United States Cellular Corporation (U.S. Cellular) provides wireless service to approximately 6.2 million customers in five geographic market areas in 26 states as of December 31, 2008. During the year ended December 31, 2008, U.S. Cellular owned interests in 239 consolidated wireless markets, which covered portions of 34 states and a total population of 83 million. The 239 consolidated markets included 185 operating markets, or markets in which U.S. Cellular provides wireless services to customers, covering 26 states and a total population of 46 million. U.S. Cellular operated approximately 6,900 cell sites, had over 400 U.S. Cellular operated retail stores and had relationships with agents, dealers and non-Company retailers that aggregated over 1,100 locations.