U.S. Cellular Device Workshop

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (May 25, 2012) – Not all smartphone customers are the same. They each use their devices in different ways to enhance and simplify their lives and there are endless personalization options to let them customize it to fit their lifestyle. For smartphone customers or wireless customers thinking about making the switch to a smartphone, U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) will offer free Device Workshop at Knoxville-area retail stores throughout the month of June.

Upcoming U.S. Cellular Device Workshops in Knoxville include:
• June 2 at 9 a.m. at the U.S. Cellular store in Turkey Creek at 11125 Parkside Drive
• June 9 at 9 a.m. at the U.S. Cellular store at 4873 N. Broadway
• June 16 at 9 a.m. at the U.S. Cellular store at 2736 Schaad Road
• June 30 at 8 a.m. at the U.S. Cellular store at 8401 Kingston Pike

U.S. Cellular associates will help attendees learn about and maximize all the features on their Android™-powered, Windows® Phone and BlackBerry® devices, and it’s open to everyone.

“With constant access to your e-mails, social media sites, helpful apps and the Internet, you can stay connected and organized with a smartphone, no matter where your busy life takes you,” said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “Customers who switch to U.S. Cellular join the only points-based rewards program in wireless and receive points that can be used towards faster phone upgrades, free phones, ringtones and accessories. Our unique benefits are one of the reasons we have the happiest customers in wireless.”

Android devices, like U.S. Cellular’s lineup of 3G and 4G LTE Samsung smartphones, enable the customer to transform a smartphone with a range of features that can be modified to their liking. From the look and feel to the sights and sounds, there are a variety of ways to customize an Android-powered device. Here are a few ways smartphone customers can do that:

Home Screens – Whether your device has one homescreen or seven, each one can be configured to fit your needs and interests. The screens are designed to easily add shortcuts, applications, folders and widgets, and each page can feature a different interest or theme. If you like to stay in touch using social media, you can have all of your favorite networks on each page or a single page, and if you’re a business user, you can customize the screens with office e-mail, calendar, stocks widget and more.

Keyboard options – Android-powered devices give customers the option of a touchscreen keyboard or a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and some devices come with both. Another unique feature of Android-powered phones is the availability of Swype™ technology. With one continuous motion across the on-screen keyboard, you can text more than 40 words per minute. You can also take advantage of Android’s custom dictionary to add words or phrases you use often to make it even easier to input text.

Sounds – Most cell phones have sound alerts for incoming calls, text messages, alarms and other notifications. Android-powered devices allow you to upload your own mp3 files, so your phone sounds the way you want. The device’s audio can be enhanced further by downloading a smart ringtone app like FoxyRing that uses GPS to adjust the volume settings depending on your location. For example, the device can be programmed to reduce the volume at the office or movie theatre.

Plans – Having a smartphone that can be modified to your lifestyle is appealing, but it’s also important to make sure your wireless plan fits your needs and budget. “We conduct a needs assessment with each customer to determine how they will use the device and help them select the plan that’s best for them,” Brundige added.

U.S. Cellular’s next free Device Workshops include four in the month of June offered at retail stores throughout Knoxville. Associates will guide attendees through all of the features and functions of their devices and how to customize them for their lives. All questions are welcome from current and potential smartphone users, and attendees don’t have to be a U.S. Cellular customer.