United States Cellular Corporat (UZD) 10-Q 5 May 22 2022 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022shares
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2022
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-09712
Entity Registrant Name	UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	0000821130
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	62-1147325
Entity Address, Address Line One	8410 West Bryn Mawr
Entity Address, City or Town	Chicago
Entity Address, State or Province	IL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	60631
City Area Code	(773)
Local Phone Number	399-8900
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Smaller Reporting Company	false
Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Common Shares
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares, $1 par value
Trading Symbol	USM
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	52,552,000
6.25% Senior Notes
Title of 12(b) Security	6.25% Senior Notes due 2069
Trading Symbol	UZD
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
5.5% Senior Notes
Title of 12(b) Security	5.50% Senior Notes due 2070
Trading Symbol	UZE
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
5.5% Senior Notes
Title of 12(b) Security	5.50% Senior Notes due 2070
Trading Symbol	UZF
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Series A Common Shares
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	33,005,900

Consolidated Statement of Opera

Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 1,010	$ 1,023
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative	325	305
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	171	170
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	2	5
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)	(1)
Total operating expenses	939	939
Operating income	71	84
Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	45	42
Interest and dividend income	1	2
Interest expense	(33)	(39)
Total investment and other income	13	5
Income before income taxes	84	89
Income tax expense	32	27
Net income	52	62
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	3	2
Net income attributable to UScellular shareholders	$ 49	$ 60
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	86	86
Basic earnings per share attributable to UScellular shareholders (USD per share)	$ 0.57	$ 0.70
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	87	88
Diluted earnings per share attributable to UScellular shareholders (in shares)	$ 0.57	$ 0.69
Service
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	$ 787	$ 771
Operating expenses
Cost of equipment sold	185	185
Equipment sales
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues	223	252
Operating expenses
Cost of equipment sold	$ 257	$ 275

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 52	$ 62
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	171	170
Bad debts expense	25	7
Stock-based compensation expense	7	6
Deferred income taxes, net	22	23
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(45)	(42)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	19	22
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net	2	5
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net	(1)	(1)
Other operating activities	1	(1)
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations
Accounts receivable	15	4
Equipment installment plans receivable	0	(18)
Inventory	(4)	7
Accounts payable	(62)	(86)
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	9	7
Accrued taxes	130	3
Accrued interest	10	9
Other assets and liabilities	(40)	(53)
Net cash provided by operating activities	311	124
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment	(150)	(133)
Cash paid for licenses	(561)	(1,256)
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges	1	1
Net cash used in investing activities	(710)	(1,388)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of long-term debt	625	492
Repayment of long-term debt	(126)	0
Issuance of short-term debt	60	0
Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments	0	(1)
Repurchase of Common Shares	(10)	(2)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(1)	(1)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1)	(1)
Other financing activities	(3)	(2)
Net cash provided by financing activities	544	485
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	145	(779)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period	199	1,291
End of period	$ 344	$ 512

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 300	$ 156
Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances of $59 and $57, respectively		964	976
Roaming		5	7
Affiliated		1	0
Other, less allowances of $1 and $2, respectively		50	63
Inventory, net		177	173
Prepaid expenses		63	58
Income taxes receivable		0	123
Other current assets		51	49
Total current assets		1,611	1,605
Assets held for sale		15	18
Licenses		4,677	4,088
Investments in unconsolidated entities		465	439
Property, plant and equipment
In service and under construction		9,136	9,056
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		6,560	6,450
Property, plant and equipment, net		2,576	2,606
Operating lease right-of-use assets		952	959
Other assets and deferred charges		579	626
Total assets	[1]	10,875	10,341
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt		6	3
Accounts payable
Affiliated		9	14
Trade		272	346
Customer deposits and deferred revenues		200	191
Accrued taxes		34	33
Accrued compensation		42	83
Short-term operating lease liabilities		131	129
Other current liabilities		179	104
Total current liabilities		873	903
Deferred liabilities and credits
Deferred income tax liability, net		696	674
Long-term operating lease liabilities		882	889
Other deferred liabilities and credits		583	573
Long-term debt, net		3,220	2,728
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features		12	11
UScellular shareholders’ equity
Series A Common and Common Shares Authorized 190 shares (50 Series A Common and 140 Common Shares) Issued 88 shares (33 Series A Common and 55 Common Shares) Outstanding 86 shares (33 Series A Common and 53 Common Shares) Par Value ($1.00 per share) ($33 Series A Common and $55 Common Shares)		88	88
Additional paid-in capital		1,685	1,678
Treasury shares, at cost, 3 and 2 Common Shares, respectively		(77)	(68)
Retained earnings		2,897	2,849
Total UScellular shareholders' equity		4,593	4,547
Noncontrolling interests		16	16
Total equity		4,609	4,563
Total liabilities and equity	[1]	$ 10,875	$ 10,341
[1]	The consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,433 million and $1,482 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of UScellular. The consolidated total liabilities as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $23 million for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of UScellular. See Note 9 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounts receivable
Customer and agent allowances		$ 59	$ 57
Other allowances		$ 1	$ 2
UScellular shareholders’ equity
Authorized shares (in shares)		190,000,000	190,000,000
Issued shares (in shares)		88,000,000	88,000,000
Outstanding shares (in shares)		86,000,000	86,000,000
Par value		$ 88	$ 88
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Total assets	[1]	$ 10,875	$ 10,341
Series A Common Shares
UScellular shareholders’ equity
Authorized shares (in shares)		50,000,000	50,000,000
Issued shares (in shares)		33,000,000	33,000,000
Outstanding shares (in shares)		33,000,000	33,000,000
Par value per share (USD per share)		$ 1	$ 1
Par value		$ 33	$ 33
Common Shares
UScellular shareholders’ equity
Authorized shares (in shares)		140,000,000	140,000,000
Issued shares (in shares)		55,000,000	55,000,000
Outstanding shares (in shares)		53,000,000	53,000,000
Par value per share (USD per share)		$ 1	$ 1
Par value		$ 55	$ 55
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Treasury Stock, Shares		3,000,000	2,000,000
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Total assets		$ 1,941	$ 1,954
Liabilities		157	96
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities | No recourse
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Liabilities		23	23
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities | Assets held
Variable Interest Entities VIEs
Total assets		$ 1,433	$ 1,482
[1]	The consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,433 million and $1,482 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of UScellular. The consolidated total liabilities as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $23 million for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of UScellular. See Note 9 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

Consolidated Statement of Chang

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Series A Common and Common shares	Additional paid-in capital	Treasury shares	Retained earnings	Total UScellular shareholders' equity	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 4,426	$ 88	$ 1,651	$ (67)	$ 2,739	$ 4,411	$ 15
Net income attributable to UScellular shareholders	60				60	60
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	1					0	1
Repurchase of Common Shares	(2)			(2)		(2)
Incentive and compensation plans	6		6	3	(3)	6
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1)					0	(1)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2021	4,490	88	1,657	(66)	2,796	4,475	15
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2021	4,563	88	1,678	(68)	2,849	4,547	16
Net income attributable to UScellular shareholders	49				49	49
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity	1					0	1
Repurchase of Common Shares	(10)			(10)		(10)
Incentive and compensation plans	7		7	1	(1)	7
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1)					0	(1)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2022	$ 4,609	$ 88	$ 1,685	$ (77)	$ 2,897	$ 4,593	$ 16

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Note 1 Basis of Presentation United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular), a Delaware Corporation, is an 83%-owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS). The accounting policies of UScellular conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UScellular, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, general partnerships in which UScellular has a majority partnership interest and certain entities in which UScellular has a variable interest that requires consolidation under GAAP. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by UScellular pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, UScellular believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in UScellular’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2021. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed) necessary for the fair statement of UScellular’s financial position as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and its results of operations, cash flows and changes in equity for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income was not included because comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, equaled net income. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. UScellular has not changed its significant accounting and reporting policies from those disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. Restricted Cash UScellular presents restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Restricted cash primarily consists of balances required under the receivables securitization agreement. See Note 8 — Debt for additional information related to the receivables securitization agreement. The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet to the total of the amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 300 $ 156 Restricted cash included in Other current assets 44 43 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows $ 344 $ 199

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Note 2 Revenue Recognition Disaggregation of Revenue In the following table, UScellular's revenues are disaggregated by type of service, which represents the relevant categorization of revenues for UScellular, and timing of recognition. Service revenues are recognized over time and Equipment sales are point in time. Three Months Ended 2022 2021 (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Retail service 1 $ 702 $ 683 Inbound roaming 21 28 Other service 1 42 40 Service revenues from contracts with customers 765 751 Equipment sales 223 252 Total revenues from contracts with customers 988 1,003 Operating lease income 22 20 Total operating revenues $ 1,010 $ 1,023 1 2021 amounts have been adjusted to reclassify $2 million of Internet of Things (IoT) and Reseller revenues from Retail service to Other service. Contract Balances The following table provides balances for contract assets from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Other current assets and Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Contract assets $ 6 $ 7 Contract liabilities $ 257 $ 243 Revenue recognized related to contract liabilities existing at January 1, 2022 was $109 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations The following table includes estimated service revenues expected to be recognized related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. These estimates represent service revenues to be recognized when wireless services are delivered to customers pursuant to service plan contracts and under certain roaming agreements with other carriers. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of March 31, 2022 and may vary from actual results. As practical expedients, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, and contracts with a fixed per-unit price and variable quantity, are excluded from these estimates. Service Revenues (Dollars in millions) Remainder of 2022 $ 216 2023 131 Thereafter 92 Total $ 439 Contract Cost Assets UScellular expects that commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts are recoverable and therefore UScellular defers and amortizes these costs. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are expensed as incurred. The contract cost asset balance related to commission fees and other costs was $122 million at March 31, 2022, and $126 million at December 31, 2021, and was recorded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Deferred commission fees are amortized based on the timing of transfer of the goods or services to which the assets relate, typically the contract term. Amortization of contract cost assets was $25 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 and was included in Selling, general and administrative expenses.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 3 Fair Value Measurements As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, UScellular did not have any material financial or nonfinancial assets or liabilities that were required to be recorded at fair value in its Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP. The provisions of GAAP establish a fair value hierarchy that contains three levels for inputs used in fair value measurements. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is not representative of its expected performance or its overall risk profile and, therefore, Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets. UScellular has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below. Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value (Dollars in millions) Long-term debt Retail 2 $ 1,500 $ 1,399 $ 1,500 $ 1,594 Institutional 2 535 488 535 659 Other 2 1,243 1,243 746 746 Long-term debt excludes lease obligations, the current portion of Long-term debt and debt financing costs. The fair value of “Retail” Long-term debt was estimated using market prices for UScellular Senior Notes, which are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. UScellular’s “Institutional” debt consists of the 6.7% Senior Notes which are traded over the counter. UScellular’s “Other” debt consists of term loan credit agreements, receivables securitization agreement and in 2022, export credit financing agreement. UScellular estimated the fair value of its Institutional and Other debt through a discounted cash flow analysis using the interest rates or estimated yield to maturity for each borrowing, which ranged from 1.24% to 5.54% and 1.31% to 4.40% at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

Equipment Installment Plans

Equipment Installment Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Receivables [Abstract]
Equipment Installment Plans	Note 4 Equipment Installment Plans UScellular sells devices to customers under equipment installment plans over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time or amount of payments, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device and have the remaining unpaid equipment installment contract balance waived, subject to certain conditions, including trading in the original device in good working condition and signing a new equipment installment contract. The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables. March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 1,069 $ 1,085 Allowance for credit losses (73) (72) Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 996 $ 1,013 Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as: Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion) $ 637 $ 639 Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion) 359 374 Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 996 $ 1,013 UScellular uses various inputs, including internal data, information from credit bureaus and other sources, to evaluate the credit profiles of its customers. From this evaluation, a credit class is assigned to the customer that determines the number of eligible lines, the amount of credit available, and the down payment requirement, if any. These credit classes are grouped into four credit categories: lowest risk, lower risk, slight risk and higher risk. A customer's assigned credit class is reviewed periodically and a change is made, if appropriate. An equipment installment plan billed amount is considered past due if not paid within 30 days. The balance and aging of the equipment installment plan receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows: March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 Lowest Risk Lower Risk Slight Risk Higher Risk Total Lowest Risk Lower Risk Slight Risk Higher Risk Total (Dollars in millions) Unbilled $ 881 $ 93 $ 23 $ 5 $ 1,002 $ 896 $ 94 $ 24 $ 5 $ 1,019 Billed — current 40 5 2 — 47 40 5 1 1 47 Billed — past due 10 6 3 1 20 10 6 2 1 19 Total $ 931 $ 104 $ 28 $ 6 $ 1,069 $ 946 $ 105 $ 27 $ 7 $ 1,085 The balance of the equipment installment plan receivables as of March 31, 2022 on a gross basis by year of origination were as follows: 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total (Dollars in millions) Lowest Risk $ 15 $ 209 $ 544 $ 163 $ 931 Lower Risk 1 17 66 20 104 Slight Risk — 2 13 13 28 Higher Risk — 1 4 1 6 Total $ 16 $ 229 $ 627 $ 197 $ 1,069 Activity for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows: March 31, 2022 March 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period $ 72 $ 78 Bad debts expense 17 3 Write-offs, net of recoveries (16) (9) Allowance for credit losses, end of period $ 73 $ 72

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 5 Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share attributable to UScellular shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to UScellular shareholders by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to UScellular shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to UScellular shareholders by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period adjusted to include the effects of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities primarily include incremental shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of performance and restricted stock units. The amounts used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to UScellular shareholders were as follows: Three Months Ended 2022 2021 (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Net income attributable to UScellular shareholders $ 49 $ 60 Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share 86 86 Effects of dilutive securities 1 2 Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share 87 88 Basic earnings per share attributable to UScellular shareholders $ 0.57 $ 0.70 Diluted earnings per share attributable to UScellular shareholders $ 0.57 $ 0.69 Certain Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of performance and restricted stock units were not included in weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the calculation of Diluted earnings per share attributable to UScellular shareholders because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded was less than 1 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Note 6 Intangible Assets Activity related to Licenses for the three months ended March 31, 2022, is presented below: Licenses (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 4,088 Acquisitions 586 Transferred to Assets held for sale 1 Exchanges - Licenses received 1 Capitalized interest 1 Balance at March 31, 2022 $ 4,677 In February 2021, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 254 wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.7-3.98 GHz bands (Auction 107) for $1,283 million. UScellular paid $30 million of this amount in 2020 and the remainder in March 2021. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 107 were granted by the FCC in July 2021. Additionally, UScellular expects to be obligated to pay approximately $187 million in total from 2021 through 2024 related to relocation costs and accelerated relocation incentive payments. Such additional costs were accrued and capitalized at the time the licenses were granted. In October 2021, UScellular paid $36 million related to the additional costs. The spectrum must be cleared by incumbent providers before UScellular can access it. UScellular does not expect to have access to this spectrum until late 2023. In January 2022, the FCC announced by way of public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 380 wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band (Auction 110) for $580 million. UScellular paid $20 million of this amount in 2021 and the remainder in January and February 2022. The advance payment was included in Other assets and deferred charges in the December 31, 2021 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 110 were granted by the FCC on May 4, 2022.

Investments in Unconsolidated E

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	Note 7 Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in entities in which UScellular holds a noncontrolling interest. UScellular’s Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using the equity method, measurement alternative method or net asset value practical expedient method as shown in the table below. The carrying value of measurement alternative method investments represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes. March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Equity method investments $ 451 $ 431 Measurement alternative method investments 4 8 Investments recorded using the net asset value practical expedient 10 — Total investments in unconsolidated entities $ 465 $ 439 The following table, which is based on unaudited information provided in part by third parties, summarizes the combined results of operations of UScellular’s equity method investments. Three Months Ended 2022 2021 (Dollars in millions) Revenues $ 1,809 $ 1,727 Operating expenses 1,371 1,275 Operating income 438 452 Other income (expense), net (4) 12 Net income $ 434 $ 464

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Note 8 Debt Revolving Credit Agreement The following table summarizes the revolving credit agreement as of March 31, 2022: (Dollars in millions) Maximum borrowing capacity $ 300 Letters of credit outstanding $ — Amount borrowed $ — Amount available for use $ 300 Borrowings under the UScellular revolving credit agreement bear interest at a rate of Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1.60%. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, UScellular borrowed and repaid $75 million under its revolving credit agreement. UScellular believes that they were in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants and requirements set forth in their revolving credit agreement as of March 31, 2022. Term Loan Agreements The following table summarizes the term loan credit agreements as of March 31, 2022: (Dollars in millions) Maximum borrowing capacity $ 800 Amount borrowed and outstanding $ 699 Amount borrowed and repaid $ 1 Amount available for use $ 100 Borrowings under the UScellular term loan agreements bear interest at a rate of SOFR plus 1.60%, SOFR plus 2.10% or SOFR plus 2.60%. The amount available for use may be drawn in one or more advances by July 30, 2022; amounts not drawn by that time will cease to be available. The maturity dates of the UScellular term loan agreements are July 2026, July 2028 and July 2031. UScellular believes that it was in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants and requirements set forth in its term loan credit agreements as of March 31, 2022. Export Credit Financing Agreement In December 2021, UScellular entered into a $150 million term loan credit facility with Export Development Canada to finance (or refinance) equipment imported from Canada, including equipment purchased prior to entering the term loan credit facility agreement. Borrowings bear interest at a rate of SOFR plus 1.60% and are due and payable on the five-year anniversary of the first borrowing, which is in January 2027. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, UScellular borrowed $150 million, which is the full amount available under the agreement. UScellular believes it was in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants and requirements set forth in their export credit financing agreement as of March 31, 2022. Receivables Securitization Agreement UScellular, through its subsidiaries, has a receivables securitization agreement for securitized borrowings using its equipment installment receivables. In March 2022, UScellular amended the agreement to extend the maturity date to March 2024. There were no significant changes to other terms of the receivable securitization agreement. Amounts under the receivables securitization agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity, which may be extended from time to time as specified therein. The outstanding borrowings bear interest at a rate that approximates SOFR plus 0.90%. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, UScellular repaid $50 million under the agreement. As of March 31, 2022, the outstanding borrowings under the agreement were $400 million and the unused borrowing capacity under the agreement was $50 million, subject to sufficient collateral to satisfy the asset borrowing base provisions of the agreement. As of March 31, 2022, the USCC Master Note Trust held $529 million of assets available to be pledged as collateral for the receivables securitization agreement. UScellular believes it was in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants and requirements set forth in their receivables securitization agreement as of March 31, 2022. In April 2022, UScellular repaid $50 million under the receivables securitization agreement. Repurchase Agreement

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	Note 9 Variable Interest Entities Consolidated VIEs UScellular consolidates VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by GAAP and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. UScellular reviews the criteria for a controlling financial interest at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when events warranting reconsideration occur. These VIEs have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and UScellular’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. UScellular formed USCC EIP LLC (Seller/Sub-Servicer), USCC Receivables Funding LLC (Transferor) and the USCC Master Note Trust (Trust), collectively the special purpose entities (SPEs), to facilitate a securitized borrowing using its equipment installment plan receivables. Under a Receivables Sale Agreement, UScellular wholly-owned, majority-owned and unconsolidated entities, collectively referred to as “affiliated entities”, transfer device equipment installment plan contracts to the Seller/Sub-Servicer. The Seller/Sub-Servicer aggregates device equipment installment plan contracts, and performs servicing, collection and all other administrative activities related to accounting for the equipment installment plan contracts. The Seller/Sub-Servicer sells the eligible equipment installment plan receivables to the Transferor, a bankruptcy remote entity, which subsequently sells the receivables to the Trust. The Trust, which is bankruptcy remote and isolated from the creditors of UScellular, will be responsible for issuing asset-backed variable funding notes (Notes), which are collateralized by the equipment installment plan receivables owned by the Trust. Given that UScellular has the power to direct the activities of these SPEs, and that these SPEs lack sufficient equity to finance their activities, UScellular is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in the SPEs and, therefore, consolidates them. All transactions with third parties (e.g., issuance of the asset-backed variable funding notes) will be accounted for as a secured borrowing due to the pledging of equipment installment plan contracts as collateral, significant continuing involvement in the transferred assets, subordinated interests of the cash flows, and continued evidence of control of the receivables. The following VIEs were formed to participate in FCC auctions of wireless spectrum licenses and to fund, establish, and provide wireless service with respect to any FCC wireless spectrum licenses won in the auctions: ▪ Advantage Spectrum, L.P. (Advantage Spectrum) and Sunshine Spectrum, Inc., the general partner of Advantage Spectrum; and ▪ King Street Wireless, L.P. (King Street Wireless) and King Street Wireless, Inc., the general partner of King Street Wireless. These particular VIEs are collectively referred to as designated entities. The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these VIEs is shared. Specifically, the general partner of these VIEs has the exclusive right to manage, operate and control the limited partnerships and make all decisions to carry on the business of the partnerships. The general partner of each partnership needs the consent of the limited partner, an indirect UScellular subsidiary, to sell or lease certain wireless spectrum licenses, to make certain large expenditures, admit other partners or liquidate the limited partnerships. Although the power to direct the activities of these VIEs is shared, UScellular has the most significant level of exposure to the variability associated with the economic performance of the VIEs, indicating that UScellular is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Therefore, in accordance with GAAP, these VIEs are consolidated. UScellular also consolidates other VIEs that are limited partnerships that provide wireless service. A limited partnership is a variable interest entity unless the limited partners hold substantive participating rights or kick-out rights over the general partner. For certain limited partnerships, UScellular is the general partner and manages the operations. In these partnerships, the limited partners do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights and, further, such limited partners do not have the authority to remove the general partner. Therefore, these limited partnerships also are recognized as VIEs and are consolidated under the variable interest model. The following table presents the classification and balances of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in UScellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 23 $ 22 Accounts receivable 691 693 Inventory, net 2 2 Other current assets 44 44 Licenses 640 639 Property, plant and equipment, net 124 124 Operating lease right-of-use assets 47 47 Other assets and deferred charges 370 383 Total assets $ 1,941 $ 1,954 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 91 $ 30 Long-term operating lease liabilities 41 41 Other deferred liabilities and credits 25 25 Total liabilities 1 $ 157 $ 96 1 Total liabilities does not include amounts borrowed under the receivables securitization agreement. See Note 8 – Debt for additional information. Unconsolidated VIEs UScellular manages the operations of and holds a variable interest in certain other limited partnerships, but is not the primary beneficiary of these entities and, therefore, does not consolidate them under the variable interest model. UScellular’s total investment in these unconsolidated entities was $5 million and $4 million at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and is included in Investments in unconsolidated entities in UScellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The maximum exposure from unconsolidated VIEs is limited to the investment held by UScellular in those entities. Other Related Matters UScellular made contributions, loans or advances to its VIEs totaling $21 million and $30 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, of which $9 million in 2022 and $10 million in 2021, are related to USCC EIP LLC as discussed above. UScellular may agree to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these or other VIEs and/or to their general partners to provide additional funding for operations or the development of wireless spectrum licenses granted in various auctions. UScellular may finance such amounts with a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under its revolving credit or receivables securitization agreements and/or other long-term debt. There is no assurance that UScellular will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all to provide such financial support. The limited partnership agreement of Advantage Spectrum also provides the general partner with a put option whereby the general partner may require the limited partner, a subsidiary of UScellular, to purchase its interest in the limited partnership. The general partner’s put option related to its interest in Advantage Spectrum was not exercised during the first exercise period and will be exercisable again in the third quarter of 2022. The greater of the carrying value of the general partner's investment or the value of the put option, net of any borrowings due to UScellular, is recorded as Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in UScellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Also in accordance with GAAP, minority share of income or changes in the redemption value of the put option, net of interest accrued on the loans, are recorded as a component of Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, in UScellular’s Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	The accounting policies of UScellular conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UScellular, subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, general partnerships in which UScellular has a majority partnership interest and certain entities in which UScellular has a variable interest that requires consolidation under GAAP. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Basis of Accounting	The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by UScellular pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, UScellular believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in UScellular’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2021. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed) necessary for the fair statement of UScellular’s financial position as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and its results of operations, cash flows and changes in equity for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income was not included because comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, equaled net income. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. UScellular has not changed its significant accounting and reporting policies from those disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Revenue from Contract with Customer	As practical expedients, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, and contracts with a fixed per-unit price and variable quantity, are excluded from these estimates. UScellular expects that commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts are recoverable and therefore UScellular defers and amortizes these costs. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are expensed as incurred.Deferred commission fees are amortized based on the timing of transfer of the goods or services to which the assets relate, typically the contract term.
Variable Interest Entities	UScellular consolidates VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by GAAP and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. UScellular reviews the criteria for a controlling financial interest at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when events warranting reconsideration occur. These VIEs have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and UScellular’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Basis of Presentation (Tables)

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet to the total of the amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 300 $ 156 Restricted cash included in Other current assets 44 43 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows $ 344 $ 199

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	In the following table, UScellular's revenues are disaggregated by type of service, which represents the relevant categorization of revenues for UScellular, and timing of recognition. Service revenues are recognized over time and Equipment sales are point in time. Three Months Ended 2022 2021 (Dollars in millions) Revenues from contracts with customers: Retail service 1 $ 702 $ 683 Inbound roaming 21 28 Other service 1 42 40 Service revenues from contracts with customers 765 751 Equipment sales 223 252 Total revenues from contracts with customers 988 1,003 Operating lease income 22 20 Total operating revenues $ 1,010 $ 1,023 1 2021 amounts have been adjusted to reclassify $2 million of Internet of Things (IoT) and Reseller revenues from Retail service to Other service.
Contract with Customer, Assets and Liabilities	The following table provides balances for contract assets from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Other current assets and Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Contract assets $ 6 $ 7 Contract liabilities $ 257 $ 243
Remaining Performance Obligations	The following table includes estimated service revenues expected to be recognized related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. These estimates represent service revenues to be recognized when wireless services are delivered to customers pursuant to service plan contracts and under certain roaming agreements with other carriers. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of March 31, 2022 and may vary from actual results. As practical expedients, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, and contracts with a fixed per-unit price and variable quantity, are excluded from these estimates. Service Revenues (Dollars in millions) Remainder of 2022 $ 216 2023 131 Thereafter 92 Total $ 439

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	UScellular has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below. Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value (Dollars in millions) Long-term debt Retail 2 $ 1,500 $ 1,399 $ 1,500 $ 1,594 Institutional 2 535 488 535 659 Other 2 1,243 1,243 746 746

Equipment Installment Plans (Ta

Equipment Installment Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Receivables [Abstract]
Equipment installment plan receivables	The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables. March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Equipment installment plan receivables, gross $ 1,069 $ 1,085 Allowance for credit losses (73) (72) Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 996 $ 1,013 Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as: Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion) $ 637 $ 639 Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion) 359 374 Equipment installment plan receivables, net $ 996 $ 1,013
Equipment installment plan receivables credit categories	The balance and aging of the equipment installment plan receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows: March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 Lowest Risk Lower Risk Slight Risk Higher Risk Total Lowest Risk Lower Risk Slight Risk Higher Risk Total (Dollars in millions) Unbilled $ 881 $ 93 $ 23 $ 5 $ 1,002 $ 896 $ 94 $ 24 $ 5 $ 1,019 Billed — current 40 5 2 — 47 40 5 1 1 47 Billed — past due 10 6 3 1 20 10 6 2 1 19 Total $ 931 $ 104 $ 28 $ 6 $ 1,069 $ 946 $ 105 $ 27 $ 7 $ 1,085 The balance of the equipment installment plan receivables as of March 31, 2022 on a gross basis by year of origination were as follows: 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total (Dollars in millions) Lowest Risk $ 15 $ 209 $ 544 $ 163 $ 931 Lower Risk 1 17 66 20 104 Slight Risk — 2 13 13 28 Higher Risk — 1 4 1 6 Total $ 16 $ 229 $ 627 $ 197 $ 1,069
Equipment installment plans allowance for credit losses	Activity for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows: March 31, 2022 March 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period $ 72 $ 78 Bad debts expense 17 3 Write-offs, net of recoveries (16) (9) Allowance for credit losses, end of period $ 73 $ 72

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	The amounts used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to UScellular shareholders were as follows: Three Months Ended 2022 2021 (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Net income attributable to UScellular shareholders $ 49 $ 60 Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share 86 86 Effects of dilutive securities 1 2 Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share 87 88 Basic earnings per share attributable to UScellular shareholders $ 0.57 $ 0.70 Diluted earnings per share attributable to UScellular shareholders $ 0.57 $ 0.69

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Licenses	Activity related to Licenses for the three months ended March 31, 2022, is presented below: Licenses (Dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 4,088 Acquisitions 586 Transferred to Assets held for sale 1 Exchanges - Licenses received 1 Capitalized interest 1 Balance at March 31, 2022 $ 4,677

Investments in Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity and measurement alternative method investments	UScellular’s Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using the equity method, measurement alternative method or net asset value practical expedient method as shown in the table below. The carrying value of measurement alternative method investments represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes. March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Equity method investments $ 451 $ 431 Measurement alternative method investments 4 8 Investments recorded using the net asset value practical expedient 10 — Total investments in unconsolidated entities $ 465 $ 439 The following table, which is based on unaudited information provided in part by third parties, summarizes the combined results of operations of UScellular’s equity method investments. Three Months Ended 2022 2021 (Dollars in millions) Revenues $ 1,809 $ 1,727 Operating expenses 1,371 1,275 Operating income 438 452 Other income (expense), net (4) 12 Net income $ 434 $ 464

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Revolving credit facilities	The following table summarizes the revolving credit agreement as of March 31, 2022: (Dollars in millions) Maximum borrowing capacity $ 300 Letters of credit outstanding $ — Amount borrowed $ — Amount available for use $ 300 The following table summarizes the term loan credit agreements as of March 31, 2022: (Dollars in millions) Maximum borrowing capacity $ 800 Amount borrowed and outstanding $ 699 Amount borrowed and repaid $ 1 Amount available for use $ 100

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Consolidated VIE assets and liabilities	The following table presents the classification and balances of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in UScellular’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 23 $ 22 Accounts receivable 691 693 Inventory, net 2 2 Other current assets 44 44 Licenses 640 639 Property, plant and equipment, net 124 124 Operating lease right-of-use assets 47 47 Other assets and deferred charges 370 383 Total assets $ 1,941 $ 1,954 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 91 $ 30 Long-term operating lease liabilities 41 41 Other deferred liabilities and credits 25 25 Total liabilities 1 $ 157 $ 96 1 Total liabilities does not include amounts borrowed under the receivables securitization agreement. See Note 8 – Debt for additional information.

Basis of Presentation - Narrati

Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details)	Mar. 31, 2022
TDS | UScellular
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	83.00%

Basis of Presentation - Cash, C

Basis of Presentation - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 300	$ 156
Restricted cash included in Other current assets	44	43
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows	$ 344	$ 199	$ 512	$ 1,291

Revenue Recognition - Disaggreg

Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 988	$ 1,003
Operating lease income	22	20
Total operating revenues	1,010	1,023
Transferred over time
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	765	751
Transferred over time | Retail service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	702	683
Transferred over time | Retail service | Prior period reclassification
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers		(2)
Transferred over time | Inbound roaming
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	21	28
Transferred over time | Other service
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	42	40
Transferred at point in time | Other service | Prior period reclassification
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers		2
Transferred at point in time | Equipment sales
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 223	$ 252

Revenue Recognition - Contract

Revenue Recognition - Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract assets	$ 6	$ 7
Contract liabilities	257	$ 243
Revenue recognized	$ 109

Revenue Recognition - Performan

Revenue Recognition - Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2022USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation amount	$ 439
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-04-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation amount	$ 216
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period	9 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation amount	$ 131
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation amount	$ 92
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of remaining performance obligation, period

Revenue Recognition - Narrative

Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Capitalized Contract Cost
Contract cost asset	$ 122		$ 126
Amortization of contract cost assets	$ 25	$ 25

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
6.7% Senior Notes
Financial Instruments
Interest rate	6.70%
Book Value | Retail
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	$ 1,500	$ 1,500
Book Value | Institutional
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	535	535
Book Value | Other
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	1,243	746
Fair Value | Level 2 | Retail
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	1,399	1,594
Fair Value | Level 2 | Institutional
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	488	659
Fair Value | Level 2 | Other
Financial Instruments
Long-term debt	$ 1,243	$ 746
Interest rate | Institutional and Other | Minimum
Financial Instruments
Fair value assumption, interest rate	1.24%	1.31%
Interest rate | Institutional and Other | Maximum
Financial Instruments
Fair value assumption, interest rate	5.54%	4.40%

Equipment Installment Plans - E

Equipment Installment Plans - EIP Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$ 1,069	$ 1,085
Allowance for credit losses	(73)	(72)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	996	1,013
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	637	639
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, net	$ 359	$ 374

Equipment Installment Plans - G

Equipment Installment Plans - Gross Receivables by Credit Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$ 1,069	$ 1,085
2019	16
2020	229
2021	627
2022	197
Unbilled | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	1,002	1,019
Billed | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	47	47
Billed | Past Due
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	20	19
Lowest Risk
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	931	946
2019	15
2020	209
2021	544
2022	163
Lowest Risk | Unbilled | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	881	896
Lowest Risk | Billed | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	40	40
Lowest Risk | Billed | Past Due
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	10	10
Lower Risk
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	104	105
2019	1
2020	17
2021	66
2022	20
Lower Risk | Unbilled | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	93	94
Lower Risk | Billed | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	5	5
Lower Risk | Billed | Past Due
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	6	6
Slight Risk
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	28	27
2019	0
2020	2
2021	13
2022	13
Slight Risk | Unbilled | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	23	24
Slight Risk | Billed | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	2	1
Slight Risk | Billed | Past Due
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	3	2
Higher Risk
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	6	7
2019	0
2020	1
2021	4
2022	1
Higher Risk | Unbilled | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	5	5
Higher Risk | Billed | Current
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	0	1
Higher Risk | Billed | Past Due
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross	$ 1	$ 1

Equipment Installment Plans - A

Equipment Installment Plans - Allowance for Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Allowance for credit losses
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period	$ 72
Allowance for credit losses, end of period	73
Equipment Installment Plan Receivable
Allowance for credit losses
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period	72	$ 78
Bad debts expense	17	3
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(16)	(9)
Allowance for credit losses, end of period	$ 73	$ 72

Earnings Per Share - Reconcilia

Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to UScellular shareholders	$ 49	$ 60
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share (in shares)	86	86
Effects of dilutive securities (in shares)	1	2
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share (in shares)	87	88
Basic earnings per share attributable to UScellular shareholders (USD per share)	$ 0.57	$ 0.70
Diluted earnings per share attributable to UScellular shareholders (in shares)	$ 0.57	$ 0.69

Earnings Per Share - Narrative

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Maximum
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (in shares)	1	1

Intangible Assets (Details)

Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022USD ($)
Licenses
Balance, beginning of period	$ 4,088
Acquisitions	586
Transferred to Assets held for sale	1
Exchanges - Licenses received	1
Capitalized interest	1
Balance, end of period	$ 4,677

Intangible Assets - Narrative (

Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		39 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022USD ($)license	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)license	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2024USD ($)
Licenses
Cash paid for licenses	$ 561	$ 1,256
Auction 107
Licenses
Licenses won | license			254
Total winning bid			$ 1,283
Cash paid for licenses			36
FCC upfront payment				$ 30
Auction 107 | Subsequent event
Licenses
Cash paid for licenses					$ 187
Auction 110
Licenses
Licenses won | license	380
Total winning bid	$ 580
FCC upfront payment			$ 20

Investments in Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities - Schedule of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity method investments	$ 451		$ 431
Measurement alternative method investments	4		8
Investments recorded using the net asset value practical expedient	10		0
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	465		$ 439
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenues	1,010	$ 1,023
Operating expenses	939	939
Operating income	71	84
Net income	52	62
Equity method investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenues	1,809	1,727
Operating expenses	1,371	1,275
Operating income	438	452
Other income (expense), net	(4)	12
Net income	$ 434	$ 464

Debt - Revolving Credit Agreeme

Debt - Revolving Credit Agreement (Details) - Revolving credit facility $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 300
Letters of credit outstanding	0
Amount borrowed	0
Amount available for use	300
Amount borrowed during the period	75
Amount repaid during the period	$ 75
SOFR rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread	1.60%

Debt - Term Loan Agreements (De

Debt - Term Loan Agreements (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022USD ($)
Term loan agreements
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 800
Amount borrowed and outstanding	699
Amount borrowed and repaid	1
Amount available for use	$ 100
Term loan agreements | SOFR rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread	2.10%
Term loan agreement amendment | SOFR rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread	2.60%
2021 term loan agreement | SOFR rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread	1.60%

Debt - Export Credit Financing

Debt - Export Credit Financing Agreement (Details) - Export credit financing agreement $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 150
Amount borrowed during the period	$ 150
SOFR rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread	1.60%

Debt - Receivables Securitizati

Debt - Receivables Securitization Agreement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 29, 2022	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt		$ 126	$ 0
Receivables securitization agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt		50
Outstanding borrowings		400
Amount available for use		50
Assets available to be pledged		$ 529
Receivables securitization agreement | SOFR rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread		0.90%
Receivables securitization agreement | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt	$ 50

Debt - Repurchase Agreement (De

Debt - Repurchase Agreement (Details) - Repurchase Agreement $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 200
Amount borrowed during the period	60
Amount borrowed and outstanding	60
Unused borrowing capacity	140
Assets available for inclusion	$ 539
SOFR rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual spread	1.25%

Variable Interest Entities - Co

Variable Interest Entities - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 300	$ 156
Accounts receivable		964	976
Inventory, net		177	173
Other current assets		51	49
Licenses		4,677	4,088
Property, plant and equipment, net		2,576	2,606
Operating lease right-of-use assets		952	959
Other assets and deferred charges		579	626
Total assets	[1]	10,875	10,341
Liabilities
Current liabilities		873	903
Long-term operating lease liabilities		882	889
Other deferred liabilities and credits		583	573
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		23	22
Accounts receivable		691	693
Inventory, net		2	2
Other current assets		44	44
Licenses		640	639
Property, plant and equipment, net		124	124
Operating lease right-of-use assets		47	47
Other assets and deferred charges		370	383
Total assets		1,941	1,954
Liabilities
Current liabilities		91	30
Long-term operating lease liabilities		41	41
Other deferred liabilities and credits		25	25
Total liabilities		$ 157	$ 96
[1]	The consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,433 million and $1,482 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of UScellular. The consolidated total liabilities as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $23 million for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of UScellular. See Note 9 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

Variable Interest Entities - Na

Variable Interest Entities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments in unconsolidated entities, maximum exposure	$ 5		$ 4
Capital contributions, loans or advances	21	$ 30
USCC EIP LLC
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Capital contributions, loans or advances	$ 9	$ 10