U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest wireless carrier in the United States market, with 4,656,000 subscribers in 426 markets in 21 states as of the 2nd quarter of 2023. In this article, we discuss the top U.S. Cellular Competitors and Alternatives.
U.S. Cellular, a regional wireless carrier based in Chicago, Illinois, provides wireless services in 23 U.S. states. The company operates on a CDMA and LTE network, offering voice, messaging, and data plans to over 5 million customers. U.S. Cellular prides itself on delivering excellent network coverage and reliability, emphasizing rural areas where other carriers may struggle to provide service.
Since its founding in 1983, U.S. Cellular has grown steadily, expanding its coverage area and investing in network infrastructure to keep up with evolving wireless technology. The company offers a variety of smartphones, tablets, and other devices, along with flexible and affordable plans to meet the needs of its diverse customer base. U.S. Cellular also provides value-added services such as mobile hotspots and international data roaming, making it a strong competitor in the wireless market.
- Product Type: Wireless communication services
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 1983
- Founders: LeRoy T. Carlson
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Area Served: 21 states in the United States
- Current CEO: Laurent C. Therivel
Table of Contents
The top U.S. Cellular competitors are
1. Verizon
- Product Type: Telecommunications
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: October 7, 1983
- Founders: Bell Atlantic Corporation and GTE Corporation
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Hans Vestberg
Verizon is a premium wireless provider known for its expansive national coverage, particularly in rural areas. Boasting a reliable and fast network with impressive download and upload speeds, Verizon offers its customers a variety of phone and data plans, including unlimited options and shared data plans. While its prices tend to be higher than those of its competitors, its network quality and coverage make it a favored option for those willing to spend a little extra.
2. AT&T
- Product Type: Telecommunications
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: October 5, 1983
- Founders: Alexander Graham Bell, Gardiner Greene Hubbard
- Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: John Stankey
AT&T is another primary national wireless provider, offering coverage in most areas across the United States. Like Verizon, AT&T offers a variety of phone and data plans, including unlimited options and shared data plans. AT&T is known for its vital customer service, with a user-friendly mobile app and a site with helpful support tools for its customers. It also offers additional perks such as free HBO Max with specific plans and a streaming T.V. service called AT&T TV Now.
3. T-Mobile U.S.
- Product Type: Telecommunications
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 1994
- Founders: John W. Stanton, Terry Gillespie, and others
- Headquarters: Bellevue, Washington, United States
- Area Served: United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Current CEO: Mike Sievert
T-Mobile US is a popular wireless provider offering the country the best coverage and some of the most affordable plans compared to other major carriers. While its network coverage is not as extensive as others on this list, its prices are some of the lowest, making it popular for those looking to save money. T-Mobile is known for its “Un-carrier” campaign, promoting more straightforward and transparent pricing plans with no hidden fees.
4. Cricket Wireless
- Product Type: Telecommunications
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 1999
- Founders: Leap Wireless International
- Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: John Dwyer
Cricket Wireless is a prepaid wireless provider offering affordable plans with no annual contracts. As a subsidiary of AT&T, it uses AT&T’s network for its coverage. It provides a variety of plans, including unlimited data options, as well as discounts for multiple lines through its family plans, pricing, and promotions.
5. Metro by T-Mobile
- Product Type: Telecommunications
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 1994
- Founders: Roger D. Linquist and Malcolm Lorang
- Headquarters: Richardson, Texas, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: Mike Sievert
Metro by T-Mobile is another prepaid option with a line of budget-friendly plans targeting those who value affordability over all else. While its network coverage is not as extensive as significant providers, it still offers reliable and fast service in urban areas, making it a popular choice for those living in cities.
6. Boost Mobile
- Product Type: Telecommunications
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2000
- Founders: Peter Adderton
- Headquarters: Irvine, California, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: Stephen Stokols
Boost Mobile is a prepaid wireless provider catering to budget-conscious and data-hungry customers, offering unlimited data options at a lower cost. It runs on the Sprint network and has merged with T-Mobile, expanding its network coverage.
7. Google Fi
- Product Type: Telecommunications
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2015
- Founders: Google
- Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States
- Area Served: United States
Google Fi is a unique wireless service that provides coverage by automatically connecting to different networks depending on location and signal strength. Its plans are flexible, with users only paying for the data they use and getting a refund for any unused data. It also offers free calls and texts to over 50 countries.
8. Xfinity Mobile
- Product Type: Mobile network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2017
- Founders: Comcast
- Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: Sam Schwartz
Xfinity Mobile is a wireless provider that piggybacks on Verizon’s cellular network, combining it with access to Xfinity’s Wi-Fi hotspots to provide customer coverage. Its plans are geared towards those who subscribe to Xfinity internet services, with discounts for bundling those services with a mobile plan subscription.
9. Mint Mobile
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2016
- Founders: Ryan Reynolds, David Glickman, Rizwan Kassim
- Headquarters: Costa Mesa, California, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: David Glickman
Mint Mobile is a prepaid provider that offers affordable plans that require users to pay upfront for a few months in exchange for a lower monthly rate. It provides a variety of plans, including unlimited data options, at lower prices than those of other prepaid providers.
10. Straight Talk Wireless
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2009
- Founders: TracFone Wireless, Walmart
- Headquarters: Miami, Florida, United States
- Area Served: United States
Straight Talk Wireless is another prepaid wireless provider that offers no-contract plans with flexible options. It uses various networks to provide coverage across the U.S., depending on the phone and SIM card used. It provides budget-friendly options for those looking to save money on their wireless plans.
11. Consumer Cellular
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 1995
- Founders: John Marick, Greg Pryor
- Headquarters: Tigard, Oregon, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: John Marick
Consumer Cellular is a wireless provider offering no-contract plans geared toward senior citizens. Its plans are flexible, with a range of talk, text, and data options that can be easily customized. It uses coverage from T-Mobile and AT&T networks, providing reliable service across the United States.
12. U.S. Mobile
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2015
- Founders: Ahmed Khattak, Ali Kassab
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: Ahmed Khattak
U.S. Mobile is another prepaid wireless provider offering flexible and customizable plans catering to those prioritizing cost savings over other features and benefits. It allows users to build their plans depending on their needs and uses both T-Mobile and Verizon networks for coverage.
13. Ting Mobile
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2012
- Founders: Tucows Inc.
- Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: Elliot Noss
Ting Mobile is a wireless provider offering customizable usage options, allowing users to pay only for their use. Depending on the device used, the company says it provides coverage using both T-Mobile and Verizon networks.
14. Visible
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2018
- Founders: Verizon Communications
- Headquarters: Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: Miguel Quiroga
Visible is a prepaid wireless provider that uses Verizon’s network to serve its customers. It offers unlimited data, talk, and text at a low monthly rate. Its mobile app has no contracts or hidden fees and allows easy management.
15. Republic Wireless
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2010
- Founders: David Morken, Chris Chuang
- Headquarters: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: Chris Chuang
Republic Wireless is a wireless provider that uses Wi-Fi networks to provide coverage and reduce costs. Its plans are uniquely designed to prioritize Wi-Fi for calling and internet access when possible, but it also uses the T-Mobile and Sprint networks as backup. It offers affordable and flexible plans, which can be customized based on requirements.
16. Simple Mobile
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2009
- Founders: TracFone Wireless
- Headquarters: Miami, Florida, United States
- Area Served: United States
Simple Mobile is a prepaid wireless provider that offers affordable plans with no contracts or credit checks. It operates on the T-Mobile network, ensuring reliable coverage for its customers. Simple Mobile provides a variety of plans, including unlimited data options, making it suitable for those who require heavy data usage.
17. Total Wireless
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2015
- Founders: TracFone Wireless
- Headquarters: Miami, Florida, United States
- Area Served: United States
Total Wireless is a prepaid wireless provider that offers no-contract plans with flexible options. It operates on the Verizon network, providing reliable coverage across the United States. Total Wireless offers affordable plans, with the option to save even more by purchasing multiple months upfront.
18. Net10 Wireless
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 1996
- Founders: TracFone Wireless
- Headquarters: Miami, Florida, United States
- Area Served: United States
Net10 Wireless is another prepaid wireless provider offering no-contract, unlimited plans with nationwide coverage. It operates on multiple networks, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Net10 Wireless offers a variety of plans, catering to customers with different usage needs and budget constraints.
19. C Spire
- Product Type: Mobile network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 1988
- Founders: Wade H. Creekmore
- Headquarters: Ridgeland, Mississippi, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: Hu Meena
C Spire is a regional wireless provider primarily serving customers in the southeastern United States. It offers a variety of plans catering to different needs, including unlimited options. C Spire is known for its exceptional customer service and commitment to providing local coverage and comprehensive call support.
20. FreeUp Mobile
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2018
- Headquarters: Miami, Florida, United States
- Area Served: United States
FreeUp Mobile is a low-cost wireless provider that operates on the AT&T network. It offers simple, no-contract plans with unlimited talk, text, and data options. FreeUp Mobile focuses on affordability and flexibility, making it a budget-friendly choice.
21. Reach Mobile
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2018
- Headquarters: Newark, New Jersey, United States
- Area Served: United States
Reach Mobile is a wireless provider operating on the Verizon network, offering postpaid and prepaid plans. It provides customizable plans that allow users to pay for what they need, reducing unnecessary costs. Reach Mobile also has a social mission, donating some of its revenue to charities.
22. TruConnect Mobile
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2011
- Founders: Nathan Johnson
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: Matthew Johnson
TruConnect Mobile is a prepaid wireless provider that offers affordable plans with no contracts and credit checks. It operates on the T-Mobile network, providing nationwide coverage. TruConnect Mobile’s plans are designed to meet the needs of low-income individuals and families, offering affordable options for communication.
23. Q Link Wireless
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2011
- Founders: Issa Asad
- Headquarters: Dania Beach, Florida, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: Issa Asad
Q Link Wireless is a Lifeline service provider that offers eligible individuals free government cell phone plans. It provides limited voice and text plans with data available at an additional cost. Q Link Wireless focuses on providing communication services for those in need.
24. Assurance Wireless
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2006
- Headquarters: Warren, New Jersey, United States
- Area Served: United States
Assurance Wireless is another Lifeline service provider offering eligible individuals free government cell phone plans. It provides plans with limited voice and text services, with the option to add data at an extra cost. Assurance Wireless is committed to helping low-income individuals stay connected.
25. Safelink Wireless
- Product Type: Mobile virtual network operator
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Founded Date: 2008
- Founders: TracFone Wireless
- Headquarters: Miami, Florida, United States
- Area Served: United States
Safelink Wireless is a Lifeline service provider offering eligible individuals free government cell phone plans. It provides limited voice and text services and the option to add data at an additional cost. Safelink Wireless is dedicated to ensuring affordability and accessibility for those who need mobile services.
26. Lifeline
- Product Type: Government benefit program
- Industry: Social welfare
- Founded Date: 1985
- Founders: Federal Communications Commission
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
- Area Served: United States
Lifeline is a government assistance program that provides discounted or free phone services to eligible low-income individuals. It offers support through various Lifeline service providers, enabling qualified individuals to stay connected and access essential communication services.
These were all the competitors of U.S. Cellular. If you know any other competitors, please do write in the comments below.
Liked this post? Check out the complete series on Competitors
