U.S. Cellular Adds to Its Industry-Leading Programs to Prevent 'Bill Shock' With Overage Cap, Forgiveness

CHICAGO, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- While Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) consider enacting rules to prevent wireless customers from experiencing "bill shock," U.S. Cellular recently expanded its industry-leading position to further protect its customers against unexpected overage charges on their monthly bills.

As part of an array of new industry-leading programs called The Belief Project, U.S. Cellular has introduced Overage Cap and Overage Forgiveness. Available on its new Belief Plans, Overage Cap prevents voice overage charges from exceeding $50 for a National Single Line plan or $150 for a Family plan. With Overage Forgiveness, customers on Belief Plans can even save up enough reward points to eliminate overage charges they may occasionally incur.

The new services complement U.S. Cellular's Overage Protection program launched last year. More than 3 million customers already have signed up to receive text message alerts when they reach 75 percent of their voice or text package, and again at 100 percent usage. Since all customers receive free incoming calls, text and picture messages, there is no charge for the alerts.

"We've noticed that many consumers are frustrated with unexpected overage charges on their bills," said Mary N. Dillon, president and CEO of U.S. Cellular. "We love finding new ways to delight our customers and make their lives easier. Our programs work together so our customers don't need to worry about excessive overage charges."

At the Rural Cellular Association's Annual Business and Technical Conference this month, FCC Commissioner Mignon L. Clyburn singled out The Belief Project as a "major step for wireless customers."

"One carrier decided to listen to its customers and address those concerns," Clyburn said. "Instead of competing for which company can charge the highest ETFs, companies should strive to earn their customers' continuing loyalty. I applaud U.S. Cellular for their leadership on this issue."

Launched Oct. 1, The Belief Project recognizes customer loyalty with freedom from continuous contracts, an attractive rewards program, earlier phone upgrades at promotional prices and simplified national rate plans. The offerings also include the industry's only phone replacement program, and offer customers savings of up to 5 percent on their monthly bills for setting up auto pay and paperless billing.

For more information about The Belief Project, visit uscellular.com.

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular is committed to fixing wireless one project at a time. The Chicago-based carrier, named one of Forbes Magazine's 2010 "Most Trustworthy Companies," recently unveiled The Belief Project, a series of industry-first, innovative solutions designed to elevate the customer experience. The Belief Project complements U.S. Cellular's growing catalog of cutting-edge phones, all backed by its nationwide 3G network. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. You can also check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

SOURCE U.S. Cellular

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