Where We've Been
In 1969, LeRoy T. Carlson founded Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. by bringing together 10 small-town Wisconsin telephone companies into a telephone holding company. A visionary for his time, his goal was to bring quality telephone service to each small community.
In the past 40 years, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. has grown to include TDS, Telecommunications Corp. (TDS Telecom® and TDS Metrocom®), U.S. Cellular®, and Suttle-Straus®.
TDS Telecommunications Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Telephone and Data Systems™ is a Fortune 500® company that provides wireless, local and long-distance telephone, and broadband services to 7.3 million customers in 36 states, through TDS Telecommunications Corp. and U.S. Cellular®, its 81% owned wireless subsidiary. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, Telephone and Data Systems employed 12,440 people as of June 30, 2009.
LeRoy Carlson's ideals for customer satisfaction and growth have shaped the culture and success of Telephone and Data Systems™ and the companies it leads.
Where We're Going