U.S. Cellular said last month that its 4G LTE Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 would be available in March, and just like USCC promised, its first LTE-enabled device is now available both in stores and online. Pricing for U.S. Cellular's Galaxy Tab 10.1 is set at $499.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, although folks that are located in one of U.S. Cellular's LTE markets or a city that's scheduled to gain 4G by the end of 2012 can pick up the Tab 10.1 for $399.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. U.S. Cellular's LTE network is currently available in select cities in Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. The carrier's 4G coverage will expand to select markets in Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia in the second half of 2012.
There are a couple of different data plan special offers for the Tab 10.1 listed on U.S. Cellular's website. The cheaper plan is set at $14.99 per month and offers 200MB of usage per month, with overages set at $0.25/MB. There's also a 5GB per month plan that's priced at $54.99 with overages of $0.25/MB.
On the spec side of things, U.S. Cellular's Galaxy Tab 10.1 is packing a 10.1-inch 1280x800 display, 1.2GHz dual-core Tegra 2 processor, 3.2-megapixel rear camera, 2-megapixel front-facing shooter, 32GB storage and Android 3.2 Honeycomb. There's 4G LTE connectivity on board as well as 3G support for folks that aren't yet in a U.S. Cellular LTE market.
It's good to see U.S. Cellular get their first LTE-enabled device on store shelves, and next month we should see USCC's first LTE handset in the Samsung Galaxy S Aviator. U.S. Cellular also says that the Tab 10.1 is "the first of many cutting-edge devices slated for use on [its] 4G LTE network," so that's good news for folks looking forward to hopping on U.S. Cellular's LTE airwaves. The full press release announcing today's news is available below.
SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB 10.1 AVAILABLE ON U.S. CELLULAR ONLINE AND IN STORES TODAY
Tablet Launches U.S. Cellular's Line-Up of 4G LTE Devices
CHICAGO (March 22, 2012) – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) have announced that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1™ is available today, both in stores and online at uscellular.com. The Android™-powered tablet runs on the 4G LTE network, with speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G, and is the first device introduced in U.S. Cellular's 4G LTE device line-up. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be available for $499.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. For a limited time, the tablet will be available for $399.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate in markets currently covered by the 4G LTE network and in those scheduled to be covered by the end of 2012. Visit uscellular.com for detailed pricing.
The Galaxy Tab 10.1 features a widescreen display and dual surround-sound speakers, ideal for streaming video or watching movies while keeping families entertained on-the-go. The 2 megapixel front camera's high-quality image is ideal for video chatting and the 3 megapixel rear-facing camera has HD video capabilities to ensure users will capture every memorable moment. Galaxy Tab 10.1 users have access to nearly half a million apps available through Google Play, formerly known as the Android™ Market, helping multi-taskers get more done throughout the day with calendars, email, news, weather and more. Google Play also features downloadable digital movies, books and music.
"The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the first of many cutting-edge devices slated for use on the 4G LTE network," said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. "This sleek and functional tablet makes it easier than ever for busy customers to simplify and organize their lives."
Highlighted features:
10.1-inch WXGA PLS TFT 1280x800 HD display
Slim and lightweight at 1 pound, 3.9 ounces and .34-inch depth
Battery life up to 12 hours of usage, with standby time of up to 400 hours
1 GHz dual-core NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 processor
Powered by Android™ Honeycomb
Front and rear camera: 3.2 megapixel rear camera with auto-focus, LED flash and HD (720p) video recording, 2 megapixel front camera
32 GB memory
The enhanced wireless experience on the 4G LTE network builds on the 3G data services U.S. Cellular customers already enjoy on the carrier's nationwide network that has the highest call quality and network satisfaction. U.S. Cellular, in partnership with King Street Wireless, currently offers 4G LTE service in select cities in Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. In the second half of this year, 4G LTE coverage will expand to cover select cities in Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.
The Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be available to all U.S. Cellular customers and will run on the 4G LTE network in markets where it is available and on U.S. Cellular's nationwide 3G network in all other areas. By the end of 2012, 54 percent of U.S. Cellular customers will enjoy faster 4G LTE speeds.
U.S. Cellular customers enjoy the only 4G LTE network with unique benefits, such as new devices faster without continuously signing contracts, free Overage Protection and free Battery Swap. U.S. Cellular also offers customers the only points-based rewards program in the industry, which rewards customers for simple things, such as paying bills on-time, adding a line or referring friends and family. Points may be used for faster phone upgrades, additional lines, devices, accessories and ringtones. It's one of the reasons U.S. Cellular has the happiest customers in wireless.
For more information about the 4G LTE experience, visit uscellular.com/4G. For information about all of U.S. Cellular's deals, plans and phones, and other restrictions on these offers, visit any U.S. Cellular store, go to uscellular.com or check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.
The Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be available for $499.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. For a limited time, the tablet will be available for $399.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate in current and upcoming 2012 4G LTE markets. Visit uscellular.com for detailed pricing. Purchase of a data plan is required and a new two-year agreement and activation fee may apply for new customers. Additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply.
About King Street Wireless, L.P.
King Street Wireless, L.P. currently holds 700 MHz wireless spectrum in 27 states and is partnering with Chicago-based U.S. Cellular to deliver high-speed 4G LTE service to U.S. Cellular's customers in several of the carrier's markets. King Street Wireless is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia where it is recognized for its involvement in its community both through its economic development and philanthropic efforts. To learn more about King Street Wireless, visit www.kingstreetwireless.com.
About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungwireless.com.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world's most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.
About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular rewards its customers with unmatched benefits and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network that has the highest call quality of any national carrier. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Customer Service Champion and received PC Magazine's 2011 Readers' Choice Award. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.