U.S. Cellular Prepaid Customers get Budget Flexibility, Android-Powered Smartphones on a Smarter Network

CHICAGO, April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Cellular's prepaid customers can now keep their commitment-free flexibility and get the cutting-edge features and functionality of an Android™-powered smartphone on the carrier's nationwide network, which has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier.

Starting April 15, customers who want a feature-packed LG Optimus U™ for just $199.99 or an LG Apex™ for $249.99 can choose from two affordable prepaid data options.  Both phones put the power of a computer in the palm of customers' hands and give them access to more than 200,000 fun, convenient and time-saving applications in Google's AndroidMarket™.  For just $60, prepaid customers get unlimited messaging, 2GB of data and 450 voice minutes.  Customers have the option to pay $70 and get 2GB of data with unlimited voice minutes and messaging.

"Smartphones keep customers connected in more ways than ever—from talk and text to e-mail and their favorite social networks," said Dave Kimbell, vice president of marketing for U.S. Cellular.  "Wireless customers can come to U.S. Cellular and get a powerful smartphone and affordable prepaid plan backed by our network, and experience firsthand why U.S. Cellular has the happiest customers in wireless."

The LG Optimus U sports a sleek 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen and virtual QWERTY keyboard with Swype™ technology that allows users to input text quickly by sliding a finger over the keyboard in one continuous motion.  It comes with a 2GB microSD™ card and can hold up to 32GB memory for customers who want to watch videos or listen to music while on-the-go.

The LG Apex is a cool productivity tool that features a 3.2-inch durable tempered glass touchscreen that responds to a feather touch with vibration feedback.  Its stylish and functional design includes a QWERTY keyboard that slides out to make typing and texting easy.  The LG Apex's 3 megapixel autofocus, flash-ready camera/camcorder comes with a panoramic mode that lets customers take up to six side-by-side shots to build a sweeping view.

Both smartphones are Wi-Fi® enabled and come with an MP3 player, and customers can easily organize their music library and repeat and shuffle their favorite songs.  They can even multi-task, playing music in the background while simultaneously e-mailing, texting or downloading videos.

U.S. Cellular also has prepaid plans with unlimited messaging starting at $30 that are designed to give customers another budget-friendly way to stay connected with the ones who matter most.  Prepaid customers who text more than they talk can get unlimited messaging and 200 voice minutes for $30 per month.  For $50 per month, customers receive unlimited minutes and messaging.

For more information about all of U.S. Cellular's deals, plans and phones, visit any U.S. Cellular store, go to uscellular.com or check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular rewards its customers with the unmatched benefits of The Belief Project, an array of industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience.  The Belief Project, named Frost & Sullivan's Customer Value Enhancement of the Year, complements the Chicago-based carrier's growing catalog of cutting-edge phones that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network.  U.S. Cellular was recently named a J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Customer Service Champion and was also named one of Forbes Magazine's 2010 "Most Trustworthy Companies."  To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com.  You can also check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

SOURCE U.S. Cellular