U.S. Cellular Announces Shared Connect, Discounts for BYOD And Monthly Device Payment Plans

New cellular plans seem all about BYOD and monthly device payments these days. It comes as little surprise, then, that like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon before it, U.S. Cellular is introducing Shared Connect, a plan that offers a discount to subscribers who either pay for their smartphone in monthly installments or bring their own device. 

Under Shared Connect, U.S. Cellular states that a family of four can share 10GB of data with unlimited voice and messaging for $140 a month.

The carrier is quick to point out that’s $20 less than Verizon and AT&T plans, but fails to mention T-Mobile offers a comparable plan for the same price. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to coverage area. But competition is never a bad thing.

Full press release with details has been placed below.

*U.S. CELLULAR ANNOUNCES LOWER PRICES ON SHARED CONNECT PLANS*

*Company offering four lines of service sharing 10 GB of data for $140 per month*

*CHICAGO (May 20, 2014) –* U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) announced today that it is lowering the cost of its Shared Connect plans for customers who bring their own device or choose the company’s recently launched device installment option. Beginning today, a family of four can have unlimited voice and messaging and share 10 GB of data for $140 per month, $20 less than Verizon and AT&T. A business with five employees can have unlimited voice and messaging and 10 GB of data for $150 per month, $25 less than Verizon and AT&T.

U.S. Cellular is offering discounted device connection charges on all of its Shared Connect plans for those who choose to pay for their smartphone in monthly installments or bring their own device. The monthly connection charge is just $10 per month for smartphones on 10 GB plans or higher and $20 per month on plans with 8 GB or lower.

“Wireless customers who come to U.S. Cellular can now get the best plans along with a best-in-class network that works where they work, live and play,” said Grant Leech, vice president of brand marketing for U.S. Cellular. “The overall value of these plans is increased when you add in our valuable rewards program that provides consumers and businesses opportunities to get new devices faster and free accessories that can enhance their wireless experience.”

With U.S. Cellular’s $0 down retail installment option (for qualified customers), customers pay tax on a new device at the point of sale, and then make 24 monthly payments that are conveniently added to their wireless bill. Customers can upgrade this device in as little as 12 months if they trade it in for the latest model. They can also choose to pay off the full balance of their device anytime they want. With the discounted device connection charges, these plans offer an even better value for customers.

In addition to these market-leading plans, U.S. Cellular is continuing to pay off customers’ old contracts, up to $350 per line, when they switch to a Shared Connect plan and choose the device installment payment plan. Anyone who ports their number from another carrier and sends in their final bill with the early termination fee on it will receive a prepaid debit card for that amount.

U.S. Cellular, in partnership with King Street Wireless, offers 4G LTE service to nearly 90 percent of its customers, and more than 93 percent of customers will have 4G LTE speeds by the end of 2014.

*New Retail Installment Contract, Shared Connect Plan and credit approval required. Financing terms are zero down, zero APR; 24 monthly payments. ETF Promo: Valid for up to four Consumer lines and 25 Business lines. Must port in current number to U.S. Cellular. Customer will be reimbursed for the ETF reflected on the final bill up to $350 per line. 4G LTE not available in all areas. See uscellular.com/4G <http://uscellular.com/4G> for detailed coverage info. 4G LTE service is provided in partnership with King Street Wireless. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Additional terms, conditions, taxes and charges may apply. See uscellular.com
<http://uscellular.com> for details.*

*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 rewards its customers with unmatched benefits 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 its high-speed network that has the highest call quality of any national carrier. Currently, nearly 90 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds, and more than 93 percent will have access by the end of 2014. 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.