2. Financial Highlights
CONTENTS
U.S. CELLULAR:
AN AWARD WINNING YEAR Percent
2001 2000 Change
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
The year 2001 was an
United States Cellular Corporation December 31, 2001. U.S. Cellular
Service Revenues $ 1,826,385 $1,653,922 10% P 2 Chairman and President’s
extraordinary year of
(U.S. Cellular) operates and invests operates systems serving 145 cellular
Message
Operating Cash Flow $ 617,870 $ 558,011 11
accomplishments for
in wireless systems throughout the markets, has the right to operate
Operating Income $ 317,212 $ 292,313 9
U.S. Cellular, which won
nation. U.S. Cellular is the nation’s systems serving 18 of the PCS markets
Net Income $ 173,876 $ 192,907 (10)*
numerous awards for
eighth largest wireless service and has investment interests in the P 5 Company Overview:
service excellence and
provider in terms of customers, remaining markets. At the end of Weighted Average Common and Connecting With Our Customers
Series A Common Shares (000s) 86,200 86,355 —
customer satisfaction.
serving 3,461,000 customers and 2001, 142 markets operated by
Earnings per Common and Series $ 2.02 $ 2.23 (9)*
employing more than 5,100 people U.S. Cellular are included in its
In June, Wireless P 18 Corporate Management Group
A Common Share
at the end of 2001. consolidated financial statements.
Review, a highly and Board of Directors
Total Assets $ 3,725,014 $3,467,034 7
regarded industry
U.S. Cellular owns interests in 176 U.S. Cellular’s Common Shares are
Common Shareholders’ Equity $ 2,335,669 $2,214,571 5
trade magazine, named
cellular markets and owns or has the traded on the American Stock Exchange
Return on Equity 7.95% 10.44% (24)* P 20 Management’s Discussion
U.S. Cellular as its 2001
right to acquire interests in 28 personal under the symbol USM. The Company
and Analysis
Cellular Telephone Customers –
Wireless Titan Award
communication service (PCS) markets. is an 82.2 percent-owned subsidiary
Majority-owned Markets 3,461,000 3,061,000 13
winner for Outstanding
The cellular and PCS interests represent of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.,
Number of Majority-owned Markets 142 139 2
Customer Service (see
27.4 million and 3.6 million popula- which is traded on the American Stock P 32 Consolidated Financial
Capital Expenditures $ 487,813 $ 295,308 65
Statements
details on page 9).
tion equivalents, respectively, as of Exchange under the symbol TDS.
*2000 results include substantial gains
P 37 Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements
P 48 Report of Independent
Public Accountants
P 49 Consolidated Quarterly Income
2001 AWARDS Iowa New Hampshire OPERATING CASH FLOW in millions NET INCOME in millions Information (Unaudited)
Best Wireless Provider – New Hampshire Gold Circle
U.S. Cellular was selected as “the best $350
$700
Partnership Award –
Des Moines Business Record
wireless provider” in surveys conducted
Manchester Partners in Education $618
Readers’ Choice Award for Best
by a number of newspapers and magazines P 50 Eleven-Year Summaries
$301
300
600
Wireless Service Provider –
in many of the Company’s service areas: North Carolina $558
Burlington Hawkeye
Best of the Mountains –
Illinois Best Wireless Provider – P 52 Consolidated Financial Data
Asheville Citizen Times $486 250
500
Readers’ Choice Award – $234
The Daily Democrat, Fort Madison
Texas
Peoria Star Journal $217
Best Wireless Service Provider –
Best of the Best Wireless Provider –
Executive Choice Award for Best 200
Ames Tribune 400
$383
P 53 Shareholders’ Information
$181
Corpus Christi Caller Times
Wireless Carrier –
Missouri
In Business Rockford Magazine Idaho
People’s Choice Award for Best 150
300
Wisconsin Readers’ Choice Award for $262
Cellular Phone Provider –
Cellular Service –
Best Wireless Service Provider in $112
Hannibal Courier-Post
Idaho Falls Post Register 100
Readers’ Choice Survey – 200
Oklahoma
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Tennessee
Excellence in Customer Service Award –
Best Wireless Service Provider – Best Cellular/Wireless Phone Service – 50
Tulsa Area Better Business Bureau 100
Isthmus, Madison Knoxville News Sentinel 97 98 99 00 01 97 98 99 00 01
Best Wireless Phone Service Provider –
Best Wireless Phone Dealer – Net Income After-Tax Effect
Washington
Greater Tulsa Newspapers from Operations of Gains
In Business Magazine, Madison
Absolute Best of Tulsa – Downtown Merchant of the Year –
Best Wireless Service Provider –
Urban Tulsa Weekly Downtown Merchants Association
(8th consecutive year)
Best Wireless Carrier – West Virginia
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Tulsa Family Magazine
Best Wireless Phone Stores – Community Service Award –
The Best of 2001 –
(9th consecutive year) Marion County Chamber of Commerce
McAlester News Capital & Democrat
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
1
3. CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE We anticipate a rebound in the or she can help the Company grow
nation’s economy in the latter part while achieving personal growth and
of 2002, and have set our goals for meeting goals.
the year accordingly.
FOCUS ON CUSTOMER
The Company’s achievements in 2001
SATISFACTION
will provide the basis upon which
Customer satisfaction is the main
U.S. Cellular’s growth is projected in
focus of our business strategy.
2002 and beyond. Over the next few
During the past year, we took
pages we will highlight some of our
several steps toward increasing
successes during the past year.
customer satisfaction, including:
• Introducing a new “high-tech,
NEW VISION, MISSION
high-touch” look to our retail stores
AND STRATEGY
In keeping with our renewed customer
• Increasing support for our key
The new
focus, we developed a new vision,
distribution channels
mission statement and business strategy
• Implementing our Customer
in 2001. Our new vision defines customer
mission reflects
Acquisition and Retention System
satisfaction as the brand promise for
(C.A.R.E.S.) billing and information
which U.S. Cellular is known in the
our commitment
system in every U.S. Cellular market
wireless marketplace. The new mission
reflects our commitment to three • Adding more than 370 new cell
equally important stakeholders—
to three equally
sites and investing nearly $490
customers, shareholders and associates. million in improvements to our
We plan to achieve our vision and wireless network
important
mission through continued profitable
The Dynamic Organization is committed
LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr., Chairman, and
growth, attained by focusing on four
John E. “Jack” Rooney, President and Chief Executive Officer to ensuring that all customers and
strategic priorities — increasing customer
stakeholders —
potential customers have a positive
satisfaction, growing revenues, driving
experience when interacting with
standards of excellence and driving the
U.S. Cellular. To that end, we have
customers,
U.S. CELLULAR ACCOMPLISHED 2001 IN REVIEW These financial results, though indicative Dynamic Organization.
used feedback from customers to
We ended the year with just under of a strong company, did not meet
MANY OBJECTIVES IN 2001 AS WE Our leaders participated in training redesign our retail stores. Our new
3.5 million customers, a 13 percent our targets for the year. An extremely
shareholders
sessions throughout 2001 to develop high-tech, high-touch retail stores
CONTINUED TO FOCUS ON OUR
increase from twelve months earlier. competitive wireless marketplace has
the new leadership style required to guide shoppers through every step of
CUSTOMERS THROUGH OUR DYNAMIC
Aided by a customer churn rate of 1.7 driven revenue per minute of use down
execute our strategy and achieve the buying process, making it easier
and associates.
ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT percent, one of the lowest in the wireless throughout the industry, lessening the
our mission. By mid-2002, all of our for U.S. Cellular to meet their needs
industry, our distribution channels added positive effect on revenues of the increase
PHILOSOPHY. THE EXECUTION OF management-level associates will be with superior products and services.
354,000 net new customers during the in minute use. The overall downturn in
trained to lead in accordance with the
THIS STRATEGY ENABLES OUR We made changes in our high-volume
year. Service revenues grew 10 percent the economy, especially in retailing,
principles of the Dynamic Organization. agent distribution channel as well.
COMPANY TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENT
to over $1.8 billion, as minutes of use on had a significant impact on our business
Our call center associates, who are We increased our emphasis on
RESULTS. THOUGH THE NATION’S our wireless systems increased 45 percent. in the second half of 2001. Traffic into
based in six regional locations, receive exclusive agents who represent only
The growth in service revenues drove our retail and agent locations slowed
ECONOMY SLOWED OUR GROWTH
six weeks of intensive customer service U.S. Cellular, and are implementing
an 11 percent increase in operating substantially, even during the holiday
IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR, training before they start serving our store signage and fixtures in their
cash flow, to $618 million for the year. shopping season. As a result, despite
customers. Our training is geared locations which are similar to those
OVERALL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR
Net income from operations totaled our low churn rate, we added fewer
toward helping each associate function in our retail stores, with an end goal
WERE STRONG. $181 million, or $2.10 per share. new customers in 2001 than in 2000.
as part of a team, through which he of enhancing brand recognition.
2 3
4. CONNECTING WITH OUR CUSTOMERS
CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We implemented several technological NETWORK IMPROVEMENTS sites and expanded digital coverage,
“We connect with you ,” the Company’s The new mission reflects U.S. Cellular’s
SM
advances during 2001 to improve cus- AND PLANS including the first steps in our conver-
new tagline, sends a clear message that commitment to three equally important
tomer service. The rollout of C.A.R.E.S. In late 2001, we announced our plans sion to CDMA technology (which U.S. Cellular is firmly committed to its stakeholders – customers, shareholders
was completed throughout all of our to convert all of our wireless systems alone account for $80-$95 million). customers and their satisfaction. and associates:
markets, giving every customer and to Code Division Multiple Access
“Wireless is not just about technology OUR MISSION
customer service associate access to this (CDMA) 1XRTT digital technology SUMMARY
anymore,” noted President and CEO To provide the highest level of customer
state-of-the-art billing and information over the next three years. The conversion Despite an uncertain economy, your
John E. (Jack) Rooney. “It’s about satisfaction, which will generate profit-
tool. C.A.R.E.S. enables users to access of our network to CDMA technology Company achieved impressive results
connecting with customers and com- able growth for our shareholders and
customer account information quickly, is an important step in achieving in 2001 through the collective efforts
municating that our Company is superior rewards for our associates.
shortening the response time for U.S. Cellular’s mission of profitable of our more than 5,100 associates. dedicated to customer service through We will achieve this through a Dynamic
answering customer queries. Other growth. Using CDMA technology We also built the framework for knowledgeable, friendly and accessible Organization based on standards
improvements enable customers to use will enhance our network by adding future growth. Our vision, mission wireless experts.” of excellence.
the Web and over-the-air programming voice capacity, offering high-speed data and strategic direction are clear. The
Introduced in early 2001 via major
methods to streamline the activation products and features and improving Dynamic Organization principles will OUR STRATEGY
consumer and business-to-business
process, providing customers with an coverage. The move to CDMA will continue to drive our commitment to U.S. Cellular will achieve its vision and
advertising campaigns, the tagline
even higher level of satisfaction from create a unified, single-technology providing the best possible customer mission through continued profitable
now appears with the Company logo
the moment they sign up for service. network that will enable U.S. Cellular growth, attained by focusing on four
satisfaction in 2002 and beyond. Our
on signage, advertising, store displays
strategic priorities:
customer commitment will differentiate and printed materials. It’s a constant
U.S. Cellular from the competition and
Our customer commitment will differentiate visual reminder that U.S. Cellular is STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
continue to drive profitable growth. dedicated to giving customers exactly • Increase customer satisfaction
what they need and expect from their
We would like to thank each of our
U.S. Cellular from the competition and • Grow revenues
wireless service provider.
associates for our successes in 2001,
• Drive standards of excellence
and we thank you, our shareholders,
continue to drive profitable growth. CEO Jack Rooney meets with U.S. CELLULAR’S DYNAMIC
• Drive the Dynamic Organization
associates to discuss strategic issues
for your continued support. We look ORGANIZATION: A NEW
at U.S. Cellular’s corporate office.
forward to an exciting and successful CUSTOMER-FOCUSED VISION, The Dynamic Organization continues
MISSION AND STRATEGY
to expand product offerings and sim- year in 2002.
During the past year, we continued to roll to be a catalyst for change. A 2001
Connecting with our customers is the
plify our existing rate plan structure.
out new products, such as two-way culture survey of U.S. Cellular associ-
essence of the Dynamic Organization, the
We expect to complete the conversion ates showed an important shift in
text messaging and mobile-to-mobile
Cordially yours, management philosophy introduced to
U.S. Cellular is
in 2004, at an approximate cost of associate perceptions — a statistically
digital calling plans, which increase the
U.S. Cellular by Jack Rooney. A Dynamic
$400-$450 million, spread over the significant increase in the number of
utility of our service. Nearly 70 percent
Organization requires a customer-focused
three-year period. associates who believe that “serving
of our customers were using digital
dedicated to vision, mission and business strategy. customers is my first priority.” Associates
service as of year-end. These customers During the conversion to CDMA and In early 2001, the executive manage- also indicated they feel pride in the
have access to additional features such beyond, we will continue to support ment team articulated the Company’s
giving customers Company’s accomplishments and believe
John E. Rooney
as caller ID and text messaging. Digital other technologies, including analog long-term focus and direction.
President and Chief Executive Officer that U.S. Cellular is becoming a stronger
service also provides better clarity and and Time Division Multiple Access
The new vision defines customer competitor in the wireless marketplace.
enhanced roaming capabilities. Because
exactly what they
(TDMA), for the benefit of our cus-
satisfaction as the product for which Building a Dynamic Organization
digital service enhances the wireless tomers as well as those customers
U.S. Cellular will be known in the requires a new kind of leadership. This
product, customers on digital rate plans from other companies who roam on
wireless marketplace.
need and expect year, U.S. Cellular’s senior leadership
use their phones more often. This accounts our network. Overall, we plan to invest
participated in leadership development
OUR VISION
in part for the 45 percent increase in between $620-$640 million on our LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.
workshops to learn the skills they need
We will proudly provide the best
from their wireless
minutes of use on our systems in 2001. wireless network in 2002 for new cell Chairman
to lead and coach in a customer-focused,
customer satisfaction. Customers
excellence-driven environment. All
‘Expect it!’ We deliver.
service provider. Company leaders will complete the
workshop in early 2002.
4 5
5. OPERATIONS U.S. CELLULAR INTRODUCES HIGH-TECH,
HIGH-TOUCH RETAIL STORES
U.S. Cellular rolled out it’s new “high-tech, high-
touch” retail stores during 2001. The new stores,
designed with feedback from associate and
customer advisory panels, increase the ease and
convenience of shopping for wireless products and
services by guiding customers through every step
of the buying process – from selecting the right
rate plan to choosing the best phone and wireless
accessories. The new stores feature private
consulting stations, product information displays,
interactive kiosks and live wireless phone demon-
stration stations, as well as customer service
and billing terminals and a play area for children.
The retail store remodeling, which will continue
into 2002, is intended to improve the way the
Company interacts with consumers and increase
brand awareness for U.S. Cellular.
In 2001, U.S. Cellular introduced new store designs that enable customers U.S. Cellular expanded its telesales function. Potential customers can call to
to shop for wireless products and service with ease and convenience. discuss wireless products and promotions in a simple, convenient manner.
U.S. CELLULAR SIGNS WITH
CATALYST MARKETING
CUSTOMERS EXPECT IT… Some customers may choose to connect It provides fast and easy access to phones and activating service via
WE DELIVER with us through U.S. Cellular’s 900 information on U.S. Cellular, its the telephone. All telesales orders are
Connecting with our customers agents located throughout our markets products and services, and offers the shipped within 72 hours to a customer’s
means being easily accessible to them – of operation. During 2001, we placed convenience of online wireless shopping. residence or office.
whenever, wherever and however they more emphasis on exclusive agents who A comprehensive “Browse and Buy” Ensuring that the right product is in
choose to do business with us. Our goal represent only U.S. Cellular, a sales section allows customers to compare and the right location at the right time is
is to ensure that all customers and potential channel that is expected to be a strong purchase calling plans, view wireless the objective of a new merchandise
customers have a positive experience growth area for the Company. New phone and accessory options, and learn management system, which has been
In September, U.S. Cellular signed an agreement
with U.S. Cellular. merchandising programs, new signage, about wireless services. A “Store Finder” in the planning stages during 2001 and
with Catalyst Marketing, Inc., to expand its exclusive
store fixtures identical to those in our and a “Customer Help Center” provide
People who visit any of our approximately is scheduled for rollout during the first agent network throughout the central, eastern
Company-owned stores and the ability quick access to information or customer
240 Company stores or 230 U.S. Cellular half of 2002. The multi million-dollar and southwestern regions of the United States.
to activate customer accounts online service support.
kiosks located in Wal-Mart stores expect retail software system will manage This investment in U.S. Cellular’s agent sales
are just part of the support and incen-
and deserve the best possible service. The Company's telesales efforts were merchandise logistics to supply sales strategy reflects a continued commitment to this
tives provided to our exclusive agents. distribution channel.
During 2001, U.S. Cellular introduced greatly expanded this year and have channels with the products needed to
Non-exclusive agents and resellers also
its new “high-tech, high-touch” retail become national in scope. Utilizing give customers what they want, when Under terms of the agreement, U.S. Cellular worked
remain important sources of growth. with Catalyst to open authorized agent locations
stores. We also provided extensive sales two call centers, the organization they want it as well as lower our
in various U.S. Cellular markets throughout the
training for associates and standardized The growing number of customers who now has both inbound and outbound operation costs.
country during 2001, with more agent locations
methods and procedures to refocus prefer to connect with U.S. Cellular calling capabilities. Customers may
planned for 2002. The stores, which will reflect
our retail organization on serving our online has increased due to our redesigned call 1-888-BUY-USCC and are given
U.S. Cellular’s new “high-tech, high-touch” retail
customers more effectively. Web site which launched in April 2001. the convenience of purchasing wireless store branding strategy, will be operated under
the name “Premier Locations.”
6 7
6. U.S. CELLULAR OPENS NEW FACILITIES
CUSTOMER SERVICE /I.S. U.S. Cellular continues to improve customer service
by investing in the environment and support systems
used by our associates. Two new facilities, both
featuring a combination of innovative design and
the latest in cutting-edge network and telephone
equipment, opened in late 2001.
In October, the Company’s new Information
Technology Management Facility opened in
Bensenville, Ill. The 54,000-square-foot building
currently houses more than 250 information services
associates including the infrastructure, development,
planning, testing and implementation departments,
as well as the Company’s I.S. Data Center.
A new Mid-Central Customer Care Center in
Pewaukee, Wis., opened in November to stream-
line operations, consolidate services and handle
more than 8,000 daily customer service transactions.
The 89,400-square-foot facility houses a portion
of U.S. Cellular’s regional staff, customer service
operations, information services data center, business
operations office and national roaming support
center. Some 300 associates currently work in the
facility, which can accommodate up to 550 employees.
U.S. Cellular opened a new state-of-the-art I.S. facility which houses the C.A.R.E.S.
billing and information system as well as the I.S. Data Center.
U.S. CELLULAR NAMED TITAN WINNER
FOR OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE
RESPONSIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE First call resolution is a measurement • Web activation — the ability of agents OTA is now in place in nearly 75 U.S. Cellular’s commitment to
now used in determining performance and direct sales channels to activate percent of U.S. Cellular markets. The
U.S. Cellular’s Customer Care Center customer service was recognized
incentives for all front-line associates. customer accounts online — speeds the same technology can also activate service in 2001 when the Company was
associates are a vital connection to our
named the 2001 Wireless Titan
activation process and shortens the remotely to give customers a faster, easier
customers. These associates receive six Late in 2001, U.S. Cellular took another
Award winner for Outstanding
amount of time customers must wait purchasing experience. OTA trials are
weeks of intensive customer service training step to serve customers more effectively Customer Service by Wireless
until their new phones are ready to use. now under way in some U.S. Cellular
before they start serving customers. by consolidating its financial services Review, a highly regarded industry
markets to test additional functionality.
This year, all customer service coaches, operations into two national centers in • In 2001, the implementation of trade magazine.
managers, directors and executives also Madison, Wis., and Tulsa, Okla. The C.A.R.E.S. (Customer Acquisition and A proactive initiative to connect with our Wireless Review cited U.S. Cellular’s customer
participated in leadership training. realignment, to be completed in early Retention System) was completed in customers and continue strengthening service goals and initiatives put in place to
2002, will streamline these operations, every U.S. Cellular market and will our relationships was expanded during reach these goals as the basis for the honor.
According to our surveys, customers
The U.S. Cellular goals Wireless Review focused
which include collection efforts and provide the operational efficiencies 2001 with the creation of a specialized
rate getting the information they need
on include: rapidly deploying wireless service in
credit review teams. This change will of having all billing operations on a “Pro Call” team. This team conducts
or resolving their problem with a single
the communities U.S. Cellular serves, developing
enable U.S. Cellular to offer the latest single system. outbound calls to make customers feel
call as extremely important. First call
associate training initiatives, increasing consumer
in credit and collection technologies. valuable and build trust. They also
resolution is the goal of U.S. Cellular’s • Customers want the best possible awareness of wireless service and reducing the
make welcome calls to new customers,
customer service organization. Progress is We are providing enhanced customer coverage while roaming. Over-the-air number of customers who switch to another carrier.
and talk to existing customers about
monitored continually through ongoing Specifically noted was U.S. Cellular’s 1.7 percent
service through several new technologies: Activation (OTA) allows customer
valuable information such as annual customer defection, or “churn” rate, which ranks
customer satisfaction surveys. phones to be programmed to provide
well below the industry average.
rate plan analysis or information about
“intelligent roaming” on pre-determined
expanded services.
carriers selected by U.S. Cellular.
8 9
7. NETWORK OPERATIONS U.S. CELLULAR CHOOSES ADVANCED
CDMA TECHNOLOGY
Deployment of a highly advanced digital
technology – Code Division Multiple Access,
or CDMA 1XRTT – will enable U.S. Cellular to
more effectively respond to the changing wireless
needs of customers. This major technology
decision, announced late in 2001, will enable
U.S. Cellular to enhance digital service by adding
voice capacity, offering high-speed data products
and improving coverage.
CDMA 1XRTT technology will be deployed
throughout the Company’s entire network beginning
in the Midwest/Great Lakes area in 2002. The new
technology is expected to be in 40 percent of our
current markets by year-end 2002 and 75 percent
of markets by year-end 2003. Completion is
expected by 2004. The approximate cost of the
conversion will be between $400-$450 million
spread over the three-year period.
CDMA 1XRTT makes more efficient use of the
wireless spectrum and will allow for more economical
network growth and expansion. It is expected to
almost double today’s CDMA capacity by delivering
nearly 10 times analog capacity. Additionally, this
change will enable the Company to begin providing
high-speed data access.
CDMA technology is currently in place in approxi-
Associates in the Network Operations Center in Knoxville, Tenn., use state-of-the-art
mately one-third of U.S. Cellular’s markets, and
technology to constantly monitor the quality of our network.
the Company’s positive, long-term experience with
the technology was influential in the decision to
deploy the more advanced CDMA platform across
the entire network. U.S. Cellular will continue to
ENHANCING THE NETWORK provides enhanced security — giving across our network. Under the terms pair during 2001. The scalable capacity
support Time Division Multiple Access, or TDMA
our customers more reliable service. of a four-year, $100 million contract of the platform creates a more efficient
U.S. Cellular continues to expand and technology, which currently is in place in two-thirds
Three switches were migrated to the with U.S. Cellular, Lucent Technologies network architecture and better positions
upgrade its network to give our customers of the Company’s markets, for the foreseeable
new platform in 2001, and others will will supply digital wireless systems, U.S. Cellular for future growth. Two future, both for its own customers and for the
the highest call quality, the broadest
substantial roaming traffic received from other
be added in 2002. engineering and installation services for additional signal transfer points will
possible range of coverage and access
TDMA operators.
the existing U.S. Cellular network in be added to the network in 2002.
to new and enhanced wireless features. Approximately 70 percent of U.S.
Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina
Network enhancements also are posi- Cellular’s customers use the Company’s U.S. Cellular continually seeks to
and South Carolina. Two new Lucent
tioning U.S. Cellular for future growth. digital service in order to utilize the provide state-of-the-art technology to
CDMA 1XRTT makes
systems have been added in Mabscott
expanded features that digital provides. our customers. Work continues toward
Currently, the Company is deploying
and Morgantown, W.Va., and similar
Because of this demand, U.S. Cellular the development and deployment of the
an Advanced Intelligent Network.
systems will be installed in Roanoke
more efficient use of
added more than 370 new cell sites next generation of significantly higher
This platform provides a stand-alone
and Lynchburg, Va., early in 2002.
across its markets in 2001 to improve capacity service (2.5G and 3G) to
home location register that consoli-
coverage and call quality for customers. U.S. Cellular customers will benefit respond to the expected demand for
dates customer information previously
the wireless spectrum
This brings the total number of cell sites from expanded network capacity and wireless data services.
contained in separate switches. The
to more than 2,900. capability and improved service quality
new platform speeds and simplifies the
and will allow for more
and reliability as a result of U.S. Cellular’s
process of migrating customers from As customer demand for digital service
purchase of a pair of signal transfer
one switch to another, helps reduce continues to rise, U.S. Cellular is con-
points and the upgrade of an existing
capacity demand in our switches and tinuing to enhance digital coverage
economical network
growth and expansion.
10 11
