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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 | {{Infobox company | ||
| | name = United States Cellular Corporation | | name = United States Cellular Corporation | ||
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| }} | }} | ||
| '''United States Cellular Corporation''' (] '''uscellular''' and formerly known as '''U.S. Cellular''') is an American ]. It is a subsidiary of ] (which owns an 84% stake). The company was formed in 1983 and is headquartered in ]. uscellular is the fifth-largest wireless carrier in the United States, with 4,656,000 subscribers in 426 markets in 21 ] as of the 2nd quarter of 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://telcomatraining.com/list-of-mobile-operators-in-the-united-states-us/|title = List of Mobile Operators in the United States (US)|date = |
'''United States Cellular Corporation''' (] '''uscellular''' and formerly known as '''U.S. Cellular''') is an American ]. It is a subsidiary of ] (which owns an 84% stake). The company was formed in 1983 and is headquartered in ]. uscellular is the fifth-largest wireless carrier in the United States, with 4,656,000 subscribers in 426 markets in 21 ] as of the 2nd quarter of 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://telcomatraining.com/list-of-mobile-operators-in-the-united-states-us/|title = List of Mobile Operators in the United States (US)|date = December 30, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/quick-guide-to-cell-phone-carriers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423225856/http://www.cnet.com/news/quick-guide-to-cell-phone-carriers/|author=Kent German|publisher=]|date=July 19, 2013|archive-date=April 23, 2014 |title=Quick guide to cell phone carriers |url-status=dead |access-date=June 1, 2016}}</ref> The organization was previously known as U.S. Cellular. | ||
| ==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}}</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 2011, U.S. Cellular announced that it will offer ] ]. In a surprising move, U.S. Cellular announced the sale of several markets to ] including 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= |
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 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}}</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 2020, U.S. Cellular debuted launch of 5G in Wisconsin and Iowa<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tomás |first=Juan Pedro |date= |
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. ( |
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. The company has made no comment since the announcement other than to say the process was ongoing in 3Q 23 earnings call. | In 2023, parent company TDS, announced that it was exploring strategic alternatives for UScellular. The company has made no comment since the announcement other than to say the process was ongoing in 3Q 23 earnings call. | ||
| Line 45: | Line 46: | ||
| ===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 |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%, 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 |
In December 2019, the FCC found U.S. Cellular shared misinformation 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 |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> | ||
| '''Nationwide Coverage Through Roaming''' | '''Nationwide Coverage Through Roaming''' | ||
| Line 60: | Line 61: | ||
| 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. | 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= |
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=== | ||
| Line 74: | Line 75: | ||
| | '''850''' MHz CLR ||0 | | '''850''' MHz CLR ||0 | ||
| | rowspan="2" | ]/]/<br />]|| rowspan="2" | ]/] | | 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.<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> Full CDMA shutdown scheduled for January 14, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2023/12/01/uscellular-to-switch-off-cdma-network-on-14-january-2024/ |title=UScellular to switch off CDMA network on 14 January 2024 |publisher=TeleGeography |date=2023 |
| rowspan="2" | Active/Refarming to LTE || rowspan="2" |EVDO is being shut down market by market, with spectrum being refarmed to LTE.<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> Full CDMA shutdown scheduled for January 14, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2023/12/01/uscellular-to-switch-off-cdma-network-on-14-january-2024/ |title=UScellular to switch off CDMA network on 14 January 2024 |publisher=TeleGeography |date=December 1, 2023 |access-date=December 2, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uscellular.com/3g-shutdown |title=3G CDMA Network Shutdown |access-date=December 1, 2023 }}</ref> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | '''1.9''' GHz ]|| 1 | | '''1.9''' GHz ]|| 1 | ||
| Line 96: | Line 97: | ||
| | '''1.7/2.1''' GHz ]|| 4/66 | | '''1.7/2.1''' GHz ]|| 4/66 | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| |'''3.5''' GHz ] | |'''3.5''' GHz ] | ||
| |48 | |48 | ||
| |Pending deployment | |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 111: | Line 112: | ||
| |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 | ||
| Line 141: | Line 142: | ||
| 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 internet access. In August 2022, the company donated $4.7 million in wireless hotspots and service to 17 ] locations and 16,000 YWCA members across the country to reach the intent outside the classroom. | 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 internet access. In August 2022, the company donated $4.7 million in wireless hotspots and service to 17 ] locations and 16,000 YWCA members across the country to reach the intent outside the classroom. | ||
| In 2021, uscellular donated $40,000 to ] disaster support. | In 2021, uscellular donated $40,000 to ] disaster support. | ||
| uscellular has donated $1 million annually to the ] since 2016. | uscellular has donated $1 million annually to the ] since 2016. | ||
| Line 148: | Line 149: | ||
| 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 160: | ||
| * ] (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 172: | Line 173: | ||
| ==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== | ||
Revision as of 16:44, 23 February 2024
American telecommunications company Not to be confused with US Mobile.
 | |
| Trade name | UScellular |
|---|---|
| Company type | Public subsidiary |
| 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 (84%) |
| Website | www |
United States Cellular Corporation (doing business as uscellular and formerly known as U.S. Cellular) is an American mobile network operator. It is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems Inc. (which owns an 84% stake). The company was formed in 1983 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. uscellular is the fifth-largest wireless carrier in the United States, with 4,656,000 subscribers in 426 markets in 21 states as of the 2nd quarter of 2023. The organization was previously known as U.S. Cellular.
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 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. The company has made no comment since the announcement other than to say the process was ongoing in 3Q 23 earnings call.
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 by as much as 38%, 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.
Nationwide Coverage Through 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.
Radio frequency summary
Further information: CDMA frequency bands, LTE frequency bands, and 5G NR frequency bandsThe following is a list of known CDMA, LTE, and 5G NR frequency bands which UScellular employs in the United States:
| Frequency Band | Band Number | Protocol | Generation | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 850 MHz CLR | 0 | IS-95/1xRTT/ EVDO |
2G/3G | Active/Refarming to LTE | EVDO is being shut down market by market, with spectrum being refarmed to LTE. Full CDMA shutdown scheduled for January 14, 2024. |
| 1.9 GHz PCS | 1 | ||||
| 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 | Pending deployment | |||
| 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 giving
Since 2009, uscellular has donated nearly $22.6 million and technology hardware to nonprofit organizations across the U.S.
In March 2021, uscellular donated $150,000 to Girls Who Code to open five new Girls Who Code clubs in Kansas, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Maine to increase access to future STEM opportunities, especially among young women. The company made a $100,000 DonorsChoose donation in 2021 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 internet access. In August 2022, the company donated $4.7 million in wireless hotspots and service to 17 YWCA locations and 16,000 YWCA members across the country to reach the intent outside the classroom.
In 2021, uscellular donated $40,000 to Red Cross disaster support.
uscellular has donated $1 million annually to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America since 2016.
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 Guaranteed 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
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- "U S Cellular Stock investment summary (NYSE:USM)". Macroaxis. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
- "Comiskey Park benched by Sox". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
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- "New UScellular Brand and Logo Unveiled - Telecompetitor". www.telecompetitor.com. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
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- https://www.phonearena.com/news/t-mobile-ceo-hints-about-buying-uscellular_id150534
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- Attachment
- Hristov, Victor. "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.
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{{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.
- Fletcher, Bevin (October 4, 2021). "UScellular shuts off some 3G services as it upgrades LTE". FierceWireless. Questex. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
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- 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.
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{{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.
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