Madison, Wis. – Wisconsin’s premier telecommunications and broadband industry association is honoring Ted Carlson of Telephone and Data Systems Inc. (TDS) with the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Carlson served as TDS President and CEO from 1986-2025 and is the current Vice Chair of the company.
“As an association that has been serving the industry since 1910, we take great pleasure in celebrating innovators who have made a lasting impact on our state,” said WSTA Executive Director Bill Esbeck. “We applaud Ted Carlson’s efforts to bridge the digital divide in Wisconsin as well as his commitment to supporting the communities TDS serves.”
Carlson joined TDS, the company founded by his father, LeRoy T. Carlson, in 1974 as vice president. He was named president in 1981 and CEO in 1986, two titles he held until January 2025. Carlson continues to serve on the TDS Board of Directors and as board chairman of TDS’ publicly traded subsidiary, UScellular.
The WSTA Awards Committee recommends applicants for the award to the WSTA Board of Directors. The full board considers the merits of each potential winner and makes the final decision.
“TDS and I are very thankful to receive this recognition from WSTA and its members,” Carlson said. “TDS is proud to be part of WSTA and is grateful for the role the association plays in advancing our shared mission of bringing high-quality communications services to Wisconsin homes and businesses. It’s a privilege to work in the telecommunications industry and do our part in helping communities thrive.”
Since joining TDS in 1974, Carlson has helped oversee the company’s growth from a small, rural telephone company to a holding company that has included more than 100 telephone companies and many cellular communication subsidiaries across the United States. As President and Chief Executive Officer, Carlson led as an entrepreneur who brought modern communications to rural America, and in so doing, built a company that created employment, wealth and opportunity. He also championed a corporate culture that promotes education and community involvement, with volunteerism and charitable support, a key part of the company’s mission.
Under Carlson’s leadership, TDS has been a proud WSTA member for decades and he has supported his staff who held leadership roles within the WSTA.
