v2.3.0.15
Significant Accounting Policies
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] 
Consolidation Policy
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements include the balances and results of operations of MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (“MetroPCS”) and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”).
Basis of Accounting Policy
The condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and cash flows for the periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and the related footnotes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Use of Estimates Policy
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Segment Reporting Policy
The Company has thirteen operating segments based on geographic region within the United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando/Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Sacramento, San Francisco and Tampa/Sarasota. In accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280 (Topic 280, “Segment Reporting”), the Company aggregates its thirteen operating segments into one reportable segment.
Gross and Net Revenue Presentation Policy
Federal Universal Service Fund (“FUSF”), E-911 and various other fees are assessed by various governmental authorities in connection with the services that the Company provides to its customers. The Company offers a family of service plans, which include all applicable taxes and regulatory fees (“tax inclusive plans”). The Company reports regulatory fees for the tax inclusive plans in cost of service on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. When the Company separately assesses these regulatory fees on its customers, the Company reports these regulatory fees on a gross basis in service revenues and cost of service on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. For the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded $16.8 million and $18.5 million, respectively, of FUSF, E-911 and other fees on a gross basis. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded $52.3 million and $63.1 million, respectively, of FUSF, E-911 and other fees on a gross basis. Sales, use and excise taxes for all service plans are reported on a net basis in selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.