We've know that U.S. Cellular would be getting its own LG Optimus device ever since the Apex debuted last month, but today the carrier finally announced details on the device's release.  The LG Optimus U will launch on December 13th, aka next Monday, for free after a two-year contract and $80 mail-in rebate.  Specs for the Optimus U include a 3.2-inch touchscreen, 3.2 megapixel camera, preinstalled 2GB microSD card, and Android 2.2.  The full press release is waiting for you down below.

The fact that the Optimus U is free is a great move by U.S. Cellular, especially considering that the U seems to have decent specs for customers making their first smartphone purchase.  Android 2.2's presence makes the package even sweeter, and should make owners of some other, more high-end smartphones just a little jealous.  What impresses me most is how U.S. Cellular is filling out their Android lineup.  They've got the HTC Desire and Samsung Mesmerize for those of us that prefer bleeding edge products, the Apex and Acclaim for the mid-range, and now the Optimus U is taking its place in the entry-level.  Any guesses as to which Android phone U.S. Cellular will snag next?

U.S. CELLULAR TO LAUNCH THE LG OPTIMUS U, ITS LATEST ANDROID-POWERED DEVICE FOR 2010

Touchscreen device that runs on the Android 2.2 operating system is free after an $80 mail-in rebate

CHICAGO (December 7, 2010) – U.S. Cellular is rounding out its 2010 lineup of Android-powered phones with the Dec. 13 launch of the LG Optimus U, the ideal handset for first-time smartphone users ready to experience the power of Android 2.2 technology. Backed by the carrier's high-speed network, LG Optimus U will be available in U.S. Cellular stores and at uscellular.com for free after an $80 mail-in rebate. LG Optimus U is also supported by all the benefits of The Belief Project, which include industry-first innovations like "no contract after the first."

"The LG Optimus U is a good fit for first-time smartphone customers who are looking to explore a wide range of games, multimedia entertainment and time-saving Android applications," said Edward Perez, vice president of marketing and sales operations for U.S. Cellular. "Customers with one of our Belief Plans who are eligible for a phone upgrade can pick up an LG Optimus U at our promotional price without signing a new contract."

New customers who sign up for a Belief Plan and fulfill an initial two-year commitment will never have to sign another one with U.S. Cellular's "no contract after the first." Customers automatically get valuable rewards that can be used for faster phone upgrades in as little as 10 months, additional lines, phones, accessories and ringtones.

About LG Optimus U
LG Optimus U from U.S. Cellular sports a sleek 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen and virtual QWERTY keyboard with Swype technology that allows users to input text quickly by sliding a finger over the keyboard in one continuous motion. The five home screens provide easy access to customers' favorite applications and create a truly customizable user experience.

In addition to the popular Google applications like Google Maps, Google Talk and Gmail, that are pre-loaded on the LG Optimus U, U.S. Cellular customers can also tap into Your Navigator Deluxe for voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation, get ringtones from Tone Room Deluxe and store all their contacts on a secure Web site with My Contacts Backup.

The LG Optimus U is equipped with a 2GB microSD card and offers a up to 32GB of memory via an external memory card for customers who want to watch videos or listen to music while on-the-go. Featuring a 3.2 megapixel camcorder with autofocus and zoom, LG Optimus U also provides a 3.5mm headphone jack and Wi-Fi support for up to five devices through built-in portable hotspot capabilities.

About U.S. Cellular Android Devices
The LG Optimus U joins five other high-performance devices from U.S. Cellular that run Android, including the LG Apex, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Mesmerize (a Galaxy S smartphone) and Acclaim, and HTC Desire. The carrier's extensive catalog of Android-powered, BlackBerry and Windows phones is a key part of its strategy to deliver cutting-edge devices while elevating the customer experience through the industry-leading initiatives of The Belief Project, which it launched in October.

U.S. Cellular's new bundled National Single Line and Family Belief Plans offer affordable voice, text and data packages. Customers who text, e-mail and download more than they talk may prefer the new Primary Plus Plan for $69.99 per month that comes with 5GB of data, unlimited text, picture and video messaging, free GPS navigation and free unlimited incoming calls, nights and weekends, and mobile-to-mobile calls. Customers also can opt for the Premium Plus Family Plan for $179.99, which includes two lines with unlimited minutes and messaging, 5GB of data per line, Phone Replacement and GPS navigation.

About The Belief Project
Launched Oct. 1, The Belief Project recognizes customer loyalty with national bundled rate plans that offer customers the freedom to enjoy industry-leading benefits without signing continuous contracts – like new phones at promotional prices every 18 months that can be accelerated with points.

With "no contract after the first," new customers fulfill an initial two-year commitment and never have to sign another contract again. Existing customers who switch to the new Belief Plans can simply finish the remainder of their term without extending their current contract.

Customers automatically get valuable rewards just for being a customer that can be used for even faster phone upgrades in as little as 10 months. Rewards can also be used to get additional lines, phones, accessories and ringtones.

The Belief Project also includes the industry's only Phone Replacement program. If a customer's phone accidentally breaks or stops working, U.S. Cellular replaces it with the same or similar model at no additional cost. Customers also can save up to 5 percent on their monthly plans for setting up autopay and paperless billing.

These innovative initiatives were developed to address consumers' common frustrations with wireless, elevate the customer experience and create a human relationship, not a contractual one. 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 high-speed nationwide 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.

About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 80,000 people working in more than 115 operations including 84 subsidiaries around the world. With 2009 global sales of USD43.4 billion, LG is comprised of five business units — Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning and Business Solutions. LG is the world's leading producer of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both a Global Partner and a Technology Partner of Formula One™. As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event. For more information, please visit www.lgusa.com.

About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company
The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a leading global mobile communications and information company. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design capabilities, LG creates handsets that provide an optimized mobile experience to customers around the world. LG is pursuing convergence technology and mobile computing products, while continuing its leadership role in mobile communication with stylish designs and smart technology. For more information, please visit www.lgmobilephones.com.