Network Speed:

U.S. Cellular’s data network currently employs CDMA 1XRTT technology which has a theoretical maximum data speed of 144Kbps. Though it is technically a component of 3G (Third Generation) cellular service, it is enough slower than CDMA/EVDO that it is generally regarded as 2.5G. Other U.S. CDMA carriers have adopted the EVDO Rev 0 standards and either already have or are in the process of adopting EVDO Rev A, which is substantially faster still. U.S. Cellular is in the process of upgrade to EVDO Rev 0, with typical download speeds of 400-700Kbps, but until that’s done, the carrier remains behind the curve in network speed.

Network Coverage:

U.S. Cellular is not a national carrier but has agreements with other carriers which make its service available in across a large portion of the country. They’re based in Chicago so it’s not surprising that the mid-west has the most extensive data coverage. There are also rather wide areas of availability in northern New England, the central Atlantic states, and the Pacific Northwest.

Data Network Reliability:

There is relatively little empirical information available regarding the reliability of the U.S. Cellular network; nonetheless, the Better Business Bureau’s Reliability Report did award them a mark of A+ which is pretty impressive.

Help/Support:

U.S. Cellular’s web site offers all of the typical support features except live chat which can be the most helpful. By phone their customer support representatives were reasonably well informed and pleasant but regularly did have to put us on hold to research answers.

Summary:

Until U.S. Cellular completes upgrading its network to EVDO they’re really operating on a very basic level of Mobile Broadband. Their regional footprint is likely to limit the companies appeal to only a select group of consumers.

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