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| {{Short description|American telecommunications company}} | {{Short description|American telecommunications company}} | ||
| {{distinguish|US Mobile}} | |||
| {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}} | |||
| {{Infobox company | {{Infobox company | ||
| | name = United States Cellular Corporation | | name = United States Cellular Corporation | ||
| | trade_name = UScellular | | trade_name = UScellular | ||
| | logo = United States Cellular Corporation logo.svg | |||
| | logo = Uscellular logo20.png | |||
| | type = ] | |||
| | logo_size = 250 | |||
| | traded_as = {{ubl|{{NYSE|USM}} (Common stock)|] component}} | |||
| | type = ] | |||
| | traded_as = {{ubl|{{NYSE|USM}}|] component}} | |||
| | founded = {{Start date and age|1983}} | | founded = {{Start date and age|1983}} | ||
| | location = ], U.S. | | location = ], U.S. | ||
| | key_people = | | key_people = | ||
| | num_employees = 4,800 ( |
| num_employees = 4,800 (1Q 2023) | ||
| | industry = ] |
| industry = ] | ||
| | products = | | products = | ||
| | revenue = {{Increase}} {{US$|4.02 billion|link=yes}} (2019) | | revenue = {{Increase}} {{US$|4.02 billion|link=yes}} (2019) | ||
| | net_income = {{Decrease}} US$133 million (2019) | | net_income = {{Decrease}} US$133 million (2019) | ||
| | parent = ] ( |
| parent = ] (83% economic, 96% voting) {{small|(sale to ] pending)}} | ||
| | website = {{URL|https://uscellular.com/|uscellular.com}} | | website = {{URL|https://www.uscellular.com/|uscellular.com}} | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''United States Cellular Corporation''' (] '''UScellular''') is an American ] headquartered in ]. |
'''United States Cellular Corporation''' (] '''UScellular''' and formerly known as '''U.S. Cellular''') is an American ]. Its stock is publicly traded, but ] owns a controlling stake (83% economic and 96% voting power). The company was formed in 1983 and is headquartered in ]. UScellular is the ], with 4.5 million subscribers in 21 ] as of October 31, 2024.<ref name="s24.q4cdn.com">{{cite press release |url=https://s24.q4cdn.com/321867585/files/doc_financials/2024/q3/USM-Q3-2024-Earnings-8-K-Final.pdf |title=UScellular reports third quarter 2024 results |date=November 1, 2024 |location=Chicago |access-date=November 1, 2024}}</ref> | ||
| In May 2024, ] announced it would acquire UScellular's wireless business in a deal worth $4.4 billion.<ref name=HaseltonConlon/> | |||
| ==Timeline== | |||
| {{more citations needed section|date=July 2014}} | |||
| * In 1983, U.S. Cellular was founded. | |||
| * In 1998, U.S. Cellular launches its first website. | |||
| * In 2003, U.S. Cellular acquired naming rights to the baseball stadium used by the ]. Formerly known as Comiskey Park, the stadium was officially renamed U.S Cellular Field (it has since had its name changed again to ] in 2016). U.S. Cellular and ] (now owned by ]) exchange wireless assets. U.S. Cellular receives new spectrum in markets next to or overlapping existing operations in 13 states in exchange for its Georgia and northern Florida licenses. U.S. Cellular builds and launches 12 new markets from the transaction's assets over the next two years, including Oklahoma City and St. Louis. U.S. Cellular launches Easyedge, its suite of wireless data services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-02-01/news/0302010294_1_comiskey-ii-comiskey-park-cellular-field |title= |website=articles.chicagotribune.com |access-date=2015-09-28}}{{SemiBareRefNeedsTitle|date=May 2022}}</ref> | |||
| * In 2004, U.S. Cellular divests its ] markets. | |||
| * In 2005, U.S. Cellular enters the ] market. St. Louis becomes the second largest market U.S. Cellular serves, after Chicago. U.S. Cellular introduces SpeedTalk, its walkie-talkie-like service. | |||
| * In 2006, U.S. Cellular acquires the rest of eastern Tennessee's TN-RSA 3, formerly known as Eloqui Wireless. Already owning a 1/6 stake in the venture, U.S. Cellular purchased the remaining 5/6ths of the shares. | |||
| * In 2007, U.S. Cellular purchases IA RSA 15 in northwest Iowa. | |||
| * As of Q3 2007, U.S Cellular’s monthly revenue per user is at $52.71. | |||
| * As of Q4 2007, U.S Cellular had $368 million in data revenues. Their average monthly revenue per unit is at $51.13. They had a retail postpay ] of 1.4%. They have 6,383 total ], have invested $566 million in the cell sites, as well as the infrastructure. | |||
| * As of ] 2008, U.S. Cellular was preparing to roll out ]/] revision A to select markets. | |||
| * On Oct. 28, 2008, U.S. Cellular launched Mobile Broadband, a service allowing customers to access data on their cell phones 10 times faster than before. It brought ]-like service and capabilities to customers through ] (Evolution-Data Optimized) technology, commonly referred to as 3G. The service launched in Chicago and Rockford, Illinois; northwestern Indiana; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Des Moines, Iowa and southern Wisconsin, with more cities to follow in early 2009. | |||
| * On May 1, 2009, U.S. Cellular launched Mobile Broadband in most of Iowa except for western Iowa. In addition to Iowa, parts of Tennessee are now part of U.S. Cellular's Mobile Broadband coverage area. | |||
| * As of June 30, 2009 U.S. Cellular expanded its Mobile Broadband coverage in most of Wisconsin, central and northern Illinois, with more to follow. | |||
| * In the summer of 2009, U.S. Cellular launched Mobile Broadband in parts of Maine and New Hampshire, as well as areas surrounding Tulsa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uscc.com/uscellular/SilverStream/Pages/x_page_popup.html?p=mbb_popup |title=U.S. Cellular - Welcome |publisher=Uscc.com |access-date=2011-10-10}}</ref> | |||
| * Jay Ellison, the company's Executive VP of Operations, retired at the end of 2009. | |||
| * On May 31, 2010, former CEO Jack Rooney retired from the company. | |||
| * On June 1, 2010, ] assumed the position of ]. | |||
| * As of July 16, 2010, U.S. Cellular launched Nationwide 3G Data Roaming, enabling customers who are outside of U.S. Cellular’s native coverage area to roam on ]‘s network for no extra fee. | |||
| * On October 1, 2010, U.S. Cellular unveiled the Belief Project. | |||
| * On May 6, 2011, U.S. Cellular announced that it will offer ] ] by the end of 2011. | |||
| * On June 22, 2011, U.S. Cellular launched the Motorola Xoom, a tablet running ]. | |||
| * On November 7, 2012, U.S. Cellular announced the sale of several markets (customers and spectrum) to ]. This included their home market of Chicago.<ref>https://www.uscellular.com/about/press-room/2012/USCellular-to-Sell-Select-Midwest-Markets-to-Sprint.html U.S. Cellular 2012-7-11. Retrieved 2015-28-09.</ref> | |||
| * On April 30, 2015, U.S. Cellular discontinued their ] EasyEdge shop for feature/basic phones. Services for the EasyEdge version of My Contacts Backup, City ID, ], Your Navigator and Do Not Disturb were also discontinued.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uscellular.com/apps/easyedge-eol.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223160541/http://www.uscellular.com/apps/easyedge-eol.html |archive-date=2015-02-23 |title=easyedge Discontinuation Information {{!}} U.S. Cellular}}</ref> | |||
| * On September 30, 2015, U.S. Cellular discontinued their Online Album service which was used to upload pictures taken on phones to their online photo album. The service discontinuation also removed the ability for MMS disabled phones to receive multimedia messages through web links.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uscellular.com/apps/online-album-eol.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912202727/http://www.uscellular.com/apps/online-album-eol.html |archive-date=2015-09-12 |title=Online Album Discontinuation Information {{!}} U.S. Cellular}}</ref> | |||
| * On June 8, 2016, ] announced that they have partnered with U.S. Cellular as part of their ] ] service. U.S. Cellular joined ] and ] as partners with Google on Google Fi and contributed their network and LTE service to the "network of networks".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://android.googleblog.com/2016/06/more-speed-and-coverage-with-us.html |title=More speed and coverage with U.S. Cellular — now part of Project Fi |publisher=googleblog.com |date=2016-06-09 |access-date=2016-06-10}}</ref> | |||
| *On July 1, 2020, Laurent Therivel assumed the position of ]. | |||
| *On September 4, 2020, Kenneth R. Meyers retired as ]. | |||
| * On September 24, 2020, U.S. Cellular rebranded as UScellular and upgraded their logo.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New UScellular Brand and Logo Unveiled - Telecompetitor|url=https://www.telecompetitor.com/new-uscellular-brand-and-logo-unveiled/#:~:text=Previously%20known%20as%20U.S.%20Cellular,achieves%20a%20number%20of%20objectives.|access-date=2021-02-24|website=www.telecompetitor.com}}</ref> | |||
| == |
==History== | ||
| === 1980s & 1990s === | |||
| United States Cellular was founded as a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems Inc.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Telephone & Data Systems Inc. |url=http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/2871.html#:~:text=In%201983,%20when%20Telephone%20&%20Data,telecommunications%20companies%20in%20the%20country. |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org}}</ref> (TDS) and incorporated on December 23, 1983. began operations in Knoxville, Tennessee (June), and Tulsa, Oklahoma (August). The company went public in 1988 where United States Cellular adopted USM as its ticker symbol on the American Stock Exchange.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U S Cellular Stock investment summary (NYSE:USM) |url=https://www.macroaxis.com/ |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=Macroaxis |language=en}}</ref> In 1999, United States Cellular relaunched under the “U.S. Cellular” brand name and image across all markets nationwide. | |||
| === |
=== 2000s === | ||
| The company purchased PrimeCo Wireless Communications in 2002 and launched in the Chicago area on November 22. It built on this growth by signing Chicagoan ] as national spokesperson. In January 2003, U.S. Cellular acquired naming rights to the baseball stadium used by the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Comiskey Park benched by Sox |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2003-02-01-0302010294-story.html |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=February 2003 }}</ref> Formerly known as Comiskey Park, the stadium was officially renamed U.S. Cellular Field (it was renamed ] in 2016). That same year, U.S. Cellular and ] (now owned by ]) exchanged wireless assets and U.S. Cellular received new spectrum in markets of 13 states. In 2005, U.S. Cellular entered the ] market, making it the second largest market U.S. Cellular served, after Chicago. In October 2008, U.S. Cellular launched Mobile Broadband, a service enabling customers to access data on its cell phones 10 times faster than before. It brought ]-like service and capabilities to customers through ] (Evolution-Data Optimized) technology, commonly referred to as 3G. As of ] 2008, U.S. Cellular was preparing to roll out ]/] revision A to select markets. | |||
| Originally, U.S. Cellular used analog, then ] "TDMA" cell phones in most markets, but the company started shifting over to 1xRTT ] technology in 2003. After the switch, U.S. Cellular has discontinued all analog and TDMA services. Starting in 2009, U.S. Cellular converted its network to ] which offered ] speeds. | |||
| === 2010s === | |||
| The company offers national ] coverage through roaming agreements. Native coverage is mainly in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, parts of the East and New England. Although headquartered in ], U.S. Cellular did not offer service in the ] until it acquired territories from ] Communications between 2002 and 2003, after the formation of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=-386 |title=U.S. Cellular Launches in Chicago |publisher=Phone Scoop |date=2002-11-12 |access-date=2011-10-10}}</ref> | |||
| In May 2011, U.S. Cellular announced that it will offer ] ]. In a surprising move, U.S. Cellular announced the sale of several markets to ] including its home market of Chicago.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Cellular exiting Chicago market |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-xpm-2012-11-07-chi-us-cellular-exiting-chicago-market-20121107-story.html |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=November 7, 2012 }}</ref> June 2016, ] announced that it partnered with U.S. Cellular as part of its ] service. U.S. Cellular contributed its network and LTE service to the "network of networks" along with ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://android.googleblog.com/2016/06/more-speed-and-coverage-with-us.html |title=More speed and coverage with U.S. Cellular — now part of Project Fi |publisher=googleblog.com |date=June 9, 2016 |access-date=June 10, 2016}}</ref> | |||
| === |
=== 2020s === | ||
| In March 2020, U.S. Cellular debuted launch of 5G in Wisconsin and Iowa<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tomás |first=Juan Pedro |date=April 29, 2022 |title=US Cellular launches 5G mmWave internet service in 10 U.S. cities |url=https://www.rcrwireless.com/20220429/5g/us-cellular-launches-5g-mmwave-internet-service-10-us-cities |access-date=December 12, 2022 |website=RCR Wireless News |language=en-US}}</ref> U.S. Cellular rebranded as UScellular and upgraded its logo in the fall of that year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New UScellular Brand and Logo Unveiled - Telecompetitor|url=https://www.telecompetitor.com/new-uscellular-brand-and-logo-unveiled/#:~:text=Previously%20known%20as%20U.S.%20Cellular,achieves%20a%20number%20of%20objectives.|access-date=February 24, 2021|website=www.telecompetitor.com}}</ref> | |||
| U.S. Cellular announced that it would start offering ] coverage to customers beginning in the first quarter of 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/US-Cellular-Plans-to-Launch-4G-LTE-in-2012-Report-389276/|title=U.S. Cellular Plans to Launch 4G LTE in 2012: Report}}</ref> Just like the other larger wireless competitors, the company decided to go with ] for its ] coverage. The rollout was planned for selected cities in ], ], ], ], ] and ]. These include some of U.S. Cellular's leading markets such as Milwaukee, Madison and Racine, Wis.; Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa; Portland, Bangor and Houlton, Maine; and Greenville, N.C.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uscellular.com/about/press-room/2011/USCELLULAR-TO-LAUNCH-4G-LTE-SERVICE-AND-DEVICES-IN-TIME-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS.html |title=TO LAUNCH 4G LTE SERVICE AND DEVICES IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS | 2011 Press Releases |publisher=U.S. Cellular |date=2011-05-06 |access-date=2011-10-10}}</ref> As of November 14, 2012, U.S. Cellular has added additional 4G LTE markets, including Southern Oregon (Roseburg, Grants Pass, and Medford areas). | |||
| In February 2023, ] discontinued its partnership with UScellular in a statement saying "We will no longer be an official network partner of Google Fi," UScellular senior manager of media relations Katie Frey told CNET over email. "We value our relationship with Google, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in other ways."<ref>Lumb, D. (March 1, 2023). Google Fi Ditches Another Mobile Network, Leaving Only T-Mobile. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-fi-reportedly-drops-us-cellular-leaving-t-mobile-as-last-network/</ref> | |||
| U.S. Cellular's LTE network is primarily built upon two low-frequency LTE bands; 12 and 5.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fiercewireless.com/tech/story/us-cellular-spectrum-partner-bewails-absence-band-12-apples-iphone/2013-05-30|title = U.S. Cellular spectrum partner bewails absence of Band 12 in Apple's iPhone}}</ref> Through the agreement with King Street Wireless,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uscellular.com/about/press-room/2015/USCELLULAR-ANNOUNCES-NEW-MARKETS-TO-RECEIVE-4G-LTE-SERVICE-IN-2015.html |title=U.S. CELLULAR ANNOUNCES NEW MARKETS TO RECEIVE 4G LTE SERVICE IN 2015 {{!}} 2015 PRESS RELEASES |website=www.uscellular.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150625091006/http://www.uscellular.com/about/press-room/2015/USCELLULAR-ANNOUNCES-NEW-MARKETS-TO-RECEIVE-4G-LTE-SERVICE-IN-2015.html |archive-date=2015-06-25}}</ref> US Cellular has access to the lower 700 MHz A, B, and C blocks across most of their operating markets. Spectrum bandwidth on LTE includes, | |||
| 5*5, or 10*10 MHz on band 12 700 MHz | |||
| 5*5 MHz on band 5 850 MHz | |||
| 5*5, or 10*10 MHz on band 4 AWS 1. U.S. Cellular also has 5Mhz or 10Mhz of spectrum on Band 66 (AWS-3) in some markets. | |||
| In 2023, parent company TDS, announced that it was exploring strategic alternatives for UScellular. | |||
| Supplementary spectrum in the band 2 1900 PCS, and band 4 2100/1700 AWS 1 and 3 bands can be deployed across U.S. Cellular's LTE network for additional capacity in the future. Furthermore, additional 850 MHz Cellular spectrum could be refarmed from 1X CDMA to create a wider 10*10 MHz channel allocated for LTE.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://specmap.sequence-omega.net/ |title = Spectrum Ownership Map for Cellular Companies in the US - Spectrum Omega}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=September 2018}} | |||
| <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/t-mobile-ceo-hints-about-buying-uscellular_id150534 | title=T-Mobile CEO Sievert says he might consider the purchase of this wireless carrier | date=September 8, 2023 }}</ref> | |||
| In January 2024, UScellular shut down its 2G/3G CDMA network with the spectrum being reallocated to its 4G LTE and 5G NR networks.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.uscellular.com/3g-shutdown | title=3G Network Shutdown & FAQ | date=May 10, 2024 }}</ref> | |||
| U.S. Cellular has made plans to launch their first market with ] during the first quarter of 2017. The company has begun VoLTE trials during 2016 and will continue upgrading equipment in select markets to allow the trial process to continue following the services official launch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/us-cellular-completes-lte-buildout-and-begins-lte-roaming-q4-performance-be/2016-02-19|title = U.S. Cellular completes LTE buildout and begins LTE roaming, but Q4 performance below some expectations}}</ref> | |||
| On May 28, 2024, ] announced its intention to acquire most of UScellular's wireless operations, including all of the company’s customers and stores, and 30% of UScellular's ] in a transaction valued at USD 4.4 billion. While UScellular would retain 70% of its wireless spectrum and ] under the deal, T-Mobile would also be able to lease more than 2,000 towers from the company. Both companies expect the deal to close by mid-2025.<ref name=HaseltonConlon>{{Cite web |first1=Todd |last1=Haselton |last2=Conlon |first2=Sean |date=2024-05-28 |title=T-Mobile to acquire most of U.S. Cellular in $4.4 billion deal; U.S. Cellular shares surge |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/28/t-mobile-to-acquire-most-of-us-cellular-in-4point4-billion-deal.html |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=T-Mobile to Acquire UScellular Wireless Operations and Deliver Exceptional Value, a Superior 5G Experience and Unparalleled Benefits to Millions of Customers |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240527070923/en/ |access-date=2024-05-28 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |last=Corporation |first=United States Cellular |title=UScellular and TDS Announce Sale of Wireless Operations and Select Spectrum Assets to T-Mobile for Approximately $4.4 Billion in Cash and Assumed Debt |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uscellular-and-tds-announce-sale-of-wireless-operations-and-select-spectrum-assets-to-t-mobile-for-approximately-4-4-billion-in-cash-and-assumed-debt-302156390.html |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| In December 2019, U.S. Cellular was found in an FCC investigation to have lied about its 4G LTE coverage by as much as 38%, only managing to reach the federally mandated minimum speeds 45% of the time. | |||
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-361165A1.pdf |title= |website=docs.fcc.gov |access-date=March 27, 2020}}{{SemiBareRefNeedsTitle|date=May 2022|format=.pdf}}</ref> | |||
| ==Network== | |||
| Throughout the past few years, U.S. Cellular has begun deploying 5G in their markets. In most markets, this is achieved using 5Mhz or 10Mhz on band n71. | |||
| ===4G LTE network=== | |||
| '''Nationwide Coverage Through Roaming''' | |||
| U.S. Cellular began offering ] ] coverage to customers in the first quarter of 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dano |first=Mike |date=February 19, 2016 |title=U.S. Cellular completes LTE buildout and begins LTE roaming, but Q4 performance below some expectations |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/u-s-cellular-completes-lte-buildout-and-begins-lte-roaming-but-q4-performance-below-some |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Fierce Wireless |language=en}}</ref> The rollout started in cities in ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref></ref> In 2012, U.S. Cellular added 4G LTE in additional markets throughout the country. | |||
| Its LTE network was primarily built upon two low-frequency LTE bands; 12 and 5.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hristov |first=Victor |title=Cheat sheet: which 4G LTE bands do AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint use in the USA? |url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/Cheat-sheet-which-4G-LTE-bands-do-AT-T-Verizon-T-Mobile-and-Sprint-use-in-the-USA_id77933 |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Phone Arena |date=November 14, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> Through an agreement with King Street Wireless,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fletcher |first=Bevin |date=October 4, 2021 |title=UScellular shuts off some 3G services as it upgrades LTE |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/operators/uscellular-shuts-off-some-3g-services-as-it-upgrades-lte |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Fierce Wireless |language=en}}</ref> U.S. Cellular has access to the lower 700 MHz A, B, and C blocks across most of its markets. Spectrum bandwidth includes, 5*5, or 10*10 MHz on band 12 700 MHz 5*5 MHz on band 5 850 MHz 5*5, or 10*10 MHz on band 4 AWS 1. U.S. Cellular also has 5Mhz or 10Mhz of spectrum on Band 66 (AWS-3) in some markets. | |||
| U.S. Cellular has roaming agreements with both AT&T Mobility and T-Mobile U.S. This allows customers to roam on these networks with LTE or 5G speeds with no extra charges. | |||
| The company began VoLTE trials during 2016, launched its first market with ] during the first quarter of 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2022 |title=FCC Announces Winning Bidders In 3.45 GHz Auction |url=https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-winning-bidders-345-ghz-auction |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Federal Communications Commission |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| In December 2019, the FCC found U.S. Cellular shared misinformation about its 4G LTE coverage, exaggerating performance by as much as 38% and only managing to reach the federally mandated minimum speeds 45% of the time.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Dano |first1=News Analysis Mike |last2=Director |first2=Editorial |last3=5G |last4=Strategies February 25, 2021 |first4=Mobile |title=C-band auction maps and charts: Who won what, where and how much |url=https://www.lightreading.com/5g/c-band-auction-maps-and-charts-who-won-what-where-and-how-much/d/d-id/767682 |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Light Reading |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| === 5G network === | === 5G network === | ||
| In June 2019, U.S. Cellular successfully bid for high frequency spectrum in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Millimeter Wave Spectrum Auctions and purchased licenses covering 98 percent of its subscribers for $256.0 million or 1.7 cents per MHz pop. This laid the foundation for October 2019, when U.S. Cellular officially announced plans to launch its ] service. The company launched its first phone with support, the ], as well as coverage maps for its first commercial 5G network in both urban and rural parts of Iowa and Wisconsin in February 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Dano |first1=News Analysis Mike |last2=Director |first2=Editorial |last3=5G |last4=Strategies March 6, 2019 |first4=Mobile |title=Here Are the Big Winners in the FCC's 24GHz & 28GHz 5G Auctions |url=https://www.lightreading.com/mobile/5g/here-are-the-big-winners-in-the-fccs-24ghz-and-28ghz-5g-auctions/d/d-id/751903 |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Light Reading |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| ===Roaming agreements=== | |||
| UScellular currently only has a roaming agreement with AT&T Mobility. This allows customers to roam on AT&T with LTE or 5G speeds with no extra charges. | |||
| Previously T-Mobile U.S. was used for LTE and 5G, but at the end of 2022 roaming service has been discontinued with them. UScellular also used Verizon for 1X and 3G roaming, but this has also since been discontinued as Verizon shut down its CDMA network at the end of 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 30, 2021 |title=3G CDMA Network Shut off date set for December 31, 2022 |url=https://www.verizon.com/about/news/3g-cdma-network-shut-date-set-december-31-2022 |access-date=July 16, 2023 |website=www.verizon.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| ===Radio frequency summary=== | ===Radio frequency summary=== | ||
| {{further |
{{further|LTE frequency bands|5G NR frequency bands}} | ||
| The following is a list of known |
The following is a list of known LTE and 5G NR frequency bands which UScellular employs in the United States: | ||
| {| class="wikitable sortable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" | ||
| Line 92: | Line 75: | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! Frequency Band !! Band Number !! Protocol !! Generation !! Status !! Notes | ! Frequency Band !! Band Number !! Protocol !! Generation !! Status !! Notes | ||
| |- | |||
| | '''850''' MHz CLR ||0 | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ]/]/<br />]|| rowspan="2" | ]/] | |||
| | rowspan="2" | Active/Refarming to LTE || rowspan="2" |EVDO is being shut down market by market, with spectrum being refarmed to LTE. CDMA voice and 1X data services to be retained in all markets for the foreseeable future. Eventual CDMA shut down planned, but a date has yet to be set.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/operators/uscellular-shuts-off-some-3g-services-as-it-upgrades-lte |title=UScellular shuts off some 3G services as it upgrades LTE |last=Fletcher |first=Bevin |date=October 4, 2021 |work=FierceWireless |publisher=Questex |access-date=October 11, 2021 }}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| | '''1.9''' GHz ]|| 1 | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | '''600''' MHz ] || 71 | | '''600''' MHz ] || 71 | ||
| Line 117: | Line 94: | ||
| | '''1.7/2.1''' GHz ]|| 4/66 | | '''1.7/2.1''' GHz ]|| 4/66 | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| |'''3.5''' GHz ] | |'''3.5''' GHz ] | ||
| |48 | |48 | ||
| |Active in select markets | |||
| |Pending deployment | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| |'''5.2''' GHz ] | |'''5.2''' GHz ] | ||
| |46 | |46 | ||
| | rowspan="2" |Active/Building Out | | rowspan="2" |Active/Building Out | ||
| |] (LAA). Additional capacity in select areas.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Dano|first1=News Analysis Mike|last2=Director|first2=Editorial|last3=5G|last4=Strategies |
|] (LAA). Additional capacity in select areas.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Dano|first1=News Analysis Mike|last2=Director|first2=Editorial|last3=5G|last4=Strategies July 27, 2020|first4=Mobile|title=U.S. Cellular firms up mmWave, CBRS deployment plans|url=https://www.lightreading.com/5g/us-cellular-firms-up-mmwave-cbrs-deployment-plans/d/d-id/762705|access-date=November 9, 2021|website=Light Reading|language=en}}</ref> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| |'''600''' MHz DD || n71 || rowspan=" |
|'''600''' MHz DD || n71 || rowspan="7" | ] || rowspan="7" | ] | ||
| |Primary low band for 5G NR network. | |Primary low band for 5G NR network. | ||
| |- | |||
| |'''2.5''' GHz BRS/EBS | |||
| |n41 | |||
| | rowspan="4" |Pending deployment | |||
| |Spectrum acquired in 2022 auction.<ref name="USC 2.5GHz">{{cite web |title=FCC grants first batch of 2.5 GHz licenses – minus T-Mobile |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/fcc-grants-first-batch-25-ghz-licenses-minus-t-mobile |website=Fierce Wireless |access-date=December 28, 2022 |date=December 2, 2022}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| |'''3.4''' GHz ] | |'''3.4''' GHz ] | ||
| | rowspan="2" |n77 | | rowspan="2" |n77 | ||
| | rowspan="3" |Pending deployment | |||
| |Spectrum acquired in 2021 auction.<ref>{{Cite web|date= |
|Spectrum acquired in 2021 auction.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 14, 2022|title=FCC Announces Winning Bidders In 3.45 GHz Auction|url=https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-winning-bidders-345-ghz-auction|access-date=January 14, 2022|website=Federal Communications Commission|language=en}}</ref> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| |'''3.7''' GHz C-band | |'''3.7''' GHz C-band | ||
| |Spectrum will be available for use starting December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Dano|first1=News Analysis Mike|last2=Director|first2=Editorial|last3=5G|last4=Strategies |
|Spectrum will be available for use starting December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Dano|first1=News Analysis Mike|last2=Director|first2=Editorial|last3=5G|last4=Strategies February 25, 2021|first4=Mobile|title=C-band auction maps and charts: Who won what, where and how much|url=https://www.lightreading.com/5g/c-band-auction-maps-and-charts-who-won-what-where-and-how-much/d/d-id/767682|access-date=July 12, 2021|website=Light Reading|language=en}}</ref> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| |'''24''' GHz ] | |'''24''' GHz ] | ||
| |n258 | |n258 | ||
| | Spectrum acquired in 2019 auction.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Dano|first1=News Analysis Mike|last2=Director|first2=Editorial|last3=5G|last4=Strategies 6 |
| Spectrum acquired in 2019 auction.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Dano|first1=News Analysis Mike|last2=Director|first2=Editorial|last3=5G|last4=Strategies March 6, 2019|first4=Mobile|title=Here Are the Big Winners in the FCC's 24GHz & 28GHz 5G Auctions|url=https://www.lightreading.com/mobile/5g/here-are-the-big-winners-in-the-fccs-24ghz-and-28ghz-5g-auctions/d/d-id/751903|access-date=November 9, 2021|website=Light Reading|language=en}}</ref> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| |'''28''' GHz ] | |'''28''' GHz ] | ||
| |n261 | |n261 | ||
| |rowspan="2" |Active/Building Out | |rowspan="2" |Active/Building Out | ||
| |rowspan="2" |Currently used for FWA services.<ref name="USC mmWave bands">{{cite web |title=UScellular launches mmWave-based FWA in 10 cities |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/tech/uscellular-launches-mmwave-based-fwa-10-cities |website=Fierce Wireless |date= |
|rowspan="2" |Currently used for FWA services.<ref name="USC mmWave bands">{{cite web |title=UScellular launches mmWave-based FWA in 10 cities |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/tech/uscellular-launches-mmwave-based-fwa-10-cities |website=Fierce Wireless |date=April 28, 2022 |access-date=April 29, 2022}}</ref> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| |'''39''' GHz Ka-Band | |'''39''' GHz Ka-Band | ||
| Line 150: | Line 132: | ||
| |} | |} | ||
| == Corporate sponsorship == | |||
| ==Phones== | |||
| UScellular owns the ] to: | |||
| As of October 2021, the company offers phones manufactured by ], ANS, ], ], ], Sonim, and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uscellular.com/devicelist |title=Cell Phones and Wireless Devices |publisher=UScellular |access-date=October 11, 2021}}</ref> | |||
| * UScellular Soccer Complex, in ] | |||
| * UScellular Connection Stage at ] in ] | |||
| Current Sponsorships: | |||
| * Presenting Sponsor of the ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=wsfpadmin |title=landing |url=https://wistatefair.com/fair/ |access-date=September 2, 2022 |website=Wisconsin State Fair |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| ==Belief Project== | |||
| * Official Wireless Sponsor of the ] since 2008<ref>{{Cite web |title=Milwaukee Brewers, U.S. Cellular announce sponsorship |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/02/25/daily28.html |access-date=September 2, 2022 |website=www.bizjournals.com}}</ref> | |||
| On October 1, 2010, U.S. Cellular unveiled its customer reward program as "The Belief Project".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uscellular.com/the-belief-project/faqs.html |title=The Belief Project FAQs | The Belief Project |publisher=U.S. Cellular |access-date=2011-10-10}}</ref> | |||
| * Official Wireless Partner of the ] since 2018<ref>{{Cite web |title=Packers announce U.S. Cellular as Official Wireless Partner |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-announce-u-s-cellular-as-official-wireless-partner |access-date=September 2, 2022 |website=www.packers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| Official Wireless Provider and proud partner of: | |||
| U.S. Cellular quietly retired the "Belief Project" in September 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/u-s-cellular-quietly-retires-belief-project-brand-and-many-perks |title=U.S. Cellular quietly retires 'Belief Project' brand and many of the perks |last=Dano |first=Mike |date=September 3, 2013 |work=FierceWireless |publisher=Questex |access-date=October 11, 2021}}</ref> | |||
| * ] (University of Iowa) | |||
| On September 1, 2015, U.S. Cellular shuttered its rewards program.<ref name=rewards>{{cite web|url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/u-s-cellular-to-shut-down-rewards-program-for-customers-sept-1 |title=U.S. Cellular to shut down 'Rewards' program for customers on Sept. 1 |last=Goldstein |first=Phil |date=March 20, 2015 |work=FierceWireless |publisher=Questex |access-date=October 11, 2021}}</ref> | |||
| * ] (Iowa State University) | |||
| * ] (West Virginia University) | |||
| * ] (University of Maine) | |||
| ===Belief Plans=== | |||
| All Belief plans are nationwide with no additional roaming charges in the United States. These plans all include at no additional charge: incoming calls, nights & weekends starting at 7pm, and mobile-to-mobile calls between U.S. Cellular customers. At the beginning of the Belief Project, customers were only required to fulfill one twenty-four month agreement per line ("One-and-Done Contracts"). After the first initial contract, customers no longer had to sign contracts and could continue to buy new phones at promotional prices when eligible. However, as of Q3 2013, the "one-and-done" contract provision was discontinued on all plans, and, as of January 8, 2015, customers can no longer receive a device subsidy on most Belief Plans when eligible. Instead, they have to purchase devices at full cost without contract, or purchase devices on no-interest 24-month installment plans added to their monthly bills (see '''Shared Data Plans''' below). Customers on Belief Plans earned points each month as part of the Belief Rewards program and they could also be earned by referring customers or participating in other promotional activities. These points could be redeemed for early upgrades, free accessories, phones, overage "forgiveness" and ringtones and ringbacks. However, the Rewards Points program has been discontinued as of September 1, 2015.<ref name=rewards/> | |||
| ===Belief Plans Evolved (BPE)=== | |||
| As of May 1, 2012, U.S. Cellular rolled out a new set of Belief Plans. The new plans retain all of the same free calling features as the previous Belief Plans and also applies to 'connected devices' (tablets, hotspots, and data cards) offering tiered data packages. Like many carriers, U.S. Cellular charges a fee ($10 per GB) for overage on data. Like the original Belief Plans, customers can no longer receive device subsidies when eligible, instead having to opt for full-price purchases or 24-month installments added to their monthly bills. Unlike '''Shared Data Plans''', customers on Belief Plans do not receive plan discounts for full-price or installment purchases at the time of upgrade eligibility. The only option for subsidized upgrades is for customers to migrate to Shared Data plans. | |||
| ===Shared Data Plans=== | |||
| On October 13, 2013, U.S. Cellular unveiled its take on Shared Data plans. The plans are comparable to other carriers Shared Data options, but still include all of the same free calling features. A further enhancement to the Shared Data plans was unveiled during Q2 2014, where customers could opt to purchase devices under no-interest "installment agreements" in lieu of a device subsidy. The installment plans are based on the full device cost spread out over 24 equal monthly installment payments, in addition to the cellular service cost. Customers who purchase equipment on installment plans receive discounts on their "connection charges" to their shared data plans, and pay lower activation fees on devices. There is also no penalty for early payoff for devices on installment plans. Customers who purchase devices under installment payments on shared data plans also have an "early upgrade" option to trade-in their devices after 18 payments in order to upgrade to a new device superseded by another installment agreement on the new device. In November, 2015, an enhancement was made to allow customers who purchase devices on installment plans to be able to "pay down" their devices in multiples of the device's monthly installment cost at any time. Thus, customers can now either pay off their devices in full at any time or make extra payments towards their devices. | |||
| ===Unlimited Evolved Plans=== | |||
| In November 2019, U.S. Cellular updated its price plans under the Unlimited Evolved branding. These price plans included features like ] ], ] access, free ] videos and international ] allowances.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uscellular.com/plans|title = Compare Phone Plans & Data Plans | UScellular}}</ref> | |||
| ==Corporate headquarters== | |||
| The company has its headquarters in almost {{convert|331797|sqft|sqm}} in the U.S. Cellular Plaza complex in ], ], ], near ].<ref>"." U.S. Cellular. Retrieved on January 5, 2011. "8410 W. Bryn Mawr Suite 700 Chicago, IL 60631-3486."</ref><ref>Ori, Ryan. "." '']''. May 10, 2016.</ref> U.S Cellular maintains a corporate office in ] as well housing some IT, engineering and automation operations. | |||
| ==Corporate sponsorship== | |||
| U.S. Cellular owns the ] to: | |||
| * U.S. Cellular Soccer Complex, in ] | |||
| The company formerly owned the naming rights to: | The company formerly owned the naming rights to: | ||
| * U.S. Cellular Center in ] – now ] | |||
| * U.S. Cellular |
* U.S. Cellular Grandstand at the ]grounds in ] – now ] Grandstand | ||
| * U.S. Cellular |
* U.S. Cellular Arena in ] – now ] | ||
| * U.S. Cellular |
* U.S. Cellular Field in ] – now ] | ||
| * U.S. Cellular |
* U.S. Cellular Center in ] – now ] | ||
| * U.S. Cellular |
* U.S. Cellular Community Park in ] – now ] | ||
| UScellular had served as the presenting sponsor of the ] in ], ]. It also served as the title sponsor of a ] ] race until 2019, the ], at ] in ]. | |||
| *] – now ] | |||
| ==Sponsorships== | |||
| UScellular has served as the presenting sponsor of the ] in ], ], since its inception in 2008.<ref></ref> It also served as the title sponsor of a ] ] race until 2019, the ], at ] in ]. | |||
| ==Sound logo== | ==Sound logo== | ||
| The sonic logo, tag, audio ] was produced by ] and written by ] from the Austrian 1980s sampling band ].<ref name=jingle>{{cite news|author=Paul Morley|author-link=Paul Morley|title=Boot me up, Dessie|url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,4774366-111639,00.html|work=]|publisher=]|date=2003 |
The sonic logo, tag, audio ] was produced by ] and written by ] from the Austrian 1980s sampling band ].<ref name=jingle>{{cite news|author=Paul Morley|author-link=Paul Morley|title=Boot me up, Dessie|url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,4774366-111639,00.html|work=]|publisher=]|date=October 19, 2003|access-date=January 17, 2009}}</ref> | ||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 197: | Line 165: | ||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| * {{Official website|https://www.uscellular.com}} | |||
| {{Portal|Chicago|Illinois|Companies}} | |||
| * {{official website}} | |||
| * | |||
| {{US mobile phone companies}} | {{US mobile phone companies}} | ||
| {{Portal bar|Chicago|Illinois|Companies}} | |||
| {{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | ] | ||
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Latest revision as of 08:24, 25 December 2024
American telecommunications company Not to be confused with US Mobile.
 | |
| Trade name | UScellular |
|---|---|
| Company type | Public |
| Traded as |
|
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Founded | 1983; 41 years ago (1983) |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Revenue |  US$4.02 billion (2019) |
| Net income |  US$133 million (2019) |
| Number of employees | 4,800 (1Q 2023) |
| Parent | Telephone and Data Systems (83% economic, 96% voting) (sale to T-Mobile US pending) |
| Website | uscellular.com |
United States Cellular Corporation (doing business as UScellular and formerly known as U.S. Cellular) is an American mobile network operator. Its stock is publicly traded, but Telephone and Data Systems Inc. owns a controlling stake (83% economic and 96% voting power). The company was formed in 1983 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. UScellular is the fifth largest wireless carrier in the United States, with 4.5 million subscribers in 21 states as of October 31, 2024.
In May 2024, T-Mobile US announced it would acquire UScellular's wireless business in a deal worth $4.4 billion.
History
1980s & 1990s
United States Cellular was founded as a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems Inc. (TDS) and incorporated on December 23, 1983. began operations in Knoxville, Tennessee (June), and Tulsa, Oklahoma (August). The company went public in 1988 where United States Cellular adopted USM as its ticker symbol on the American Stock Exchange. In 1999, United States Cellular relaunched under the “U.S. Cellular” brand name and image across all markets nationwide.
2000s
The company purchased PrimeCo Wireless Communications in 2002 and launched in the Chicago area on November 22. It built on this growth by signing Chicagoan Joan Cusack as national spokesperson. In January 2003, U.S. Cellular acquired naming rights to the baseball stadium used by the Chicago White Sox. Formerly known as Comiskey Park, the stadium was officially renamed U.S. Cellular Field (it was renamed Guaranteed Rate Field in 2016). That same year, U.S. Cellular and Cingular (now owned by AT&T Mobility) exchanged wireless assets and U.S. Cellular received new spectrum in markets of 13 states. In 2005, U.S. Cellular entered the St. Louis market, making it the second largest market U.S. Cellular served, after Chicago. In October 2008, U.S. Cellular launched Mobile Broadband, a service enabling customers to access data on its cell phones 10 times faster than before. It brought DSL-like service and capabilities to customers through EVDO (Evolution-Data Optimized) technology, commonly referred to as 3G. As of Q2 2008, U.S. Cellular was preparing to roll out 3G/EVDO revision A to select markets.
2010s
In May 2011, U.S. Cellular announced that it will offer 4G LTE. In a surprising move, U.S. Cellular announced the sale of several markets to Sprint Corporation including its home market of Chicago. June 2016, Google announced that it partnered with U.S. Cellular as part of its Google Fi service. U.S. Cellular contributed its network and LTE service to the "network of networks" along with T-Mobile US and Sprint Corporation.
2020s
In March 2020, U.S. Cellular debuted launch of 5G in Wisconsin and Iowa U.S. Cellular rebranded as UScellular and upgraded its logo in the fall of that year.
In February 2023, Google Fi discontinued its partnership with UScellular in a statement saying "We will no longer be an official network partner of Google Fi," UScellular senior manager of media relations Katie Frey told CNET over email. "We value our relationship with Google, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in other ways."
In 2023, parent company TDS, announced that it was exploring strategic alternatives for UScellular.
In January 2024, UScellular shut down its 2G/3G CDMA network with the spectrum being reallocated to its 4G LTE and 5G NR networks.
On May 28, 2024, T-Mobile US announced its intention to acquire most of UScellular's wireless operations, including all of the company’s customers and stores, and 30% of UScellular's wireless spectrum in a transaction valued at USD 4.4 billion. While UScellular would retain 70% of its wireless spectrum and cell sites under the deal, T-Mobile would also be able to lease more than 2,000 towers from the company. Both companies expect the deal to close by mid-2025.
Network
4G LTE network
U.S. Cellular began offering 4G LTE coverage to customers in the first quarter of 2012. The rollout started in cities in Iowa, Wisconsin, Maine, North Carolina, Texas and Oklahoma. In 2012, U.S. Cellular added 4G LTE in additional markets throughout the country.
Its LTE network was primarily built upon two low-frequency LTE bands; 12 and 5. Through an agreement with King Street Wireless, U.S. Cellular has access to the lower 700 MHz A, B, and C blocks across most of its markets. Spectrum bandwidth includes, 5*5, or 10*10 MHz on band 12 700 MHz 5*5 MHz on band 5 850 MHz 5*5, or 10*10 MHz on band 4 AWS 1. U.S. Cellular also has 5Mhz or 10Mhz of spectrum on Band 66 (AWS-3) in some markets.
The company began VoLTE trials during 2016, launched its first market with VoLTE during the first quarter of 2017.
In December 2019, the FCC found U.S. Cellular shared misinformation about its 4G LTE coverage, exaggerating performance by as much as 38% and only managing to reach the federally mandated minimum speeds 45% of the time.
5G network
In June 2019, U.S. Cellular successfully bid for high frequency spectrum in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Millimeter Wave Spectrum Auctions and purchased licenses covering 98 percent of its subscribers for $256.0 million or 1.7 cents per MHz pop. This laid the foundation for October 2019, when U.S. Cellular officially announced plans to launch its 5G service. The company launched its first phone with support, the Samsung Galaxy S20, as well as coverage maps for its first commercial 5G network in both urban and rural parts of Iowa and Wisconsin in February 2020.
Roaming agreements
UScellular currently only has a roaming agreement with AT&T Mobility. This allows customers to roam on AT&T with LTE or 5G speeds with no extra charges.
Previously T-Mobile U.S. was used for LTE and 5G, but at the end of 2022 roaming service has been discontinued with them. UScellular also used Verizon for 1X and 3G roaming, but this has also since been discontinued as Verizon shut down its CDMA network at the end of 2022.
Radio frequency summary
Further information: LTE frequency bands and 5G NR frequency bandsThe following is a list of known LTE and 5G NR frequency bands which UScellular employs in the United States:
| Frequency Band | Band Number | Protocol | Generation | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600 MHz DD | 71 | LTE/LTE-A | 4G | Active/Building Out | Additional LTE band for coverage and capacity in select areas. |
| 700 MHz Lower A/B/C Blocks | 12 | Active | Primary LTE bands. | ||
| 850 MHz CLR | 5 | ||||
| 1.9 GHz PCS | 2 | Additional LTE bands for capacity. | |||
| 1.7/2.1 GHz AWS | 4/66 | ||||
| 3.5 GHz CBRS | 48 | Active in select markets | |||
| 5.2 GHz U-NII | 46 | Active/Building Out | License assisted access (LAA). Additional capacity in select areas. | ||
| 600 MHz DD | n71 | NR | 5G | Primary low band for 5G NR network. | |
| 2.5 GHz BRS/EBS | n41 | Pending deployment | Spectrum acquired in 2022 auction. | ||
| 3.4 GHz C-Band | n77 | Spectrum acquired in 2021 auction. | |||
| 3.7 GHz C-band | Spectrum will be available for use starting December 2023. | ||||
| 24 GHz K-Band | n258 | Spectrum acquired in 2019 auction. | |||
| 28 GHz Ka-Band | n261 | Active/Building Out | Currently used for FWA services. | ||
| 39 GHz Ka-Band | n260 |
Corporate sponsorship
UScellular owns the naming rights to:
- UScellular Soccer Complex, in Knoxville, Tennessee
- UScellular Connection Stage at Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Current Sponsorships:
- Presenting Sponsor of the Wisconsin State Fair
- Official Wireless Sponsor of the Milwaukee Brewers since 2008
- Official Wireless Partner of the Green Bay Packers since 2018
Official Wireless Provider and proud partner of:
- Iowa Hawkeyes (University of Iowa)
- Iowa State Cyclones (Iowa State University)
- WVU Mountaineers (West Virginia University)
- UMaine Black Bears (University of Maine)
The company formerly owned the naming rights to:
- U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa – now Alliant Energy PowerHouse
- U.S. Cellular Grandstand at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas – now Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand
- U.S. Cellular Arena in Milwaukee – now UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena
- U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago – now Rate Field
- U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville, North Carolina – now Harrah's Cherokee Center
- U.S. Cellular Community Park in Medford, Oregon – now Lithia & Driveway Fields
UScellular had served as the presenting sponsor of the 80/35 Music Festival in Des Moines, Iowa. It also served as the title sponsor of a NASCAR Xfinity Series race until 2019, the U.S. Cellular 250, at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa.
Sound logo
The sonic logo, tag, audio mnemonic was produced by Musikvergnuegen and written by Walter Werzowa from the Austrian 1980s sampling band Edelweiss.
References
- "UScellular reports third quarter 2024 results" (PDF) (Press release). Chicago. November 1, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
- ^ Haselton, Todd; Conlon, Sean (May 28, 2024). "T-Mobile to acquire most of U.S. Cellular in $4.4 billion deal; U.S. Cellular shares surge". CNBC. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
- "Telephone & Data Systems Inc". www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
- "U S Cellular Stock investment summary (NYSE:USM)". Macroaxis. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
- "Comiskey Park benched by Sox". Chicago Tribune. February 2003. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
- "U.S. Cellular exiting Chicago market". Chicago Tribune. November 7, 2012. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
- "More speed and coverage with U.S. Cellular — now part of Project Fi". googleblog.com. June 9, 2016. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
- Tomás, Juan Pedro (April 29, 2022). "US Cellular launches 5G mmWave internet service in 10 U.S. cities". RCR Wireless News. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
- "New UScellular Brand and Logo Unveiled - Telecompetitor". www.telecompetitor.com. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- Lumb, D. (March 1, 2023). Google Fi Ditches Another Mobile Network, Leaving Only T-Mobile. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-fi-reportedly-drops-us-cellular-leaving-t-mobile-as-last-network/
- "T-Mobile CEO Sievert says he might consider the purchase of this wireless carrier". September 8, 2023.
- "3G Network Shutdown & FAQ". May 10, 2024.
- "T-Mobile to Acquire UScellular Wireless Operations and Deliver Exceptional Value, a Superior 5G Experience and Unparalleled Benefits to Millions of Customers". Retrieved May 28, 2024.
- Corporation, United States Cellular. "UScellular and TDS Announce Sale of Wireless Operations and Select Spectrum Assets to T-Mobile for Approximately $4.4 Billion in Cash and Assumed Debt". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved May 28, 2024.
- Dano, Mike (February 19, 2016). "U.S. Cellular completes LTE buildout and begins LTE roaming, but Q4 performance below some expectations". Fierce Wireless. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
- Attachment
- Hristov, Victor (November 14, 2022). "Cheat sheet: which 4G LTE bands do AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint use in the USA?". Phone Arena. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
- Fletcher, Bevin (October 4, 2021). "UScellular shuts off some 3G services as it upgrades LTE". Fierce Wireless. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
- "FCC Announces Winning Bidders In 3.45 GHz Auction". Federal Communications Commission. January 14, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
- Dano, News Analysis Mike; Director, Editorial; 5G; Strategies February 25, 2021, Mobile. "C-band auction maps and charts: Who won what, where and how much". Light Reading. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - Dano, News Analysis Mike; Director, Editorial; 5G; Strategies March 6, 2019, Mobile. "Here Are the Big Winners in the FCC's 24GHz & 28GHz 5G Auctions". Light Reading. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - "3G CDMA Network Shut off date set for December 31, 2022". www.verizon.com. March 30, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- Dano, News Analysis Mike; Director, Editorial; 5G; Strategies July 27, 2020, Mobile. "U.S. Cellular firms up mmWave, CBRS deployment plans". Light Reading. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - "FCC grants first batch of 2.5 GHz licenses – minus T-Mobile". Fierce Wireless. December 2, 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
- "FCC Announces Winning Bidders In 3.45 GHz Auction". Federal Communications Commission. January 14, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
- Dano, News Analysis Mike; Director, Editorial; 5G; Strategies February 25, 2021, Mobile. "C-band auction maps and charts: Who won what, where and how much". Light Reading. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
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