Revenues related to data services and products increased 66 percent in 2006, to $217.4 million. Revenue related to data services continues to climb in response to an ever-growing array of easyedgeSM data services offerings, including new games and mobile information applications. U.S. Cellular’s Short Messaging Service (SMS) and BlackBerry® service offerings are increasingly popular with customers. The company also introduced Mobile Shop, a new easyedge user interface for the MOTORAZR™ v3m, one of the strongest-selling handsets.
Introduced new handsets and services for consumers and businesses
U.S. Cellular introduced 27 new handsets in 2006, including the MOTOKRZR™ K1m and stylish new BlackBerry® Wireless Solution offerings for consumers and business customers. U.S. Cellular was the first to offer the RED MOTORAZR™ V3m, which was designed to raise money for (RED)™, an initiative that raises money and awareness for the Global Fund. Sales of the handset exceeded U.S.Cellular sales targets.
To expand offerings for prepaid customers, U.S. Cellular added Text Messaging packages and Pay-As-You-Go Text Messaging to its Prepaid Wireless Plans in 2006.
The company also rolled out streamlined National, Wide Area, and Family calling plans in 2006 to make it easier for consumers and businesses to understand the valuable options available.
Added video, music, and games to
3G high-speed data market trial
The Milwaukee, Wisconsin market launch of services using the CDMA, 3G technology known as Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) continues, with the recent addition of video, music, and 3D games. Depending on further results of the Milwaukee launch, U.S. Cellular may decide to offer EV-DO-based services in certain other markets in 2007.
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