v2.4.0.6
Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies:

Operating and Capital Leases
 
The Company has entered into non-cancelable operating lease agreements to lease facilities, certain equipment and sites for towers and antennas required for the operation of its wireless networks. Total rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $358.7 million, $325.1 million and $281.2 million, respectively.

The Company entered into various non-cancelable distributed antenna systems (“DAS”) capital lease agreements, with varying expiration terms through 2026.

Future annual minimum rental payments required for all non-cancelable operating and capital leases at December 31, 2011 are as follows (in thousands):
For the Year Ending December 31,
 
Operating
Leases
 
Capital
Leases
2012
 
$
339,765

 
$
34,333

2013
 
344,499

 
35,347

2014
 
342,965

 
36,408

2015
 
338,915

 
37,500

2016
 
317,936

 
38,626

Thereafter
 
918,659

 
338,588

Total minimum future lease payments
 
$
2,602,739

 
520,802

Amount representing interest and maintenance
 
 
 
(239,635
)
Present value of minimum lease payments
 
 
 
281,167

Current portion
 
 
 
(8,070
)
Long-term capital lease obligations
 
 
 
$
273,097



Purchase Obligations

The Company has several commitments with various network infrastructure and equipment providers for the acquisition of assets to be used in the ordinary course of business. These amounts are not reflective of the Company's entire anticipated purchases under the related agreements, but are generally determined based on the non-cancelable quantities or termination amounts to which the Company is contractually obligated. In addition, the Company intends to purchase certain equipment under an agreement in which it has the option, but not the obligation, to purchase the equipment.

The following table provides aggregate information about the commitments under the Company's purchase obligations and other agreements as of December 31, 2011 (in thousands):
For the Year Ending December 31,
 
 
2012
 
$
157,907

2013
 
6,320

2014
 
5,618

2015
 
5,786

2016
 
5,959