<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated financial statements of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. as of
June 30, 2000 and for the six months ended, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-1-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 55,127
<SECURITIES> 4,863,011
<RECEIVABLES> 334,267
<ALLOWANCES> 10,167
<INVENTORY> 31,078
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 452,967
<PP&E> 3,521,212
<DEPRECIATION> 1,419,922
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 9,123,305
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 493,761
<BONDS> 1,286,413
0
8,210
<COMMON> 624
<OTHER-SE> 4,570,629
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 9,123,305
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,054,573
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 835,151
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 40,731
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 59,852
<INCOME-PRETAX> 118,839
<INCOME-TAX> 54,724
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 64,115
<DISCONTINUED> 2,150,082
<EXTRAORDINARY> (6,106)
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 2,208,091
<EPS-BASIC> 36.38
<EPS-DILUTED> 35.95
</TABLE>