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FORM 8-K

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 24, 2009

 

 

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in their charter)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (312) 630-1900

 

 

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

 

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Item 1.02                Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

On November 24, 2009 (the “Redemption Date”), United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”), a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (“TDS”), called for redemption all of the outstanding 8.75% Senior Notes due 2032, CUSIP No. 911684207 (the “8.75% Notes”), of U.S. Cellular, representing an aggregate principal amount of $130 million. The redemption price of the Notes is 100% of the outstanding aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon until the Redemption Date.  The 8.75% Notes will be redeemed on December 24, 2009.  The 8.75% Notes are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “UZG.”  The 8.75% Notes will be delisted from the NYSE in connection with the redemption.

The 8.75% Notes were issued and the redemption will be effected pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture dated June 1, 2002 between U.S. Cellular and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., f/k/a BNY Midwest Trust Company, as Trustee (“Trustee”), and a Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 31, 2002 between U.S. Cellular and Trustee pursuant to which the 8.75% Notes were issued (the “Supplemental Indenture”).   The terms of the 8.75% Notes and the Supplemental Indenture are set forth in U.S. Cellular’s Prospectus Supplement dated October 31, 2002 relating to the 8.75% Notes that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under SEC Rule 424(b)(5) on November 1, 2002 and are incorporated by reference herein.  None of the 8.75% Notes will remain outstanding and the Supplemental Indenture will cease to be of further effect after the Redemption Date. U.S. Cellular did not and will not incur any early termination penalties or incur any other material obligations in connection with the redemption of the 8.75% Notes.  U.S. Cellular will use existing cash balances to finance the redemption.  U.S. Cellular anticipates that the aggregate cash payment, including accrued interest, will be approximately $132 million.

A copy of the Notice of Redemption dated November 24, 2009 relating to redemption of 8.75% Notes is incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit 99.1.

On November 24, 2009, U.S. Cellular issued a press release discussing the foregoing, which is incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit 99.2.

 

Item 2.04                Triggering Events That Accelerate or Increase a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement.

 

To the extent required by Item 2.04 of Form 8-K, the information contained or incorporated in Item 1.02 of this Form 8-K is incorporated by reference in this Item 2.04.

 

Item 9.01.  Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(d)           Exhibits:

In accordance with the provisions of Item 601 of Regulation S-K, any Exhibits filed or furnished herewith are set forth on the Exhibit Index attached hereto.

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SIGNATURES

 

 

                Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.

 

 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

(Registrant)

 

Date: November 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

The following exhibits are filed or furnished herewith as noted below.

 

 

 

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