US Cellular rolls out $70 Primary Plus plan for smartphones
Targeting "customers making their first foray into the smartphone frenzy," regional carrier US Cellular has put together a new data-focused, all-inclusive plan called "Primary Plus" that should meet the needs of a pretty wide swath of its subscriber base. The $69.99 package bundles 450 voice minutes, unlimited messaging, and 5GB of data, which compares to roughly $90 for a comparable package on Verizon -- granted, you get unlimited data for that price on Big Red, but for most folks, we suspect 5GB of non-tethering data is as good as unlimited. You also get free incoming calls, free nights and weekends, and unlimited mobile-to-mobile, so that 450-minute bucket is probably going to end up seeming a lot bigger in practice. Follow the break for the full press release.
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U.S. CELLULAR ENTICES SMARTPHONE NEWCOMERS AND PROS WITH VALUE-PACKED $69.99 PRIMARY PLUS PLAN
Carrier Continues to Elevate Customer Experience with the Best Value in Wireless
CHICAGO – [November 2, 2010] – On the heels of launching "no contract after the first," faster phone upgrades, Overage Cap and other industry-leading initiatives, U.S. Cellular today introduced a new $69.99 Primary Plus Plan that offers 5GB of data with unlimited text, picture and video messaging, and free GPS Navigation. The monthly service plan also comes with 450 voice minutes with free incoming calls from any phone, free nights and weekends and free mobile-to-mobile calls. It's the latest addition to The Belief ProjectSM, launched last month by U.S. Cellular.
Backed by U.S. Cellular's nationwide 3G network, the Primary Plus Plan is designed for customers making their first foray into the smartphone frenzy and those data lovers who spend plenty of time checking email, downloading apps and browsing the web.
"More and more customers are discovering that smartphones have many great features, like instant access to email, social networks and tons of applications, that can make their lives easier," said Alan D. Ferber, executive vice president of operations for U.S. Cellular. "If you're in the market for a smartphone, no other wireless carrier offers more value for less. This $69.99 plan, coupled with all of the unmatched benefits of The Belief Project, offers the best value in wireless."
Launched Oct. 1, The Belief Project recognizes customer loyalty with national bundled rate plans that offer customers the freedom to enjoy benefits without signing a new contract – like new phones at promotional prices every 18 months that can be accelerated with points. Customers receive valuable rewards that can be redeemed for faster phone upgrades in as little as 10 to 11 months depending on their plans. Rewards may also be used for additional lines, phones, accessories, and ringtones. The Belief Project includes the industry's only Phone Replacement program that allows customers to bring in their accidentally broken or malfunctioning phone and get a replacement of the same or a similar model. If a customer's phone is lost or stolen, they can receive the same or similar replacement phone for $100. Customers also can save up to 5 percent on their monthly plans for setting up autopay and paperless billing.
The Belief Project also includes new family plans that may appeal to smartphone fans, including the Essential Plus Family Plan that comes with two lines for $139.99 per month with 1500 shared minutes, unlimited messaging and 5GB of data per line. The Premium Plus Family Plan offers two lines with unlimited minutes and messaging, 5GB of data per line, Phone Replacement and GPS Navigation for $179.99 per month.
"We're continuing to pull out all the stops to show our customers that they are the most appreciated consumers in wireless," Ferber added. "Our associates are happy to help customers choose the best Belief Plan for them and to show them how to get the most out of their smartphone."
For more information about the Primary Plus Plan and The Belief Project, visit uscellular.com.
