TDS: Applauds Wisconsin governor for signing telecommunications modernization bill

Walker delivers on campaign pledge to streamline regulations, increase Wisconsin’s communications competitiveness

For more information contact:

Cindy Tomlinson, Associate Manager-Public Relations

TDS Telecommunications Corp.

608-664-4471 / cindy.tomlinson@tdstelecom.com

MADISON, Wis. (May 24, 2011) — This morning (May 24), Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, signed special session bills SB 13/AB 14 into law The bill signing ceremony took place at the 101st Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association’s annual convention.

The following statement can be attributed to Drew Petersen, vice president of external affairs and communications for TDS Telecommunications Corp.:

“Today, following recent legislative action in a special session on job creation, Governor Scott Walker signed SB 13/AB 14 into law. Delivering on a campaign pledge to streamline regulations and increase Wisconsin’s communications competitiveness, Governor Walker showcased the important role telecommunications plays in spurring economic growth, job creation and consumer choice in our state.

“This legislative reform action, referred to as the Telecommunication Modernization Act of 2011, was developed and championed by Governor Walker, Majority Leader Fitzgerald, Senator Zipperer, Senator Harsdorf, Assembly Speaker Fitzgerald, and Representative Honadel. These leaders, along with numerous economic development focused legislators from across the state, delivered on the promise of bringing our communications laws into the digital age.

“To that end, the bi-partisan legislative approach streamlines outdated and unnecessary regulations on telecommunications carriers, creates new product bundle and service opportunities for residential and business customers, and fosters greater competition in Wisconsin.

“The employees, customers and shareholders of TDS Telecommunications Corp. greatly appreciate the efforts of the Badger state legislators, on both sides of the aisle, who have been actively involved with the negotiations, improvements, and refinements made to SB 13/AB 14. Governor Walker, who made telecommunications modernization a key component of his job creation agenda, should be commended for taking the strides necessary for getting Wisconsin’s economy back on track.”

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As the eighth largest telecom provider in the U.S., TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS®) connects people with broadband Internet, phone, and TV entertainment services in hundreds of rural, suburban, and metropolitan communities in 30 states. With more than 40 years of experience and 1.2 million equivalent access lines in service, customers can select from the latest technologies, including: VoIP (managedIP) phone service, dedicated Internet, data networking, and hosted-managed services.

TDS Telecommunications Corp. also manages the data center operations of VISI Incorporated and TEAM Companies, specializing in colocation, cloud computing, and disaster recovery solutions for businesses of all sizes. In total, approximately 2,700 people work for the companies both in local communities and at TDS’ national headquarters in Madison, Wis. Visit http://www.tdstelecom.com, http://www.tdsbusiness.com, http://www.visi.com and http://www.team-companies.com for more information.

TDS Telecommunications Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS, TDS.S] Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a Fortune 500® company, provides wireless, local and long-distance telephone, and broadband services to nearly 7.1 million customers in 36 states through TDS Telecommunications Corp. and U.S. Cellular [NYSE: USM], its 83-percent owned wireless subsidiary. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, Telephone and Data Systems employed 12,100 employees as of March 31, 2011. Visit http://www.teldta.com for more information.