Edgar Filing: TELEPHONE & DATA SYSTEMS INC /DE/

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 001-14157

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		36-2669023
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

30 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312) 630-1900

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b 2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer x

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class		Outstanding at September 30, 2007
Common Shares, $.01 par value		52,992,984 Shares
Special Common Shares, $.01 par value		58,637,510 Shares
Series A Common Shares, $.01 par value		6,444,661 Shares

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

INDEX

			Page No.
Part I.	Financial Information

	Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)	3

		Consolidated Statements of Operations Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006	3

		Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006	4

		Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006	5

		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	7

	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	37

		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006	40
		U.S. Cellular Operations	43
		TDS Telecom Operations	51
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006	54
		Recent Accounting Pronouncements	61
		Financial Resources	61
		Liquidity and Capital Resources	63
		Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates	71
		Certain Relationships and Related Transactions	73
		Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement	74

	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	77

	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	80

Part II.	Other Information		83

	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	83

	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	83

	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	83

	Item 4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	85

	Item 5.	Other Information	85

	Item 6.	Exhibits	86

Signatures

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2007			2006			2007			2006
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Operating Revenues	$	1,236,885		$	1,112,070		$	3,586,276		$	3,239,834

Operating Expenses
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion expense shown below)	436,630			390,182			1,257,879			1,136,047
Selling, general and administrative expense	474,071			424,234			1,323,623			1,228,221
Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense	191,695			187,279			573,533			550,698
Total Operating Expenses	1,102,396			1,001,695			3,155,035			2,914,966

Operating Income	134,489			110,375			431,241			324,868

Investment and Other Income (Expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	23,823			24,080			71,394			66,376
Interest and dividend income	18,687			16,323			182,651			174,351
Interest expense	(49,730		)	(59,365		)	(162,776		)	(177,185		)
Fair value adjustment of derivative instruments	(54,824		)	34,619			(157,073		)	22,881
Gain on sale of investments	248,860			—			386,780			91,418
Other expense	(865		)	(4,319		)	(4,957		)	(6,187		)
Total Investment and Other Income (Expense)	185,951			11,338			316,019			171,654

Income Before Income Taxes, Minority Interest and Extraordinary Item	320,440			121,713			747,260			496,522
Income tax expense	115,907			35,718			283,845			185,246
Income Before Minority Interest and Extraordinary Item	204,533			85,995			463,415			311,276
Minority share of income	(15,623		)	(10,756		)	(63,807		)	(33,281		)
Income Before Extraordinary Item	188,910			75,239			399,608			277,995
Extraordinary item, net of taxes (Note 8)	42,827			—			42,827			—
Net Income	231,737			75,239			442,435			277,995
Preferred dividend requirement	(13		)	(51		)	(39		)	(152		)
Net Income Available To Common	$	231,724		$	75,188		$	442,396		$	277,843

Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (000s)	118,705			115,768			117,526			115,759
Income before extraordinary item	$	1.59		$	0.65		3.40			$	2.40
Extraordinary item	0.36			—			0.36			—
Basic Earnings Per Share (Note 9)	$	1.95		$	0.65		$	3.76		$	2.40

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (000s)	119,950			116,862			119,164			116,623
Income before extraordinary item	$	1.57		$	0.64		3.33			$	2.38
Extraordinary item	0.36			—			0.36			—
Diluted Earnings Per Share (Note 9)	$	1.93		$	0.64		$	3.69		$	2.38

Dividends Per Share	$	0.0975		$	0.0925		$	0.2925		$	0.2775

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

UNAUDITED

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2007			2006
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$	442,435		$	277,995
Add (Deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Extraordinary item, net of taxes	(42,827		)	—
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	573,533			550,698
Bad debts expense	51,131			49,748
Stock-based compensation expense	22,946			27,650
Fair value adjustment of derivative instruments	157,073			(22,881		)
Deferred income taxes	(195,108		)	(67,956		)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(71,394		)	(66,376		)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	47,871			39,692
Minority share of income	63,807			33,281
Gain on sale of assets	(5,000		)	—
Gain on investments	(386,780		)	(91,418		)
Noncash interest expense	15,855			15,981
Other noncash expense	2,520			5,821
Other operating activities	—			3,162
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Change in accounts receivable	(79,571		)	(67,149		)
Change in inventory	4,262			15,431
Change in accounts payable	(2,439		)	(51,436		)
Change in customer deposits and deferred revenues	24,760			9,923
Change in accrued taxes	180,697			24,505
Change in accrued interest	4,295			6,971
Change in other assets and liabilities	(34,836		)	(22,642		)
	773,230			671,000

Cash Flows (Used in) Investing Activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(464,795		)	(516,610		)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(20,569		)	(98,353		)
Cash received from divestitures	4,277			722
Proceeds from sales of investments	91,740			102,549
Proceeds from return of investment	—			36,202
Other investing activities	(1,345		)	(6,168		)
	(390,692		)	(481,658		)

Cash Flows (Used in) Financing Activities
Issuance of notes payable	25,000			390,000
Issuance of long-term debt	2,857			560
Repayment of notes payable	(60,000		)	(375,000		)
Repayment of long-term debt	(2,460		)	(202,371		)
Repayment of medium-term notes	—			(35,000		)
TDS Common Shares and Special Common Shares issued for benefit plans	111,089			3,047
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock awards	24,530			—
U.S. Cellular Common Shares issued for benefit plans	16,474			3,856
Repurchase of TDS Special Common Shares	(85,584		)	—
Repurchase of U.S. Cellular Common Shares	(65,202		)	—
Capital distributions to minority partners	(6,258		)	(10,085		)
Dividends paid	(34,337		)	(32,247		)
Other financing activities	(1,994		)	1,863
	(75,885		)	(255,377		)

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	306,653			(66,035		)

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Beginning of period	1,013,325			1,095,791
End of period	$	1,319,978		$	1,029,756

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

UNAUDITED

	September 30, 2007		December 31, 2006
	(Dollars in thousands)
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,319,978	$	1,013,325
Accounts receivable
Due from customers, less allowance of $16,087 and $15,807, respectively	383,541		357,279
Other, principally connecting companies, less allowance of $6,939 and $9,576, respectively	161,173		162,888
Marketable equity securities	1,802,076		1,205,344
Inventory	126,333		128,981
Prepaid expenses	58,448		43,529
Other current assets	21,743		61,738
	3,873,292		2,973,084

Investments
Marketable equity securities	10		1,585,286
Licenses	1,532,165		1,520,407
Goodwill	673,628		647,853
Customer lists, net of accumulated amortization of $78,743 and $68,110, respectively	26,939		26,196
Investments in unconsolidated entities	225,268		197,636
Other investments, less valuation allowance of $55,144 in both periods	10,948		11,073
	2,468,958		3,988,451

Property, Plant and Equipment
In service and under construction	8,055,003		7,700,746
Less accumulated depreciation	4,559,975		4,119,360
	3,495,028		3,581,386

Other Assets and Deferred Charges	50,630		56,593
	$	9,887,908	$	10,599,514

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

UNAUDITED

	September 30, 2007			December 31, 2006
	(Dollars in thousands)
Current Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	$	2,967		$	2,917
Forward contracts	1,042,067			738,408
Notes payable	—			35,000
Accounts payable	296,036			294,932
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	166,226			141,164
Accrued interest	31,024			26,729
Accrued taxes	158,707			38,324
Accrued compensation	76,434			72,804
Derivative liability	561,069			359,970
Net deferred income tax liability	348,749			236,397
Other current liabilities	117,875			138,086
	2,801,154			2,084,731

Deferred Liabilities and Credits
Net deferred income tax liability	563,405			950,348
Derivative liability	—			393,776
Asset retirement obligation	167,754			232,312
Other deferred liabilities and credits	154,148			136,733
	885,307			1,713,169

Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	1,634,098			1,633,308
Forward contracts	—			987,301
	1,634,098			2,620,609

Commitments and Contingencies

Minority Interest in Subsidiaries	652,371			609,722

Preferred Shares	860			863

Common Stockholders’ Equity
Common Shares, par value $.01 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 56,570,000 and 56,558,000 shares, respectively	566			566
Special Common Shares, par value $.01 per share; authorized 165,000,000 shares, issued 62,947,000 and 62,941,000 shares, respectively	629			629
Series A Common Shares, par value $.01 per share; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 6,445,000 and 6,445,000 shares; respectively	64			64
Capital in excess of par value	2,040,242			1,992,597
Treasury Shares, at cost:
Common Shares, 3,577,000 and 4,676,000 shares, respectively	(128,701		)	(187,103		)
Special Common Shares 4,309,000 and 4,676,000 shares, respectively	(178,169		)	(187,016		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	405,841			522,113
Retained earnings	1,773,646			1,428,570
	3,914,118			3,570,420
	$	9,887,908		$	10,599,514

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Presentation

The accounting policies of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“TDS”) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS and its majority-owned subsidiaries, including TDS’ 80.7%-owned wireless telephone subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”), TDS’ 100%-owned wireline telephone subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications Corporation (“TDS Telecom”) and TDS’ 80%-owned printing and distribution company, Suttle Straus, Inc. In addition, the consolidated financial statements include all entities in which TDS has a variable interest that requires TDS to absorb a majority of the entity’s expected gains or losses. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation.

The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by TDS, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, TDS believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (“Form 10-K”).

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items unless otherwise disclosed) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of September 30, 2007, and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 and the cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Pension Plan

TDS sponsors a qualified noncontributory defined contribution pension plan. The plan provides benefits for the employees of TDS Corporate, TDS Telecom and U.S. Cellular. Under this plan, pension benefits and costs are calculated separately for each participant and are funded currently. Pension costs were $4.1 million and $11.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, and $3.6 million and $11.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively.

TDS also sponsors an unfunded non-qualified deferred supplemental executive retirement plan for certain employees which supplements the benefits under the qualified plan to offset the reduction of benefits caused by the limitation on annual employer contributions under the tax laws.

Other Postretirement Benefits

TDS sponsors two contributory defined benefit postretirement plans that cover most employees of TDS Corporate, TDS Telecom and the subsidiaries of TDS Telecom. One plan provides medical benefits and the other plan provides life insurance benefits.

Net periodic benefit costs for the defined benefit postretirement plans include the following components:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2007			2006			2007			2006
	(Dollars in thousands)
Service Cost	$	609		$	544		$	1,827		$	1,633
Interest on accumulated benefit obligation	858			692			2,574			2,075
Expected return on plan assets	(821		)	(648		)	(2,463		)	(1,945		)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost	(207		)	(208		)	(622		)	(623		)
Net loss	340			292			1,021			876
Net postretirement cost	$	779		$	672		$	2,337		$	2,016

TDS contributed $7.0 million to the postretirement plan during the second quarter of 2007.

Amounts Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities

TDS records amounts collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities net within a tax liability account if the tax is assessed upon the customer and TDS merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is assessed upon TDS, then amounts collected from customers as recovery of the tax are recorded in revenues and amounts remitted to governmental authorities are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $39.5 million and $108.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, and $24.2 million and $68.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value as used in numerous accounting pronouncements, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. GAAP, and expands disclosures related to the use of fair value measures in financial statements. SFAS 157 does not expand the use of fair value measurements in financial statements, but standardizes its definition and guidance in U.S. GAAP. SFAS 157 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement and not an entity-specific measurement, based on an exchange transaction in which the entity sells an asset or transfers a liability (exit price). SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy, from observable market data as the highest level to an entity’s own fair value assumptions as the lowest level. SFAS 157 is effective for TDS’ 2008 financial statements. TDS is currently reviewing the requirements of SFAS 157 and has not determined the impact, if any, on its financial position or results of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-1, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Service Provider to Manufacturers or Resellers of Equipment Necessary for an End-Customer to Receive Service from the Service Provider (“EITF 06-1”). This guidance requires the application of EITF 01-9, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (“EITF 01-9”), when consideration is given to a reseller or manufacturer for benefit to the service provider’s end customer. EITF 01-9 requires that the consideration given be recorded as a liability at the time of the sale of the equipment and also provides guidance for the classification of the expense. EITF 06-1 is effective for TDS’ 2008 financial statements. TDS is currently reviewing the requirements of EITF 06-1 and has not yet determined the impact, if any, on its financial position or results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected shall be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 is effective for TDS’ 2008 financial statements. TDS is currently reviewing the requirements of SFAS 159 and has not yet determined the impact, if any, on its financial position or results of operations.

3. Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges

TDS assesses its existing wireless and wireline interests on an ongoing basis with a goal of improving the competitiveness of its operations and maximizing its long-term return on investment. As part of this strategy, TDS reviews attractive opportunities to acquire additional operating markets, telecommunications companies and wireless spectrum. In addition, TDS may seek to divest outright or include in exchanges for other interests those markets and interests that are not strategic to its long-term success.

On February 1, 2007, U.S. Cellular purchased 100% of the membership interests of Iowa 15 Wireless, LLC (“Iowa 15”) and obtained the 25 megahertz Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) cellular license to provide wireless service in Iowa Rural Service Area (“RSA”) 15 for approximately $18.2 million in cash. This acquisition increased investments in licenses, goodwill and customer lists by $7.9 million, $5.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The goodwill of $5.9 million is deductible for income tax purposes.

In addition, during the first nine months of 2007, TDS Telecom and Suttle Straus each acquired a company for cash, which purchases aggregated to $2.3 million. These acquisitions increased goodwill by $1.8 million of which $1.0 million is deductible for income tax purposes.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Cellular is a limited partner in Barat Wireless, L.P. (“Barat Wireless”), an entity which participated in the auction of wireless spectrum designated by the FCC as Auction 66. Barat Wireless was qualified to receive a 25% discount available to “very small businesses” which were defined as having annual gross revenues of less than $15 million. At the conclusion of the auction on September 18, 2006, Barat Wireless was the high bidder with respect to 17 licenses and had bid $127.1 million, net of its discount. On April 30, 2007, the FCC granted Barat Wireless’ applications with respect to the 17 licenses for which it was the winning bidder.

Barat Wireless is in the process of developing its long-term business and financing plans. As of September 30, 2007, U.S. Cellular had made capital contributions and advances to Barat Wireless and/or its general partner of $127.2 million, which are included in Licenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Barat Wireless used the funding to pay the FCC an initial deposit of $79.9 million on July 14, 2006 to allow it to participate in Auction 66. On October 18, 2006, Barat Wireless paid the balance due at the conclusion of the auction for the licenses with respect to which Barat Wireless was the high bidder; such amount totaled $47.2 million. For financial statement purposes, U.S. Cellular consolidates Barat Wireless and Barat Wireless, Inc., the general partner of Barat Wireless, pursuant to the guidelines of FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities - an Interpretation of ARB No. 51, (“FIN 46(R)”), as U.S. Cellular anticipates benefiting from or absorbing a majority of Barat Wireless’ expected gains or losses. Pending finalization of Barat Wireless’ permanent financing plan, and upon request by Barat Wireless, U.S. Cellular may agree to make additional capital contributions and advances to Barat Wireless and/or its general partner.

In October 2006, Midwest Wireless Communications, L.L.C. (“Midwest Wireless”) was sold to ALLTEL Corporation. In connection with the sale, U.S. Cellular became entitled to receive approximately $106.0 million in cash with respect to its interest in Midwest Wireless. Of this amount, $95.1 million was distributed upon closing and $10.9 million was held in escrow to secure certain true-up, indemnification and other possible adjustments; the funds held in escrow were to be distributed in installments over a period of four to fifteen months following the closing. During the first nine months of 2007, U.S. Cellular received $4.3 million of funds that were distributed from the aforementioned escrow. At September 30, 2007, the amount which U.S. Cellular might be entitled to receive from the escrow in future periods was $6.6 million, excluding accrued interest income.

In April 2006, U.S. Cellular purchased the remaining ownership interest in a Tennessee wireless market, in which it had previously owned a 16.7% interest, for approximately $18.8 million in cash. This acquisition increased investments in licenses, goodwill and customer lists by $5.5 million, $4.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively. The $4.0 million of goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Cellular is a limited partner in Carroll Wireless L.P. (“Carroll Wireless”), an entity which participated in the auction of wireless spectrum designated by the FCC as Auction 58. Carroll Wireless was qualified to bid on “closed licenses” that were available only to companies included under the FCC definition of “entrepreneurs,” which are small businesses that have a limited amount of assets and revenues. In addition, Carroll Wireless bid on “open licenses” that were not subject to restriction. With respect to these licenses, however, Carroll Wireless was qualified to receive a 25% discount available to “very small businesses” which were defined as having average annual gross revenues of less than $15 million. Carroll Wireless was a successful bidder for 17 license areas in Auction 58, which ended on February 15, 2005. The aggregate amount paid to the FCC for the 17 licenses was $129.9 million, net of the discounts to which Carroll Wireless was entitled. These 17 license areas cover portions of 12 states and are in markets which are either adjacent to or overlap current U.S. Cellular licensed areas. On January 6, 2006, the FCC granted Carroll Wireless’ applications with respect to 16 of the 17 licenses for which it had been the successful bidder and dismissed one application, relating to Walla Walla, Washington. Following the completion of Auction 58, the FCC determined that a portion of the Walla Walla license was already licensed to another party and should not have been included in Auction 58. Accordingly, in 2006, Carroll Wireless received a full refund of the $0.2 million previously paid to the FCC with respect to the Walla Walla license.

Carroll Wireless is in the process of developing its long-term business and financing plans. As of September 30, 2007, U.S. Cellular had made capital contributions and advances to Carroll Wireless and/or its general partner of approximately $129.9 million; $129.7 million of this amount is included in Licenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For financial statement purposes, U.S. Cellular consolidates Carroll Wireless and Carroll PCS, Inc., the general partner of Carroll Wireless, pursuant to the guidelines of FIN 46(R), as U.S. Cellular anticipates benefiting from or absorbing a majority of Carroll Wireless’ expected gains or losses. Pending finalization of Carroll Wireless’ permanent financing plan, and upon request by Carroll Wireless, U.S. Cellular may make additional capital contributions and advances to Carroll Wireless and/or its general partner. U.S. Cellular has approved additional funding of $1.4 million of which $0.1 million was provided to Carroll Wireless as of September 30, 2007.

4. Gain on Sale of Assets

In December 2006, U.S. Cellular entered into an agreement to sell $226.0 million face amount of accounts receivable written off in previous periods; the proceeds from the sale were $5.9 million. The agreement transferred all rights, title, and interest in the account balances, along with the right to collect all amounts due, to the buyer. The sale was subject to a 180-day period in which the buyer was entitled to request a refund for unenforceable accounts. The transaction was recognized as a sale during the fourth quarter of 2006 in accordance with the provisions of FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, with the gain deferred until expiration of the recourse period. During the second quarter 2007, U.S. Cellular recognized a gain of $5.0 million, net of refunds for unenforceable accounts. The gain is included in the Selling, general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. All expenses related to the transaction were recognized in the period incurred.

5. Fair Value Adjustments of Derivative Instruments

Fair value adjustments of derivative instruments resulted in a loss of $54.8 million and $157.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, and a gain of $34.6 million and $22.9 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. Fair value adjustments of derivative instruments reflect the change in the fair value of the bifurcated embedded collars within the forward contracts related to the Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone marketable equity securities not designated as a hedge. See Note 13 – Marketable Equity Securities and Forward Contracts and Note 17 – Long-Term Debt and Forward Contracts.

The accounting for the embedded collars as derivative instruments not designated as a hedge results in increased volatility in the results of operations, as fluctuation in the market price of the underlying Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone marketable equity securities results in changes in the fair value of the embedded collars being recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Also included in the fair value adjustment of derivative instruments are the gains and losses related to the ineffectiveness of the VeriSign fair value hedge.

6. Gain on Sale of Investments

TDS recorded a gain from the sale of investments of $386.8 million in 2007. The gain consists of a $137.9 million gain on the settlement of forward contracts and the disposition of remaining VeriSign Common Shares and U.S. Cellular owned Vodafone ADRs recorded in the second quarter of 2007 and a $248.9 million gain on the settlement of a portion of the Deutsche Telekom forward contracts and the disposition of remaining Deutsche Telekom shares related to such forward contracts recorded in the third quarter of 2007. As a result of the Deutsche Telekom settlement, TDS now owns 85,969,689 of the Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares (131,461,861 shares owned as of December 31, 2006). See Note 17 – Long-Term Debt and Forward Contracts for additional information related to forward contracts. In the second quarter of 2006, Gain on investments totaled $91.4 million primarily resulting from TDS Telecom’s remittance of its Rural Telephone Bank (“RTB”) shares to the RTB which resulted in a gain of $90.3 million.

7. Income Taxes

The overall effective tax rate on income before income taxes and minority interest for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 was 36.2% and 38.0%, respectively, and 29.3% and 37.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. The effective tax rate for the 2007 period is higher than 2006 primarily due to the favorable resolution of state audits in 2006.

Due to discontinuance of the application of SFAS 71 (see Note 8) Deferred tax liabilities increased by $27.0 million in the third quarter of 2007.

Effective January 1, 2007, TDS adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). In accordance with FIN 48, TDS recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of $4.4 million, decreasing its liability for unrecognized tax benefits, interest, and penalties and increasing the January 1, 2007 balance of Common Stockholders’ Equity. Of this amount, $20.7 million increases accumulated other comprehensive income and $16.3 million represents the cumulative reduction of beginning retained earnings.

At January 1, 2007, TDS had $28.4 million in unrecognized tax benefits which, if recognized, would reduce income tax expense by $14.3 million, net of the federal benefit from state income taxes. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007, is an immaterial amount related to tax positions for which it is possible that the total amounts could change during the next twelve months. At September 30, 2007 TDS had $33.9 million in unrecognized tax benefits, which, if recognized, would reduce income tax expense by $18.1 million, net of the federal benefit from state income taxes.

TDS recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. This amount totaled $1.2 million and $3.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively. Accrued interest and penalties were $1.3 million and $4.7 million as of January 1, 2007 and September 30, 2007, respectively.

TDS and its subsidiaries file federal and state income tax returns. With few exceptions, TDS is no longer subject to federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2002. TDS’ consolidated federal income tax returns for the years 2002 – 2005 are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. TDS and its subsidiaries are also under examination by various state taxing authorities.

8. Extraordinary Item - Discontinuance of the Application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

Historically, TDS Telecom’s incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) operations followed the accounting for regulated enterprises prescribed by FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation (“SFAS 71”). This accounting recognizes the economic effects of rate-making actions of regulatory bodies in the financial statements of the TDS Telecom ILEC operations.

TDS Telecom has regularly monitored the appropriateness of the application of SFAS 71. Recent changes in TDS Telecom’s business environment have caused competitive forces to surpass regulatory forces such that TDS Telecom has concluded that it is no longer reasonable to assume that rates set at levels that will recover the enterprise’s cost can be charged to its customers.

TDS Telecom has experienced increasing access line losses due to increasing levels of competition across all of the ILEC service areas. Competition has intensified in 2007 from cable and wireless operators who have extended their investment beyond major markets to enable a broader range of voice and data services that compete directly with TDS Telecom’s service offerings. These alternative telecommunications providers have transformed a pricing structure historically based on the recovery of costs to a pricing structure based on market conditions. Consequently, TDS Telecom has had to alter its strategy to compete in its markets. Specifically, in the third quarter of 2007, TDS Telecom initiated an aggressive program of service bundling and deep discounting and has made the decision to voluntarily exit certain revenue pools administered by the FCC-supervised National Exchange Carrier Association in order to achieve additional pricing flexibility to meet competitive pressures.

Based on these material factors impacting its operations, management determined in the third quarter of 2007 that it is no longer appropriate to continue the application of SFAS 71 for reporting its financial results. Accordingly, TDS Telecom recorded a non-cash extraordinary gain of $42.8 million, net of taxes of $27.0 million, upon discontinuance of the provisions of SFAS 71, as required by the provisions of FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 101, Regulated Enterprises – Accounting for the Discontinuation of the Application of FASB Statement No. 71. The components of the non-cash extraordinary gain are as follows:

	Before Tax Effects			After Tax Effects
	(in thousands)
Write off of regulatory cost of removal	$	70,107		$	43,018
Write off of other net regulatory assets	(259		)	(191		)
Total	$	69,848		$	42,827

In conjunction with the discontinuance of SFAS 71, TDS Telecom has assessed the useful lives of fixed assets and determined that the impacts of any changes were not material.

9. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using net income (loss) available to common and weighted average common shares adjusted to include the effect of potentially dilutive securities.

The amounts used in computing earnings per share and the effect of potentially dilutive securities on income and the weighted average number of Common, Special Common and Series A Common Shares are as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2007			2006			2007			2006
	(Dollars and shares in thousands, except earnings per share)
Basic Earnings per Share:
Income before extraordinary item	$	188,910		$	75,239		$	399,608		$	277,995
Preferred dividend requirement	(13		)	(51		)	(39		)	(152		)
Income before extraordinary item available to common	188,897			75,188			399,569			277,843
Extraordinary item, net of taxes	42,827			—			42,827			—
Net Income available to common used in basic earnings per share	$	231,724		$	75,188		$	442,396		$	277,843
Diluted Earnings per Share:
Income before extraordinary item available to common	$	188,897		$	75,188		$	399,569		$	277,843
Minority income adjustment (1)	(479		)	(270		)	(2,424		)	(945		)
Preferred dividend adjustment (2)	12			50			37			150
Income before extraordinary item available to common	188,430			74,968			397,182			277,048
Extraordinary item, net of taxes	42,827			—			42,827			—
Net Income available to common used in diluted earnings per share	$	231,257		$	74,968		$	440,009		$	277,048

Weighted average number of shares of common stock used in basic earnings per share:
Common Shares	52,953			51,486			52,323			51,480
Special Common Shares	59,309			57,836			58,758			57,832
Series A Common Shares	6,443			6,446			6,445			6,447
Weighted average number of shares of common stock used in basic earnings per share	118,705			115,768			117,526			115,759
Effects of Dilutive Securities:
Effects of stock options(3)	1,011			908			1,413			705
Effects of Restricted Stock Units(4)	181			27			173			—
Conversion of preferred shares	53			159			52			159
Weighted average number of shares of common stock used in diluted earnings per share	119,950			116,862			119,164			116,623

Basic Earnings per Share
Income before extraordinary item	$	1.59		$	0.65		$	3.40		$	2.40
Extraordinary item, net of taxes	0.36			—			0.36			—
	$	1.95		$	0.65		$	3.76		$	2.40

Diluted Earnings per Share
Income before extraordinary item	$	1.57		$	0.64		$	3.33		$	2.38
Extraordinary item, net of taxes	0.36			—			0.36			—
	$	1.93		$	0.64		$	3.69		$	2.38

(1) The minority income adjustment reflects the additional minority share of U.S. Cellular’s income computed as if all of U.S. Cellular’s issuable securities were outstanding.

(2) The preferred dividend adjustment reflects the dividend reduction in the event any preferred series were dilutive, and therefore converted for shares.

(3) Stock options convertible into 863,000 Special Common Shares were not included in computing Diluted Earnings per Share in the three months ended September 30, 2007, because their effects were antidilutive. Stock options convertible into 112,000 Common Shares and 403,000 Special Common Shares were not included in computing Diluted Earnings per Share in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 because their effects were antidilutive. Stock options convertible into 670,000 Common Shares and 670,000 Special Common Shares were not included in computing Diluted Earnings per Share in the three months ended September 30, 2006, because their effects were antidilutive. Stock options convertible into 1,293,000 Common Shares and 2,398,000 Special Common Shares were not included in computing Diluted Earnings per Share in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 because their effects were antidilutive.

(4) Restricted stock units convertible into 31,000 Special Common Shares were not included in computing Diluted Earnings per Share in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, because their effects were antidilutive.

10. Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures – Non-Cash Financing Activities

TDS delivered 2,123,310 VeriSign common shares, and 41,008,930 Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares related to forward contracts that matured in May 2007 and July through September 2007, respectively, with an aggregate fair market value of $798.4 million to settle the $537.7 million principal amount of prepaid forward contracts (which included $4.6 million of accreted interest) and $260.7 million of the related derivative liability.

Upon settlement of these prepaid forward contracts and related derivative liability, TDS disposed of its remaining 238,023 VeriSign common shares and 4,483,242 Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares related to these forward contracts. TDS recorded a gain of $255.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 (of which $248.9 million was recorded in the third quarter) on the settlement of the prepaid forward contracts and the related derivative liability and the disposition of the remaining VeriSign and Deutsche Telekom shares.

In May 2007, U.S. Cellular delivered 8,815,475 American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) of Vodafone Group, Plc (“Vodafone”) with a fair market value of $254.1 million to settle the $159.9 million principal amount of prepaid forward contracts and $94.2 million of related derivative liabilities.

Upon settlement of the prepaid forward contracts and related derivative liability, U.S. Cellular disposed of its remaining 149,223 Vodafone ADRs. U.S. Cellular recorded a gain of $131.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 (all in the second quarter) on the settlement of the prepaid forward contracts and the related derivative liability and the disposition of remaining Vodafone ADRs.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2007, U.S. Cellular withheld 544,000 Common Shares aggregating $43.5 million for the payment of the exercise price and income taxes from employees who exercised stock options or who received vested stock awards.

See Note 13 – Marketable Equity Securities and Forward Contracts and Note 17 – Long-Term Debt and Forward Contracts for additional information.

11. Licenses and Goodwill

Changes in TDS’ licenses and goodwill are primarily the result of acquisitions, divestitures and impairment of its licenses, wireless markets and telephone companies.

TDS Telecom’s incumbent local exchange carriers are designated as “ILEC” in the following tables and its competitive local exchange carriers are designated as “CLEC”.

	U.S.			TDS Telecom
Licenses	Cellular (1)			CLEC		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance December 31, 2006	$	1,517,607		$	2,800	$	1,520,407
Acquisitions	7,900			—		7,900
Impairment	(2,136		)	—		(2,136		)
Step acquisition allocation adjustment (2)	5,994			—		5,994
Balance September 30, 2007	$	1,529,365		$	2,800	$	1,532,165

Balance December 31, 2005	$	1,385,543		$	2,800	$	1,388,343
Acquisitions	5,534			—		5,534
Other (3)	79,772			—		79,772
Balance September 30, 2006	$	1,470,849		$	2,800	$	1,473,649

(1) U.S. Cellular’s beginning and ending balances include $23.3 million of licenses allocated from TDS.

(2) The step acquisition allocation adjustment is the allocation of value related to U.S. Cellular’s share buyback program. See Note 20 - Common Share Repurchase Programs below for a discussion of U.S. Cellular’s purchase of 838,000 of its Common Shares from an investment banking firm in a private transaction pursuant to the accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements.

(3) Includes $79.9 million representing deposits made to the FCC for Barat Wireless licenses with respect to which Barat Wireless was the high bidder in Auction 66.

	U.S.		TDS Telecom
Goodwill	Cellular (1)		ILEC		Other (2)		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance December 31, 2006	$	246,920	$	398,652	$	2,281	$	647,853
Acquisitions	5,864		259		1,521		7,644
Step acquisition allocation adjustment (3)	18,131		—		—		18,131
Balance September 30, 2007	$	270,915	$	398,911	$	3,802	$	673,628

Balance December 31, 2005	$	242,703	$	398,652	$	2,281	$	643,636
Acquisitions	3,932		—		—		3,932
Other	318		—		—		318
Balance September 30, 2006	$	246,953	$	398,652	$	2,281	$	647,886

(1) U.S. Cellular’s balances in each period were reduced by $(238.5) million of goodwill previously impaired at TDS.

(2) Consists of goodwill related to Suttle Straus.

(3) The step acquisition allocation adjustment is the allocation of value related to U.S. Cellular’s share buyback program. See Note 20 - Common Share Repurchase Programs below for a discussion of U.S. Cellular’s purchase of 838,000 of its Common Shares from an investment banking firm in a private transaction pursuant to the ASR agreements.

See Note 3 – Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges for information regarding purchase and sale transactions which affected licenses and goodwill during the period.

Licenses and goodwill, which are indefinite-lived assets, must be reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. TDS performs the annual impairment review on licenses and goodwill during the second quarter of its fiscal year. Accordingly, the annual impairment tests for licenses and goodwill for 2007 and 2006 were performed in the second quarter of 2007 and 2006. Such impairment tests indicated that there was an impairment of licenses at U.S. Cellular totaling $2.1 million in 2007; the loss is included in Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. There was no impairment of licenses in 2006, and no impairment of goodwill in either 2007 or 2006.

U.S. Cellular’s license impairments in 2007 were related to two of its six units of accounting in which operations have not yet begun. The carrying values of licenses associated with these six units of accounting are tested separately from those associated with U.S. Cellular’s operating licenses. Fair values for such units of accounting were determined by reference to values established by auctions and other market transactions involving licenses comparable to those included in each specific unit of accounting.

12. Customer Lists

Customer lists, which are intangible assets resulting from acquisitions of wireless markets or step acquisition allocation of value related to U.S. Cellular’s share buyback programs, are amortized based on average customer retention periods using the double declining balance method in the first year, switching to straight-line over the remaining estimated life. The changes in the customer lists for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

Customer Lists	September 30, 2007			September 30, 2006
	(Dollars in thousands)

Balance, beginning of period	$	26,196		$	47,649
Acquisitions	1,560			2,042
Impairment	(1,947		)	—
Amortization	(10,633		)	(17,643		)
Step acquisition allocation adjustment (1)	11,763			—
Balance, end of period	$	26,939		$	32,048

(1) The step acquisition allocation adjustment is the allocation of value related to U.S. Cellular’s share buyback programs. See Note 20 - Common Share Repurchase Programs below for a discussion of U.S. Cellular’s purchase of 838,000 of its Common Shares from an investment banking firm in private transactions pursuant to the ASR agreements.

U.S. Cellular performs an annual impairment test of customer list balances in the third quarter of its fiscal year. During the third quarter of 2007, such test indicated that the carrying value of certain customer list balances exceeded their estimated fair values and an impairment loss of $1.9 million was recorded; the loss is included in Depreciation, amortization and accretion on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Fair values were determined based upon a present value analysis of expected future cash flows. There was no impairment of customer lists in 2006.

Based on the customer list balance as of September 30, 2007, amortization expense for the fourth quarter of 2007 and for the years 2008 - 2012 is expected to be $3.3 million, $9.9 million, $6.6 million, $5.0 million, $2.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

13. Marketable Equity Securities and Forward Contracts

TDS and its subsidiaries hold a substantial amount of marketable equity securities that are publicly traded and can have volatile movements in share prices. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of the underlying marketable equity securities is reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive income rather than as a non-operating gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. TDS and its subsidiaries do not make direct investments in publicly traded companies and all of these interests were acquired as a result of sales, trades or reorganizations of other assets.

Information regarding TDS’ marketable equity securities is summarized as follows:

	September 30, 2007			December 31, 2006
	(Dollars in thousands)
Marketable Equity Securities included in Current Assets
Deutsche Telekom AG – 85,969,689 and 45,492,172 Ordinary Shares, respectively	$	1,685,006		$	833,872
Vodafone Group Plc – 2,362,976 and 11,327,674 American Depositary Receipts, respectively	85,776			314,683
Rural Cellular Corporation – 719,396 equivalent Common Shares in 2007	31,294			—
VeriSign, Inc. –2,361,333 Common Shares in 2006	—			56,789
Aggregate fair value included in Current Assets	1,802,076			1,205,344

Marketable Equity Securities included in Investments
Deutsche Telekom AG –85,969,689 Ordinary Shares in 2006	—			1,575,824
Rural Cellular Corporation - 719,396 equivalent Common Shares in 2006	—			9,453
Other	10			9
Aggregate fair value included in Investments	10			1,585,286
Total aggregate fair value	1,802,086			2,790,630
Accounting cost basis	898,276			1,507,477
Gross holding gains	903,810			1,283,153
Gross realized holding gains	—			(29,729		)
Gross unrealized holding gains	903,810			1,253,424
Equity method unrealized gains	387			352
Income tax expense	(331,653		)	(488,817		)
Minority share of unrealized holding gains	(1,932		)	(14,981		)
Unrealized holding gains, net of tax and minority share	570,612			749,978
Derivative instruments, net of tax and minority share	(152,273		)	(215,122		)
Retirement plans, net of tax	(12,498		)	(12,743		)
Amount included in Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	405,841		$	522,113

The investment in Deutsche Telekom AG (“Deutsche Telekom”) resulted from TDS’ disposition of its over 80%-owned personal communication services operating subsidiary, Aerial Communications, Inc., to VoiceStream Wireless Corporation (“VoiceStream”) in exchange for stock of VoiceStream, which was then acquired by Deutsche Telekom in exchange for Deutsche Telekom stock. The investment in Vodafone resulted from certain dispositions of non-strategic cellular investments to, or settlements with, AirTouch Communications Inc. (“AirTouch”), in exchange for stock of AirTouch, which was then acquired by Vodafone whereby TDS and its subsidiaries received American Depositary Receipts representing Vodafone stock. The investment in VeriSign, Inc. (“VeriSign”) resulted from the acquisition by VeriSign of Illuminet, Inc., a telecommunication entity in which several TDS subsidiaries held interests. The investment in Rural Cellular Corporation (“Rural Cellular”) resulted from a consolidation of several cellular partnerships in which TDS subsidiaries held interests in Rural Cellular, and the distribution of Rural Cellular stock in exchange for these interests.

TDS entered into a number of forward contracts related to the marketable equity securities it holds. The economic hedge risk management objective of the forward contracts is to hedge the value of the marketable equity securities from losses due to decreases in the market prices of the securities while retaining a share of gains from increases in the market prices of such securities. The downside risk is hedged at or above the accounting cost basis of the securities.

TDS delivered a substantial majority of the 45,492,172 Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares reflected in current assets as of December 31, 2006, in settlement of the forward contracts relating to such Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares, which matured in July through September 2007, and disposed of the remaining Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares related to such forward contracts. After these forward contracts were settled in July through September 2007, TDS now owns 85,969,689 Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares. TDS recorded a pre-tax gain of $248.9 million in the third quarter of 2007 on the settlement of such forward contracts and the disposition of such remaining shares.

The forward contracts related to TDS’ 2,361,333 VeriSign Common Shares and the forward contracts related to U.S. Cellular’s 8,964,698 Vodafone ADRs matured in May 2007. TDS elected to deliver a substantial majority of the 2,361,333 VeriSign Common Shares in settlement of the forward contracts, and to dispose of all remaining VeriSign Common Shares in connection therewith. U.S. Cellular elected to deliver a substantial majority of its 8,964,698 Vodafone ADRs in settlement of the forward contracts, and to dispose of all of its remaining Vodafone ADRs in connection therewith. As a result of the settlement of these forward contracts in May 2007, TDS no longer owns any VeriSign Common Shares, U.S. Cellular no longer owns any Vodafone ADRs and TDS and U.S. Cellular no longer have any liability or other obligations under the related forward contracts. TDS recorded a pre-tax gain of $137.9 million in the second quarter of 2007 on the settlement of such forward contracts and the disposition of such remaining VeriSign Common Shares and such remaining U.S. Cellular-owned Vodafone ADRs.

See Note 17 – Long-term Debt and Forward Contracts for additional information related to forward contracts.

TDS and its subsidiaries own 719,396 shares of Rural Cellular Corporation (“RCCC”). On July 30, 2007, RCCC announced that Verizon Wireless has agreed to purchase the outstanding shares of RCCC for $45 per share in cash. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2008. If the transaction closes, TDS will receive approximately $32.4 million in cash, recognize a $31.7 million pre-tax gain and cease to own any interest in RCCC.

14. Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in wireless and wireline entities in which TDS and its subsidiaries hold a minority interest. These investments are accounted for using either the equity or cost method.

TDS’ and its subsidiaries’ significant investments in unconsolidated entities include the following:

	September 30, 2007		September 30, 2006

Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership	5.5	%	5.5	%
Midwest Wireless Communications, L.L.C. (1)	—		14.2	%
North Carolina RSA 1 Partnership	50.0	%	50.0	%
Oklahoma City SMSA Limited Partnership	14.6	%	14.6	%

(1) In addition, U.S. Cellular owns a 49% interest in an entity, which owned an interest of approximately 2.9% of Midwest Wireless Holdings, L.L.C., the parent company of Midwest Wireless Communications L.L.C. The entity’s investment in Midwest Wireless Holdings, L.L.C. was disposed of in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Based primarily on data furnished to TDS by third parties, the following table summarizes the combined results of operations of all wireless and wireline entities in which TDS’ investments are accounted for under the equity method:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2007		2006		2007		2006
	(Dollars in thousands)
Results of operations
Revenues	$	1,152,000	$	1,082,000	$	3,358,000	$	3,100,000
Operating expenses	793,000		744,000		2,260,000		2,135,000
Operating income	359,000		338,000		1,098,000		965,000
Other income (expense), net	7,000		10,000		22,000		32,000
Net Income	$	366,000	$	348,000	$	1,120,000	$	997,000

15. Revolving Credit Facilities

TDS has a $600 million revolving credit facility available for general corporate purposes. At September 30, 2007, TDS had no outstanding notes payable and $3.4 million letters of credit were outstanding, leaving $596.6 million available for use. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at the London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a contractual spread based on TDS’ credit rating. At September 30, 2007, the contractual spread was 75 basis points. TDS may select borrowing periods of either seven days or one, two, three or six months (the one-month LIBOR was 5.12% at September 30, 2007). If TDS provides less than two days’ notice of intent to borrow, interest on borrowings is at the prime rate less 50 basis points (the prime rate was 7.75% at September 30, 2007). This credit facility expires in December 2009.

TDS also has $75 million of direct bank lines of credit at September 30, 2007, all of which were unused. The terms of the direct lines of credit bear negotiated interest rates up to the prime rate (the prime rate was 7.75% at September 30, 2007).

U.S. Cellular has a $700 million revolving credit facility available for general corporate purposes. At September 30, 2007, U.S. Cellular had no outstanding notes payable and $0.2 million letters of credit were outstanding, leaving $699.8 million available for use. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a contractual spread based on U.S. Cellular’s credit rating. At September 30, 2007, the contractual spread was 75 basis points. U.S. Cellular may select borrowing periods of either seven days or one, two, three or six months (the one-month LIBOR was 5.12% at September 30, 2007). If U.S. Cellular provides less than two days’ notice of intent to borrow, interest on borrowings is the prime rate less 50 basis points (the prime rate was 7.75% at September 30, 2007). This credit facility expires in December 2009.

TDS’ and U.S. Cellular’s interest cost on their revolving credit facilities would increase if their current credit ratings from Moody’s Investor Service (“Moody’s”) were lowered. However, the credit facilities would not cease to be available or accelerate solely as a result of a decline in TDS’ or U.S. Cellular’s credit rating. A downgrade in TDS’ or U.S. Cellular’s credit rating could adversely affect their ability to renew existing, or obtain access to new credit facilities in the future. TDS’ and U.S. Cellular’s credit ratings are as follows:

Moody’s (Issued September 20, 2007)	Baa3	– stable outlook
Standard & Poor’s (Issued June 21, 2007)	BB+	– with developing outlook
Fitch (Issued August 16, 2007)	BBB+	– stable outlook

On September 20, 2007, Moody’s changed its outlook on TDS and U.S. Cellular’s credit rating to stable from under review for possible further downgrade.

On August 16, 2007, Fitch changed its outlook on TDS and U.S. Cellular’s credit rating to stable from ratings watch negative.

On February 13, 2007, Standard & Poor’s lowered its credit ratings on TDS and U.S. Cellular to BBB- from BBB. The ratings remained on credit watch with negative implications. On April 23, 2007, Standard & Poor’s lowered its credit rating on TDS and U.S. Cellular to BB+ from BBB-. The ratings remained on credit watch with negative implications. On June 21, 2007, Standard & Poor’s affirmed the BB+ rating, and removed TDS and U.S. Cellular from Credit Watch. The outlook is developing.

The maturity dates of borrowings under TDS’ and U.S. Cellular’s revolving credit facilities would accelerate in the event of a change in control.

The continued availability of the revolving credit facilities requires TDS and U.S. Cellular to comply with certain negative and affirmative covenants, maintain certain financial ratios and represent certain matters at the time of each borrowing. On November 6, 2006, TDS and U.S. Cellular announced that they would restate certain financial statements which caused TDS and U.S. Cellular to be late with certain filings. In addition, on April 23, 2007, TDS announced another restatement that caused a further delay in TDS’ SEC filings. Before TDS and U.S. Cellular filed the foregoing restatements and became current in their SEC filings on or prior to June 19, 2007, the restatements and late filings resulted in defaults under the revolving credit agreements and one line of credit agreement. TDS and U.S. Cellular were not in violation of any covenants that require TDS and U.S. Cellular to maintain certain financial ratios, and TDS and U.S. Cellular did not fail to make any scheduled payments under such credit agreements. TDS and U.S. Cellular received waivers from the lenders associated with the credit agreements, under which the lenders agreed to waive any defaults that may have occurred as a result of the restatements and late filings. TDS and U.S. Cellular believe they were in compliance as of September 30, 2007 with all covenants and other requirements set forth in the revolving credit facilities.

16. Asset Retirement Obligations

TDS accounts for its asset retirement obligations in accordance with FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (“SFAS 143”) and FASB Interpretation No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations (“FIN 47”), which require entities to record the fair value of a liability for legal obligations associated with an asset retirement in the period in which the obligations are incurred. At the time the liability is incurred, TDS records a liability equal to the net present value of the estimated cost of the asset retirement obligation and increases the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by an equal amount. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the obligations, any difference between the cost to retire an asset and the recorded liability (including accretion of discount) is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as a gain or loss.

TDS Telecom’s incumbent local exchange carriers have recorded an asset retirement obligation in accordance with the requirements of SFAS 143 and FIN 47, and prior to the discontinuance of SFAS 71, a regulatory liability for the costs of removal that state public utility commissions required to be recorded for regulatory accounting purposes. The amounts recorded for regulatory accounting purposes were in addition to the amounts required to be recorded in accordance with SFAS 143 and FIN 47. As a result of the discontinuance of SFAS 71, the asset retirement obligation for incumbent local exchange carriers was reduced by $70.1 million in the third quarter of 2007. See Note 8 – Extraordinary Item - Discontinuance of the Application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation for additional details.

During the third quarter of 2007, U.S. Cellular performed its annual review of the assumptions and estimated costs related to its asset retirement obligations. As a result of the review, the liabilities were revised to reflect lower estimated cash flows as a result of lower estimates of removal and restoration costs, primarily related to cell sites, as determined through quoted market prices obtained from independent contractors. These changes are reflected in “Revisions in estimated cash flows” below.

The table below also summarizes other changes in asset retirement obligations during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. TDS Telecom’s incumbent local exchange carriers are designated as “ILEC” in the table and its competitive local exchange carrier is designated as “CLEC”.

	U.S.			TDS Telecom					TDS
	Cellular			ILEC			CLEC		Consolidated
	(Dollars in thousands)

Beginning Balance – December 31, 2006	$	127,639		$	101,647		$	3,026	$	232,312
Additional liabilities incurred	4,194			9,888			—		14,082
Revision in estimated cash flows	(15,331		)	—			—		(15,331		)
Acquisition of assets	348			—			—		348
Disposition of assets	(493		)	(352		)	—		(845		)
Accretion expense	7,109			28			158		7,295
Discontinuance of SFAS 71	—			(70,107		)	—		(70,107		)
Ending Balance – September 30, 2007	$	123,466		$	41,104		$	3,184	$	167,754

17. Long-Term Debt and Forward Contracts

TDS’ long-term debt does not contain any provisions resulting in acceleration of the maturities of outstanding debt in the event of a change in TDS’ credit rating. However, a downgrade in TDS’ credit rating could adversely affect TDS’ ability to obtain long-term debt financing in the future. TDS believes it was in compliance as of September 30, 2007 with all covenants and other requirements set forth in its long-term debt indenture.

TDS redeemed $35.0 million of medium-term notes in January and February of 2006 which carried an interest rate of 10.0%.

TDS repaid $200.0 million plus accrued interest on its 7% unsecured senior notes on August 1, 2006, using cash on-hand.

Forward Contracts

TDS and its subsidiaries maintain a portfolio of available-for-sale marketable equity securities, the majority of which are the result of sales or trades of non-strategic assets. Subsidiaries of TDS have prepaid forward contracts with counterparties in connection with its Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone marketable equity securities and until May 2007 TDS had such contracts in connection with its VeriSign marketable equity securities and U.S. Cellular had such contracts in connection with its Vodafone marketable equity securities. The principal amount of the prepaid forward contracts was accounted for as a loan. The collar portions of the forward contracts are accounted for as derivative instruments. The prepaid forward contracts contain embedded collars that are bifurcated and receive separate accounting treatment in accordance with FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities.

A portion of the Deutsche Telekom forward contracts matured in the third quarter of 2007. The remaining Deutsche Telekom forward contracts mature from October 2007 to September 2008. A majority of the contracts require quarterly interest payments at the LIBOR rate plus 50 basis points (the three-month LIBOR rate was 5.23% at September 30, 2007). The remaining contracts are structured as zero coupon obligations with a weighted average effective interest rate of 4.4% per year. No interest payments are required for the zero coupon obligations during the contract period.

U.S. Cellular’s Vodafone forward contracts matured in May 2007 and TDS Telecom’s Vodafone contracts mature in October 2007. The Vodafone forward contracts require quarterly interest payments at the LIBOR rate plus 50 basis points (the three-month LIBOR rate was 5.23% at September 30, 2007).

The VeriSign forward contract matured in May 2007 and was structured as a zero coupon obligation with an effective interest rate of 5.00% per year. TDS was not required to make interest payments during the contract period.

The economic hedge risk management objective of the forward contracts is to hedge the value of the marketable equity securities from losses due to decreases in the market prices of the securities (“downside limit”) while retaining a share of gains from increases in the market prices of such securities (“upside potential”). The downside limit is hedged at or above the accounting cost basis of the securities.

Under the terms of the remaining forward contracts related to Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone marketable equity securities, subsidiaries of TDS will continue to own the contracted shares and will receive dividends paid on such contracted shares, if any. The forward contracts, at TDS’ option, may be settled in shares of the respective security or in cash, pursuant to formulas that “collar” the price of the shares. The collars effectively reduce downside risk and upside potential on the contracted shares. The collars are typically contractually adjusted for any changes in dividends on the underlying shares. If the dividend increases, the collar’s upside potential is typically reduced. If the dividend decreases, the collar’s upside potential is typically increased. If TDS elects to settle in shares, it will be required to deliver the number of shares of the contracted security determined pursuant to the formula. If shares are delivered in the settlement of the forward contract, TDS would incur a current tax liability at the time of delivery. If TDS elects to settle in cash, it will be required to pay an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of the number of shares determined pursuant to the formula. TDS provides and U.S. Cellular provided guarantees to the counterparties which provide assurance that all principal and interest amounts will be paid by its consolidated subsidiaries upon settlement of the contracts.

A portion of the forward contracts related to the Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares held by TDS matured in July through September 2007. The loan amounts associated with the forward contracts were $516.9 million. TDS elected to deliver a substantial majority of the 45,492,172 Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares in settlement of the forward contracts maturing in July through September 2007, and to dispose of the remaining Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares related to such forward contracts. TDS recognized a pre-tax gain of $248.9 million at the time of the delivery of the Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares. Since shares were delivered in the settlement of the forward contract, TDS incurred a current tax liability in the amount of $176.5 million at the time of the delivery. After these forward contracts were settled in July through September 2007, TDS owns 85,969,689 of the Deutsche Telekom ordinary shares and has a derivative liability of $516.6 million under the related forward contract. TDS will determine whether to settle the remaining forward contracts in shares or in cash at a time closer to the maturity dates.

The forward contracts related to the VeriSign common shares held by TDS and the Vodafone ADRs held by U.S. Cellular matured in May 2007. The loan amounts associated with the forward contracts related to the VeriSign common shares held by TDS and the Vodafone ADRs held by U.S. Cellular were $20.8 million and $159.9 million, respectively. TDS elected to deliver a substantial majority of the 2,361,333 VeriSign common shares in settlement of the forward contracts, and to dispose of all of its remaining VeriSign common shares in connection therewith. U.S. Cellular elected to deliver a substantial majority of its 8,964,698 Vodafone ADRs in settlement of the forward contracts, and to dispose of all of its remaining Vodafone ADRs in connection therewith. TDS recognized a pre-tax gain of $137.9 million at the time of the delivery of the VeriSign common shares and Vodafone ADRs. Since shares were delivered in the settlement of the forward contracts, TDS incurred a current tax liability in the amount of $43.4 million at the time of the delivery. After these forward contracts were settled in May 2007, TDS no longer owns any VeriSign common shares, U.S. Cellular no longer owns any Vodafone ADRs and TDS and U.S. Cellular no longer have any liability or other obligations under these forward contracts.

The following table details the outstanding forward contracts, related marketable equity securities, and maturity dates of the contracts as of September 30, 2007, all of which relate to TDS:

Marketable Equity Security	Shares	Loan Amounts			Maturity Date
		(Dollars in thousands)

Vodafone Group Plc	2,362,976	$	41,183		Fourth Quarter 2007
Deutsche Telekom AG	30,000,000	340,963			First Quarter 2008

Deutsche Telekom AG	38,000,000	452,104			Second Quarter 2008
Unamortized Discount		(6,094		)
		446,010

Deutsche Telekom AG	17,969,689	222,298			Third Quarter 2008
Unamortized Discount		(8,387		)
		213,911
		$	1,042,067

TDS is, and until May 2007 (when U.S. Cellular settled its forward contracts as discussed above) U.S. Cellular was, required to comply with certain covenants under the forward contracts. On November 6, 2005, TDS and U.S. Cellular announced that they would restate certain financial statements which caused TDS and U.S. Cellular to be late with certain SEC filings. In addition, on April 23, 2007, TDS announced another restatement that caused a further delay in TDS’ SEC filings. Before TDS and U.S. Cellular filed the foregoing restatements and became current in their SEC filings on or prior to June 19, 2007, the restatements and late filings resulted in defaults under the forward contracts. TDS and U.S. Cellular were not in violation of any covenants that require TDS and U.S. Cellular to maintain certain financial ratios, and TDS and U.S. Cellular did not fail to make any scheduled payments under such forward contracts. TDS and U.S. Cellular received waivers from the counterparty associated with the forward contracts, under which the lenders agreed to waive any defaults that may have occurred as a result of the restatements and late filings. TDS believes that it was in compliance as of September 30, 2007 with all covenants and other requirements set forth in its forward contracts.

18. Commitments and Contingencies

Indemnity Agreements

TDS enters into agreements in the normal course of business that provide for indemnification of counterparties. These agreements include certain asset sales and financings with other parties. The terms of the indemnifications vary by agreement. The events or circumstances that would require TDS to perform under these indemnities are transaction specific; however, these agreements may require TDS to indemnify the counterparty for costs and losses incurred from any litigation or claims arising from the underlying transaction. TDS is unable to estimate the maximum potential liability for these types of indemnifications as the amounts are dependent on the outcome of future events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time. Historically, TDS has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements.

TDS is party to an indemnity agreement with T-Mobile USA Inc. (“T-Mobile”) regarding certain contingent liabilities at Aerial Communications, Inc. (“Aerial”) for the period prior to Aerial’s merger into VoiceStream Wireless. As of September 30, 2007, TDS has recorded liabilities of $0.9 million relating to this indemnity, which represents its best estimate of its probable liability.

Legal Proceedings

TDS is involved or may be involved from time to time in legal proceedings before the FCC, other regulatory authorities, and various state and federal courts. In accordance with FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, if TDS believes that a loss arising from such legal proceedings is probable and can be reasonably estimated, an amount is accrued in the financial statements for the estimated loss. If only a range of loss can be determined, the best estimate within that range is accrued; if none of the estimates within that range is better than another, the low end of the range is accrued. The assessment of the expected outcomes of legal proceedings is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events. The legal proceedings are reviewed at least quarterly to determine the adequacy of accruals and related financial statement disclosures. The ultimate outcomes of legal proceedings could differ materially from amounts accrued in the financial statements.

Regulatory Environment

Changes in the telecommunications regulatory environment, including the effects of potential changes in the rules governing universal service funding and potential changes in the amounts or methods of intercarrier compensation, could have a material adverse effect on TDS Telecom’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

19. Minority Interest in Subsidiaries

Under FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity, certain minority interests in consolidated entities with finite lives may meet the standard’s definition of a mandatorily redeemable financial instrument and thus require reclassification as liabilities and remeasurement at the estimated amount of cash that would be due and payable to settle such minority interests under the applicable entity’s organization agreement assuming an orderly liquidation of the finite-lived entity, net of estimated liquidation costs (the “settlement value”). TDS’ consolidated financial statements include certain minority interests that meet the standard’s definition of mandatorily redeemable financial instruments. These mandatorily redeemable minority interests represent interests held by third parties in consolidated partnerships and limited liability companies (“L.L.C.s”), where the terms of the underlying partnership or L.L.C. agreement provide for a defined termination date at which time the assets of the subsidiary are to be sold, the liabilities are to be extinguished and the remaining net proceeds are to be distributed to the minority interest holders and TDS in accordance with the respective partnership and L.L.C. agreements. The termination dates of TDS’ mandatorily redeemable minority interests range from 2042 to 2105.

The settlement value of TDS’ mandatorily redeemable minority interests is estimated to be $214.5 million at September 30, 2007. This represents the estimated amount of cash that would be due and payable to settle minority interests assuming an orderly liquidation of the finite-lived consolidated partnerships and L.L.C.s on September 30, 2007, net of estimated liquidation costs. This amount is being disclosed pursuant to the requirements of FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 150-3; TDS has no current plans or intentions to liquidate any of the related partnerships or L.L.C.s prior to their scheduled termination dates. The corresponding carrying value of the minority interests in finite-lived consolidated partnerships and L.L.C.s at September 30, 2007 is $37.5 million, and is included in the Balance Sheet caption Minority interest in subsidiaries. The excess of the aggregate settlement value over the aggregate carrying value of the mandatorily redeemable minority interests of $177.0 million is primarily due to the unrecognized appreciation of the minority interest holders’ share of the underlying net assets in the consolidated partnerships and L.L.C.s. Neither the minority interest holders’ share, nor TDS’ share, of the appreciation of the underlying net assets of these subsidiaries is reflected in the consolidated financial statements. The estimate of settlement value was based on certain factors and assumptions which are subjective in nature. Changes in those factors and assumptions could result in a materially larger or smaller settlement amount.

20. Common Share Repurchase Programs

On March 2, 2007, the Board of Directors of TDS authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million of TDS Special Common Shares from time to time through open market purchases, block transactions, private purchases or otherwise. The authorization will expire March 2, 2010. As of September 30, 2007, TDS repurchased 1,483,193 Special Common Shares for $89.1 million, or an average of $60.03 per share pursuant to this authorization. TDS did not repurchase any common shares in 2006.

The Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular has authorized the repurchase of up to 1% of the outstanding U.S. Cellular Common Shares held by non-affiliates on a quarterly basis, primarily for use in employee benefit plans (the “Limited Authorization”). This authorization does not have an expiration date.

On March 6, 2007, the Board of Directors of U.S. Cellular authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 Common Shares of U.S. Cellular (the “Additional Authorization”) from time to time through open market purchases, block transactions, private transactions or other methods. This authorization was in addition to U.S. Cellular’s existing Limited Authorization discussed above, and was scheduled to expire on March 6, 2010. However, as discussed below, because this authorization was fully utilized, no further purchases are available under this authorization.

U.S. Cellular has entered into accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements to purchase its shares through an investment banking firm in private transactions. The repurchased shares are being held as treasury shares. In connection with each ASR, the investment banking firm will purchase an equivalent number of shares in the open-market over time. Each program must be completed within two years of the trade date of the respective ASR. At the end of each program, U.S. Cellular will receive or pay a price adjustment based on the average price of shares acquired by the investment banking firm pursuant to the ASR during the purchase period, less a negotiated discount. The purchase price adjustment can be settled, at U.S. Cellular’s option, in cash or in U.S. Cellular Common Shares. The subsequent purchase price adjustment will change the cost basis of the U.S. Cellular treasury shares.

Activity related to U.S. Cellular’s repurchases of shares through ASR transactions on April 4 and July 10, 2007 and its obligations and potential obligations to the investment banking firm, are detailed in the table below.

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	April 4, 2007		July 10, 2007		Totals
Number of Shares Repurchased by U.S. Cellular (1)	670,000		168,000		838,000
Weighted average price (2)	$	73.22	$	96.10
Initial purchase price to investment banking firm	$	49,057	$	16,145	$	65,202

Number of Shares Purchased by Investment Banking Firm (As of September 30, 2007)	181,970		—		181,970
Average price of shares, net of discount, purchased by Investment banking firm	$	78.51	—
Additional amount due to investment banking firm for shares purchased through September 30, 2007 (3)	$	967	—		$	967
Equivalent number of shares based on September 30, 2007 closing price (4)	9,847		—		9,847

Remaining Shares to be Purchased by Investment Banking Firm under ASR	488,030		168,000		656,030
Potential additional cost of remaining shares to be purchased(5)	$	11,898	$	202	$	12,100
Potential additional shares to settle ASR based on September 30, 2007 closing price (6)	121,163		2,053		123,216

Total Potential Additional Cost to Settle ASR, Based on September 30, 2007 Closing Price
If settled in cash	$	12,865	$	202	$	13,067
If settled in shares	131,010		2,053		133,063

(1) The repurchased shares are being held as treasury shares.

(2) Weighted average price includes any per share discount and commission paid to the investment banking firm.

(3) Represents the purchase price adjustment owed by U.S. Cellular to the investment banking firm as of September 30, 2007 for the shares purchased through such date, based on the difference between the price paid per share by U.S. Cellular in connection with the ASR, and the average price paid per share by the investment banking firm.

(4) Represents the number of additional U.S. Cellular Common Shares that would need to be delivered to the investment banking firm based on the closing price of $98.20 on September 30, 2007, if U.S. Cellular settled the additional amount due described in footnote (3) with shares.

(5) Represents the additional purchase price adjustment that would be potentially owed by U.S. Cellular to the investment banking firm as of September 30, 2007 based on the difference between the initial price paid per share by U.S. Cellular in connection with the ASR, and the closing price of U.S. Cellular Common Shares on September 30, 2007.

(6) Represents the number of additional U.S. Cellular Common Shares that would need to be delivered to the investment banking firm based on the closing price of $98.20 on September 30, 2007, if U.S. Cellular settled the potential additional amount due described in footnote (5) with shares.

At September 30, 2007, there were 656,030 shares remaining to be purchased by the investment banking firm pursuant to the ASRs. Thus, the amounts owed and potentially owed by U.S. Cellular to the investment banking firm as shown in the table above would increase or decrease by $656,030 for each $1 increase or decrease in the U.S. Cellular stock price of $98.20 as of September 30, 2007. Any amount owed will be settled at the conclusion of each program.

TDS’ ownership percentage of U.S. Cellular increases upon such U.S. Cellular share repurchases. Therefore, TDS accounts for U.S. Cellular’s purchases of U.S. Cellular Common Shares as step acquisitions using purchase accounting. In addition, the subsequent ASR purchase price adjustment may result in additional amounts being allocated to licenses, goodwill and customer lists at TDS.

21. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The cumulative balances of unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities, derivative instruments and retirement plans and related income tax effects included in Accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows.

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2007			2006
	(Dollars in thousands)
Marketable Equity Securities
Balance, beginning of period	$	749,978		$	578,273
Add (deduct):
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities	150,512			(87,605		)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(56,091		)	34,923
	94,421			(52,682		)
Unrealized gain (loss) of equity method companies	35			(190		)
Minority share of unrealized (gains) losses	(2,536		)	(1,445		)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities	91,920			(54,317		)

Recognized gain on sale of marketable equity securities	(500,126		)	—
Income tax expense	182,948			—
	(317,178		)
Minority share of income	15,586			—
Net recognized gain on sale of marketable equity securities	(301,592		)	—
Net change in marketable equity securities	(209,672		)	(54,317		)
Application of FIN 48	30,306			—
Balance, end of period	$	570,612		$	523,956

Derivative Instruments
Balance, beginning of period	$	(215,122	)	$	(214,632	)
Add (deduct):
Minority share of unrealized gains	—			(3		)
Net change in unrealized losses on derivative instruments	—			(3		)

Recognized gain on settlement of derivative instruments	113,346			—
Income tax expense	(41,463		)	—
	71,883
Minority share of income	549			—
Net recognized gain on settlement of derivatives	72,432			—
Net change in derivative instruments	72,432			(3		)
Application of FIN 48	(9,583		)	—
Balance, end of period	$	(152,273	)	$	(214,635	)

Retirement Plans
Balance, beginning of period	$	(12,743	)	$	—
Add (deduct):
Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost for the period				—
Amortization of prior service cost, net of taxes	(381		)	—
Amortization of unrecognized net loss, net of taxes	626			—
Net change in retirement plans included in comprehensive income	245			—
Balance, end of year	$	(12,498	)	$	—

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance, beginning of period	$	522,113		$	363,641
Net change in marketable equity securities	(209,672		)	(54,317		)
Net change in derivative instruments	72,432			(3		)
Net change in retirement plans	245			—
Net change included in comprehensive income	(136,995		)	(54,320		)
Application of FIN 48	20,723			—
Balance, end of period	$	405,841		$	309,321

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2007			2006
	(Dollars in thousands)
Comprehensive Income
Net income	$	442,435		$	277,995
Net change in unrealized losses included in comprehensive income	(136,995		)	(54,320		)
	$	305,440		$	223,675

22. Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, was $12.1 million and $22.9 million, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, was $13.0 million and $27.7 million, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is primarily recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense.

At September 30, 2007, TDS’ unrecognized compensation cost for all stock-based compensation awards was $29.4 million. The unrecognized compensation cost for stock-based compensation awards at September 30, 2007 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.8 years.

TDS

The information in this section relates to stock-based compensation plans utilizing the equity instruments of TDS. Participants in these plans are generally employees of TDS Corporate and TDS Telecom, although U.S. Cellular employees are eligible to participate in the TDS Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Information related to plans utilizing the equity instruments of U.S. Cellular are shown in the following U.S. Cellular section.

Effective January 1, 2006, TDS adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123(R)”), using the modified prospective transition method. Upon adoption of SFAS 123(R), TDS elected to continue to value its share-based payment transactions using the Black-Scholes valuation model, which was previously used by TDS for purposes of preparing the pro forma disclosures under SFAS 123.

Under the TDS 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (and a predecessor plan), TDS may grant fixed and performance-based incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation stock unit awards to key employees. TDS has reserved 2,150,000 Common Shares and 9,584,000 Special Common Shares at September 30, 2007, for equity awards granted and to be granted under this plan. At September 30, 2007, the only types of awards outstanding are fixed non-qualified stock option awards, restricted stock unit awards, and deferred compensation stock unit awards. As of September 30, 2007 TDS has also reserved 308,000 Special Common Shares under an employee stock purchase plan. The maximum number of TDS Common Shares and TDS Special Common Shares that may be issued to employees under all stock-based compensation plans in effect at September 30, 2007 was 2,150,000 and 9,892,000 shares, respectively. TDS has also created a Non-Employee Directors’ Plan under which it has reserved 66,000 Special Common Shares of TDS stock for issuance as compensation to members of the board of directors who are not employees of TDS. TDS currently utilizes treasury stock to satisfy stock option exercises, issuances under its employee stock purchase plan, restricted stock unit awards and deferred compensation stock unit awards.

Stock Options—Non qualified stock options granted to key employees are exercisable over a specified period not in excess of ten years. Stock options generally vest over periods up to four years from the date of grant. Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2007 expire between 2007 and 2017. TDS estimates the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes valuation model. TDS granted 873,000 stock options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. TDS granted 1,105,000 stock options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006. TDS used the assumptions shown in the table below in valuing the options granted in 2007.

Expected Life	4.0 years
Expected Annual Volatility Rate	19.5	%
Dividend Yield	0.7	%
Risk Free Interest Rate	4.7	%
Estimated Annual Forfeiture Rate	1.0	%

A summary of TDS’ stock options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2007 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is presented below:

Tandem Options (1)

	Number of Options	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2006	2,254,000	$	76.59	5.4	$	118,075,000
(2,193,000 exercisable)		76.89		5.3	114,208,000
Granted	—	—			—
Exercised	1,101,000	75.85			51,021,000
Forfeited	1,000	65.96			47,000
Expired	11,000	77.85			577,000
Outstanding at September 30, 2007	1,141,000	77.20		4.7	58,815,000
(1,141,000 exercisable)		$	77.20	4.7	$	58,815,000

Special Common Options

	Number of Options	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2006	1,402,000	$	40.15	9.6	$	30,635,000
(1,400,000 exercisable)		40.15		9.6	30,578,000
Granted	873,000	59.45			2,226,000
Exercised