Exhibit 12 UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Three Months Ended March 31, 1994 ------------------ (Dollars in thousands) EARNINGS (Loss) from Continuing Operations before income taxes $ (851) Add (Deduct): Minority Share of Cellular Losses (25) Earnings on Equity Method (5,191) Distributions from Minority Subsidiaries 4,659 Amortization of Capitalized Interest 5 Minority interest in income of majority-owned subsidiaries that have fixed charges 673 --------- (730) Add fixed charges: Consolidated interest expense 3,990 Interest Portion (1/3) of Consolidated Rent Expense 407 --------- $ 3,667 ========= FIXED CHARGES Consolidated interest expense $ 3,990 Interest Portion (1/3) of Consolidated Rent Expense 407 --------- $ 4,397 ========= RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES .83 ========= Tax-Effected Preferred Dividends $ - Fixed Charges 4,397 --------- Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends $ 4,397 ========= RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS .83 ========= ADDITIONAL FUNDS REQUIRED TO COVER FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDEND PAYMENTS $ 730 =========