Just when we’re finally basking within the warmth of spring and picking May flowers, US Cellular finds a reason behind us to appear forward to the cold and dark winter to return. The carrier announced plans to deploy its own LTE network, intent on blanketing two dozen markets (representing 25 percent of its customer base) with blazing-fast 4G service in time for the vacation season. And the party ain’t stopping simply because the mistletoe comes down and the decorations are put away; the vacation deployment will only be the 1st phase, with US Cellular continuing its 4G expansion efforts through 2012. Full PR after the break.
CHICAGO (May 6, 2011) – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM), along with its partnership with King Street Wireless, announced today that it’ll deliver high-speed 4G LTE services and 4G-enabled devices to greater than 25 percent of its customers across two dozen markets in time for the vacation season. U.S. Cellular customers with 4G LTE devices and repair will experience significantly faster data speeds when browsing the net, accessing e-mail, playing games and viewing and streaming videos.
The initial rollout of 4G LTE service for U.S. Cellular, which has the best call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier, is planned for selected cities in Iowa, Wisconsin, Maine, North Carolina, Texas and Oklahoma. These include a number of U.S. Cellular’s leading markets inclusive of Milwaukee, Madison and Racine, Wis.; Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa; Portland and Bangor, Maine; and Greenville, N.C.
“With 4G LTE, our customers could have faster connections to the folk, information and entertainment that enhance their lives and help them stay organized,” said Mary N. Dillon, president and CEO of U.S. Cellular. “As well as our line-up of cutting-edge devices, customers who switch to U.S. Cellular get unique benefits like faster phone upgrades without continuously signing contracts, and join the happiest customers in wireless.”
U.S. Cellular plans to introduce a portfolio of 4G-enabled devices in the course of the first phase of its 4G LTE deployment and should continue to expand its offering through 2012. The rollout builds at the 3G data services that U.S. Cellular customers already enjoy at the carrier’s high-quality nationwide network. More details at the next phases of the company’s 4G LTE deployment would be announced at a later date.
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