U.S. Cellular Lowers Prices On Shared Connect Plans - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - U.S. Cellular (USM) announced Tuesday that it lowers 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 said it 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.

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, 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.