How U.S. Cellular is Connecting Customers During COVID-19 Crisis

U.S. Cellular is committed to keeping customers connected during the COVID-19 crisis, is announcing updates to its offerings to accommodate how consumers, businesses, first responders and healthcare professionals are using their wireless devices in this ever-changing environment.

From now until the end of May, U.S. Cellular customers – no matter what plan they are on – can be assured that they will continue to have the smartphone data they need and not be charged for any overages they may incur.

To address this, the company has taken the following actions:

•Eliminated overage charges for customers on legacy plans, including Shared Connect and other postpaid and prepaid plans with data limits, so they can use the data they need without worrying about their bill.
•Provided Unlimited Everyday and Even Better Plan customers with an extra 15GB of hotspot data to adjust to shifting and varying work arrangements
•Made these enhancements proactively and automatically, with no action needed from customers.

“During this unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, wireless communication has become more important than ever, as many people are using their smartphones to stay in contact with family and friends and conducting work and education-related activities remotely,” said Jay Ellison, executive vice president and chief operating officer at U.S. Cellular. “We take the responsibility of keeping our customers connected very seriously, and we are in a unique position to provide such a service. Our customers can be confident that we have their back, we are following the situation closely, and we will take the necessary steps to ensure their wireless needs continue to be met.”

With the increase in voice, SMS and data traffic in recent weeks, U.S. Cellular’s network teams have been consistently monitoring usage and making modifications and enhancements as needed to ensure continuous service.

The company’s network was built for times like this – with extra capacity to manage unexpected increases in usage. In specific areas of the country, U.S. Cellular requested and was granted Special Temporary Authority from the FCC to use certain spectrum to ensure it can handle increasing demand for internet access, especially in rural communities.