U.S. Cellular launches second wave of 4G LTE service with Nokia Siemens Networks

Rollout in 11 markets provides U.S. Cellular customers with enhanced wireless experience and faster data speeds

Nokia Siemens Networks has successfully launched a 4G LTE network for U.S. Cellular and its partner, King Street Wireless*, in 11 markets covering select cities in Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia. Nokia Siemens Networks was selected by U.S. Cellular for the second wave of the 4G LTE network rollout, providing Radio Access Network (RAN) and Mobile Management Entity (MME) technology.

This rollout represents a new mobile broadband and services deployment contract with U.S. Cellular and is a continuation of Nokia Siemens Networks’ excellent relationship with the operator. Previously, Nokia Siemens Networks deployed Evolved Packet Core (EPC)** and Home Subscriber Services (HSS) in the first wave of the 4G LTE rollout. The installation of the 4G LTE core was included in nine separate markets.

“U.S. Cellular is focused on providing the world's best customer experience and delivering industry-leading innovations. We are building on this commitment by rapidly expanding the 4G LTE network, which currently covers 58 percent of our customers and will reach 87 percent of our customers by the end of this year,” said Michael Irizarry, executive vice president and chief technology officer for U.S. Cellular. “Nokia Siemens Networks launched 11 of our markets to help us meet this aggressive timeline and completed the deployment of the core network elements ahead of schedule.”

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks is providing the 4G LTE access network and expanding the EPC capacity to support U.S. Cellular’s new markets. This includes 4G LTE base stations (eNode Bs), using Nokia Siemens Networks’ award-winning Flexi Multiradio Base Station, and Mobile Management Entity (MME). The agreement also covers network implementation services as well as hardware and software services.

“Our competency in LTE, flawless execution of the LTE core network elements, and willingness to go above and beyond expectations is why U.S. Cellular entrusted us with the next wave of their LTE network,” said Rick Corker, head of North America at Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our continued strong performance with this strategic customer underscores Nokia Siemens Networks’ commitment to being the mobile broadband specialist – not only in North America but around the world.”

With 77 commercial references in place for the delivery of LTE and 206 WCDMA radio customers, Nokia Siemens Networks is the world’s leading specialist in mobile broadband with more 3G and LTE contracts than any other vendor.**

For more information and a video overview on Nokia Siemens Networks’ mobile broadband capabilities, follow this link. To share your thoughts on the topic, join the discussion with @NokiaSiemensNet on Twitter using #mobilebroadband and #LTE.

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular rewards its customers with unmatched benefits and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network that has the highest call quality of any national carrier. Currently, 58 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds and 87 percent will have access by the end of 2013. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Service Champion in 2012 for the second year in a row. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

About King Street Wireless, L.P.

King Street Wireless, L.P. currently holds 700 MHz wireless spectrum in 27 states and is partnering with Chicago-based U.S. Cellular to deliver high-speed 4G LTE service to U.S. Cellular’s customers in several of the carrier’s markets. King Street Wireless is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia where it is recognized for its involvement in its community both through its economic development and philanthropic efforts. To learn more about King Street Wireless, visit www.kingstreetwireless.com

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is the world’s specialist in mobile broadband. We operate at the forefront of each generation of mobile technology. Our global experts invent the new capabilities our customers need in their networks. We provide the world’s most efficient mobile networks, the intelligence to maximize the value of those networks, and the services to make it all work seamlessly.

With headquarters in Espoo, Finland, we operate in over 150 countries and had net sales of over 14 billion euros in 2011. http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com