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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements |  |  |
Number of connections | 5,000,000 |  |
Number of reportable segments | 1 |  |
Agent liability | $ 57 | $ 76 |
Amounts recorded gross in revenues that are billed to customers and remitted to governmental authorities | 64 | 77 | $ 97
Advertising costs | 245 | 231 | 205
Service | $ 3,081 | 3,384 | 3,407
TDS |  |  |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements |  |  |
TDS ownership of U.S. Cellular | 83.00% |  |
Income taxes receivable |  | 33 |
Income taxes payable | $ 8 |  |
401(k) |  |  |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements |  |  |
Defined contribution cost | 16 | 15 | 15
Pension |  |  |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements |  |  |
Defined contribution cost | $ 11 | 11 | $ 11
Loyalty Rewards Program |  |  |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements |  |  |
Service |  | $ 58 |

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