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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) connection in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) connection segment unit asset_group | Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) unit | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) | May 04, 1988
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |
Number of connections | connection | 4.7 |  |  |
Number of reportable segments | segment | 1 |  |  |
FCC Licenses, period of renewal | 12 years |  |  |
FCC Licenses, number of accounting units | unit | 1 | 8 |  |
FCC Licenses, number of accounting units, built licenses | unit |  | 1 |  |
FCC Licenses, number of accounting units, unbuilt licenses | unit |  | 7 |  |
Asset groups | asset_group | 1 |  |  |
Agent liability | $ 53 | $ 51 |  |
Advertising costs | 171 | 184 | $ 196 |
Amortization of implementation costs | $ 18 | 16 | 11 |
Minimum |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |
FCC Licenses, period of renewal | 10 years |  |  |
Amortization period | 3 years |  |  |
Maximum |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |
FCC Licenses, period of renewal | 15 years |  |  |
Amortization period | 5 years |  |  |
Leasehold and land improvements | Minimum |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |
Useful life | 1 year |  |  |
Leasehold and land improvements | Maximum |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |
Useful life | 30 years |  |  |
Pension |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |
Defined contribution cost | $ 12 | 12 | 12 |
401(k) |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |
Defined contribution cost | 15 | 15 | $ 15 |
TDS |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |
Income taxes receivable | 0 | $ 123 |  |
Increase (Decrease) in Income taxes receivable | $ (123) |  |  |
UScellular | TDS |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |
TDS ownership of UScellular | 84.00% |  |  |
UScellular | TDS | Minimum |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation |  |  |  |
TDS ownership of UScellular |  |  |  | 90.00%

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