U.S. Cellular Sells Select Midwest Markets to Sprint

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In November 2012, U.S. Cellular announced that it had reached an agreement to sell its Chicago, St. Louis, central Illinois and three other Midwest markets to Sprint Nextel Corp.

The Sprint sale closed on May 17. If your U.S. Cellular account was part of the transaction, you were sent a notification letter on or around April 19 outlining the transaction. Sprint values your business and will have a great offer for you when you’re ready to move your number.

For the rest of our customers, there are no changes and you will continue to enjoy the great service you have come to expect from U.S. Cellular and our associates.  

Top FAQs For Affected Customers

  1. My market is included in U.S. Cellular's sale of select Midwest markets to Sprint. What does this mean?
    Sprint acquired spectrum and customers in parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio including the Chicago and St. Louis markets, on May 17. If your U.S. Cellular account was part of that transaction, you were sent a notification letter on or around April 19 outlining the transaction. Sprint values your business and will have a great offer for you when you're ready to move your number.
  2. How do affected U.S. Cellular customers establish new wireless service with Sprint?
    • Customers who are affected by the transaction will need to “port,” or move, their U.S. Cellular number(s). At that time, if they elect to move to Sprint, they will need to choose a Sprint device and select from one of Sprint’s competitive service plans, including unlimited plan options.
    • Sprint is offering robust incentives for U.S. Cellular customers and will be sending customers a postcard with information about the incentives and a promo code that they will need to take advantage of these deals.
    • To find the nearest Sprint store, customers can visit www.sprintstorelocator.com.
    • Customers can also call 800-216-7023 or visit www.sprint.com/uscellular to learn about establishing service with Sprint.
  3. Will U.S. Cellular customers have to pay an early termination fee (ETF) if they transfer their account to Sprint before their contract with U.S. Cellular has expired?
    No. Affected customers will not be charged an ETF when they port their number to Sprint.
  4. Can customers continue to use U.S. Cellular service?
    Yes. Customers may continue to use U.S. Cellular wireless services for several months (the "transition period") after the sale is complete. However, after the transition period, their U.S. Cellular account will be terminated and they will no longer be able to use their device. The transition period will likely last until late 2013. Sprint will send additional information about the exact timing of the network transition, and will provide offer details to help transition their services.


Licensed Markets & Affected Area