5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Customer Losses Continue at U.S. Cellular

By Staff Author | May 6, 2011

U.S. Cellular lost 31,000 customers in the first quarter, marking the fourth sequential quarter of declines in its customer base.

The regional operator lost 9,000 net prepaid customers and 22,000 net postpaid customers as it struggled to compete with larger postpaid carriers and competitively-priced offerings in the prepaid market. 

The company’s subscriber base now stands at just over 6 million, down from about 6.15 million during the same period last year.

“It’s clear from our subscriber results that we need to increase awareness of the unique value and benefits we offer to potential customers,” U.S. Cellular President and CEO Mary Dillon said in a statement.

The company plans to accelerate its deployment of LTE, with its first markets launching in the latter part of this year. Dillon did not provide additional details about the company’s LTE deployment plans.

The company’s smartphone lineup will also get a makeover. Dillon said the company will introduce at least 13 new smartphones over the course of 2011, including some lower-priced models intended to coax feature phone users into upgrading their handsets.

Customers continued to switch to U.S. Cellular’s Belief Plans, which reward subscribers for their loyalty to the carrier. About 1.8 million new and existing customers signed up for the plans during the quarter.

The news wasn’t all bad. U.S. Cellular managed to make improvements in the company’s churn rates and postpaid ARPU. Postpaid ARPU rose to $51.21, from $50.70 last year, and postpaid churn improved to 1.37 percent from 1.41 percent.

Profits declined 28 percent despite a rise in sales as the company spent more money on marketing and handset subsidies. U.S. Cellular made $34.1 million in the first quarter on sales of $985 million, compared to profits of $47 billion on sales of $965 million last year.


Filed Under: Carriers

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

eSIM
eSIM eases changing carriers for phones and IoT
QoE and QoS comparison
Benchmarking in 5G: More important than ever
iPhone 12
I bought a 5G phone, now what?
6G
Key takeaways from 6G Symposium

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: Internet of Things
Explore practical strategies for minimizing attack surfaces, managing memory efficiently, and securing firmware. Download now to ensure your IoT implementations remain secure, efficient, and future-ready.

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World