U.S. Cellular launches 4G LTE mobile hotspot (USA)
U.S. Cellular is expanding its 4G LTE device line-up with the launch of the Samsung SCH-LC11 Mobile Hotspot. This lightweight device gives you high-speed connectivity and is available on uscellular.com now and will be in stores by May 21.
When on the 4G LTE network, the Samsung Mobile Hotspot allows users to simultaneously connect up to five Wi-Fi devices to the Internet at speeds up to ten times faster than 3G. It’s easy to connect to laptops, tablets, home computers and smartphones so customers can access news, weather, email, entertainment and social networks whenever they need it. For a limited time, the hotspot will be available for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate in select markets covered by the 4G LTE network and in those scheduled to be covered by the end of 2012.
The Samsung Mobile Hotspot is a great device for businesses, students, families and anyone who needs high-speed Internet connectivity at home or on-the-go. Business travelers can get more done during airport layovers and taxi rides. Study groups can have a meeting in the park and connect to the Internet, and family car rides are more fun when everyone can get the entertainment they want.
Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular, said that customers can depend on the 4G LTE Samsung Mobile Hotspot for fast and reliable Internet connectivity wherever they are. This pocket-sized device can help simplify and organize your life and provides multiple devices with one speedy Internet connection.
The 4G LTE network builds on the 3G data services that U.S. Cellular customers already enjoy on the carrier’s high-quality nationwide network. The Samsung Mobile Hotspot is available to all U.S. Cellular customers and runs on the 4G LTE network in markets where it is available and on U.S. Cellular’s nationwide 3G network in all other areas.
U.S. Cellular customers enjoy unique benefits, such as new devices faster without resigning contracts, free Overage Protection and free Battery Swap. U.S. Cellular also offers customers the only points-based rewards program in the industry, which rewards customers for simple things, such as paying bills on-time, adding a line or referring friends and family. Points may be used for faster phone upgrades, additional lines, devices, accessories and ringtones.
U.S. Cellular, in partnership with King Street Wireless, currently offers 4G LTE service in select cities in Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin. In the second half of this year, 4G LTE coverage will expand to cover select cities in Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia. By the end of 2012, 54 percent of U.S. Cellular customers will enjoy faster 4G LTE speeds.
Boost Mobile Targets Rural Youth
Sprint Nextel’s youth-oriented Boost Mobile brand is looking to extend its reach beyond its core market of urban youth by rolling out offerings in rural markets.
As part of its expansion efforts, Boost Mobile has set its sights on markets in 31 states previously served by Nextel Partners. The markets, which span from Hawaii to Vermont, are considered mid-size and rural areas, according to Boost.
Sprint Nextel recently announced that its Boost Mobile unit added 216,000 new subscribers during the third quarter. We’ve already added more than a million customers this year, starting 2006 with 2.6 million customers and ending the third quarter with more than 3.8 million customers,??? said Don Girskis, general manager, Boost Mobile. The youth market is grossly underpenetrated compared to the national average and will drive future growth for years to come.”
Increased competition, however, caused Boost’s churn to increase to 6.8 percent from 6 percent in the prior quarter.
The pay-as-you-go service, as well as phones and accessories, can be found at Wal-Mart Stores, Meijer, Best Buy and Sprint retail stores.
Source- wirelessweek Wireless Mobile Telecom
