电话数据系统 2024年度报告

Bridging theDigital Divide Since our founding over 50 years ago, TDS has been committedto bringing high-quality communications services to unservedand underserved communities in suburban and rural America. Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations,original research, and associate volunteerism, we’readdressing the digital divide and providing criticalresources in local communities. Since 2009, UScellularhas invested nearly $47 million in monetary donations,technology resources, and countless experiences tononprofit organizations across the country. We arebuilding better communities by supporting STEMeducation and helping build a healthier digital future. TDS Telecom’s mission is to create a better world byproviding high-quality communication services –connecting people and businesses, supporting education,and strengthening communities. As TDS Telecom expandsits fiber footprint, it continually advocates for supportto bring better services to locations through federal andstate programs and state broadband grants. From hands-on volunteering to in-kind and direct financial support,TDS Telecom also takes a vested interest in the growthand success of our communities. Supporting Education We know that STEM education and technology go hand-in-hand.Our partnerships with organizations like Girls Who Code, YWCA,and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America – the latter of which wehave donated $1 million annually for the past ten years – haveprovided students with access, mentorship, and hands-on STEMeducation to ensure they have the important tools to reach theirfull potential. In addition, our After School Access Project hasprovided nearly 100,000 youth with access to Wi-Fi, with over$30 million in hotspots and service donated. Improving Rural Broadband TDS Telecom is doubling down on its commitment to improverural broadband by receiving Enhanced Alternative ConnectAmerica Cost Model (E-ACAM) support from the FederalCommunications Commission. The program will provideapproximately $90 million of annual regulatory revenue for15 years in exchange for bringing higher speeds to some ofthe most rural geographies in our footprint. Our plans involvebringing fiber to approximately 300,000 addresses, includingthose funded by E-ACAM and those passed along the route.The federal funding is on top of more than $51 million receivedin state grants from 2013-2023 to provide enhanced broadbandservices to nearly 27,000 service addresses in six states. Building a Healthier Digital Future At UScellular, our network and portfolio of devices andsolutions help people build strong connections with friends,family, and communities. UScellular believes that our phonesare meant to bring us closer to what matters most. Throughinitiatives like the “Phones Down for 5” challenge and tutorialsfor changing phone settings to “US Mode” to limit digitaldistractions, we are helping people create better relationshipswith their technology and helping families navigate the digitalworld together. Giving Back to Communities Through its TDS Cares initiative, TDS continues to give back tothe communities it serves through donations, sponsorships,and volunteerism. In 2024, its annual Week of Giving campaignincluded approximately 100 philanthropic activities that resultedin more than $100,000 in donations to organizations across thecountry. TDS Cares initiatives occur throughout the year andthrough the Be Good Citizens program, TDS provides associateswith 16 hours of paid time off every year to volunteer at the501c3 organization of their choice. Dear Shareholders, 2024 was a significant year for TDS. We undertook substantial actions throughout theorganization designed to position the company for long-term success. We worked tooptimize our portfolio as evidenced by entering into multiple agreements pursuant tothe strategic review of alternatives at UScellular, in addition to the sale of OneNeck ITSolutions and the sales of several small copper ILEC and cable companies. Review of strategic alternatives update In May 2024, TDS and UScellular announced that they entered into an agreement to sell UScellular’swireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile for $4.4 billion, including up to $2 billionof assumed debt. The transaction is a positive outcome for all stakeholders and creates significantbenefits for our customers, providing more competitive choices, as they will benefit from a betternetwork experience from the combined networks of the two companies, lower prices and more robustplans. This transaction is expected to close in mid-2025, subject to regulatory approval and thesatisfaction of customary closing conditions. Additionally, as part of the strategic review, UScellular subsequently launched a process toopportunistically monetize its remaining spectrum. In fall 2024, UScellular entered into agreementsto sell spectrum licenses to Verizon Communications, Inc., AT&T, Inc., Nsight Spectrum, LLC andNex-Tech Wireless, LLC for approximatel