Summary of Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) Conference Call Company and Industry Overview - **Company**: Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) and its subsidiary Array Digital Infrastructure - **Industry**: Telecommunications, specifically focusing on fiber and tower operations Key Points and Arguments TDS and Array Digital Infrastructure - The deal with T-Mobile to sell wireless operations closed on August 1, 2025, marking a significant transition for TDS and Array [2][3] - Array now operates as a separate entity, owning 4,400 towers, making it the fifth largest tower company in the U.S. [4] Spectrum Sales and Financial Outlook - TDS is pursuing pending spectrum sales worth $1 billion each with AT&T and Verizon, expecting regulatory approval soon [5][14] - The company has sold 70% of its spectrum and has remaining C band spectrum, which has no build requirements until 2029 [6][16] - Anticipation of special dividends from the proceeds of spectrum sales, with the AT&T deal expected to close by the end of 2025 [14][15] Colocation Growth - Colocation revenues grew by 12% in Q2 2025, with a significant increase in application fees contributing to this growth [7] - T-Mobile has committed to 2,015 colocations, which is expected to increase cash revenues by approximately 50% [8] Fiber Expansion Strategy - TDS aims to double its fiber footprint from 900,000 to 1,800,000 addresses over the next five years, having surpassed 1 million fiber addresses recently [12][13] - The company is focused on two major build programs: expansion into new communities and converting existing copper addresses to fiber [35][36] Financial Management and Capital Return - TDS has a leverage ratio target of 3x, providing flexibility for future growth [24] - Plans for special dividends following spectrum sales, with expectations for a regular recurring dividend by late 2026 or early 2027 [28] Market Position and Competitive Landscape - The company does not view fixed wireless or satellite-based broadband (e.g., Starlink) as significant threats to its fiber business [46][78] - Increased competition from overbuilders in cable markets is noted, but TDS remains confident in its competitive product offerings [73][75] Operational Improvements and AI Utilization - TDS is implementing operational improvements and utilizing AI to enhance efficiency and customer experience [66][67] - The company is focused on streamlining back-office operations and enhancing customer service through technology [64] Customer Behavior and Economic Impact - No significant changes in customer payment behavior or churn rates have been observed due to macroeconomic conditions [71] - The company remains optimistic about its product demand, which is considered recession-resistant [71] Future Plans and Investor Relations - TDS plans to provide clearer disclosures regarding its tower business and fiber operations in upcoming earnings calls [83][84] - The company is evaluating additional opportunities for growth, including potential M&A, while maintaining financial discipline [37][62] Additional Important Content - The company is focused on enhancing its fiber network efficiency, which is expected to improve margins over time [63] - TDS is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet, having paid off most of its debt post-deal [57][58] - The management team is in place, with a focus on operational success and strategic growth [32]

Summary of Array Digital Infrastructure (AD) 2025 Conference Company and Industry Overview - **Companies Discussed**: TDS Telecom and Array Digital Infrastructure - **Industry**: Telecommunications, specifically focusing on tower operations and fiber infrastructure Key Points and Arguments Array Digital Infrastructure 1. **Business Transition**: Array Digital Infrastructure has transitioned from being part of a wireless carrier to a standalone tower company, now owning 4,400 towers and ranking as the fifth largest tower company in the U.S. [3][4] 2. **Spectrum Sales**: The company is pursuing pending spectrum sales, expecting to generate $1 billion from AT&T and another $1 billion from Verizon, with confidence in regulatory approvals [5][14] 3. **Colocation Growth**: Revenue from colocation grew by 12% in Q2, with a significant increase in colocations from T-Mobile, which is expected to boost cash revenues by 50% [7][8][9] 4. **Ground Lease Strategy**: The company is focusing on acquiring land and extending leases, with plans to negotiate rent abatements for 800 to 1,800 "naked towers" post-T-Mobile integration [10][11] 5. **Financial Reporting Changes**: Transitioning to tower company reporting will include metrics like AFFO and adjusted EBITDA, with some nonrecurring costs expected in financial statements due to the wind-down of wireless operations [22][23] TDS Telecom 1. **Fiber Expansion Goals**: TDS Telecom aims to double its fiber footprint from 900,000 to 1,800,000 addresses over the next five years, having recently surpassed 1 million fiber addresses [12][13] 2. **Capital Expenditure Plans**: The company plans to maintain elevated capital expenditures to support fiber expansion and is committed to 150,000 addresses this year, with potential increases in future years [41][57] 3. **EACAM Program**: TDS has accepted the Enhanced ACAM program, extending regulatory revenues by approximately $90 million annually and bringing fiber to 300,000 addresses [45][46] 4. **Market Positioning**: The company views fixed wireless and satellite broadband (e.g., Starlink) as non-material threats, emphasizing the superiority of fiber technology [47][80] 5. **SMB Opportunities**: TDS recognizes underpenetration in the SMB segment and plans to launch more aggressive offers to improve penetration rates [82] Financial and Strategic Outlook 1. **Dividend Plans**: Following spectrum sales, the Board is expected to declare special dividends, with regular dividends anticipated to start in late 2026 or early 2027 [15][30] 2. **Leverage and Capital Structure**: The company targets a leverage ratio of 3x, providing flexibility for future growth opportunities [25][60] 3. **Operational Efficiency**: Both companies are focused on improving operational efficiencies and margins through transformation programs and AI integration [68][70] 4. **Competitive Landscape**: TDS is experiencing increased competition from overbuilders in cable markets but remains confident in its competitive positioning due to fiber investments [76][78] Additional Insights 1. **Customer Behavior**: No significant changes in customer payment behavior have been observed despite macroeconomic pressures, with churn rates down year-over-year [73] 2. **Future Communication Plans**: Both companies plan to enhance communication with investors, particularly regarding their transformation into fiber-centric operations [85][86] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and strategic directions of Array Digital Infrastructure and TDS Telecom as presented in the conference.