U.S. Cellular Announces 2016 Statewide Investment in North Carolina

U.S. CellularCompany invested more than $5.5 million in network, stores and community support

To keep up with the ever-changing wireless needs of its customers, U.S. Cellular® continued to invest in its network and store environment in 2016. The company provides 4G LTE network service to 99 percent of its customers, and has continued to update its retail stores to help make shopping for wireless easy and engaging. Here in North Carolina, U.S. Cellular invested $4.8 million in its network of 605 towers statewide to help enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations.

As wireless technology has extended beyond the smartphone and tablet and in to Internet of Things (IoT) and connected homes, U.S. Cellular redesigned many of its stores in order to display and demonstrate these devices for customers. In North Carolina, seven retail locations were redesigned in 2016, and the company invested $733,291 to ensure that its customers had a great in-store experience.

“At U.S. Cellular, we strive to provide the best wireless experience for our customers whether they are in our store, talking with our Customer Care team or using their devices whenever and wherever they want,” said Jeremy Taylor, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in eastern North Carolina. “We will continue to invest in every aspect of our customers’ experience, including in the neighborhoods and communities that they and we call home.”

2016 was the second year that U.S. Cellular focused its philanthropic efforts on STEM-focused education for youth with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the National 4-H Council. The company donated $1.3 million to these organizations, with $72,500 of that donation going directly to local clubs in North Carolina. In addition, North Carolina U.S. Cellular associates spent 2,647 hours volunteering their time with these organizations and a variety of other non-profits throughout the year.

4G LTE service may be provided through King Street Wireless, a partner of U.S. Cellular. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.

About King Street Wireless, L.P.

King Street Wireless, L.P. is partnering with U.S. Cellular to deliver high-speed 4G LTE service to U.S. Cellular’s customers in most of its markets. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, King Street Wireless holds 700 MHz wireless spectrum in 27 states. King Street is a recognized leader in its community through its economic development and philanthropic efforts. To learn more about King Street Wireless, visit KingStreetWireless.com.

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier offers coverage where the other carriers don’t and a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. U.S. Cellular has the Highest Wireless Network Quality Performance in the North Central Region, according to the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study, and 99 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

Submitted by: Melissa McIntyre, Public Relations Counsel, U.S. Cellular