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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |
Number of wireless connections |  | 5,000,000 |  |
Wireline and Cable connections |  | 1,200,000 |  |
Service |  | $ 4,050 | $ 4,356 | $ 4,338
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities |  | 85 | 95 | 113
Advertising costs |  | $ 263 | 268 | 228
U.S. Cellular |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |
TDS ownership of U.S. Cellular |  | 83.00% |  |
Agent liability |  | $ 57 | 76 |
Service | [1] | $ 3,081 | 3,384 | $ 3,407
U.S. Cellular | Loyalty Rewards Program |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |
Service |  |  | $ 58 |
[1] | Equipment installment plan interest income is reflected as a component of Service revenues consistent with an accounting policy change effective January 1, 2017. All numbers have been recast to conform to this accounting change. See Note 21 — Retrospective Application of Change in Accounting Policy for additional details.

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