ 50,035
Operating expenses:	135		278
Cost of goods sold	8,838		18,525
Selling, general and administrative	(15,664)		(29,882)
Service revenues and other
Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating revenues	138,021	150,308	272,174	300,829
Service revenues and other | Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606
Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating revenues	156,267		310,079
Service revenues and other | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating revenues	(18,246)		(37,905)
Equipment revenues
Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating revenues	16,009	$ 2,950	33,588	$ 6,309
Equipment revenues | Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606
Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating revenues	1,799		3,858
Equipment revenues | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 14,210		$ 29,730

Revenue from Contracts with C37

Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Remaining Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2018-07-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 0.4
Remaining performance obligations, period	6 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 0.6
Remaining performance obligations, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 3.1
Remaining performance obligations, period	12 months

Acquisition - Sprint Territory

Acquisition - Sprint Territory Expansion (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 01, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
One-time payment for expansion of service area	$ 52,000,000
Finite-lived intangible assets	(52,000,000)	$ (332,433,000)	$ (316,504,000)
Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
One-time payment for expansion of service area, additional payment	$ 5,000,000
Affiliate Contract Expansion
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, finite lived intangible assets	12 years
Finite-lived intangible assets	$ (45,148,000)	(317,869,000)	(304,193,000)
Prepayment of tangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets	$ (6,497,000)
Off-market leases - favorable
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, finite lived intangible assets	16 years 6 months
Finite-lived intangible assets	$ (3,665,000)	$ (14,221,000)	$ (11,881,000)
Off-market leases - unfavorable
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, finite lived intangible assets	4 years 2 months 12 days
Finite-lived intangible assets	$ (3,310,000)

Customer Concentration (Details

Customer Concentration (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 1999renewalmegahertz
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Megahertz spectrum used	2,500
Initial term of contract	2029 years
Number of contract renewals | renewal	2
Length of renewals	10 years
Right or obligation to sell business, percentage of EBV	90.00%
Maximum
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Megahertz spectrum used	1,900
Minimum
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Megahertz spectrum used	800

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EP40

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EPS) - Schedule of Diluted Earnings Per Shares Calculation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Calculation of net income (loss) per share:
Net Income (loss)	$ 7,824	$ (80)	$ 12,653	$ 2,261
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	49,547	49,115	49,511	49,083
Basic income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ 0	$ 0.26	$ 0.05
Effect of stock options outstanding:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	49,547	49,115	49,511	49,083
Effect from dilutive shares and options outstanding (in shares)	523	0	518	767
Diluted weighted average shares (in shares)	50,070	49,115	50,029	49,850
Diluted income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ 0	$ 0.25	$ 0.05

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EP41

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EPS) - Schedule of Antidilutive Shares (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Awards excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive (in shares)	23	786	115	87

Investments - Other Investments

Investments - Other Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investment [Line Items]
Cost method	$ 8,039	$ 7,629
Other	574	564
Total other investments	8,613	8,193
CoBank
Investment [Line Items]
Cost method	7,258	6,818
Other Equity Investments
Investment [Line Items]
Cost method	781	811
Other	$ 574	$ 564

Investments - Investments Carri

Investments - Investments Carried at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 3,336	$ 3,279
Domestic equity funds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	2,933	2,856
International equity funds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 403	$ 423

Investments - Narrative (Detail

Investments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Realized gains, available for sale	$ 56	$ 68	$ 24	$ 187

Fair Value Measurements - Hiera

Fair Value Measurements - Hierarchy (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total Assets	$ 18,502	$ 13,337
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total Assets	0	150
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total Assets	18,502	13,187
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total Assets	0	0
Interest rate swap
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	13,925	10,776
Prepaid expenses and other | Interest rate swap | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	4,577	2,411
Prepaid expenses and other | Interest rate swap | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other | Interest rate swap | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	4,577	2,411
Prepaid expenses and other | Interest rate swap | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Deferred charges and other assets, net | Interest rate swap | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	13,925	10,776
Deferred charges and other assets, net | Interest rate swap | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Deferred charges and other assets, net | Interest rate swap | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	13,925	10,776
Deferred charges and other assets, net | Interest rate swap | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	$ 0	0
Money market funds | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds		150
Money market funds | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds		150
Money market funds | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds		0
Money market funds | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds		$ 0

Property, Plant and Equipment46

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 1,332,335	$ 1,281,387
Less accumulated amortization and depreciation	663,996	595,060
Property, plant and equipment, net	668,339	686,327
Land
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Total property, plant and equipment	6,459	6,418
Buildings and structures
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Total property, plant and equipment	205,373	195,540
Cable and wire
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Total property, plant and equipment	296,276	286,999
Equipment and software
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Total property, plant and equipment	756,643	730,228
Plant in service
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Total property, plant and equipment	1,264,751	1,219,185
Plant under construction
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 67,584	$ 62,202
Minimum | Buildings and structures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	10 years
Minimum | Cable and wire
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	4 years
Minimum | Equipment and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	2 years
Maximum | Buildings and structures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	40 years
Maximum | Cable and wire
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	40 years
Maximum | Equipment and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	17 years

Goodwill and Other Intangible47

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 146,497	$ 146,497
Wireless
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	146,383	146,383
Cable
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	104	104
Wireline
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 10	$ 10

Goodwill and Other Intangible48

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Feb. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total non-amortizing intangibles	$ 64,475		$ 64,475
Gross Carrying Amount	496,792		448,988
Accumulated Amortization and Other	(164,359)		(132,484)
Net	332,433	$ 52,000	316,504
Total intangible assets, gross	561,267		513,463
Total intangible assets, net	396,908		380,979
Waived management fees under affiliate agreement	79,200
Affiliate contract expansion - wireless
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	455,306		410,157
Accumulated Amortization and Other	(137,437)		(105,964)
Net	317,869	45,148	304,193
Favorable leases - wireless
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	15,758		13,103
Accumulated Amortization and Other	(1,537)		(1,222)
Net	14,221	$ 3,665	11,881
Acquired subscribers - cable
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	25,265		25,265
Accumulated Amortization and Other	(25,174)		(25,100)
Net	91		165
Other intangibles
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	463		463
Accumulated Amortization and Other	(211)		(198)
Net	252		265
Cable franchise rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total non-amortizing intangibles	64,334		64,334
Railroad crossing rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total non-amortizing intangibles	$ 141		$ 141

Derivatives and Hedging - Sched

Derivatives and Hedging - Schedule of Derivative Financial Instrument as Well as its Classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - Interest rate swap - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract]
Derivative assets	$ 13,925	$ 10,776
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract]
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	18,502	13,187
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Prepaid expenses and other
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract]
Derivative assets	4,577	2,411
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Deferred charges and other assets, net
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract]
Derivative assets	$ 13,925	$ 10,776

Derivatives and Hedging - Sch50

Derivatives and Hedging - Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
Balance as of December 31, 2017	$ 13,187
Balance as of June 30, 2018	18,502
Income Tax Expense
Balance as of December 31, 2017	(4,957)
Net current period accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,400)
Balance as of June 30, 2018	(6,377)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxes
Balance as of December 31, 2017	8,230
Balance as of June 30, 2018	12,125
Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)	5,315
Net current period accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	5,315
Income Tax Expense
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)	(1,420)
Net current period accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,420)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxes
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)	3,895
Net current period accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 3,895

Derivatives and Hedging - Narra

Derivatives and Hedging - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedge
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of cash flow hedges	$ 406.1	$ 418.3

Other Assets and Accrued Liab52

Other Assets and Accrued Liabilities - Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Prepaid rent	$ 9,929		$ 10,519
Prepaid maintenance expenses	3,806		3,062
Interest rate swaps	4,577		2,411
Deferred contract costs	37,947		0
Other	7,904		1,119
Prepaid expenses and other	$ 64,163	$ 53,688	$ 17,111

Other Assets and Accrued Liab53

Other Assets and Accrued Liabilities - Long-Term Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Deferred contract costs	$ 15,953		$ 0
Other	4,143		2,914
Deferred charges and other assets, net	34,021	$ 29,797	13,690
Interest rate swap
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps	$ 13,925		$ 10,776

Other Assets and Accrued Liab54

Other Assets and Accrued Liabilities - Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Sales and property taxes payable	$ 4,805	$ 3,872
Severance accrual	13	1,028
Asset retirement obligations	641	492
Accrued programming costs	2,934	2,805
Other current liabilities	9,693	5,717
Accrued liabilities and other	$ 18,086	$ 13,914

Other Assets and Accrued Liab55

Other Assets and Accrued Liabilities - Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-current portion of deferred revenues	$ 12,782		$ 14,030
Other	2,298		1,263
Other liabilities	$ 15,080	$ 14,093	$ 15,293

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Lo

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 812,250	$ 836,500
Less: unamortized loan fees	12,354	14,542
Total debt, net of unamortized loan fees	799,896	821,958
Current maturities of long term debt, net of current unamortized loan fees	84,631	64,397
Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of unamortized loan fees	715,265	757,561
Term loan A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	412,250	436,500
Term loan A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 400,000	$ 400,000

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Det

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details)	Feb. 16, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net of unamortized loan fees		$ 799,896,000	$ 821,958,000
Long-term debt		812,250,000	836,500,000
Unamortized loan fees		$ 12,354,000	14,542,000
Effective rate		3.90%
Principal balance of term loans outstanding, percentage		50.00%
Fixed rate to pay		1.16%
Leverage ratio two		3.25
Leverage ratio three		3
Debt service coverage ratio, actual		3.40
Debt instrument covenants minimum liquidity amount		$ 25,000,000
Interest rate reduction, basis points	0.05%
Credit facility modification, charitable contributions	$ 1,500,000
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio one		3.75
Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt service coverage ratio, actual		2
Term loan A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 412,250,000	436,500,000
Periodic payment of principal		6,100,000
Periodic payment principal, period two		12,100,000
Periodic payment principal, period three		$ 18,200,000
Term loan A-1 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate		2.25%
Term loan A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000
Periodic payment of principal		$ 10,000,000
Term loan A-2 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate		2.50%

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Fi

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Financial Covenants (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Leverage ratio, actual	2.89
Covenant requirement, total leverage ratio	3.75
Debt service coverage ratio, actual	3.40
Minimum debt service coverage ratio	2
Covenant, liquidity balance, actual	$ 139,333,000
Debt instrument covenants minimum liquidity amount	$ 25,000,000

Segment Reporting - Selected Fi

Segment Reporting - Selected Financial Data for Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 154,030	$ 153,258	$ 305,762	$ 307,138
Revenue, Net	154,030	153,258	305,762	307,138
Operating expenses:
Cost of services	(49,134)	(48,416)	(98,476)	(97,193)
Cost of goods sold	15,166	4,965	30,971	9,949
Selling, general and administrative	(29,915)	(43,022)	(58,665)	(83,175)
Acquisition, integration and migration expenses	0	(3,678)	0	(8,167)
Depreciation amortization	(41,117)	(44,925)	(84,604)	(89,729)
Total operating expenses	135,332	145,006	272,716	288,213
Operating income (loss)	18,698	8,252	33,046	18,925
Wireless
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	111,038	112,899	220,197	227,128
Cable
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	31,014	28,978	61,694	57,423
Wireline
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	11,978	11,381	23,871	22,587
Other
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	163,505		325,321
Operating Segments | Wireless
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	112,282		222,680
Revenue, Net	112,282	114,133	222,680	229,596
Operating expenses:
Cost of services	(33,488)	(33,497)	(67,238)	(66,920)
Cost of goods sold	15,082	4,972	30,809	9,868
Selling, general and administrative	(12,367)	(29,637)	(24,502)	(58,101)
Acquisition, integration and migration expenses		(4,124)		(7,916)
Depreciation amortization	(31,565)	(35,551)	(65,490)	(71,303)
Total operating expenses	92,502	107,781	188,039	214,108
Operating income (loss)	19,780	6,352	34,641	15,488
Operating Segments | Cable
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	32,111		63,822
Revenue, Net	32,111	29,564	63,822	58,577
Operating expenses:
Cost of services	(15,125)	(14,920)	(30,281)	(30,098)
Cost of goods sold	63	(9)	119	41
Selling, general and administrative	(4,661)	(4,867)	(9,609)	(9,725)
Acquisition, integration and migration expenses		0		0
Depreciation amortization	(6,179)	(6,090)	(12,203)	(11,879)
Total operating expenses	26,028	25,868	52,212	51,743
Operating income (loss)	6,083	3,696	11,610	6,834
Operating Segments | Wireline
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	19,112		38,819
Revenue, Net	19,112	19,576	38,819	38,730
Operating expenses:
Cost of services	(9,373)	(9,329)	(19,175)	(18,563)
Cost of goods sold	20	1	42	40
Selling, general and administrative	(1,686)	(1,683)	(3,403)	(3,359)
Acquisition, integration and migration expenses		0		0
Depreciation amortization	(3,240)	(3,155)	(6,634)	(6,286)
Total operating expenses	14,319	14,168	29,254	28,248
Operating income (loss)	4,793	5,408	9,565	10,482
Operating Segments | Other
External revenues [Abstract]
Revenue, Net	0	0	0	0
Operating expenses:
Cost of services	(12)	0	(12)	0
Cost of goods sold	1	0	1	0
Selling, general and administrative	(11,812)	(7,521)	(22,480)	(13,367)
Acquisition, integration and migration expenses		446		(251)
Depreciation amortization	(133)	(129)	(277)	(261)
Total operating expenses	11,958	7,204	22,770	13,879
Operating income (loss)	(11,958)	(7,204)	(22,770)	(13,879)
Intersegment Eliminations
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	(9,475)		(19,559)
Revenue, Net	(9,475)	(10,015)	(19,559)	(19,765)
Operating expenses:
Cost of services	8,864	9,329	18,230	18,388
Cost of goods sold	0	0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative	611	686	1,329	1,377
Acquisition, integration and migration expenses		0		0
Depreciation amortization	0	0	0	0
Total operating expenses	(9,475)	(10,015)	(19,559)	(19,765)
Operating income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations | Wireless
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	(1,244)		(2,483)
Revenue, Net	1,244	1,234	2,483	2,468
Intersegment Eliminations | Cable
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	(1,097)		(2,128)
Revenue, Net	1,097	586	2,128	1,154
Intersegment Eliminations | Wireline
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	(7,134)		(14,948)
Revenue, Net	7,134	8,195	14,948	16,143
Intersegment Eliminations | Other
External revenues [Abstract]
Revenue, Net	0	0	0	0
Service revenues
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	127,268	139,692	250,806	279,337
Service revenues | Wireless
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	93,219	107,681	182,978	215,867
Service revenues | Cable
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	28,748	26,883	57,219	53,294
Service revenues | Wireline
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	5,301	5,128	10,609	10,176
Service revenues | Other
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Equipment revenues
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	16,009	2,950	33,588	6,309
Equipment revenues | Wireless
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	15,819	2,779	33,193	5,924
Equipment revenues | Cable
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	144	147	303	329
Equipment revenues | Wireline
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	46	24	92	56
Equipment revenues | Other
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	0	0	0	0
Other
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	10,753	10,616	21,368	21,492
Other | Wireless
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	2,000	2,439	4,026	5,337
Other | Cable
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	2,122	1,948	4,172	3,800
Other | Wireline
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	6,631	6,229	13,170	12,355
Other | Other
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Reporting - Reconciliat

Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Reconciliation of income from continuing operations from segments to consolidated [Abstract]
Total consolidated operating income (loss)	$ 18,698	$ 8,252	$ 33,046	$ 18,925
Interest expense	(8,851)	(9,389)	(18,183)	(18,489)
Gain (loss) on investments, net	56	73	24	193
Non-operating income (loss), net	783	1,224	1,804	2,479
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ 10,686	$ 160	$ 16,691	$ 3,108