Skip to main content

U.S. Cellular gives you unlimited data on four lines, but read the fine print

Cell tower FM radio
U.S. Cellular is finally starting to take unlimited data a little more seriously. The company has largely lagged behind the so-called “big four” carriers to date, but its latest offering could make it a serious option for those that want a little more data — especially those in a family or with a group of friends willing to sign up with them. The U.S. Cellular Total Plan now comes at a $140 for new subscribers with four lines and offers unlimited data. That is a tiny $35 per line.

You need four lines to reach $35 per line, but those with fewer lines can still get a pretty good price. One line comes at $45, while two lines cost $43 per line, and three lines $39 per line.

“We want our customers to have the freedom to use their phones however they want at a price that doesn’t break the bank,” Grant Leech, vice president of brand marketing at U.S. Cellular, said in a statement. “But unlimited data doesn’t mean anything unless you have a network that keeps up with it, so we provide an award-winning, fast network that works when and where our customers need it.”

All these prices are great, but there are a few caveats to consider. For starters, U.S. Cellular’s data speeds aren’t the best. The company notes in the fine-print that download speeds cap out at 1.5Mbps for streaming, and speeds will shift to 2G speeds after 22GB of data. According to Speedtest, the average mobile download speed in the U.S. is 22.69Mbps, and T-Mobile is the fastest option, with an average download speed of 23.17Mbps.

Also, while U.S. Cellular doesn’t note an expiration date, it does say that the cheaper pricing is only available for a limited time. Also, you have to jump through quite a few hoops to sign up too — the company says you are required to purchase a qualified phone, sign up for its Device Protection+ service, sign up for Autopay, and paperless billing. And if you do not do those things? It’s likely the price will be a little more on-par with what the other carriers are offering.

Editors' Recommendations

How 3 Galaxy S23 Ultra camera features completely changed my vacation
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra back.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the most versatile set of cameras on any phone, and it's the phone I took with me to the Mobile World Congress (MWC) event in Barcelona, Spain, last month.

After my work at MWC 2023 was done, I had some free time to explore the beauty of Spain, and in doing so, the Galaxy S23 Ultra helped me capture some amazing shots that wouldn’t be possible on any other device. Here are the three Galaxy S23 Ultra camera features that I used extensively and which helped me make my trip memorable.
The clarity in 10x zoom is mind-blowing

Read more
I love the Galaxy S23 — here are 5 things the iPhone still does better
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 has arrived to the masses, and it’s one of the best Android phones you can get right now, especially the S23 Ultra. However, for those who don’t need all of the fancy bells and whistles, like the S Pen and 200MP main camera, the regular S23 is also plenty powerful for the average person, especially if you prefer smaller devices.

I’ve been using the Galaxy S23 for the past few weeks, and so far, my experience has been delightful. I know that it’s still early on in the year, but for me, the S23’s small size is perfect and comfortable. Android also does a lot of things better than iOS, like individual volume controls and notifications, for example. But I am still primarily using my iPhone 14 Pro — despite Apple having some big flaws, such as overprocessing images after you capture them.

Read more
Why the $450 Samsung Galaxy A54 may be 2023’s most savvy smartphone buy
The green and purple Galaxy A54's camera modules.

-Samsung’s Galaxy A Series has long been a great choice for people who want Galaxy S Series style without the S Series price. The Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 are the latest, and Samsung isn’t being shy about giving these phones the latest flagship look.

Even better news is that the A54 continues to provide a great screen, long battery life, a decent camera, and solid everyday features you’ll love — all for a value-driven price. Could the new Galaxy A54 phone be 2023’s savviest smartphone buys? I tried it out for a short time to find out.
Getting the Awesome colors right

Read more