<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!-- Generated by Fujitsu Interstage XWand B0228 -->
<schema targetNamespace="http://www.uscellular.com/20161231" attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:usm="http://www.uscellular.com/20161231" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:us-types="http://fasb.org/us-types/2016-01-31" xmlns:num="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" xmlns:nonnum="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">
  <annotation>
    <appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="usm-20161231_pre.xml" xlink:title="Presentation Links, all" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="usm-20161231_cal.xml" xlink:title="Calculation Links, all" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="usm-20161231_def.xml" xlink:title="Definition Links, all" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="usm-20161231_lab.xml" xlink:title="Label Links, all" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase"/>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" id="usm_ELRID_DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>00010 - Document - Document And Entity Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementOfOperations" id="usm_ELRID_StatementConsolidatedStatementOfOperations">
        <link:definition>00100 - Statement - Consolidated Statement Of Operations</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementOfCashFlows" id="usm_ELRID_StatementConsolidatedStatementOfCashFlows">
        <link:definition>00200 - Statement - Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheet" id="usm_ELRID_StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheet">
        <link:definition>00300 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheet</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInEquity" id="usm_ELRID_StatementConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInEquity">
        <link:definition>00400 - Statement - Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetParenthetical" id="usm_ELRID_StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetParenthetical">
        <link:definition>00310 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementOfOperationsParenthetical" id="usm_ELRID_StatementConsolidatedStatementOfOperationsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>00110 - Statement - Consolidated Statement Of Operations Parenthetical</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncements" id="usm_ELRID_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncements">
        <link:definition>10100 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/NoncontrollingInterests" id="usm_ELRID_NoncontrollingInterests">
        <link:definition>11400 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" id="usm_ELRID_FairValueMeasurements">
        <link:definition>10200 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/IncomeTaxes" id="usm_ELRID_IncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>10400 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/VariableInterestEntities" id="usm_ELRID_VariableInterestEntities">
        <link:definition>11300 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/EarningsPerShare" id="usm_ELRID_EarningsPerShare">
        <link:definition>10500 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/AcquisitionsDivestituresAndExchanges" id="usm_ELRID_AcquisitionsDivestituresAndExchanges">
        <link:definition>10600 - Disclosure - Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssets" id="usm_ELRID_IntangibleAssets">
        <link:definition>10700 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntities" id="usm_ELRID_InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntities">
        <link:definition>10800 - Disclosure - Investments in Unconsolidated Entities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/Debt" id="usm_ELRID_Debt">
        <link:definition>11100 - Disclosure - Debt</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" id="usm_ELRID_CommitmentsAndContingencies">
        <link:definition>11200 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/CommonShareholdersEquity" id="usm_ELRID_CommonShareholdersEquity">
        <link:definition>11500 - Disclosure - Common Shareholders' Equity</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowDisclosures" id="usm_ELRID_SupplementalCashFlowDisclosures">
        <link:definition>11700 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEvents" id="usm_ELRID_SubsequentEvents">
        <link:definition>99999 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables" id="usm_ELRID_DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables">
        <link:definition>30500 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareDetails" id="usm_ELRID_EarningsPerShareDetails">
        <link:definition>40501 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsTables" id="usm_ELRID_IntangibleAssetsTables">
        <link:definition>30700 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsDetails" id="usm_ELRID_IntangibleAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>40701 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipment" id="usm_ELRID_PropertyPlantAndEquipment">
        <link:definition>10900 - Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/AssetRetirementObligation" id="usm_ELRID_AssetRetirementObligation">
        <link:definition>11000 - Disclosure - Asset Retirement Obligation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/StockBasedCompensation" id="usm_ELRID_StockBasedCompensation">
        <link:definition>11600 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureCertainRelationshipsAndRelatedTransactions" id="usm_ELRID_CertainRelationshipsAndRelatedTransactions">
        <link:definition>11800 - Disclosure - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsSignificantAccountingPolicies" id="usm_ELRID_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsSignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>20000 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Significant Accounting Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTables" id="usm_ELRID_DisclosureIncomeTaxesTables">
        <link:definition>30400 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/IncomeTaxesExpenseBenefitDetails" id="usm_ELRID_IncomeTaxesExpenseBenefitDetails">
        <link:definition>40402 - Disclosure - Income Taxes, Expense (Benefit) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsDivestituresAndExchangesTables" id="usm_ELRID_AcquisitionsDivestituresAndExchangesTables">
        <link:definition>30600 - Disclosure - Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsDivestituresAndExchangesDetails" id="usm_ELRID_AcquisitionsDivestituresAndExchangesDetails">
        <link:definition>40601 - Disclosure - Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" id="usm_ELRID_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables">
        <link:definition>31200 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesExpenseReconciliationDetails" id="usm_ELRID_IncomeTaxesExpenseReconciliationDetails">
        <link:definition>40403 - Disclosure - Income Taxes, Expense Reconciliation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesRateReconciliationDetails" id="usm_ELRID_IncomeTaxesRateReconciliationDetails">
        <link:definition>40404 - Disclosure - Income Taxes, Rate Reconciliation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesComponentsOfDeferredIncomeTaxDetails" id="usm_ELRID_IncomeTaxesComponentsOfDeferredIncomeTaxDetails">
        <link:definition>40405 - Disclosure - Income Taxes, Components of Deferred Income Tax (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesNetOperatingLossesDetails" id="usm_ELRID_IncomeTaxesNetOperatingLossesDetails">
        <link:definition>40406 - Disclosure - Income Taxes, Net Operating Losses (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/IncomeTaxesUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" id="usm_ELRID_IncomeTaxesUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails">
        <link:definition>40408 - Disclosure - Income Taxes, Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDeferredTaxValuationAllowanceDetails" id="usm_ELRID_IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxValuationAllowanceDetails">
        <link:definition>40407 - Disclosure - Income Taxes, Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" id="usm_ELRID_IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>40409 - Disclosure - Income Taxes, Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesMinimumLeaseObligationsDetails" id="usm_ELRID_CommitmentsAndContingenciesMinimumLeaseObligationsDetails">
        <link:definition>41202 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies, Minimum lease obligations (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesPurchaseCommitmentsDetails" id="usm_ELRID_CommitmentsAndContingenciesPurchaseCommitmentsDetails">
        <link:definition>41201 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies, Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsDivestituresAndExchangesDivestituresDetails" id="usm_ELRID_AcquisitionsDivestituresAndExchangesDivestituresDetails">
        <link:definition>99999 - Disclosure - Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, divestitures (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/IncomeTaxesBalancesDetails" id="usm_ELRID_IncomeTaxesBalancesDetails">
        <link:definition>40401 - Disclosure - Income Taxes, Balances (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureCertainRelationshipsAndRelatedTransactionsDetails" id="usm_ELRID_CertainRelationshipsAndRelatedTransactionsDetails">
        <link:definition>41801 - Disclosure - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartiesDetails" id="usm_ELRID_RelatedPartiesDetails">
        <link:definition>99999 - Disclosure - Related Parties (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalCashFlowDisclosuresDetails" id="usm_ELRID_SupplementalCashFlowDisclosuresDetails">
        <link:definition>41701 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/StockBasedCompensationOverviewExpenseAndValuationModelDetails" id="usm_ELRID_StockBasedCompensationOverviewExpenseAndValuationModelDetails">
        <link:definition>41601 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation Overview, Expense and Valuation Model (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/CommonShareholdersEquityDetails" id="usm_ELRID_CommonShareholdersEquityDetails">
        <link:definition>41501 - Disclosure - Common Shareholders' Equity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureDebtRevolvingCreditFacilitiesDetails" id="usm_ELRID_DebtRevolvingCreditFacilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>41101 - Disclosure - Debt, revolving credit facilities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureAssetRetirementObligaionDetails" id="usm_ELRID_AssetRetirementObligaionDetails">
        <link:definition>41001 - Disclosure - Asset Retirement Obligaion (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" id="usm_ELRID_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails">
        <link:definition>40901 - Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesDetails" id="usm_ELRID_InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>40801 - Disclosure - Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" id="usm_ELRID_VariableInterestEntitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>41301 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsDetails" id="usm_ELRID_FairValueMeasurementsDetails">
        <link:definition>40201 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsDetails" id="usm_ELRID_NoncontrollingInterestsDetails">
        <link:definition>41401 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsDetails" id="usm_ELRID_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsDetails">
        <link:definition>40101 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsTable" id="usm_ELRID_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsTable">
        <link:definition>30100 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Table)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsTable" id="usm_ELRID_FairValueMeasurementsTable">
        <link:definition>30200 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Table)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/CommonShareholdersEquityTable" id="usm_ELRID_CommonShareholdersEquityTable">
        <link:definition>31400 - Disclosure - Common Shareholders' Equity (Table)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTable" id="usm_ELRID_StockBasedCompensationTable">
        <link:definition>31500 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Table)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowDisclosuresTable" id="usm_ELRID_SupplementalCashFlowDisclosuresTable">
        <link:definition>31600 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (Table)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentInUnconsolidatedEntitiesTables" id="usm_ELRID_InvestmentInUnconsolidatedEntitiesTables">
        <link:definition>30800 - Disclosure - Investment in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesTables" id="usm_ELRID_VariableInterestEntitiesTables">
        <link:definition>31300 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" id="usm_ELRID_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable">
        <link:definition>30900 - Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment (Table)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureAssetRetirementObligationsTable" id="usm_ELRID_AssetRetirementObligationsTable">
        <link:definition>31000 - Disclosure - Asset Retirement Obligations (Table)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureDebtTable" id="usm_ELRID_DebtTable">
        <link:definition>31100 - Disclosure - Debt (Table)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DebtLongtermDebtDetails" id="usm_ELRID_DebtLongtermDebtDetails">
        <link:definition>41103 - Disclosure - Debt, long-term debt (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationOptionRollforwardDetails" id="usm_ELRID_StockBasedCompensationOptionRollforwardDetails">
        <link:definition>41602 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation Option Rollforward (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationNonvestedSharesAndOtherDetails" id="usm_ELRID_StockBasedCompensationNonvestedSharesAndOtherDetails">
        <link:definition>41603 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation Nonvested Shares and Other (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsDivestituresAndExchangesExchangesDetails" id="usm_ELRID_AcquisitionsDivestituresAndExchangesExchangesDetails">
        <link:definition>99999 - Disclosure - Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges, exchanges (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsTable" id="usm_ELRID_SubsequentEventsTable">
        <link:definition>99999 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Table)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/EquipmentInstallmentPlans" id="usm_ELRID_EquipmentInstallmentPlans">
        <link:definition>10300 - Disclosure - Equipment Installment Plans</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureEquipmentInstallmentPlansTable" id="usm_ELRID_EquipmentInstallmentPlansTable">
        <link:definition>30300 - Disclosure - Equipment Installment Plans (Table)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureEquipmentInstallmentPlanReceivablesEipReceivablesDetails" id="usm_ELRID_EquipmentInstallmentPlanReceivablesEipReceivablesDetails">
        <link:definition>40301 - Disclosure - Equipment Installment Plan Receivables, EIP Receivables (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureDebtTermLoanFacilityDetails" id="usm_ELRID_DebtTermLoanFacilityDetails">
        <link:definition>41102 - Disclosure - Debt, term loan facility (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" id="usm_ELRID_SubsequentEventsDetails">
        <link:definition>99999 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureEquipmentInstallmentPlanReceivablesGrossReceivablesByCreditCategoryDetails" id="usm_ELRID_EquipmentInstallmentPlanReceivablesGrossReceivablesByCreditCategoryDetails">
        <link:definition>40302 - Disclosure - Equipment Installment Plan Receivables, Gross Receivables by Credit Category (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/EquipmentInstallmentPlanReceivablesUnamortizedImputedDiscountAndAllowanceForCreditLossesDetails" id="usm_ELRID_EquipmentInstallmentPlanReceivablesUnamortizedImputedDiscountAndAllowanceForCreditLossesDetails">
        <link:definition>40303 - Disclosure - Equipment Installment Plan Receivables, Unamortized Imputed Discount and Allowance for Credit Losses (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/DisclosureEquipmentInstallmentPlanReceivablesNarrativeDetails" id="usm_ELRID_EquipmentInstallmentPlanReceivablesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>40304 - Disclosure - Equipment Installment Plan Receivables, Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/RetrospectiveApplicationOfChangeInAccountingPolicy" id="usm_ELRID_RetrospectiveApplicationOfChangeInAccountingPolicy">
        <link:definition>11900 - Disclosure - Retrospective Application of Change in Accounting Policy</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/RetrospectiveApplicationOfChangeInAccountingPolicyTables" id="usm_ELRID_RetrospectiveApplicationOfChangeInAccountingPolicyTables">
        <link:definition>31700 - Disclosure - Retrospective Application of Change in Accounting Policy (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.uscellular.com/role/RetrospectiveApplicationOfChangeInAccountingPolicyDetails" id="usm_ELRID_RetrospectiveApplicationOfChangeInAccountingPolicyDetails">
        <link:definition>41901 - Disclosure - Retrospective Application of Change in Accounting Policy (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </appinfo>
  </annotation>
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-types/2016-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-types-2016-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric-2009-12-16.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/nonNumeric-2009-12-16.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2016-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2016-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2016/currency-2016-01-31.xsd"/>
  <element name="AccountingPolicyDisclosuresLineItems" id="usm_AccountingPolicyDisclosuresLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="Auction1002AcquisitionEventMember" id="usm_Auction1002AcquisitionEventMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AccountingPolicyDisclosuresTable" id="usm_AccountingPolicyDisclosuresTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AccruedAgentCommissionCurrent" id="usm_AccruedAgentCommissionCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="AcquisitionEvent1Member" id="usm_AcquisitionEvent1Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AcquisitionEvent2Member" id="usm_AcquisitionEvent2Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AcquisitionEventAxis" id="usm_AcquisitionEventAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AcquisitionEventDomain" id="usm_AcquisitionEventDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AgentLiabilityPolicyPolicyTextBlock" id="usm_AgentLiabilityPolicyPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AmountsCollectedAndRemittedToGovernmentalAuthorities" id="usm_AmountsCollectedAndRemittedToGovernmentalAuthorities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AssetExchangeDescription" id="usm_AssetExchangeDescription" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AssetRetirementObligationAcquiredAssets" id="usm_AssetRetirementObligationAcquiredAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AssetRetirementObligationLineItems" id="usm_AssetRetirementObligationLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AssetRetirementObligationTable" id="usm_AssetRetirementObligationTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AssetsHeldForSaleIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTransferred" id="usm_AssetsHeldForSaleIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTransferred" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="Auction901MobilityFundsMember" id="usm_Auction901MobilityFundsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="Auction97AcquisitionEventMember" id="usm_Auction97AcquisitionEventMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="BendBroadbandAcquisitionEventMember" id="usm_BendBroadbandAcquisitionEventMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AiradigmAquisitionEventMember" id="usm_AiradigmAquisitionEventMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="BookValueTransferredAssets" id="usm_BookValueTransferredAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="BusinessAcquisitionAgreementDescription" id="usm_BusinessAcquisitionAgreementDescription" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="BusinessDivestitureAgreementDescription" id="usm_BusinessDivestitureAgreementDescription" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="BusinessDivestitureAxis" id="usm_BusinessDivestitureAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="BusinessDivestitureDescription" id="usm_BusinessDivestitureDescription" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="BusinessDivestitureDomain" id="usm_BusinessDivestitureDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="BusinessDivestitureNetAssetsTransferred" id="usm_BusinessDivestitureNetAssetsTransferred" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="CashAssetsHeldForSale" id="usm_CashAssetsHeldForSale" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="CashFlowLocationAxis" id="usm_CashFlowLocationAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="CashFlowLocationDomain" id="usm_CashFlowLocationDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="CashReceivedFromDivestituresMember" id="usm_CashReceivedFromDivestituresMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="CellSiteEquipmentMember" id="usm_CellSiteEquipmentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="CostOfServicesMember" id="usm_CostOfServicesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="CurrentAssetsMember" id="usm_CurrentAssetsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DebtInstrumentContractualSpread" id="usm_DebtInstrumentContractualSpread" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="LineOfCreditFacilityContractualSpread" id="usm_LineOfCreditFacilityContractualSpread" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="DebtInstrumentMaximumBorrowingCapacity" id="usm_DebtInstrumentMaximumBorrowingCapacity" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="DebtInstrumentUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" id="usm_DebtInstrumentUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestmentInAffiliates" id="usm_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestmentInAffiliates" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="DefinedContributionPlanCategoriesDomain" id="usm_DefinedContributionPlanCategoriesDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresDefinedContributionPlansAxis" id="usm_DefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresDefinedContributionPlansAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DepreciationAmortizationAccretionMember" id="usm_DepreciationAmortizationAccretionMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DisposalDate1Agreement" id="usm_DisposalDate1Agreement" type="xbrli:dateItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherDeferredLiabilitiesCreditsCurrent" id="usm_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherDeferredLiabilitiesCreditsCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="DistributionMadeToConsolidatedSubsidiaryByAnotherConsolidatedSubsidiary" id="usm_DistributionMadeToConsolidatedSubsidiaryByAnotherConsolidatedSubsidiary" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DistributionMadeToParentCompanyByConsolidatedSubsidiary" id="usm_DistributionMadeToParentCompanyByConsolidatedSubsidiary" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DivestitureMember" id="usm_DivestitureMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AiradigmMember" id="usm_AiradigmMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DivestitureTransactionMember" id="usm_DivestitureTransactionMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DivestituresAbstract" id="usm_DivestituresAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DocumentEntityInformationAbstract" id="usm_DocumentEntityInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="EarnestMoneyReceivedMember" id="usm_EarnestMoneyReceivedMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxesCorrection" id="usm_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxesCorrection" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="EmployeeStockBMember" id="usm_EmployeeStockBMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="EquipmentInstallmentPlanPaymentTerm" id="usm_EquipmentInstallmentPlanPaymentTerm" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="EquipmentInstallmentPlansAbstract" id="usm_EquipmentInstallmentPlansAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="EquityImpactsOfCommonControlTransaction" id="usm_EquityImpactsOfCommonControlTransaction" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationDeferredCredits" id="usm_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationDeferredCredits" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationDueFromAffiliates" id="usm_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationDueFromAffiliates" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationFinancialPositionTableTextBlock" id="usm_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationFinancialPositionTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations" id="usm_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationOtherIncomeExpense" id="usm_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationOtherIncomeExpense" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="EquityMethodInvestmentsCumulativeShareOfDistributions" id="usm_EquityMethodInvestmentsCumulativeShareOfDistributions" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="EquityMethodInvestmentsCumulativeShareOfIncome" id="usm_EquityMethodInvestmentsCumulativeShareOfIncome" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="ExchangeEventAxis" id="usm_ExchangeEventAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="ExchangeEventDomain" id="usm_ExchangeEventDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="FairValueAssumptionsInterestRate" id="usm_FairValueAssumptionsInterestRate" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="FccAuctionAmount" id="usm_FccAuctionAmount" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="FccAuctionAmountAwarded" id="usm_FccAuctionAmountAwarded" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="FccAuctionAmountReceived" id="usm_FccAuctionAmountReceived" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="FccAuctionAxis" id="usm_FccAuctionAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="FccAuctionDate" id="usm_FccAuctionDate" type="xbrli:dateItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="FccAuctionDomain" id="usm_FccAuctionDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="FccAuctionNumberOfStatesWon" id="usm_FccAuctionNumberOfStatesWon" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="FccLicenseAuctionDepositPayment" id="usm_FccLicenseAuctionDepositPayment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="FccLicenseAuctionTotalCommitmentAmount" id="usm_FccLicenseAuctionTotalCommitmentAmount" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="FccLicenseAuctionDesignatedEntityDiscount" id="usm_FccLicenseAuctionDesignatedEntityDiscount" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="FccLicenseAuctionOtherCharges" id="usm_FccLicenseAuctionOtherCharges" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="FccLicenseAuctionTotalLicensesWon" id="usm_FccLicenseAuctionTotalLicensesWon" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="FccLicenseAuctionTotalWinningBid" id="usm_FccLicenseAuctionTotalWinningBid" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="GainLossOnSaleOfBusinessAndOtherExitCostsNetMember" id="usm_GainLossOnSaleOfBusinessAndOtherExitCostsNetMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" id="usm_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="IncomeTaxLineItems" id="usm_IncomeTaxLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxesCorrection" id="usm_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxesCorrection" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="IncomeTaxesReceivablePayableTableTextBlock" id="usm_IncomeTaxesReceivablePayableTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredInExchange" id="usm_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredInExchange" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsOtherChanges" id="usm_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsOtherChanges" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LeaseDisclosureTableTextBlock" id="usm_LeaseDisclosureTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LiabilitiesHeldForSaleAroTransferred" id="usm_LiabilitiesHeldForSaleAroTransferred" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LicenseExchange2Member" id="usm_LicenseExchange2Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LicenseExchange3Member" id="usm_LicenseExchange3Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LicenseExchange4Member" id="usm_LicenseExchange4Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LicenseExchange5Member" id="usm_LicenseExchange5Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LicenseExchange5Close1Member" id="usm_LicenseExchange5Close1Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests" id="usm_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossEquityMinorityInterests" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="NetAssetsTransferredMember" id="usm_NetAssetsTransferredMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="NonCashChargesWriteOffWriteDownAssetsLiabilitiesMember" id="usm_NonCashChargesWriteOffWriteDownAssetsLiabilitiesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="NonCashChargesWriteOffWriteDownPropertyAndRelatedAssets" id="usm_NonCashChargesWriteOffWriteDownPropertyAndRelatedAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="NonCashChargesWriteOffWriteDownPropertyAndRelatedAssetsMember" id="usm_NonCashChargesWriteOffWriteDownPropertyAndRelatedAssetsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="NonEmployeeDirectorPlanMember" id="usm_NonEmployeeDirectorPlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="NonOperatingLicensesMember" id="usm_NonOperatingLicensesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="NonOperatingLicensesMississippiValleyMember" id="usm_NonOperatingLicensesMississippiValleyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="NonOperatingLicensesStLouisMember" id="usm_NonOperatingLicensesStLouisMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="NonPublicDebtMember" id="usm_NonPublicDebtMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="NoncurrentAssetsMember" id="usm_NoncurrentAssetsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="NonmonetaryTransactionDate" id="usm_NonmonetaryTransactionDate" type="xbrli:dateItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="NumberOfConnections" id="usm_NumberOfConnections" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="NumberOfTowers" id="usm_NumberOfTowers" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="NumberOfTowersPurchased" id="usm_NumberOfTowersPurchased" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="OperatingLossCarryforwardsState" id="usm_OperatingLossCarryforwardsState" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember" id="usm_OtherDeferredLiabilitiesAndCreditsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetCurrentMember" id="usm_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetCurrentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrentMember" id="usm_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LongTermDebtNetMember" id="usm_LongTermDebtNetMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="OtherTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock" id="usm_OtherTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="PaymentsForAcquistionOfAssetsInCommonControlTransaction" id="usm_PaymentsForAcquistionOfAssetsInCommonControlTransaction" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="PaymentsForIntangibleAssetsAndToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" id="usm_PaymentsForIntangibleAssetsAndToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="PublicDebtMember" id="usm_PublicDebtMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="PurchasePriceMember" id="usm_PurchasePriceMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="ReceivablesNetCurrentRoaming" id="usm_ReceivablesNetCurrentRoaming" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="ReceivablesTradeAndOtherAccountsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsTableTextBlock" id="usm_ReceivablesTradeAndOtherAccountsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquitySettlementDateBegin" id="usm_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquitySettlementDateBegin" type="xbrli:gYearItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquitySettlementDateEnd" id="usm_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquitySettlementDateEnd" type="xbrli:gYearItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="ReimbursementOfTransitionAndExitCostsMember" id="usm_ReimbursementOfTransitionAndExitCostsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="RemainingLongTermPurchaseCommitmentEstimate" id="usm_RemainingLongTermPurchaseCommitmentEstimate" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="RepurchaseProgramAbstract" id="usm_RepurchaseProgramAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="RewardProgramMember" id="usm_RewardProgramMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillBySegmentTable" id="usm_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillBySegmentTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillLineItems" id="usm_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis" id="usm_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTypeAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsEstimatedAnnualForfeitureRate" id="usm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsEstimatedAnnualForfeitureRate" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsEstimatedAnnualForfeitureRateMaximum" id="usm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsEstimatedAnnualForfeitureRateMaximum" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsEstimatedAnnualForfeitureRateMinimum" id="usm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsEstimatedAnnualForfeitureRateMinimum" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain" id="usm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodNotIssued" id="usm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodNotIssued" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueNotIssued" id="usm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueNotIssued" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingAndExerciseOfStockOptionsForShareBasedCompensation" id="usm_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingAndExerciseOfStockOptionsForShareBasedCompensation" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingAndExerciseOfStockOptionsForShareBasedCompensationValue" id="usm_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingAndExerciseOfStockOptionsForShareBasedCompensationValue" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="SidleyAustinLlpMember" id="usm_SidleyAustinLlpMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="SignificantDomainDomain" id="usm_SignificantDomainDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="SignificantEventAxis" id="usm_SignificantEventAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="SpecialIssuanceMember" id="usm_SpecialIssuanceMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="StateValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount" id="usm_StateValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="StockCompensationPlanDMember" id="usm_StockCompensationPlanDMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="StockRepurchaseAuthorizationExpiration" id="usm_StockRepurchaseAuthorizationExpiration" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="StockRepurchaseProgramAdditionalNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchasedPerYear" id="usm_StockRepurchaseProgramAdditionalNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchasedPerYear" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="SupplementalCashFlowDisclosuresTable" id="usm_SupplementalCashFlowDisclosuresTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="SupplementalCashFlowInformationLineItems" id="usm_SupplementalCashFlowInformationLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="SwitchingEquipment" id="usm_SwitchingEquipment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="SwitchingEquipmentMember" id="usm_SwitchingEquipmentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="SystemDevelopmentEquipment" id="usm_SystemDevelopmentEquipment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="SystemOperationsMember" id="usm_SystemOperationsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="TermLoanFacilityMember" id="usm_TermLoanFacilityMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="TowerSaleClose1Member" id="usm_TowerSaleClose1Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="TowerSaleClose2Member" id="usm_TowerSaleClose2Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="TowerSaleMember" id="usm_TowerSaleMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="TransitionServicesAgreementDuration" id="usm_TransitionServicesAgreementDuration" type="us-types:durationStringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="TreasurySharesPolicy" id="usm_TreasurySharesPolicy" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="UnsecuredDebtBMember" id="usm_UnsecuredDebtBMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="UnsecuredDebtCMember" id="usm_UnsecuredDebtCMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="UnsecuredDebtEMember" id="usm_UnsecuredDebtEMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="UnsecuredDebtDMember" id="usm_UnsecuredDebtDMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="VariableInterestEntityAdvantageSpectrumMember" id="usm_VariableInterestEntityAdvantageSpectrumMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="VariableInterestEntityKingStreetLPMember" id="usm_VariableInterestEntityKingStreetLPMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="VariableInterestEntitySimilarEntityAggregationDescriptionTextBlock" id="usm_VariableInterestEntitySimilarEntityAggregationDescriptionTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="WirelessMarketMember" id="usm_WirelessMarketMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LongTermNotesOtherMember" id="usm_LongTermNotesOtherMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="OtherDebtMember" id="usm_OtherDebtMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DeferredIncomeTaxTable" id="usm_DeferredIncomeTaxTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="DeferredIncomeTaxLineItems" id="usm_DeferredIncomeTaxLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="ClosedTaxYearsByMajorTaxJurisdiction" id="usm_ClosedTaxYearsByMajorTaxJurisdiction" type="xbrli:gYearItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LongTermDebtCapitalLeaseObligationsMember" id="usm_LongTermDebtCapitalLeaseObligationsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="VariableInterestEntityAggregatedDisclosureMember" id="usm_VariableInterestEntityAggregatedDisclosureMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AggregateLicenseAcquisitionsMember" id="usm_AggregateLicenseAcquisitionsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="InstitutionalAndOtherDebtMember" id="usm_InstitutionalAndOtherDebtMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetsSettleOnlyVieObligations" id="usm_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetsSettleOnlyVieObligations" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilitiesNoRecourse" id="usm_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilitiesNoRecourse" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="VariableInterestEntitiesAbstract" id="usm_VariableInterestEntitiesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LicenseExchange1Member" id="usm_LicenseExchange1Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LicenseExchange1Close1Member" id="usm_LicenseExchange1Close1Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="EquipmentInstallmentPlansOutPeriodAdjustmentMember" id="usm_EquipmentInstallmentPlansOutPeriodAdjustmentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDisposedOfInExchange" id="usm_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDisposedOfInExchange" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetAgreementAmount" id="usm_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetAgreementAmount" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="DebtInstrumentCovenantInterestCoverageRatioRequiredMinimum" id="usm_DebtInstrumentCovenantInterestCoverageRatioRequiredMinimum" type="xbrli:pureItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="DebtInstrumentCovenantLeverageRatioRequiredMaximum" id="usm_DebtInstrumentCovenantLeverageRatioRequiredMaximum" type="xbrli:pureItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="NetIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember" id="usm_NetIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="NetIncomeLossAttributableToParentMember" id="usm_NetIncomeLossAttributableToParentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="KingStreetWirelessOutOfPeriodAdjustmentMember" id="usm_KingStreetWirelessOutOfPeriodAdjustmentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LicenseExchange5Close2Member" id="usm_LicenseExchange5Close2Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LicenseExchange6Member" id="usm_LicenseExchange6Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AssetExchangeAgreementAmountCashReceivedPaid" id="usm_AssetExchangeAgreementAmountCashReceivedPaid" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="EquipmentInstallmentPlanReceivableMember" id="usm_EquipmentInstallmentPlanReceivableMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="AllowanceForCreditLosses" id="usm_AllowanceForCreditLosses" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <element name="ReceivableWithImputedInterestDiscountIncreaseDecrease" id="usm_ReceivableWithImputedInterestDiscountIncreaseDecrease" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="CurrentYearEquipmentInstallmentPlansOutOfPeriodAdjustmentMember" id="usm_CurrentYearEquipmentInstallmentPlansOutOfPeriodAdjustmentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="PriorYearEquipmentInstallmentPlansOutOfPeriodAdjustmentMember" id="usm_PriorYearEquipmentInstallmentPlansOutOfPeriodAdjustmentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="EquipmentSalesRevenuesMember" id="usm_EquipmentSalesRevenuesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="IncomeFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterestMember" id="usm_IncomeFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterestMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="ConvertibleNoncontrollingInterestWithRedemptionFeaturesEquitySettlementDates" id="usm_ConvertibleNoncontrollingInterestWithRedemptionFeaturesEquitySettlementDates" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCosts2Member" id="usm_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCosts2Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LicenseExchange2Close1Member" id="usm_LicenseExchange2Close1Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="LicenseExchange1Close2Member" id="usm_LicenseExchange1Close2Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCosts3Member" id="usm_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCosts3Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <element name="RevolvingCreditFacilityAMember" id="usm_RevolvingCreditFacilityAMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
</schema>
