US Cellular to spread its LTE wings to 87 percent of customers by year's end
While it's only the nation's eighth largest carrier, US Cellular is said to be well on its way to covering 87 percent of its customer base -- that's more than 3,800 additional cities and towns -- with the sweet speed of LTE by the end of 2013. In a statement released today, the carrier said "select cities" in California, Kansas and Nebraska will see US Cellular-flavored LTE for the first time. They include Lincoln and Omaha in Nebraska, Manhattan in Kansas, and Eureka and Ukiah in California. Existing LTE areas in Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin will expand to other cities as well. That's an increase of about 26 percent since its last LTE outbreak, though US Cellular has not yet revealed the exact timeline of these rollouts just yet. In the meantime, we'd check US Cellular's 4G coverage map to see if you're in one of the speed-blessed zones. Just don't hit that F5 button too often, eh?
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U.S. Cellular Announces Next Markets To Receive 4G LTE Service In 2013
Millions more customers will have access to faster 4G LTE speeds
CHICAGO (Feb. 14, 2013) – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM), in conjunction with its partner, King Street Wireless, announced the next markets that will receive high-speed 4G LTE services. By the end of 2013, customers in more than 3,800 additional cities and towns will have access to 4G LTE speeds that are up to 10 times faster than 3G and similar to a cable Internet connection. Currently, 61 percent of U.S. Cellular customers have access to 4G LTE speeds and 87 percent are expected to be covered by the end of the year.
New 4G LTE service will be launched in select cities in California, Kansas and Nebraska and existing 4G LTE service will be expanded to include additional cities in Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Some of the new cities that will receive 4G LTE include Lincoln, Neb., Omaha, Neb., Manhattan, Kan., Eureka, Calif. and Ukiah, Calif.
4G LTE speeds provide an enhanced wireless experience with fast web browsing, smooth video streaming, video chatting with no buffering and speedy app downloads. U.S. Cellular currently offers 10 4G LTE devices, including smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S® III and Samsung Galaxy Note® II, in addition to a tablet, hotspots and a wireless modem.
"We're continuously improving our customer experience, so we're excited to offer 4G LTE speeds to nearly all of our customers by the end of 2013," said Michael S. Irizarry, executive vice president and chief technology officer. "This 4G LTE network expansion, along with our growing line-up of 4G LTE devices, will make customers' lives simpler and easier with quick access to important information and entertainment on their devices."
The 4G LTE network builds on the 3G data services that U.S. Cellular customers have enjoyed on the carrier's nationwide network. U.S. Cellular has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier, along with a valuable rewards program that recognizes loyalty. For more information about the 4G LTE experience, visit uscellular.com/4G.
4G LTE not available in all areas. See uscellular.com/4G for detailed coverage info. 4G LTE service is provided in partnership with King Street Wireless. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.
