Exploring US Cellular
Coverage Overview
When you’re checking out US Cellular in 2024, understanding what kind of coverage you can expect is key. Their home turf network wraps around just 10.27% of the lower 48 states, which falls short next to the giants like Verizon and AT&T.
Despite the smaller footprint, US Cellular doesn’t leave you hanging. They’ve teamed up with bigger networks to make sure you’re not left in the lurch when you’re out of their zone. Knowing where they’ve got you covered can save you headaches, especially if you’re camped out in a stronghold of their service.
Here’s a quick peek at who covers what:
| Carrier | Nationwide Coverage (%) |
|---|---|
| Verizon | 70 |
| AT&T | 68 |
| T-Mobile | 62 |
| Sprint | 30 |
| US Cellular | 10.27 |
Network Partnerships
To boost how far and well their signal reaches, US Cellular has shaken hands with all the big names, like AT&T. This means even when you’re roaming, you’re still getting a connection.
These agreements are crucial because they let US Cellular expand its wings, especially in spots where their own signal might waver. This strategy helps keep them competitive, giving you reliable service not just from their poles but their buddies’ too.
For more nitty-gritty details on how US Cellular stacks up, don’t miss our deep dive into their 4G vs. 5G speeds. If you’re curious about how they measure against other players, check out our rundowns on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Grasping these partnerships and where your phone will work can help you decide if US Cellular is your best bet in 2024. Checking out US Cellular’s reach and alliances lets you know if they’re set to hit the mark for your connection needs.
US Cellular Plans
Choosing a mobile provider isn’t just about catchy ads or color schemes; it’s about the nuts and bolts of what works best for you. So, let’s get into US Cellular’s plans to see if they’re the ones to light up your phone life in 2024.
Postpaid vs. Prepaid
Our pals at US Cellular serve up both postpaid and prepaid plans to suit different folks. What’s the big deal about each one?
- Postpaid Plans: This is your classic pay-after-you-use deal. A neat perk is getting cash back for any leftover data. How ’bout that? If you pick a 22GB or 25GB plan but barely crack 3GB, they’ll slip you $10 back each month (Compare Cellular).
- Prepaid Plans: Opposite corner, we’ve got prepaid with its “pay before you play” setup. It’s a straight shooter, keeping you out of surprise fee territory since you’re only charged for what you breeze through.
| Plan Type | Pay When? | Data Caps | Why It’s Cool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postpaid | After the month ends | 22GB, 25GB | Get cash back for unused data |
| Prepaid | Before you start | Varies | No surprise fees here |
Unique Plan Features
US Cellular doesn’t just do “plans”—they jazz them up with features to give the competitors a run for their money. Their Unlimited plans come in flavors to tickle every fancy:
- Unlimited Basic: You’re looking at standard definition streams and getting those basic data needs sorted.
- Unlimited Everyday: Adds some flair with the premium Call Guardian® app, to kick those pesky spam calls right to the curb (UScellular).
- Unlimited Even Better: This one rolls out HD streaming, with data prioritized and more hotspot to boot. Comes packed with Call Guardian® and special perks, just for you.
| Plan Name | Stream Quality | Priority Data | Hotspot Amount | Extra Goodies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Basic | Standard Def | Basic stuff | Not much | – |
| Unlimited Everyday | Standard Def | A step up | Extra bit | Call Guardian® |
| Unlimited Even Better | HD, baby! | Top notch | Gobs of it | Call Guardian® |
Oh, and don’t forget the Tablet Unlimited Data-Everyday plan at $29 per pop—just for you tablet aficionados.
Unlimited Data Plan Comparison
US Cellular’s plans aren’t infinite chasms of data; they’re more about caps like 22GB and 25GB. So if your dream is streaming ’til the sun rises, maybe peek at some other companies offering true unlimited.
| Plan | How Much Data | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 22GB | 22GB | Folks who dabble a little |
| 25GB | 25GB | Those who get their scrolling on |
Fancy a little comparison shop? Check out what Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile are swinging in their Unlimited Plans. Maybe they’ll have what you’re looking for!
US Cellular User Experience
Customer Service
Customer service is like the heartbeat for any mobile provider, and US Cellular knows it. They’re all about making folks happy with 24/7 support through phone and online chat. You call, they listen—day or night.
Most folks say their support team is a friendly bunch, willing to help out. But hey, like at your local coffee shop, sometimes there’s a wait, especially when everyone decides to call at once. If you’re in the mood for comparing customer service, check out our take on Verizon Wireless customer satisfaction and AT&T customer happiness.
Hidden Fees
Now, talking about hidden fees is like checking for broccoli in your teeth—not fun, but essential. US Cellular has its share of fees that might surprise you, like those pesky activation and termination charges, and some taxes that sneak up on you.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Activation Fee | $25 per line |
| Termination Fee | Up to $350 per contract |
| Regulatory Fees | Varies by location |
These can differ based on your service plan and where you are. Knowing these sneaky charges ahead of time can keep your jaw from dropping when the bill arrives. For more on the fee fun, have a peek at our T-Mobile fee rundown and Sprint Mobile’s fee story.
Device Upgrade Deals
If you’re the kind of person who loves the latest gadgets, US Cellular’s got some sweet deals. They toss in some cash back for unused data each month. So if you’re on one of them 22GB or 25GB plans and use less than 3GB, there’s $10 waiting for you every month per line.
And about those shiny new phones—US Cellular loves a good trade-in deal. Swap your old clunker for a hot new model and enjoy the discount party. Watch their device upgrade offers to nab the next deal.
| Plan Type | Unused Data Rebate |
|---|---|
| 22GB Plan | $10 back/month < 3GB |
| 25GB Plan | $10 back/month < 3GB |
Scoping out these device deals means you can slickly save while staying on the cutting edge. To see how their deals measure up, take a look-see at Google Fi and Cricket Wireless.
Getting the best ride with US Cellular means knowing their service game, peeking behind the fee curtain, and bagging the hottest gadget deals. All these add up to whether you’ll be smiling at the end of your customer adventure. For more on deciding if US Cellular’s your pick, dive into our comparisons with other providers.
US Cellular Performance
Diving into US Cellular’s performance gives us the lowdown on how it stacks up as a mobile provider. We’ll peek at 4G and 5G networks with a little speed showdown.
4G vs. 5G
US Cellular rolls out both 4G and 5G networks to suit various user preferences. Their 5G promises snappier speeds and less lag than 4G, but only if you’ve got the right device to make it sing. And fair warning—5G isn’t everywhere yet.
Network Availability
| Network | Availability |
|---|---|
| 4G | All Over the US |
| 5G | Picky Pockets |
4G’s pretty much everywhere, but they’re still working on scattering 5G all around.
Speed Test Comparison
Speed-wise, Verizon usually edges out US Cellular, thanks to its beefy network setup. US Cellular holds its ground but sees more speed dips and deprioritization.
Average Download Speeds
| Network Provider | 4G Speed (Mbps) | 5G Speed (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|
| US Cellular | 15-25 | 50-100 |
| Verizon | 20-40 | 100-200 |
Key Points to Consider
These numbers should help figure out if US Cellular’s got the speed you need. If you’re all about steady, blazing fast data, maybe check out the other players in town. For a little head-to-head action, scope out our reviews on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
For scoop on cell phone service deals and mobile phone service deals, jump into our special pages.
US Cellular Financial Insights
Revenue and Net Income
US Cellular has had its financial ups and downs in recent times, each period serving as a piece of the bigger puzzle.
| Period | Operating Revenues | Net Income | EPS (Diluted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2024 | $927 million | $17 million | $0.20 |
| Q2 2023 | $957 million | $5 million | $0.05 |
| Q4 2023 | $1,000 million | N/A | N/A |
| Q4 2022 | $1,048 million | N/A | N/A |
| FY 2023 | $3,906 million | $54 million | N/A |
| FY 2022 | $4,169 million | $30 million | N/A |
Total operating revenues dip from $957 million in Q2 2023 to $927 million in Q2 2024, yet net income jumps from $5 million to $17 million in the same timeframe.
For the full year 2023, they pulled in $3,906 million in operating revenues, which is a step down from $4,169 million in 2022. Still, net income shines brighter at $54 million, up from $30 million the previous year.
Future Plans and Outlook
Peeking into what’s next, US Cellular has a few tricks up its sleeve to bounce back and beef up its numbers. They’re fixin’ to:
- Boost Network Coverage: They’re ramping up their 5G game to blanket more rural and suburban spots, keeping folks happy with stronger connections.
- Widen Service Options: New plans and perks are in the pipeline to lure in fresh faces and hang on to the loyal ones. Sweet phone upgrade deals are part of this package along with cool tech to stay in the loop.
- Forge Stronger Partnerships: Teaming up with other telecom pals to stretch their reach. This could mean better maps, more bars, and yes, a boost in those dollars and cents.
- Eyeing Financial Forecasts: Calling for 2024 service revenues to hover between $2,950-$3,050 million. This could signal they’ve got a steady ride ahead, maybe even some room to grow.
Curious about how these moves stack up against competitors? Take a gander at our competitor analysis section. If you’re pondering if US Cellular could be your best bet for cel service, our links are packed with the scoop you need.
US Cellular in Comparison
Let’s get real about US Cellular and see how it measures up against the heavy hitters in the cell game.
Competitor Analysis
Coverage
US Cellular covers a smidge over 10% of the country with its 4G network. That’s a bit of a head-scratcher compared to others like Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T who’ve got coverage down to a science. But don’t worry—US Cellular’s got roaming deals with the big fish to keep you connected when you’re out of their zone.
Want to dig into those coverage maps? Check these out:
- Verizon Wireless Coverage Map 2024
- AT&T Coverage Map 2024
- T-Mobile Coverage Map 2024
- Sprint Mobile Coverage Map 2024
Plans and Pricing
US Cellular has both postpaid and prepaid plans, but hold your horses—no unlimited data here. They cap it at 22GB or 25GB. Meanwhile, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are handing out unlimited data plans like candy at Halloween, perfect for those of us who live on our phones.
Check out how others compete in the plan arena:
- Verizon Wireless Prepaid vs. Postpaid
- AT&T Prepaid vs. Postpaid
- T-Mobile Prepaid vs. Postpaid
| Carrier | 4G Coverage | Unlimited Data Plans | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Cellular | 10.27% | No | Cash back for unused data |
| Verizon | Huge area | Yes | Expansive 5G network |
| AT&T | Far-reaching | Yes | Loads of bundling options |
| T-Mobile | Coast-to-coast | Yes | Bargain prices |
| Sprint | Good range | Yes | Array of discounts |
Customer Perks
Here’s a nice perk—US Cellular gives cash back for unused data each month on postpaid plans. Keep it under 3GB on a 22GB or 25GB plan, and you get a ten-dollar bill back per line. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile mix it up with bundling goodies, savings, and customer loyalty treats.
See who else has sweet deals:
- Verizon Wireless Deals and Discounts
- AT&T Deals and Discounts
- T-Mobile Deals and Discounts
| Carrier | Perks |
|---|---|
| US Cellular | Money-back for leftover data |
| Verizon | Plenty of loyalty rewards |
| AT&T | Stackable service bundles |
| T-Mobile | Special discounts and goodies |
| Sprint | Offers for students and military |
Consumer Reviews
General Sentiment
US Cellular fans are a mixed bag. Some love the rural area coverage and that cool data cash-back perk, but many just wish they had the beefed-up network and unlimited data those big-name carriers offer.
Want to see what folks are saying about the competition?
- Verizon Wireless Customer Satisfaction
- AT&T Customer Satisfaction
- T-Mobile Customer Satisfaction
- Sprint Mobile Customer Satisfaction
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Solid rural coverage.
- Cash-back for not using all your data.
- Dependable customer support.
Weaknesses:
- Not-so-great nationwide coverage.
- Unlimited data? Nowhere to be found.
- Hidden fees lurking in the fine print.
Check out the highs and lows of the others here:
- Verizon Wireless Pros and Cons
- AT&T Pros and Cons
- T-Mobile Pros and Cons
- Sprint Mobile Pros and Cons
US Cellular fits the bill if you’re chilling in rural areas or not a data hoarder. But, if you crave coverage that doesn’t quit and unlimited data, Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile might be your jam. To help you pick the perfect carrier, think about what perks, coverage, and reviews line up with your wish list. Don’t miss out—take a peek at our full breakdown of the best cell phone service for more details.
