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Coverage Indicator 

  1. What is Coverage Indicator?
  2. How do I know when and what I will be charged?
  3. Why don't I see the strength of strategic partner coverage?
  4. What do the categories mean in the legend?
  5. How often is Coverage Indicator updated?
  6. Does Coverage Indicator include Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) coverage?
  7. Does the Call Signal Strength Tab apply to Prepaid Wireless Service?
  8. Can I access Coverage Indicator on my phone?
  9. Where am I able to use my data service?
  10. How does the time of the year change the indicated coverage (leaves on trees, etc)?
  11. What if I am in an area with "fair" service? Should I still be a customer of yours?
  12. Why is my data service faster when I leave my home area?
  1. What is Coverage Indicator?  

    The Coverage Indicator is a tool used to determine an approximation of signal strength you can expect on U.S. Cellular's network based on location. The Call Signal Strength Tab is intended to show call signal strength in our network and will assist you with determining whether or not you should be able to place calls in buildings , in cars, or outdoors. The Data Coverage Tab is intended to determine if 3G or standard data coverage is available.

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  2. How do I know when and what I will be charged?  
    Coverage Indicator is not intended to show how you will be billed based on your rate plan. Please reference your rate plan and utilize the Coverage Map.
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  3. Why don't I see the strength of strategic partner coverage?  
    Although you should be able to place calls on our partners' networks, signal strength on other providers' networks may vary. We are only able to predict the signal strength of U.S. Cellular's network.
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  4. What do the categories mean in the legend?   
    Best — "You will be able to place a call outdoors, in a vehicle and in most buildings"

    Better — "You will be able to place a call outdoors or in a vehicle, but may not get service in some buildings"

    Good — "You will be able to place a call outdoors or in a vehicle, but may not get service in buildings"

    Fair — "You will be able to place a call outdoors or in a vehicle, but typically may not get service in buildings"
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  5. How often is Coverage Indicator updated?   
    Coverage Indicator is updated four times each year.
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  6. Does Coverage Indicator include Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) coverage?  
    Yes.
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  7. Does the Call Signal Strength Tab apply to Prepaid Wireless Service?  
    Yes. The Call Signal Strength Tab applies Prepaid Wireless Service. This map is not intended to show how you will be billed based on your rate plan. Please reference your rate plan and utilize the Coverage Map.
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  8. Can I access Coverage Indicator on my phone?  
    For the best viewing experience, it is recommended you access Coverage Indicator from your computer.
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  9. Where am I able to use my data service?   
    You are able to use your data service nationwide. For 3G Mobile Broadband coverage , please reference the Data Coverage Tab.
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  10. How does the time of the year change the indicated coverage (leaves on trees, etc)?  
    Many factors including leaves on trees, building types, and terrain types are built into the predictive model used by Radio Frequency Engineers to create Coverage Indicator .
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  11. What if I am in an area with "fair" service? Should I still be a customer of yours?  

    Fair indicates that you may not get optimal service in your home, for example, but we often find that many of our customers report that their service ends up being satisfactory. We encourage you to try our service and if you are not satisfied you can always use our 30-day guarantee.

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  12. Why is my data service faster when I leave my home area?  

    You may be experiencing the difference between our standard speed and our high speed Mobile Broadband service. We continue to expand our high speed service area so you should notice less of a difference as the expansion occurs.

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