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Introduction (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of changes in accounting policies, accounting estimates and errors [Abstract]  
Description of accounting policy for foreign currency translation
Financial information in these financial statements are shown in the US dollar presentation currency of the Group and rounded to the nearest million (US$ million) except where otherwise indicated. The financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which each entity operates (the functional currency). The functional currency of each subsidiary, joint venture and associate reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances of these entities. Except for El Salvador where the functional currency is US dollar, the functional currency in other countries is the local currency.
The results and financial position of all Group entities (none of which operate in an economy with a hyperinflationary environment) with functional currency other than the US dollar presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:
(i)    Assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate on the date of the statement of financial position;
(ii)
Income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates (unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions); and
(iii)
All resulting exchange differences are recognized as a separate component of equity (currency translation reserve), in the caption “Other reserves”.
On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of net investments in foreign operations, and of borrowings and other currency instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are recorded in equity. When the Group disposes of or loses control over a foreign operation, exchange differences that were recorded in equity are recognized in the consolidated income statement as part of gain or loss on sale or loss of control.
Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and translated at the closing rate.
Foreign exchange gains and losses
Transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency using exchange rates prevailing at the transaction dates. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions, and on translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency at year-end exchange rates, are recognized in the consolidated statement of income, except when deferred in equity as qualifying cash flow hedges.
Description of accounting policy for subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to Millicom. If facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the elements of control, a reassessment is performed to determine if control still exists. Subsidiaries are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases. Transactions with non-controlling interests are accounted for as transactions with equity owners of the Group. Gains or losses on disposals of non-controlling interests are recorded in equity. For purchases from non-controlling interests, the difference between any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is also recorded in equity.
Description of accounting policy for investments in joint ventures
Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are initially recognized at cost (calculated at fair value if it was a subsidiary of the Group before becoming a joint venture). The Group’s investments in joint ventures include goodwill (net of any accumulated impairment loss) on acquisition.
The Group’s share of post-acquisition profits or losses of joint ventures is recognized in the consolidated statement of income and its share of post-acquisition movements in reserves is recognized in reserves. Cumulative post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount of the investments. When the Group’s share of losses in a joint venture equals or exceeds its interest in the joint venture, including any other unsecured receivables, the Group does not recognize further losses, unless the Group has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the joint ventures.
Gains on transactions between the Group and its joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the joint ventures. Losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of joint ventures have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group. Dilution gains and losses arising in investments in joint ventures are recognized in the statement of income.
After application of the equity method, including recognizing the joint ventures’ losses, the Group applies IAS 39 to determine whether it is necessary to recognize any additional impairment loss with respect to its net investment in the joint venture.
Description of accounting policy for investment in associates
The Group accounts for associates in the same way as it accounts for joint ventures.
Description of accounting policy for discontinued operations
Discontinued operations are those which have identifiable operations and cash flows (for both operating and management purposes) and represent a major line of business or geographic area which has been disposed of, or are held for sale. Revenue and expenses associated with discontinued operations are presented retrospectively in a separate line in the consolidated statement of income. Millicom determined that the loss of path to control of operations by the termination of a contractual arrangement (e.g. termination without exercise of an unconditional call option agreement giving path to control, as occurred with the Guatemala and Honduras operations) does not require presentation as a discontinued operation.
Description of accounting policy for recognition of revenue
Revenue is recognized at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer.
Post-paid connection fees are derived from the payment of a non-refundable / one-time fee charged to customer to connect to the network (e.g. connection / installation fee). Usually, it does not represent a distinct good or service, and therefore does not give rise to a separate performance obligation and revenue is recognized over the minimum contract duration. However, if the fee is paid by a customer to get the right to receive goods or services without having to pay this fee again over his tenure with the Group (e.g. the customer can readily extend his contract without having to pay the same fee again), it is accounted for as a material right and revenue should be recognized over the customer retention period.
Post-paid mobile / cable subscription fees are recognized over the relevant enforceable/subscribed service period (recurring monthly access fees that do not vary based on usage). The service provision is usually considered as a series of distinct services that have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. Remaining unrecognized subscription fees, which are not refunded to the customers, are fully recognized once the customer has been disconnected.
Prepaid scratch / SIM cards are services where customers purchase a specified amount of airtime or other credit in advance. Revenue is recognized as the credit is used. Unused credit is carried in the statement of financial position as a contract liability. Upon expiration of the validity period, the portion of the contract liability relating to the expiring credit is recognized as revenue, since there is no longer an obligation to provide those services.
Telephone and equipment sales are recognized as revenue once the customer obtains control of the good. That criteria is fulfilled when the customer has the ability to direct the use and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from that good.
Revenue from provision of Mobile Financial Services (MFS) is recognized once the primary service has been provided to the customer.
Customer premise equipment (CPE) are provided to customers as a prerequisite to receive the subscribed Home services and shall be returned at the end of the contract duration. Since CPEs provided over the contract term do not provide benefit to the customer on their own, they do not give rise to separate performance obligations and therefore are accounted for as part of the service provided to the customers.
Bundled offers are considered arrangements with multiple deliverables or elements, which can lead to the identification of separate performance obligations. Revenue is recognized in accordance with the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the relative standalone selling price of the performance obligation (e.g. sale of telecom services, revenue over time + sale of handset, revenue at a point in time).
Principal-Agent, some arrangements involve two or more unrelated parties that contribute to providing a specified good or service to a customer. In these instances, the Group determines whether it has promised to provide the specified good or service itself (as a principal) or to arrange for those specified goods or services to be provided by another party (as an agent). For example, performance obligations relating to services provided by third-party content providers (i.e., mobile Value Added Services or “VAS”) or service providers (i.e., wholesale international traffic) where the Group neither controls a right to the provider’s service nor controls the underlying service itself are presented net because the Group is acting as an agent. The Group generally acts as a principal for other types of services where the Group is the primary obligor of the arrangement. In cases the Group determines that it acts as a principal, revenue is recognized in the gross amount, whereas in cases the Group acts as an agent revenue is recognized in the net amount.
Revenue from the sale of cables, fiber, wavelength or capacity contracts, when part of the ordinary activities of the operation, is recognized as recurring revenue. Revenue is recognized when the cable, fiber, wavelength or capacity has been delivered to the customer, based on the amount expected to be received from the customer.
Revenue from operating lease of tower space is recognized over the period of the underlying lease contracts. Finance leases revenue is apportioned between lease of tower space and interest income.
Description of accounting policy for expenses
Cost of sales
Cost of sales is recorded on an accrual basis.
Customer acquisition costs
Specific customer acquisition costs, including dealer commissions and handset subsidies, are charged to marketing expenses when the customer is activated.
Operating leases
Operating leases are all leases that do not qualify as finance leases. Operating lease payments are recognized as expenses in the consolidated statement of income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Description of accounting policy for segment reporting
Management determines operating and reportable segments based on information used by the chief operating decision maker (CODM) to make strategic and operational decisions from both a business and geographic perspective. The Group’s risks and rates of return are predominantly affected by operating in different geographical regions. The Group has businesses in two main regions: Latin America ("Latam") and Africa. The Latam figures below include Honduras and Guatemala as if they are fully consolidated by the Group, as this reflects the way management reviews and uses internally reported information to make decisions. Honduras and Guatemala are shown under the Latam segment. The joint venture in Ghana is not reported as if fully consolidated. As from January 1, 2018, segment EBITDA includes inter-company management fees and incentive compensation paid to local management teams. These items, were previously included in unallocated corporate costs.
Description of accounting policy for share-based payment transactions
The cost of these plans is recognized, together with a corresponding increase in equity (share compensation reserve), over the period in which the performance and/or employment conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. Adjustments are made to the expense recorded for forfeitures, mainly due to management and employees leaving Millicom. Non-market performance conditions are not taken into account when determining the grant date fair value of awards, but the likelihood of the conditions being met is assessed as part of the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest.
No expense is recognized for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market condition. These are treated as vested, regardless of whether or not the market conditions are satisfied, provided that all other performance conditions are satisfied. Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, as a minimum an expense is recognized as if the terms had not been modified. In addition, an expense is recognized for any modification that increases the total fair value of the share based payment arrangement, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee as measured at the date of modification.
Description of accounting policy for employee benefits
The pension plans apply to employees who meet certain criteria (including years of service, age and participation in collective agreements).
Pension and other similar employee related obligations can result from either defined contribution plans or defined benefit plans. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. No further payment obligations exist once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognized as employee benefit expenses when they are due. Prepaid contributions are recognized as assets to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in future payments is available.
Defined benefit pension plans define an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation. The liability recognized in the statement of financial position in respect of the defined benefit pension plan is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the statement of financial position date less the fair value of plan assets, together with adjustments for unrecognized actuarial gains or losses and past service costs. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows, using an appropriate discount rate based on maturities of the related pension liability.
Re-measurement of net defined benefit liabilities are recognized in other comprehensive income and not reclassified to the statement of income in subsequent years.
Past service costs are recognized in the statement of income on the earlier of the date of the plan amendment or curtailment, and the date that the Group recognizes related restructuring costs.
Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit asset/liability.
Long-service plans
Long-service plans apply for Colombian subsidiary UNE employees with more than five years of service whereby additional bonuses are paid to employees that reach each incremental length of service milestone (from five to 40 years).
Termination plans
In addition, UNE has a number of employee defined benefit plans. The level of benefits provided under the plans depends on collective employment agreements and Colombian labor regulations. There are no defined assets related to the plans, and UNE make payments to settle obligations under the plans out of available cash balances.
Description of accounting policy for deferred income tax
Deferred tax is calculated using the liability method on temporary differences at the statement of financial position date between the tax base of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount for financial reporting purposes.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except where the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting, nor taxable profit or loss.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for all temporary differences including unused tax credits and tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences can be utilized, except where the deferred tax assets relate to deductible temporary differences from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination, and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting, nor taxable profit or loss. It is probable that taxable profit will be available when there are sufficient taxable temporary differences relating to the same tax authority and the same taxable entity which are expected to reverse in the same period as the expected reversal of the deductible temporary difference.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each statement of financial position date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to utilize them. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each statement of financial position date and are recognized to the extent it is probable that future taxable profit will enable the asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rate expected to apply in the year when the assets are realized or liabilities settled, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset where legally enforceable set off rights exist and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
Description of accounting policy for earnings per share
Basic earnings (loss) per share are calculated by dividing net profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.
Diluted earnings (loss) per share are calculated by dividing the net profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, plus the weighted average number of dilutive potential shares.
Description of accounting policy for treasury shares
Where any Group company purchases the Company’s share capital, the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs, is shown under Treasury shares and deducted from equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders until the shares are canceled, reissued or disposed of. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable incremental costs and the related income tax effects is included in equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders.
Description of accounting policy for intangible assets and goodwill
Intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions are initially measured at fair value at the date of acquisition, and those which are acquired separately are measured at cost. Internally generated intangible assets, excluding capitalized development costs, are not capitalized but expensed to the statement of income in the expense category consistent with the function of the intangible assets. Subsequently intangible assets are carried at cost, less any accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses.
Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful economic lives using the straight-line method and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. The amortization period and the amortization method for intangible assets with finite useful lives are reviewed at least at each financial year end. Changes in expected useful lives or the expected beneficial use of the assets are accounted for by changing the amortization period or method, as appropriate, and treated as changes in accounting estimates.
Amortization expense on intangible assets with finite lives is recognized in the consolidated statement of income in the expense category consistent with the function of the intangible assets.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost of an acquisition over the Group’s share in the fair value of identifiable assets less liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired subsidiary, at the date of the acquisition. If the fair value or the cost of the acquisition can only be determined provisionally, then goodwill is initially accounted for using provisional values. Within 12 months of the acquisition date, any adjustments to the provisional values are recognized. This is done when the fair values and the cost of the acquisition have been finally determined. Adjustments to provisional fair values are made as if the adjusted fair values had been recognized from the acquisition date. Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets, net. Goodwill on acquisition of joint ventures or associates is included in investments in joint ventures and associates. Following initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost, less any accumulated impairment losses. Gains or losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.
Where goodwill forms part of a cash-generating unit (or group of cash-generating units) and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal. Goodwill disposed of in this manner is measured, based on the relative values of the operation disposed and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained.
Licenses
Licenses are recorded at either historical cost or, if acquired in a business combination, at fair value at the date of acquisition. Cost includes cost of acquisition and other costs directly related to acquisition and retention of licenses over the license period. These costs may include estimates related to fulfillment of terms and conditions related to the licenses such as service or coverage obligations, and may include up-front and deferred payments.
Licenses have a finite useful life and are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of the licenses over their estimated useful lives.
The terms of licenses, which have been awarded for various periods, are subject to periodic review for, among other things, rate setting, frequency allocation and technical standards. Licenses are initially measured at cost and are amortized from the date the network is available for use on a straight-line basis over the license period. Licenses held, subject to certain conditions, are usually renewable and generally non-exclusive. When estimating useful lives of licenses, renewal periods are included only if there is evidence to support renewal by the Group without significant cost.
Trademarks and customer lists
Trademarks and customer bases are recognized as intangible assets only when acquired or gained in a business combination. Their cost represents fair value at the date of acquisition. Trademarks and customer bases have indefinite or finite useful lives. Indefinite useful life trademarks are tested for impairment annually. Finite useful life trademarks are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of the trademarks and customer bases over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives for trademarks and customer bases are based on specific characteristics of the market in which they exist. Trademarks and customer bases are included in Intangible assets, net.
Description of accounting policy for impairment of non-financial assets
At each reporting date Millicom assesses whether there is an indication that a non-financial asset may be impaired. If any such indication exists, or when annual impairment testing for a non-financial asset is required, an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount is made. The recoverable amount is determined based on the higher of its fair value less cost to sell, and its value in use, for individual assets, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets.
Where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. Where no comparable market information is available, the fair value, less cost to sell, is determined based on the estimated future cash flows discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market conditions for the time value of money and risks specific to the asset. The foregoing analysis also evaluates the appropriateness of the expected useful lives of the assets. Impairment losses of continuing operations are recognized in the consolidated statement of income in expense categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset.
At each reporting date an assessment is made as to whether there is any indication that previously recognized impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount is estimated. Other than for goodwill, a previously recognized impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimate used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. If so, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount. The increased amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in profit or loss.
After such a reversal, the depreciation charge is adjusted in future periods to allocate the asset’s revised carrying amount, less any residual value, on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life.
Description of accounting policy for impairment of assets
Goodwill from CGUs is tested for impairment at least each year and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed.
Goodwill arising on business combinations is allocated to each of the Group’s CGUs or groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the Group are assigned to those units or groups of units. Each unit or group of units to which the goodwill is allocated:
•
Represents the lowest level within the Group at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes; and
•
Is not larger than an operating segment.
Impairment is determined by assessing the value-in-use and, if appropriate, the fair value less costs to sell of the CGU (or group of CGUs), to which goodwill relates.
Description of accounting policy for property, plant and equipment
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at either historical cost, or the lower of fair value and present value of the future minimum lease payments for assets under finance leases, less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to acquisition of items. The carrying amount of replaced parts is derecognized.
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the remaining life of the license associated with the assets, unless the renewal of the license is contractually possible.
Estimated useful lives
 
Duration
Buildings
 
40 years or lease period, if shorter
Networks (including civil works)
 
5 to 15 years or lease period, if shorter
Other
 
2 to 7 years


The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The assets’ residual value and useful life is reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each statement of financial position date. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if its carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.
Construction in progress consists of the cost of assets, labor and other direct costs associated with property, plant and equipment being constructed by the Group, or purchased assets which have yet to be deployed. When the assets become operational, the related costs are transferred from construction in progress to the appropriate asset category and depreciation commences.
Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. Ongoing routine repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of income in the financial period in which they are incurred.
Costs of major inspections and overhauls are added to the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and the carrying amount of previous major inspections and overhauls is derecognized.
Equipment installed on customer premises which is not sold to customers is capitalized and amortized over the customer contract period.
A liability for the present value of the cost to remove an asset on both owned and leased sites (for example cell towers) and for assets installed on customer premises (for example set-top boxes), is recognized when a present obligation for the removal exists. The corresponding cost of the obligation is included in the cost of the asset and depreciated over the useful life of the asset, or lease period if shorter.
Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of a qualifying asset are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset when it is probable that such costs will contribute to future economic benefits for the Group and the costs can be measured reliably.
Description of accounting policy for non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale
If Millicom decides to sell subsidiaries, investments in joint ventures or associates, or specific non-current assets in its businesses, these items qualify as assets held for sale if certain conditions are met.
Non-current assets (or disposal groups) are classified as assets held for sale and stated at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell if their carrying amount is expected to be recovered principally through sale, not through continuing use. Liabilities of disposal groups are classified as Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale.
Description of accounting policy for trade receivables
Trade receivables are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less provision for expected credit losses. The Group recognizes an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) applying a simplified approach in calculating the ECLs. Therefore, the Group does not track changes in credit risk, but instead recognizes a loss allowance based on lifetime of ECLs at each reporting date. The Group has established a provision matrix that is based on its historical credit loss experience, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment. The provision for expected credit losses is recognized in the consolidated statement of income within Cost of sales.
Description of accounting policy for loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets, except for those maturing more than 12 months after the end of the reporting period. These are classified within non-current assets. Loans and receivables are carried at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Gains and losses are recognized in the statement of income when the loans and receivables are derecognized or impaired, as well as through the amortization process.
Description of accounting policy for measuring inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less applicable variable selling expenses.
Description of accounting policy for trade and other payables
Trade payables are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method where the effect of the passage of time is material.
Description of accounting policy for provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, if it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Where the Group expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, for example under an insurance contract, the reimbursement is recognized as a separate asset, but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain.
The expense relating to any provision is presented in the statement of income net of any reimbursement. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, increases in the provision due to the passage of time are recognized as interest expenses.
Description of accounting policy for leases
Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and involves an assessment of whether the fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and whether or not the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset. The sale and leaseback of towers and related site operating leases and service contracts are accounted for in accordance with the underlying characteristics of the assets, and the terms and conditions of the lease agreements. On transfer to the tower companies, the portion of the towers leased back are accounted for as operating leases or finance leases according to the criteria set out above. The portion of towers being leased back represents the dedicated part of each tower on which Millicom’s equipment is located and was derived from the average technical capacity of the towers. Rights to use the land on which the towers are located are accounted for as operating leases, and costs of services for the towers are recorded as operating expenses.

Operating leases
Operating leases are all other leases that are not finance leases. Operating lease payments are recognized as expenses in the consolidated statement of income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Finance leases
Finance leases, which transfer substantially all risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item to the lessee, are capitalized at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income. Where a finance lease results from a sale and leaseback transaction, any excess of sales proceeds over the carrying amount of the assets is deferred and amortized over the lease term. Capitalized leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets, or the lease term if there is no reasonable certainty that the Group will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term.
Description of accounting policy for income tax
Current tax assets and liabilities for current and prior periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rate and tax laws used to compute the amount are those enacted or substantively enacted by the statement of financial position date.
The Group operates in developing countries where the tax systems, regulations and enforcement processes have varying stages of development creating uncertainty regarding the application of the tax law and interpretation of tax treatments. The Group is also subject to regular tax audits in the countries where it operates. When there is uncertainty over whether the taxation authority will accept a specific tax treatment under the local tax law, that tax treatment is therefore uncertain. The resolution of tax positions taken by the Group, through negotiations with relevant tax authorities or through litigation, can take several years to complete and, in some cases, it is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome. Therefore, judgment is required to determine provisions for taxes.
In assessing whether and how an uncertain tax treatment affects the determination of taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and tax rates, the Group assumes that a taxation authority with the right to examine amounts reported to it will examine those amounts and have full knowledge of all relevant information when making those examinations.
The Group has a process in place to identify its uncertain tax positions. Management then considers whether or not it is probable that a taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment. On that basis, the identified risks are split into three categories (i) remote risks (risk of outflow of tax payments are up to 20%), (ii) possible risks (risk of outflow of tax payments assessed from 21% to 49%) and probable risks (risk of outflow is more than 50%). The process is repeated every quarter by the Group.
If the Group concludes that it is probable or certain that the taxation authority will accept the tax treatment, the risks are categorized either as possible or remote, and it determines the taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits or tax rates consistently with the tax treatment used or planned to be used in its income tax filings. The risks considered as possible are not provisioned but disclosed as tax contingencies in the Group consolidated financial statements while remote risks are neither provisioned nor disclosed.
If the Group concludes that it is probable that the taxation authority will not accept the Group’s interpretation of the uncertain tax treatment, the risks are categorized as probable, and are presented to reflect the effect of uncertainty in determining the related taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits or tax rates by generally using the most likely amount method – the single most likely amount in a range of possible outcomes.
If an uncertain tax treatment affects both deferred tax and current tax, the Group makes consistent estimates and judgments for both. For example, an uncertain tax treatment may affect both taxable profits used to determine the current tax and tax bases used to determine deferred tax.
If facts and circumstances change, the Group reassesses the judgments and estimates regarding the uncertain tax position taken.