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| {{Short description|American telecommunications company}} | {{Short description|American telecommunications company}} | ||
| {{distinguish|US Mobile}} |
{{distinguish|US Mobile}} | ||
| {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}} | |||
| {{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://www.uscellular.com}} | | website = {{URL|https://www.uscellular.com/|uscellular.com}} | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''United States Cellular Corporation''' (] '''UScellular''') is an American ]. |
'''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/> | |||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
| === 1980s & 1990s === | === 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= |
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 === | === 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= |
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. | ||
| === 2010s === | === 2010s === | ||
| In May |
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 === | === 2020s === | ||
| In March |
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> | ||
| 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> | |||
| In 2023, parent company TDS, announced that it was exploring strategic alternatives for UScellular. | |||
| <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> | |||
| 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> | |||
| ==Network== | ==Network== | ||
| ===4G LTE network=== | ===4G LTE network=== | ||
| U.S. Cellular began offering ] ] coverage to customers in the first quarter of 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dano |first=Mike |date= |
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= |
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. | ||
| The company began VoLTE trials during 2016, launched its first market with ] during the first quarter of 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |
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 by as much as 38% |
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 6 |
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=== | |||
| '''Nationwide Coverage Through Roaming''' | |||
| UScellular has roaming |
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 61: | 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 86: | 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="7" | ] || rowspan="7" | ] | |'''600''' MHz DD || n71 || rowspan="7" | ] || rowspan="7" | ] | ||
| Line 101: | Line 109: | ||
| |n41 | |n41 | ||
| | rowspan="4" |Pending deployment | | 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= |
|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 | ||
| |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 | ||
| |n260 | |n260 | ||
| |} | |} | ||
| == Community Involvement == | |||
| Since 2009, UScellular has donated nearly $22.6 million along with countless experiences and technology items to nonprofit organizations across the country in three areas: ] Learning, Bridging the Digital Divide and Celebrating Associate Passions/Local Communities. | |||
| === STEM Learning === | |||
| In March of 2021, UScellular donated $150,000 to ] to open five new Girls Who Code clubs in Kansas, Oklahoma, Virginia and Maine to help increase access to future opportunities, especially among young women. The company made a $100,000 DonorsChoose donation in 2021 for to provide STEM learning support for 500 teachers and 50,000 students. | |||
| In 2021, USCellular launched the After School Access Project with a pledge to provide up to $13 million in hotspots and service in 2022 to help up to 50,000 youth get connected. In August 2022, the company is donated $4.7 million in wireless hotspots and service to 17 ] locations and 16,000 YWCA members across the country to help youth access the connectivity they need outside of the classroom. | |||
| === Celebrating Associate Passions/Local Communities === | |||
| UScellular associates participated in 3,800 volunteer experiences and the company matched $296,000 in personal donations for 2021. | |||
| In 2021, UScellular donated $40,000 to ] disaster support, recycled and repurposed 187,000 devices and avoided 238 million gallons of water pollution. | |||
| USCellular has donated $1 million annually to the ] since 2016. | |||
| * Annual Black History Month Art Contest with Boys & Girls Clubs: | |||
| ** Since 2008, UScellular has sponsored the Black History Month Art Contest. The contest started with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia in 2008 and has grown over the years to include 30 Clubs across the country in 2022. | |||
| * Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest with Boys & Girls Clubs | |||
| ** In 2021, UScellular, with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America debuted the Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest. The top three vote-getters from each Boys & Girls Club receive prizes that include $250 for first place, $150 for second and $100 for third. | |||
| == Corporate sponsorship == | == Corporate sponsorship == | ||
| UScellular owns the ] to: | UScellular owns the ] to: | ||
| * UScellular Soccer Complex, in ] | * UScellular Soccer Complex, in ] | ||
| * UScellular Connection Stage at ] in ] | * UScellular Connection Stage at ] in ] | ||
| Current Sponsorships: | Current Sponsorships: | ||
| * Presenting Sponsor of the ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=wsfpadmin |title=landing |url=https://wistatefair.com/fair/ |access-date=2022 |
* 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> | ||
| * 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=2022 |
* 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> | ||
| * 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=2022 |
* 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: | Official Wireless Provider and proud partner of: | ||
| Line 159: | Line 146: | ||
| * ] (University of Iowa) | * ] (University of Iowa) | ||
| * ] (Iowa State University) | * ] (Iowa State University) | ||
| * ] (West Virginia University) | * ] (West Virginia University) | ||
| * ] (University of Maine) | * ] (University of Maine) | ||
| Line 166: | Line 153: | ||
| * U.S. Cellular Grandstand at the ]grounds in ] – now ] Grandstand | * U.S. Cellular Grandstand at the ]grounds in ] – now ] Grandstand | ||
| * U.S. Cellular Arena in ] – now ] | * U.S. Cellular Arena in ] – now ] | ||
| * U.S. Cellular Field in ] – now ] | * U.S. Cellular Field in ] – now ] | ||
| * U.S. Cellular Center in ] – now ] | * U.S. Cellular Center in ] – now ] | ||
| * U.S. Cellular Community Park in ] – now ] | * U.S. Cellular Community Park in ] – now ] | ||
| Line 172: | Line 159: | ||
| ==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== | ||
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.
{{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 9, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - "UScellular launches mmWave-based FWA in 10 cities". Fierce Wireless. April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 29, 2022.
- wsfpadmin. "landing". Wisconsin State Fair. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
- "Milwaukee Brewers, U.S. Cellular announce sponsorship". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
- "Packers announce U.S. Cellular as Official Wireless Partner". www.packers.com. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
- Paul Morley (October 19, 2003). "Boot me up, Dessie". The Observer. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved January 17, 2009.
