American telecom operator U.S. Cellular will be adding more than 1,200 4G LTE cell sites in 2014 and expanding existing 4G LTE service in 13 states.
By the end of 2014, more than 93 percent of U.S. Cellular customers will have access to 4G speeds that are up to 10 times faster than 3G.
U.S. Cellular did not share the Capex (capital spending) for the current year.
The telecoms will expand 4G LTE network coverage in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and North Carolina and bring additional 4G LTE service to areas in Iowa, Illinois, Maine, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Some of the new cities that will receive 4G LTE speeds are Oklahoma City, Emporia, Kan., and areas of Door County, Wis, said U.S. Cellular.
Recently, ABI Research said the current 4G service adopters are bigger spenders than their 3G and 2G counterparts, and mobile operators are keen to lure across these upgrading 4G subscribers, but carriers should not over-shoot in their tariff plan reductions.
Michael S. Irizarry, executive vice president and chief technology officer of U.S. Cellular, said: “This network expansion brings fast 4G LTE speeds to areas that other carriers ignore, and we will continue to provide our customers the best-in-class network, devices and technology that gives them access to experiences that enrich their lives.”
