Last Updated: September 24, 2024

1. Introduction

This product specific privacy policy describes the information TDS (“we” “our” or “us”) collects when you subscribe to TDS’s mobile consumer cellular service (“TDS Mobile”) or use the mobile.tdstelecom.com website or TDS® Mobile application (collectively, the “Site”), how we will use that information, and with whom we share it. When you apply for, access, purchase, or use TDS Mobile or the Site (collectively hereinafter referred to as the “Services”), you authorize and agree to the collection, use and sharing of information as described in this Privacy Policy. When we update this Privacy Policy, we will post an updated version. Please read and refer back to this Privacy Policy to stay informed of changes.

This Privacy Policy only applies when you are using TDS Mobile or the Site. Separate policies and terms apply to our internet, TV, and home phone services. For information associated with applying, accessing, purchasing, or using our other products, services, applications, and websites, including information on state specific privacy rights and how to exercise those rights, please see the TERMS AND POLICIES FOR INTERNET, TV, AND HOME PHONE SERVICES.

When capitalized herein, “Provider” or "Providers" refers to entities such as agents, vendors, service providers, suppliers, subcontractors, or independent contractors that we have a business relationship with and who we may share information with. When we share your information with Providers, we require they maintain appropriate privacy and data security measures consistent with this Privacy Policy.

Please note that when you install and use third party applications on your device, you are using another party’s services. We have no authority over these parties. By installing or accessing these applications, you may consent to allowing third parties access to information, including but not limited to your network, device, and location information. Please refer to the applicable third party’s privacy policy for more information.

Also please note when using TDS Mobile, third parties may be collecting your location information. For example, wireless communication networks know when your phone is turned on and approximately where the device is physically located, and third-party Wi-Fi networks may also collect location information when you connect to their network.

The Services are intended for general audiences. We do not knowingly collect information from children under the age of thirteen. If you allow a child to use our Services, any information we collect associated with their usage will be treated as your account information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1. Types Of Information We Collect

We collect Personal Information and other information associated with the Services as described below. Personal Information is information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a user of the Services. Personal Information does not include anonymous or de-identified information that cannot personally identify you or publicly available information.

Category Types of Information
Contact & Account Information Information such as names, billing addresses, mailing addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.
Customer Proprietary Network Information (“CPNI”). CPNI is a specific type of information that relates to and includes information we have about you because of voice and other telecommunications services we provide to you. Account and service-related information including information that relates to the type, quantity, destination, technical configuration, location, amount of use and related billing information of your TDS Mobile.
Equipment Information Information is collected about equipment associated with your Services such as type of device, device identifiers, and SIM change history.
Network Information Information is collected by networks to monitor their performance such as how Services and devices are working.
Financial Information You provide credit and/or debit card information when establishing TDS Mobile service. We collect information regarding payment history.
Location Location information when devices interact with Wi-Fi routers associated with TDS fixed broadband service.
Internet, App, or Other Electronic Activity Browsing, app, and information on interactions when using our Site, including information about how you navigate the Site and which elements you use the most.
Commercial Information TDS Mobile Service products purchased or viewed on our Site
Sensory Data Audio information may be collected when you call us including recording conversations.
Inferences drawn from other information Creation of a profile reflecting your preferences, characteristics, behavior, and attitude.

3. How Information is Collected

3.1. Information You Provide to Us

You provide information to us when you directly interact with us such as when you come into a business office, call us, access our Site, subscribe to TDS Mobile, initiate a web chat, pre-register for TDS Mobile, participate in a sponsored program, or take a survey.

3.2. Information Collected Automatically

We automatically collect your information when you access or use the Services. This may be done via Cookies which are explained below in Section 5 below. We may also automatically collect information when you directly interact with an employee in a business office or Customer Care centers. For example, we may record the communication, and any transaction that occurs when you contact us, or when we contact you, via our Customer Care services, online webchat portal, or email.

3.3. Information Collected from Others

We collect information from Providers including data usage, CPNI, Equipment Information, call recordings, and payment history. We may also collect information from Providers, such as demographic and interest data, and combine it with your Personal Information to better predict and deliver products and offers that may interest consumers.

4. How Information is Used

Information is used to:

  • Process, confirm, and track your orders, subscriptions, pre-registration for TDS Mobile.
  • Design, manage, and improve the Site.
  • Communicate with you about your use of Services including orders, subscriptions, or interest in TDS Mobile or offering services to you.
  • Provide you with and bill you for the products and services you have requested and that we have provided, including verifying your identity.
  • As required or permitted by law to comply with a subpoena or similar legal process or government request; conduct audits; comply with regulations; or respond to lawful demands or requests.
  • To prevent, detect, and investigate security issues, fraud, other illegal activities, and violations of our service terms and policies.
  • To help understand which additional products and services may interest you and others.
  • To design and deliver advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns to you and others and measure their effectiveness.

5. How Information is Shared

Information is shared with other companies owned by TDS’ parent company, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“Affiliates”) and Providers to provide and support the Services, for marketing purposes, and as allowed or required by law. These Affiliates and Providers are provided with information necessary for them to conduct their functions and they are prohibited from using Personal Information for other purposes. They are also required to safeguard Personal Information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

We may also share information with law enforcement, regulators, and other third parties if we have a good faith belief it is necessary to:

  • Comply with the law.
  • Protect our rights or property or those of others.
  • Protect against fraud or data security vulnerabilities.
  • Respond to fraud, abuse, or other unauthorized activity.
  • Enforce our policies.
  • As necessary to external auditors.
  • As a part of a sale or transfer of business operations to another company.

You, as an account owner (i.e., a party who is financially responsible for a TDS Mobile account), may authorize other individuals (“Authorized Parties”) to have access to your account, including make inquiries regarding the account, receive information about the account, pay the bill, change the service plan and make other changes to the account. Authorized Parties will have access to account information, which may include Personal Information.

6. Cookies

We use cookies, web beacons, pixels, and other tracking technology including third-party cookies (collectively "Cookies") to deliver, monitor and improve the Site, create email communications, and display relevant content. This Cookie Policy describes the information we collect through Cookies, how we use it and how you can manage your Cookie Preferences.

This Cookie Policy applies to the Services, and emails you receive from TDS (collectively "Online Services"). By continuing to access or use our Online Services, you agree to our use of Cookies. We use Cookies on our Online Services and any device which interacts with our Online Services will receive them. We also work with Providers to place TDS advertisements on their websites and place Cookies in your browser when you visit their websites.

6.1. What Are Cookies?

A Cookie is a small text file sent to and stored on your computer or other internet connected device to identify your browser or store information. A first party Cookie is set up by the website being visited by the user. A third-party Cookie is set up by a domain that is not the entity hosting the website. Cookies are widely used to make websites work, work in a more efficient way, and identify and track users.

6.2. Why Do We Use Cookies?

We and our Providers may use Cookies on our Online Services to improve our Services and provide you with the best possible web experience. We may use Cookies to identify you; provide relevant, interest-based advertising; remember your preferences; secure your access; know when content has been shown to you; provide aggregated auditing, research, and reporting for advertisers; understand and improve our Online Services; and detect and defend against fraud and other risks. When we send you an email, we may use Cookies to understand if you have accessed the information provided in the email. We may combine information collected through the Cookies with your Personal Information to provide you a personalized experience including advertising about products and services you may find of interest. The information we collect from Cookies also may allow us to identify you across devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, or related browsers.

We may allow Providers to place their Cookies on our websites or within our advertisements. Your web browser may request advertisements directly from independent third-party advertising network servers which do not have a business relationship with us. These advertisements may place Cookies that can view, edit, or set third-party tag technology, just as if you had requested a web page from the third-party site. We are not responsible for the practices including the use of Cookies employed by third party websites, mobile applications or online services linked to or from TDS Services, or for the content contained therein.

Third party websites, mobile applications, and online services that you are able to access on the Internet are outside the control or limits of this Privacy Policy.

6.3. How Can I Manage My Cookie Preferences?

To provide you with the best possible experience with our Online Services, we use different types of Cookies. We categorize these Cookies into the following types:

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies: These Cookies are necessary for Online Services to function and cannot be switched off. They may be set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms.
  • Performance/Functional Cookies: These Cookies allow for enhanced functionality and personalization, such as video and live chat. They also allow us collect and analyze information that helps us measure and improve the performance of our Online Services. They help us understand which pages are popular and how visitors move around the site. If you do not allow these Cookies, then some website functions may not work properly.
  • Targeting/Advertising Cookies: We use Cookies to enhance our marketing and advertising campaigns, as well as to deliver content that we believe will be most relevant to you based on your use of the Online Services. These Cookies may be set by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other sites. Targeting and advertising Cookies track user behavior and store user attributes to provide more personalized content (in some cases, including ad content) to visitors both on the Site and once you leave the Site. These Cookies are not essential for the Site to function, but if you do not allow these cookies, you may experience less targeted advertising.

If you wish to opt-out of Cookies, please see the banner that appears on our Site to opt-out. If this banner is not appearing for you, please clear your cache. To do so, please follow the instructions provided by your browser which are usually located within the “Help,” “Tools,” or “Edit” menus. Choices made in the banner take effect immediately and without confirmation or correspondence from us.

6.4. How Can I Stop My Internet Browser from Tracking My Information?

Most browsers accept Cookies by default. Depending upon your computer and mobile devices, you may be able to set your browser to control Cookies on your computer and mobile devices. If you do not want to receive Cookies, you may adjust your browser's settings to reject or delete Cookies. To do so, please follow the instructions provided by your browser, which are usually located within the “Help,” “Tools,” or “Edit” menus. Deleting or rejecting Cookies may impact your ability to effectively interact with our Online Services, third party websites or advertisements or otherwise limit your experience, including your ability to find pricing and availability of products and services in your area. Please note that our Site does not respond to browser “Do-Not-Track” signals.

7. Contact Us

Questions and comments about this Privacy Policy may be directed to:

TDS Telecom
Attn: Legal Dept.
525 Junction Road
Madison, WI 53717