Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed the sale of U.S. Cellular wireless business and certain spectrum assets to T-Mobile for $4.3 billion, which is expected to unlock significant shareholder value and strengthen the balance sheets of both Array and TDS [6][12][14] - Following the transaction, TDS's debt was reduced to approximately $364 million, with a plan to redeem about $1.1 billion in debt, resulting in annual interest savings of approximately $80 million and reducing the average cost of debt to just over 6% [12][14][15] - S&P raised TDS's credit rating to BBB- from BB, reflecting a strong balance sheet and growth outlook [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Array Digital Infrastructure now operates independently with approximately 4,400 towers and a new master license agreement with T-Mobile, which is expected to enhance revenue and profitability [7][26] - Third-party tower revenues increased by 12%, and the number of third-party colocations grew by 6% year-over-year [26][29] - TDS Telecom reported 27,000 new fiber service addresses added in the quarter, with a total of 10,300 fiber net additions, leading to a 19% growth in total fiber connections since last year [33][34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates receiving $2 billion from previously announced spectrum sales, with a portion expected later this year, subject to regulatory approvals [15][22] - The company is focused on monetizing approximately 70% of Array's total spectrum holdings, including transactions with AT&T and Verizon, which are expected to close in 2025 and 2026 [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on its tower and fiber businesses, with plans to implement a regular dividend once spectrum transactions are completed [15][16] - Key strategic priorities include closing pending spectrum transactions, optimizing ground leases, and driving revenue growth through new colocations [24][25] - The company is evaluating M&A opportunities, particularly in fiber assets that synergize with existing properties [86] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth potential of the tower business and the fiber program, emphasizing the importance of the new T-Mobile master license agreement [7][26] - The company expects to incur additional wind-down costs as it transitions from a wireless service provider to an independent tower company, which may impact profitability in the near term [30] - Management highlighted the competitive landscape in expansion markets as favorable, with a focus on increasing penetration rates in newly launched fiber areas [74] Other Important Information - The company plans to maintain its preferred stock as foundational capital for its fiber program and has no immediate plans to redeem them [12][14] - The company is committed to a disciplined financial policy while maintaining a conservative balance sheet [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on TDS Telecom's fiber expansion plans - Management indicated that there is significant opportunity to expand the fiber footprint and will provide updates in upcoming quarters [51][52] Question: Long-term leverage stabilization for TDS Telecom - Management expects to maintain leverage below 1.5 times while evaluating opportunities for growth and capital allocation [55] Question: Access to construction resources for fiber expansion - Management remains confident in achieving the target of 150,000 new fiber service addresses for the year, with ramping construction efforts [56][58] Question: Cohort analysis for fiber market penetration - Management is working on providing cohort analysis to investors, expecting around 25-30% penetration by month 12 and 40% by year five in expansion markets [60][62] Question: Update on mobile launch and pricing strategy - The company launched TDS Mobile in select markets and is testing aggressive pricing strategies, with potential price increases after two years [82][84] Question: M&A opportunities and asset profiles - The company is focused on fiber opportunities that are synergistic with existing properties and is in the early stages of considering M&A options [86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed the sale of its U.S. Cellular wireless business and certain spectrum assets to T-Mobile for $4.3 billion, which is expected to unlock significant value for shareholders and strengthen the balance sheets of both Array and TDS [5][11]. - Following the transaction, approximately $364 million remains on the Array balance sheet, with $1.7 billion in debt assumed by T-Mobile [11]. - A special dividend of $23 per share was declared, with TDS expected to receive approximately $1.63 billion [12]. - The company anticipates annual interest savings of about $80 million, reducing TDS's average cost of debt to just over 6% [12][14]. - S&P raised TDS's credit rating to BBB- from BB, reflecting a strong balance sheet and growth outlook [18]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Array's tower business operates approximately 4,400 towers and has a new master license agreement with T-Mobile, which is expected to enhance revenue and profitability [8][25]. - Third-party tower revenues increased by 12%, and the number of third-party colocations grew by 6% year-over-year [25][26]. - TDS Telecom added 27,000 new fiber service addresses, with a total of 10,300 fiber net additions leading to a 19% growth in total fiber connections since last year [32][33]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on expanding its fiber footprint, targeting 1.8 million marketable fiber service addresses, with 968,000 addresses at the end of the quarter [34]. - The company expects to achieve 150,000 new fiber addresses this year, with significant growth anticipated in the second half of the year [32][37]. - Demand for higher broadband speeds remains strong, with 83% of residential broadband customers taking 100 meg or higher, and 26% taking one gig or higher [39]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on its tower and fiber businesses, believing it is well-positioned to win in these areas [6][8]. - A capital allocation strategy is being developed, focusing on fiber investments, M&A opportunities, and shareholder returns [15][18]. - The company plans to maintain a conservative balance sheet while targeting a three times bank leverage ratio at Array [14]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed excitement about the new chapter for the company following the T-Mobile transaction, emphasizing the focus on tower and fiber businesses [6][10]. - The management team is optimistic about growth opportunities in the tower business due to increasing demand for data and communication services [8][25]. - The company expects to incur additional wind-down costs as it transitions from a wireless service provider to an independent tower company, which may negatively impact profitability in the short term [29]. Other Important Information - The company is working to opportunistically monetize its remaining spectrum, with significant proceeds expected from pending spectrum sales to AT&T and Verizon [21][22]. - The company has a strong sales leadership team in place, which is expected to drive future revenue growth [26][90]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on TDS Telecom's fiber expansion plans - Management indicated that there is significant opportunity to expand the fiber footprint and that updates will be shared in upcoming quarters [50][52]. Question: Long-term leverage expectations for TDS Telecom - Management expects to maintain leverage below 1.5 times while evaluating opportunities for both fiber and tower businesses [54]. Question: Access to construction resources for fiber expansion - Management expressed confidence in meeting the 150,000 service address goal for the year, with significant ramp-up in construction efforts expected [56][57]. Question: Insights on fiber market penetration and competitive landscape - Management shared that they expect high presales penetration and are focusing on markets with favorable competitive dynamics [60][73]. Question: Update on mobile launch and pricing strategy - The company launched its MVNO product TDS Mobile in select markets and is testing aggressive pricing strategies [81][84]. Question: M&A opportunities and focus areas - Management is considering fiber opportunities that would synergize with existing properties and footprint [85]. Question: Growth strategy for the tower business - Management highlighted the importance of bringing sales operations in-house and the positive impact on revenue growth [90].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed the sale of U.S. Cellular wireless business and certain spectrum assets to T-Mobile for $4.3 billion, which strengthens the balance sheets of both Array and TDS [5][12] - TDS's debt was reduced to approximately $364 million post-transaction, with $1.7 billion in debt assumed by T-Mobile [12] - A special dividend of $23 per share was declared, with TDS expected to receive approximately $1.63 billion [13] - The average cost of debt for TDS is projected to decrease to just over 6% after redeeming $1.1 billion in debt [13] - S&P raised TDS's credit rating to BBB- from BB, reflecting a strong balance sheet and growth outlook [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Array's tower business has approximately 4,400 towers and is expected to grow colocations and margins due to increasing demand for data services [6][8] - Third-party tower revenues increased by 12%, and the number of third-party colocations rose by 6% year-over-year [26] - Fiber service addresses grew by 19% year-over-year, with 10,300 net additions in the quarter [35][41] - Total operating revenues decreased by 1% year-over-year, but excluding divestitures, revenue increased by 1% [43] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on expanding its fiber footprint, targeting 1.8 million marketable fiber service addresses, with 968,000 addresses at the end of the quarter [36] - The company aims for 80% of total addresses to be served by fiber, currently at 53% [37] - Demand for higher broadband speeds is increasing, with 83% of residential broadband customers taking 100 meg or higher [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on its tower and fiber businesses, with plans to optimize ground leases and drive revenue growth through new colocations [24][26] - A capital allocation strategy is being developed, focusing on fiber investments, M&A opportunities, and shareholder returns [16][17] - The company aims to maintain a conservative balance sheet while pursuing growth opportunities in fiber and tower businesses [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the target of 150,000 new fiber addresses for the year, with significant growth expected in the second half [34][59] - The company is optimistic about the competitive landscape in its expansion markets, which were selected for their favorable characteristics [77] - Management acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from a wireless service provider to an independent tower company, with expected wind-down costs impacting profitability in the near term [30] Other Important Information - The company is working to monetize remaining spectrum assets, with agreements to monetize approximately 70% of Array's total spectrum holdings [21] - The new master license agreement with T-Mobile is expected to significantly strengthen the tower business, with commitments for colocations [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on TDS Telecom's fiber expansion - Management is excited about the opportunities for fiber expansion and expects to share more details in upcoming quarters [54] Question: Long-term leverage stabilization for TDS Telecom - TDS Telecom is expected to maintain leverage below 1.5 times while evaluating opportunities [56] Question: Access to construction resources for fiber expansion - Management is confident in meeting the 150,000 service address goal, with ramping construction efforts [59] Question: Cohort analysis for fiber penetration - Management plans to share cohort analysis soon, expecting 25-30% penetration by month 12 in new markets [63] Question: Update on mobile launch and pricing strategy - TDS Mobile was launched in select markets, with aggressive pricing strategies being tested [86][88] Question: M&A opportunities focus - The company is considering fiber opportunities that synergize with existing properties [89]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed the sale of its U.S. Cellular wireless business and certain spectrum assets to T-Mobile for $4.3 billion, which strengthens the balance sheets of both Array and TDS [5][12] - Following the transaction, approximately $364 million remains on Array's balance sheet, with $1.7 billion in debt assumed by T-Mobile [12] - A special dividend of $23 per share was declared, with TDS receiving approximately $1.63 billion [13] - The company expects to achieve annual interest savings of about $80 million, reducing the average cost of debt to just over 6% [13][15] - S&P raised TDS' credit rating to BBB- from BB, reflecting a strong balance sheet and growth outlook [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Array's tower business consists of approximately 4,400 towers, with a new master license agreement (MLA) with T-Mobile expected to significantly increase revenue and profitability [6][26] - Third-party tower revenues increased by 12%, and the number of third-party colocations rose by 6% year-over-year [26] - Distributions from noncontrolling investment interests increased from $58 million to $77 million [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates receiving $2 billion from previously announced spectrum sales, with a portion expected later this year [15] - The AT&T and Verizon transactions are expected to close in 2025 and 2026, respectively, subject to regulatory approval [21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on its tower and fiber businesses, believing it is well-positioned for growth in these areas [6][10] - Key strategic priorities include closing pending spectrum transactions and optimizing ground lease agreements [24] - The company plans to develop a capital allocation strategy focusing on fiber investments, M&A opportunities, and shareholder returns [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth of colocations and margins due to increasing demand for data and communication services [6] - The company is optimistic about its future as an independent tower company, with a strong management team in place [19][24] - Management acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from a wireless service provider to an independent tower company, expecting wind-down costs to impact profitability in the near term [30] Other Important Information - The company is developing a regular dividend policy once spectrum transactions are completed [16] - The transition to an independent tower company is expected to enhance focus and operational efficiency [19][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on TDS Telecom's fiber expansion - Management indicated that there is significant opportunity to expand the fiber footprint and will provide updates in upcoming quarters [54][55] Question: Long-term leverage stabilization for TDS Telecom - Management expects to maintain leverage under 1.5 times while evaluating opportunities for growth [56] Question: Access to construction resources for fiber expansion - Management remains confident in achieving the target of 150,000 new fiber service addresses for the year, with ramping construction efforts [59] Question: Cohort analysis for fiber penetration - Management is working on providing cohort penetration reporting and expects high presales penetration in new markets [63][66] Question: Update on mobile launch and pricing strategy - The company launched TDS Mobile in select markets and is testing various pricing strategies to optimize customer acquisition [85][86] Question: M&A opportunities - Management is beginning to consider M&A opportunities focused on fiber assets that synergize with existing properties [88]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, capital expenditures decreased by 24% on a consolidated level, contributing to an increase in free cash flow [10] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 7% for the full year on a consolidated basis [11] - Free cash flow for 2024 was $280 million, an increase of $88 million over 2023 [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Cellular improved subscriber results and executed a strategic review, leading to a solid year in financial and operating results [26] - Postpaid handset gross additions increased by 16% year-over-year, while postpaid handset churn decreased by 14 basis points [34] - TDS Telecom increased residential revenues by 6% due to growth in broadband connections and average revenue per connection [49] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Cellular's fixed wireless surpassed 150,000 customers, indicating growth in that segment [27] - Data usage by customers rose 37% year-over-year, reflecting increased demand for services [28] - TDS Telecom's total operating revenues increased by 1% in the fourth quarter and 3% for the full year [55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize its portfolio to focus on growth areas, including the fiber strategy and tower business [9][15] - TDS Telecom plans to deliver 150,000 fiber service addresses in 2025, with a target of 80% of total addresses served by fiber [61][59] - The company is focused on maintaining a culture dedicated to serving customers, associates, communities, and shareholders [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic transactions with T-Mobile and other spectrum deals, expecting to close by mid-2025 [21][38] - The company anticipates continued investments in customer retention and acquisition strategies, particularly in the fiber segment [30] - Management acknowledged challenges in the competitive environment but remains optimistic about the long-term outlook for the tower business [22] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in 5G mid-band deployment and fiber programs, increasing its footprint by nearly 30% over the past three years [10] - U.S. Cellular's equity method investment interests produced $169 million in cash distributions in 2024 [24] - The company expects to incur cash income tax obligations related to the gain on sale in the T-Mobile transaction in the range of $225 to $325 million [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why was now the right time for the leadership change? - Management indicated that the board felt it was the right time for a change due to the transformative nature of the ongoing transactions [79] Question: Will there be changes in tower reporting? - Management confirmed plans to provide AFFO reporting post-T-Mobile transaction, but structuring the tower business as a REIT is not currently on the agenda [83][85] Question: What is the long-term vision for TDS? - Management emphasized that achieving 2025 priorities will position the company well for long-term growth in both the tower and fiber business [115] Question: How will capital allocation priorities be managed? - Management noted that while specific guidance is premature, the tower business generates attractive cash flows, and there is potential for returning capital to shareholders [123] Question: What are the expectations for fiber service address growth? - Management clarified that the new fiber goals are based on ongoing expansion programs and the EA CAM program, with a focus on pacing spending according to financial capacity [89][92]