u.s. cellular

ZTE Director's got us saying lights, camera, cut

I have nothing against entry-level devices. As long as they work well and are priced reasonably, there's nothing wrong with these handsets for people who don't need to be on the bleeding edge of technology.

But while the ZTE Director is indeed priced inexpensively (without a contract, it's $99.99, but with one, the price drops to 1 cent), it's not a great performer. Its screen can be frustratingly unresponsive, its camera takes washed-out photos, and its processor is sluggish. Frankly put, the ZTE Director is more of a Tommy Wiseau than a Steven Spielberg.

Design … Read more

Samsung Galaxy S4 up for preorder in U.S. today

U.S. smartphone buyers looking to grab Samsung's Galaxy S4 finally get their shot today.

Preorders for the next Galaxy-class phone have launched at both AT&T and U.S. Cellular today.

The Galaxy S4 is listed on AT&T's Web site with a ship date of April 30. Earlier today, the S4 was available for preorder in just a select number of U.S. cities. But AT&T has since expanded the phone's reach so that it can be preordered throughout the U.S.

The page confirms $199 as the two-year contract price … Read more

The tough-as-nails Kyocera DuraPro from U.S. Cellular

As U.S. Cellular's only rugged device, the Kyocera DuraPro meets military standards for shock, dust, and water resistance. And while it excels at being tough, don't expect to find any high-tech specs in this feature handset: it has only a 3.2-megapixel camera and a low-resolution display, and its 3G data speeds are as fast as a slug on Ambien.

Then again, the DuraPro was never meant to be on the bleeding edge of technology, and what it lacks in powerful specs, it makes up for with clear, reliable phone calls and decent photos. The phone is … Read more

U.S. Cellular adds Samsung 4G Galaxy Note 10.1 to its lineup

U.S. Cellular subscribers can now add Samsung's 4G Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet to their shopping lists.

As of today, the 4G Note 10.1 is available at U.S. Cellular retail outlets and the carrier's online store. The tablet sells for $499.99 when paired with a plan offering 2GB or more of data per month.

The Note is the latest Samsung 4G device to join U.S. Cellular's lineup. The carrier already sells the Galaxy S3, the Galaxy Note 2, and the Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Outfitted with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the … Read more

U.S. Cellular to sell Kyocera Durapro phone for outdoor types

U.S. Cellular is about to kick off a phone that can reportedly resist water, dust, shock, and vibrations.

Set to sell online this Wednesday and in stores on Thursday, the Kyocera DuraPro is designed for people who need a feature phone that can handle rugged conditions. The phone can survive in around three feet of water for up to 30 minutes, according to U.S. Cellular and Kyocera.

It also meets Military Standard 810G, which guarantees that it can withstand extreme temperatures, heavy rain, low pressure, salt, fog, humidity, and even solar radiation. The phone itself is protected by … Read more

U.S. Cellular readies for 4G LTE expansion

U.S. Cellular may not be the nation's largest carrier, but that won't stop it from extending its 4G network.

The regional provider announced this morning that by the end of 2013, it will take its 4G LTE network to cities in three new states -- California, Nebraska, and Kansas -- and will also add new markets in some states where it already has a presence.

If you live in the following states, keep an eye out for a switch from 3G to 4G service in the coming year: Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, … Read more

Verizon unloads more unwanted 700MHz on U.S. Cellular

Verizon Wireless found a buyer for more of its unwanted 700MHz wireless spectrum.

On Tuesday, Verizon announced it has struck a deal with regional carrier U.S. Cellular to sell its 700MHz A block spectrum licenses in Oklahoma City and in 31 surrounding counties. The licenses cover roughly 1.9 million potential customers. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Federal Communications Commission must still approve the transaction.

Verizon acquired some 700MHz licenses in the lower A block in various markets during the FCC's 2008 auction. It also bought the nationwide 700MHz in the upper C block. Verizon … Read more

U.S. Cellular serves up Android 4.1 this Friday

If you own a Samsung Galaxy S3 with U.S. Cellular, an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is just around the corner.

Starting Friday, December 21, GS3 owners can begin the update process wirelessly, or manually by plugging in their phone via USB cable and visiting this U.S. Cellular site.

U.S. Cellular is one of the last carriers to offer the Android 4.1 update; a process that's been kicked into high gear as part of the busy holiday season.

Android 4.1 enhances features like the Google search app, the notifications menu, and some … Read more

Sprint inks $480 million deal for U.S. Cellular customers, spectrum

Sprint is starting to flex some muscle with regional carriers.

The company announced today that it has inked a deal with U.S. Cellular for $480 million. The deal: Sprint will acquire 20MHz of PCS spectrum in the 1900MHz band across Chicago, South Bend, Ind., and Champaign, Ill. Sprint will also get 10Mhz of spectrum in the St. Louis market, as well as 585,000 customers, or about 10 percent of U.S. Cellular's subscriber base.

"Acquiring this spectrum will significantly increase Sprint's network capacity and improve the customer experience in several important Midwest markets including Chicago … Read more

Motorola Electrify M bring more LTE to U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular today announced its next 4G LTE smartphone, the Android-based Motorola Electrify M. It will join the lineup in the coming days.

Powered by 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the handset goes on sale on the carrier's Web site on November 8 and in retail stores the following day. It's the third handset in the carrier's Electrify line after the original Electrify and the Electrify 2.

Pricing will vary depend on whether the buyer is in a 4G LTE market. Live inside the 4G footprint and your cost is $99.99 after a $100 mail-in … Read more