TDS announces progress on ARRA broadband projects in Wis., Mich.

Stimulus-funded project around Reeseville, Wis. is complete; project in southwest Michigan is partially complete.

Today, TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS®) announces completion of one stimulus-funded project in Wisconsin and partial completion of a project in Michigan. The projects, funded in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), are making high-speed Internet service accessible to more households and businesses.

The completed project, around Reeseville, Wis., makes high-speed Internet service accessible to about 200 households. TDS installed about six miles of fiber optics cabling and six new cabinets (which protect the advanced network electronics) throughout Riverside Telecom, LLC. TDS projected the cost at just over $1 million. The RUS grant covered 75 percent of the cost and TDS invested the remaining 25 percent (nearly $275,000) to expand broadband to more businesses and residents.

Partial completion of the project in Michigan provides households near Augusta with access to high-speed Internet service. By spring 2014, more households around Medina will also gain access to high-speed Internet service. Overall, about 300 households in Michigan are projected to gain access to high-speed Internet connection as a result of this project. About 10 miles of fiber optics and six new cabinets are being installed in this TDS exchange known as Communication Corporation of Michigan. TDS will alert customers when service is accessible or customers can call 888-225-5837 to sign up.

TDS is receiving funding for 44 projects, including this one in Michigan, from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) as part of the ARRA.

Nationwide, more than 95 percent of TDS customers already have access to high-speed Internet service. TDS is intent on providing as many remaining customers with broadband connectivity as possible. According to TDS, federal stimulus funds are helping to close the gap and deliver Internet connectivity to more than 27,000 customers.

For background information and updates, visit www.tdstelecom.com/stimulus.

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For more information, or a high-resolution map, contact: Cindy Tomlinson, Associate Manager-Public Relations / TDS Telecommunications Corp. / 608-664-4471 / cindy.tomlinson@tdstelecom.com

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom/TDS®) delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the U.S. With 1.1 million connections, TDS’ mission is to create a better world through its communications services. Powered by fiber-optics and new industry-leading technologies, TDS delivers up to 8 Gigabit internet speeds and offers internet-protocol based TV entertainment solutions along with traditional phone services. TDS also offers businesses VoIP advanced communications solutions, dedicated internet service, and data networking services. Visit tdstelecom.com.

TDS Telecom, headquartered in Madison, Wis., employs 3,300 people and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS]. Founded in 1969, Telephone and Data Systems provides wireless, broadband, video and voice services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide through its businesses: UScellular and TDS Telecom. Visit tdsinc.com.

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