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Intangible Assets
 6 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Intangible Assets
Note 7.
Intangible Assets
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of FCC licenses, which were acquired primarily through FCC auctions and business combinations, certain of our trademarks, and goodwill. At September 30, 2015, we held 1.9 GHz, 800 MHz and 2.5 GHz FCC licenses authorizing the use of radio frequency spectrum to deploy our wireless services. As long as the Company acts within the requirements and constraints of the regulatory authorities, the renewal and extension of these licenses is reasonably certain at minimal cost. Accordingly, we have concluded that FCC licenses are indefinite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill represents the excess of consideration paid over the estimated fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations.
 
March 31,
2015
 
Net
Additions
 
September 30,
2015
 
(in millions)
FCC licenses
$
35,952

 
$
38

 
$
35,990

Trademarks
4,035

 
—

 
4,035

Goodwill
6,575

 
—

 
6,575

 
$
46,562

 
$
38

 
$
46,600


Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
Customer relationships are amortized using the sum-of-the-months' digits method, while all other definite-lived intangible assets are amortized using the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. We reduce the gross carrying value and associated accumulated amortization when specified intangible assets become fully amortized. Amortization expense related to favorable spectrum and tower leases is recognized in cost of services.
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
March 31, 2015
 
Useful Lives
 
Gross
Carrying
Value
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
 
Gross
Carrying
Value
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
 
 
 
(in millions)
Customer relationships
4 to 8 years
 
$
6,923

 
$
(3,449
)
 
$
3,474

 
$
6,923

 
$
(2,791
)
 
$
4,132

Other intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Favorable spectrum leases
23 years
 
884

 
(91
)
 
793

 
884

 
(71
)
 
813

Favorable tower leases
3 to 7 years
 
589

 
(242
)
 
347

 
589

 
(189
)
 
400

Trademarks
34 years
 
520

 
(35
)
 
485

 
520

 
(27
)
 
493

Other
4 to 10 years
 
78

 
(22
)
 
56

 
72

 
(17
)
 
55

Total other intangible assets
 
2,071


(390
)

1,681


2,065


(304
)

1,761

Total definite-lived intangible assets
 
$
8,994


$
(3,839
)

$
5,155


$
8,988


$
(3,095
)

$
5,893