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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Significant Accounting Policies) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Nature of Operations | U.S. Cellular owns, operates and invests in wireless systems throughout the United States. As of December 31, 2012, U.S. Cellular served 5.8 million customers. U.S. Cellular operates as one reportable segment.
Principles of Consolidation | The accounting policies of U.S. Cellular conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of U.S. Cellular, its majority-owned subsidiaries, general partnerships in which U.S. Cellular has a majority partnership interest and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which U.S. Cellular is the primary beneficiary. Both VIE and primary beneficiary represent terms defined by GAAP. I ntercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Reclassifications | Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2012 financial statement presentation. These reclassifications did not affect consolidated net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders, cash flows, assets, liabilities or equity for the years presented.
Business Combinations | U.S. Cellular accounts for business combinations at fair value in accordance with the acquisition method. This method requires that the acquirer recognize 100% of the acquiree's assets and liabilities at their fair values on the acquisition date for all acquisitions, whether full or partial. In addition, transaction costs related to acquisitions are expensed.
Use Of Estimates | The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (a) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and (b) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates are involved in accounting for g oodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, d epreciation, amortization and accretion, allowance for doubtful accounts, loyalty reward points, and income taxes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Short-Term and Long-Term Investments | At December 31, 2012 and 2011, U.S. Cellular had $100.7 million and $127.0 million in Short-term investments and $50.3 million and $30.1 million in Long-term investments, respectively. Short-term and Long-term investments consist primarily of U.S. treasuries which are designated as held-to-maturity investments and are recorded at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For these investments, U.S. Cellular's objective is to earn a higher rate of return on funds that are not anticipated to be required to meet liquidity needs in the near term, while maintaining a low level of investment risk. See Note 3 — Fair Value Measurements for additional details on Short-term and Long-term investments.
Accounts Receivable | Accounts receivable consi st primarily of amounts owed by customers f or wireless services and equipment sales, by agents for sales of equipment to them and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used U.S. Cellular's wireless systems.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses related to existing accounts receivable. The allowance is estimated based on historical experience and other factors that could affect collectability. Accounts receivable balances are reviewed on either an aggregate or individual basis for collectability depending on the type of receivable. When it is probable that an account balance will not be collected, the account balance is charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. U.S. Cellular does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
Inventory | Inventory consists primarily of wireless devices stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method and market determined by replacement costs or estimated net realizable value.
Fair Value Measurements | Under the provisions of GAAP, fair value i s 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). The provisions also establish a fair value hierarchy that contains three levels for inputs used in fair value measurements. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is not representative of its expected performance or its overall risk profile and, therefore, Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets.
Licenses, Goodwill and Goodwill and Licenses Impairment Assessment | Licenses consist of direct and incremental costs incurred in acquiring Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses to provide wireless service. U.S. Cellular has determined that wireless licenses are indefinite-lived intangible assets and, therefore, not subject to amortization based on the following factors: Radio spectrum is not a depleting asset. The ability to use radio spectrum is not limited to any one technology. U.S. Cellular and its consolidated subsidiaries are licensed to use radio spectrum through the FCC licensing process, which enables licensees to utilize specified portions of the spectrum for the provision of wireless service. U.S. Cellular and its consolidated subsidiaries are required to renew their FCC licenses every ten years or, in some cases, every fifteen years. To date, all of U.S. Cellular's license renewal applications have been granted by the FCC. Generally, license renewal applications filed by licensees otherwise in compliance with FCC regulations are routinely granted. If, however, a license renewal application is challenged either by a competing applicant for the license or by a petition to deny the renewal application, the license will be renewed if the licensee can demonstrate its entitlement to a “renewal expectancy.” Licensees are entitled to such an expectancy if they can demonstrate to the FCC that they have provided “substantial service” during their license term and have “substantially complied” with FCC rules and policies. U.S. Cellular believes that it is probable that its future license renewal applications will be granted. Goodwill U.S. Cellular has G oodwill as a result of its acquisitions of wireless businesses. Such G oodwill represents the excess of the total purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in these transactions. Goodwill and Licenses Impairment Assessment Goodwill and L icenses must be assessed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. U.S. Cellular performs its a nnual impairment assessment of G oodwill and L icenses as of November 1 of each year. The impairment test for G oodwill is a two-step process. The first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step of the test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value o f reporting unit G oodwill wi th the carrying amount of that G oodwill. To calculate the implied fair value of G oodwill in this second step, an enterprise allocates the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amount assigned to the assets and liabilities of the reporting uni t is the implied fair value of G oodw ill. If the carrying amount of G oodwill exc eeds the implied fair value of G oodwill, an impairment loss is recognized for that difference. The impairment test for an indefinite-liv ed intangible asset other than G oodwill consists of comparing the fair value of the intangible asset to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value of an intangible asset or reporting unit and are used when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on the best information available, including prices for similar assets and the use of other valuation techniques. Other valuation techniques include present value analysis, multiples of earnings or revenues, or similar performance measures. The use of these techniques involve assumptions by management about factors that are uncertain including future cash flows, the appropriate discount rate, and other inputs. Different assumptions for these inputs could create materially different results. U.S. Cellular tests G oodwill for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a reporting unit. For purpose s of its impairment testing of G oodwill in 2012 and 2011, U.S. Cellular identified five reporting units. The five reporting units represent five geographic groupings of FCC licenses, representing five geographic service areas. A discounted cash flow approach was used to value each repo rting unit for purposes of the G oodwill impairment review by using value drivers and risks specific to the current industry and economic markets. The cash flow estimates incorporated assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value. Key assumptions made in this process were the discount rate, estimated expected revenue growth rate, projected capital expenditures and the terminal growth rate. U.S. Cellular tests L icenses for impairment at the level of reporting referred to as a unit of accounting. For purposes of its 2012 impairment testing of L icenses, U.S. Cellular separated its FCC licenses into t hirteen units of accounting based on geographic service areas. One unit of accounting includes the licenses to be transferred as a result of the Divestiture Transaction more fully described in Note 7 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges. For purposes of its 2011 impairment testing of L icenses, U.S. Cellular separate d its FCC licenses into twelve units of accounting based on geographic service areas. In both 2012 and 2011 testing, seven of the units of accounting represented geographic groupings of licenses which, because they were not being utilized and, therefore, were not expected to generate cash flows from operating activities in the foreseeable future, were considered separate units of accounting for p urposes of impairment testing. U.S. Cellular estimates the fair value of built licenses for purposes of impairment testing using the build-out method. The build-out method estimates the fair value of L icenses by calculating future cash flows from a hypothetical start-up wireless company and assuming that the only assets available upo n formation are the underlying L icenses. To apply this method, a hypothetical build-out of the company's wireless network, infrastructure, and related costs are projected based on market participant information. Calculated cash flows, along with a terminal value, are discounted to the present and summed to determine the estimated fair value. For units of accounting which consist of unbuilt licenses, U.S. Cellular prepares estimates of fair value by reference to prices paid in recent auctions and market transactions where available. If such information is not available, the fair value of the unbuilt licenses is assumed to change by the same percentage, and in the same direction, that the fair value of built licenses measured using the build-out method changed during the period.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities | Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in wireless entities in which U.S. Cellular holds a noncontrolling interest. U.S. Cellular follows the equity method of accounting for such investments in which its ownership interest equals or exceeds 20% for corporations and equals or exceeds 3% for partnerships and limited liability companies. The cost method of accounting is followed for such investments in which U.S. Cellular's ownership interest is less than 20% for corporations and is less than 3% for partnerships and limited liability companies and for investments for which U.S. Cellular does not have the ability to exercise significant influence. For its equity method investments for which financial information is readily available, U.S. Cellular records its equity in the earnings of the entity in the current period. For its equity method investments for which financial information is not readily available, U.S. Cellular records its equity in the earnings of the entity on a one quarter lag basis.
Property, Plant and Equipment | U.S. Cellular's Property, plant and equipment is stated at the original cost of construction or purchase including capitalized costs of certain taxes, payroll-related expenses, interest and estimated costs to remove the assets. Expenditures that enhance the productive capacity of assets in service or extend their useful lives are capitalized and depreciated. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs of assets in service are charged to System operations expense or Selling, general and administrative expense, as applicable. Retirements and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the original cost of the asset (along with the related accumulated depreciation) from plant in service and charging it, together with removal cost less any salvage realized, to (Gain) l oss on asset disposals and exchanges, net. Costs of developing new information systems are capitalized and amortized over their expected economic useful lives.
Depreciation | Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets. U.S. Cellular depreciates leasehold improvement assets associated with leased properties over periods ranging from one to thirty years; such periods approximate the shorter of the assets' economic lives or the specific lease terms. Useful lives of specific assets are reviewed throughout the year to determine if changes in technology or other business changes would warrant accelerating the depreciation of those specific assets. Due to the Divestiture Transaction more fully described in Note 7 — Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, U.S. Cellular changed the useful lives of certain assets in 2012. There were no material change s to useful lives of property, plant and equipment in 2011 or 2010.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets | U.S. Cellular reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. The impairment test for tangible long-lived assets is a two-step process. The first step compares the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) with the estimated undiscounted cash flows over the remaining asset (or asset group) life. If the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, the second step of the test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The second step compares the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value (less cost to sell), an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value of a tangible long-lived asset and are used when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on the best information available, including prices for similar assets and the use of other valuation techniques. A present value analysis of cash flow scenarios is often the best available valuation technique. The use of this technique involves assumptions by management about factors that are uncertain including future cash flows, the appropriate discount rate and other inputs. Different assumptions for these inputs could create materially different results.
Agent Liabilities | U.S. Cellular has relationships with agents, which are independent businesses that obtain customers for U.S. Cellular. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, U.S. Cellular had accrued $88.2 million and $75.3 million, respectively, for amounts due to agents. This amount is included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Other Assets and Deferred Charges | Other assets and deferred charges include legal fees and other charges related to U.S. Cellular's various borrowing instruments, and are amortized over the respective term of each instrument. The amounts for deferred charges included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012 and 2011, are shown net of accumulated amortization of $12.7 million and $9.6 million, respectively.
Asset Retirement Obligations | U.S. Cellular operates cell sites, retail stores and office spaces in its operating markets. A majority of these sites, stores and office spaces are leased. Most of these leases contain terms which require or may require U.S. Cellular to return the leased property to its original condition at the lease expiration date. U.S. Cellular accounts for asset retirement obligations by recording 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, U.S. Cellular 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. The liability is accreted to its present value over a period ending with the estimated settlement date of the respective asset retirement obligation. The carrying amount of the long-lived asset is depreciated over the useful life of th e asset. Upon settlement of the obligation, any difference between the cost to retire the asset and the recorded liability (including accretion of discount) is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Treasury Shares | Common Shares repurchased by U.S. Cellular are recorded at cost as treasury shares and result in a reduction of equity. Treasury shares are reissued as part of U.S. Cellular’s stock-based compensation programs. When treasury shares are reissued, U.S. Cellular determines the cost using the first-in, first-out cost method. The difference between the cost of the treasury shares and reissuance price is included in Additional paid-in capital or Retained earnings.
Revenue Recognition | Revenues from wireless operations consist primarily of: Charges for access, airtime, roaming, long distance, data and other value added services provided to U.S. Cellular's retail customers and to end users through third-party resellers; Charges to carriers whose customers use U.S. Cellular's systems when roaming; Sales of equipment and accessories; Amounts received from the Universal Service Fund (“USF”) in states where U.S. Cellular has been designated an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (“ETC”); and Redemptions of loyalty reward points for products or services. Revenues related to wireless services and other value added services are recognized as services are rendered. Revenues billed in advance or in arrears of the services being provided are estimated and deferred or accrued, as appropriate. Revenues from sales of equipment and accessories are recognized when title and risk of loss passes to the agent or end-user customer. U.S. Cellular allocates revenue to each element of multiple element service offerings using the relative selling price method. Under this method, arrangement consideration, which consists of the amounts billed to the customer net of any cash-based discounts, is allocated to each element on the basis of its relative selling price on a stand-alone basis. Such stand-alone selling price is determined in accordance with the following hierarchy: U.S. Cellular-specific objective evidence of stand-alone selling price, if available; otherwise Third-party evidence of selling price, if it is determinable; otherwise A best estimate of stand-alone selling price. U.S. Cellular estimates stand-alone selling prices of the elements of its service offerings as follows: Wireless services – Based on the actual selling price U.S. Cellular offers when such plan is sold on a stand-alone basis, or if the plan is not sold on a stand-alone basis, U.S. Cellular's estimate of the price of such plan based on similar plans that are sold on a stand-alone basis. Wireless devices – Based on the selling price of the respective wireless device when it is sold on a stand-alone basis. Phone Replacement – Based on U.S. Cellular's estimate of the price of this service if it were sold on a stand-alone basis, which was calculated by estimating the cost of this program plus a reasonable margin. Loyalty reward points – By estimating the retail price of the products and services for which points may be redeemed and dividing such amount by the number of loyalty points required to receive such products and services. This is calculated on a weighted average basis and requires U.S. Cellular to estimate the percentage of loyalty points that will be redeemed for each product or service. U.S. Cellular follows the deferred revenue method of accounting for its loyalty reward program. Under this method, revenue allocated to loyalty reward points is fully deferred as U.S. Cellular does not have sufficient historical data in which to estimate any portion of loyalty reward points that will not be redeemed. Revenue is recognized at the time of customer redemption or when such points have been depleted via a maintenance charge. U.S. Cellular periodically reviews and will revise the redemption and depletion rates as appropriate based on history and related future expectations. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, U.S. Cellular had deferred revenue related to loyalty reward points outstanding of $56.6 million and $38.9 million, respectively. Th ese amounts are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues (a current liability account) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, as customers may redeem their reward points within the current period. Cash-based discounts and incentives, including discounts to customers who pay their bills through the use of on-line bill payment methods, are recognized as a reduction of Operating revenues concurrently with the associated revenue, and are allocated to the various products and services in the bundled offering based on their respective relative selling price. In order to provide better control over wireless device quality, U.S. Cellular sells wireless devices to agents. U.S. Cellular pays rebates to agents at the time an agent activates a new customer or retains an existing customer in a transaction involving a wireless device. U.S. Cellular accounts for these rebates by reducing revenues at the time of the wireless device sale to the agent rather than at the time the agent activates a new customer or retains a current customer. Similarly, U.S. Cellular offers certain wireless device sales rebates and incentives to its retail customers and records the revenue net of the corresponding rebate or incentive. The total potential rebates and incentives are reduced by U.S. Cellular's estimate of rebates that will not be redeemed by customers based on historical experience of such redemptions. Prior to July 1, 2012, U.S. Cellular charged a service activation fee to customers. A ctivation fees charged at agent locations with the sale of service only, where U.S. Cellular did not sell a wireless device to the customer, were deferred and recognized over the ave rage customer life. On July 1, 2012, U.S. Cellular discontinued the service activation fee and began charging a device activation fee. Device a ctivation fees charged at agent locations, where U.S. Cellular does not also sell a wireless device to the customer, are deferred and recognized over the average device life. Device activation fees charged as a result of handset sales at Company-owned retail stores are recognized at the time the handset is delivered to the customer. GAAP requires that activation fees charged with the sale of equipment and service be allocated to the equipment and service based upon the relative selling prices of each item. This generally results in the recognition of the activation fee as additional wireless device revenue at the time of sale. ETC revenues recognized in the reporting period represent the amounts which U.S. Cellular is entitled to receive for such period, as determined and approved in connection with U.S. Cellular's designation as an ETC in various states.
Amounts Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities | U.S. Cellular 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 U.S. Cellular merely acts as an agent in collecting the tax on behalf of the imposing governmental authority. If the tax is assessed upon U.S. Cellular, then amounts collected from customers as recovery of the tax are recorded in Service revenues and amounts remitted to governmental authorities are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities totaled $135.7 million, $125.2 million and $137.6 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Advertising Costs | U.S. Cellular expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $227.0 million, $257.8 million and $265.2 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Income Taxes | U.S. Cellular is included in a consolidated federal income tax return with other members of the TDS consolidated group. TDS and U.S. Cellular are parties to a Tax Allocation Agreement which provides that U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries be included with the TDS affiliated group in a consolidated federal income tax return and in state income or franchise tax returns in certain situations. For financial statement purposes, U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries calculate their income, income taxes and credits as if they comprised a separate affiliated group. Under the Tax Allocation Agreement, U.S. Cellular remits its applicable income tax payments to TDS. U.S. Cellular had a tax payable balance with TDS of $1.1 million and a tax receivable balance of $73.7 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Deferred taxes are computed using the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for future deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for future taxable temporary differences. Both deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates anticipated to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. U.S. Cellular evaluates income tax uncertainties, assesses the probability of the ultimate settlement with the applicable taxing authority and records an amount based on that assessment.
Stock-Based Compensation | U.S. Cellular has established a long-term incentive plan and a Non-E mployee D irector compensation plan, and previously had an employee stock purchase plan before this was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011. Also, U.S. Cellular employees we re eligible to participate in the TDS employee stock purchase plan before this was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2011. These plans are described more fully in Note 15 — Stock-based Compensation. These plans are considered compensatory plans and, therefore, recognition of compensation cost for grants made under these plans is required. U.S. Cellular values its share-based payment transactions using a Black-Scholes valuation model. Stock-based compensation cost recognized during the period is based on the portion of the share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. Accordingly, stock-based compensation cost recognized has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Pre-vesting forfeitures and expected life are estimated based on historical experience related to similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. U.S. Cellular believes that its historical experience provides the best estimates of future pre-vesting forfeitures and future expected life. The expected volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility of U.S. Cellular's common stock over a period commensurate with the expected life. The dividend yield assumption is zero because U.S. Cellular has never paid a dividend and has expressed its intention to retain all future earnings in the business. The risk-free interest rate assumption is determined using the U.S. Treasury Yield Curve Rate with a term length that approximates the expected life of the stock options. Compensation cost for stock option awards is recognized over the respective requisite service period of the awards, which is generally the vesting period, on a straight-line basis for each separate vesting portion of the awards as if the awards were, in-substance, multiple awards (graded vesting attribution method).
Defined Contribution Plans | U.S. Cellular participates in a qualified noncontributory defined contribution pension plan sponsored by TDS; such plan provides pension benefits for the employees of U.S. Cellular and its subsidiaries. Under this plan, pension benefits and costs are calculated separately for each participant and are funded currently. Pension costs were $12.4 million, $11.6 million and $11.6 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. U.S. Cellular also participates in a defined contribution retireme nt savings plan (“401(k) plan”) sponsored by TDS. Total costs incurred from U.S. Cellular's contributions to the 401(k) plan were $17.1 million, $15.5 million and $15.3 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Operating Leases | U.S. Cellular is a party to various lease agreements for office space, retail s tores, cell sites and equipment that are accounted for as operating leases. Certain leases have renewal options and/or fixed rental increases. Renewal options that are reasonably assured of exercise are included in determining the lease term. U.S. Cellular accounts for certain operating leases that contain rent abatements, lease incentives and/or fixed rental increases by recognizing lease revenue and expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements | On July 27, 2012, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (“ASU 2012-02”). ASU 2012-02 is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the annual indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing by providing entities an option to perform a “qualitative” assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. As such, there is the possibility that quantitative assessments would not need to be performed if it is more likely than not that no impairment exists. U.S. Cellular is required to adopt the provisions of ASU 2012-02 as of January 1, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2012-02 is not expected to have a significant impact on U.S. Cellular's financial pos ition or results of operations.
Variable Interest Entities | From time to time, the FCC conducts auctions through which additional spectrum is made available for the provision of wireless services. U.S. Cellular participated in spectrum auctions indirectly through interests that it held at the time in Aquinas Wireless, King Street Wireless, Barat Wireless L.P. (“Barat Wireless”) and Carroll Wireless L.P. (“Carroll Wireless”), collectively, the “limited partnerships.” Each limited partnership participated in and was awarded spectrum licenses in one of four separate spectrum auctions (FCC Auctions 78, 73, 66 and 58). Each limited partnership qualified as a “designated entity” and thereby was eligible for bid ding credits with respect to licenses purchased in accordance with the rules defined by the FCC for each auction. In most cases, the bidding credits resulted in a 25% discount from the gross winning bid. On September 7, 2012, U.S. Cellular acquired 100% of the ownership interest in Barat Wireless, Inc., the general partner of Barat Wireless, for an immaterial amount. On December 5, 2012, U.S. Cellular acquired 100% of the ownership interest in Carroll PCS, Inc., the general partner of Carroll Wireless, for an immaterial amount. Prior to these acquisitions, U.S. Cellular consolidated Barat Wireless, Barat Wireless, Inc., Carroll Wireless, and Carroll PCS, Inc. as VIEs. Subsequent to the acquisition dates these entities ceased to be VIEs but continue to be consolidated based on U.S. Cellular's controlling financial interest in the entities. The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Aquinas Wireless and King Street Wireless is shared. Specifically, the general partner of these VIEs has the exclusive right to manage, operate and control the limited partnerships and make all decisions to carry on the business of the partnerships; however, the general partner of each partnership needs consent of the limited partner, a U.S. Cellular subsidiary, to sell or lease certain licenses, to make certain large expenditures, admit other partners or liquidate the limited partnerships. Although the power to direct the activities of the VIEs is shared, U.S. Cellular has a disproportionate level of exposure to the variability associated with the economic performance of the VIEs, indicating that U.S. Cellular is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, these VIEs are consolidated.

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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for advertising costs. For those costs that cannot be capitalized, discloses whether such costs are expensed as incurred or the first period in which the advertising takes place. For direct response advertising costs that are capitalized, describes those assets and the accounting policy used, including a description of the qualifying activity, the types of costs capitalized and the related amortization period. An entity also may disclose its accounting policy for cooperative advertising arrangements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 340 -SubTopic 20 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2127066 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 340 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6387501&loc=d3e8275-108329 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 02-16 -Paragraph 6 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 340 -SubTopic 20 -Section 55 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6387522&loc=d3e8384-108330 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 93-7 -Paragraph 49 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for stock option and stock incentive plans. This disclosure may include (1) the types of stock option or incentive plans sponsored by the entity (2) the groups that participate in (or are covered by) each plan (3) significant plan provisions and (4) how stock compensation is measured, and the methodologies and significant assumptions used to determine that measurement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2228939 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 06-11 -Paragraph 7 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph a -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b),(f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for trade and other accounts receivables. This disclosure may include the basis at which such receivables are carried in the entity's statements of financial position (for example, net realizable value), how the entity determines the level of its allowance for doubtful accounts, when impairments, charge-offs or recoveries are recognized, and the entity's income recognition policies for such receivables, including its treatment of related fees and costs, its treatment of premiums, discounts or unearned income, when accrual of interest is discontinued, how the entity records payments received on nonaccrual receivables and its policy for resuming accrual of interest on such receivables. If the enterprise holds a large number of similar loans, disclosure may include the accounting policy for the anticipation of prepayments and significant assumptions underlying prepayment estimates for amortization of premiums, discounts, and nonrefundable fees and costs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7512638&loc=d3e5093-111524 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6378556&loc=d3e10133-111534 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7512638&loc=d3e5212-111524 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3, 4 -Article 5 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 01-6 -Paragraph 13 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for the use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 94-6 -Paragraph 11, 14 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6927468&loc=d3e6143-108592 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6927468&loc=d3e6132-108592 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6927468&loc=d3e6061-108592 + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policies and anticipated effects of regulatory rulings and on rate-setting regarding revenues and expenses incurred and recovered, including billed and unbilled revenues, revenues collected subject to refund, taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities, and postretirement benefits. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 980 -SubTopic 10 -Section 05 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6499228&loc=d3e40187-110364 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 980 -SubTopic 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2156579 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 71 -Paragraph 1 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
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- Definition Disclose accounting policy related to fees earned by the dealer, acting as an agent of the entity in the selling of products and services and administrative efforts on behalf of customers, that are due from the entity. Disclosure may indicate when such liability is incurred and presentation in the financial statements. Amounts owed to the dealer typically consist of commissions and rebates earned. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Describes the policy for accounting for treasury shares. + References No definition available. + Details
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