U.S. Cellular: Announces 2015 statewide investment in Wisconsin

Contact: Melissa Warner, 989-859-1550, mwarner@laughlin.com

Company invests more than $46 million in network, stores and community support

MILWAUKEE (Feb. 22, 2016) – U.S. Cellular continued to invest in the wireless experience for its customers in 2015 with upgrades to its network and store environment throughout Wisconsin. Nationwide, the wireless company now covers 99 percent of its customers with a 4G LTE network to help consumers and businesses stay connected. Here in Wisconsin, U.S. Cellular invested $43.8 million in network enhancements in a combination of 4G LTE additions and improvements along with ongoing advancements to the company’s existing network including its 906 cell towers.

Last year, U.S. Cellular launched several devices and introduced hundreds of new accessories in its stores, so 16 retail locations in Wisconsin were opened or redesigned to provide shoppers with a great in-store experience. To continue to innovate in its retail stores, in 2015 the company invested $2 million to ensure that they are an easy and fun place to shop.

“At U.S. Cellular, we know that the phone, tablet or machine-to-machine device you have is only as good as the network that backs it up, so we will continue to invest in our technology to ensure that whether you live in the city or a rural area, you have a strong signal when and where you need it,” said Jenny Justman, area sales manager for U.S. Cellular in Wisconsin. “We also want every interaction you have with us to be a positive one, so when you visit us in the store, call us on the phone or see us out in the community, know that we are constantly striving to provide you with a great wireless experience.”

In addition to network and store enhancements, U.S. Cellular focused its philanthropic efforts on STEM-focused education and donated $1.35 million to local Boys and Girls Clubs and 4-H clubs across its markets in 2015. These donations supported the clubs’ STEM programming and provided Wisconsin U.S. Cellular associates with several volunteer opportunities to interact with the clubs’ members and staff. Locally, the company made a total donation of $182,500 to 14 clubs in Wisconsin, and also donated more than 1,800 Summerfest, Wisconsin State Fair and Milwaukee Brewers tickets to Boys and Girls Clubs and 4-H clubs across the state, totaling $30,500.

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. currently holds 700 MHz wireless spectrum in 27 states and is partnering with Chicago-based U.S. Cellular to deliver high-speed 4G LTE service to U.S. Cellular’s customers in several of the carrier’s markets. King Street Wireless is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia where it is recognized for its involvement in its community both through its economic development and philanthropic efforts. To learn more about King Street Wireless, visit www.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 has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by a high-quality network in big and small cities and rural communities, and currently, 99 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Champion in 2014 for the third time in four years. 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.