US Cellular FAQs

[shahmiBro]

This thread is dedicated to all faqs related to us cellular carrier services. I found these faqs while I was googling and I decided to share them here so that anyone who has no chance to search for us cellular carrier service faqs may make this thread as a reference. I hope anyone's questions may be answered by viewing this thread.

[shahmiBro]

Roaming

What is roaming?

If you are outside of your U.S. Cellular calling area, when using your wireless phone, then you are roaming. Your calling area is indicated on the map that appears in the your plan brochure. Depending on the plan you chose, this area might cover a portion of a state, several states or all of the United States. When you travel outside this calling area, you are roaming into properties of another wireless carrier's cellular system. In most cases, your phone's "Roam" indicator will illuminate when you are outside your calling area.

Roaming charges refer to those charges that you incur when using your wireless phone outside your calling area. These charges will include a per minute charge for airtime.

How do I place a call when I'm outside my calling area?

To place a call when roaming outside of your calling area, dial the complete 10-digit number (area code + the number). (Roaming and long-distance charges may apply to your calls, depending on your specific calling plan.)
If you encounter any difficulties making or receiving calls while roaming, you can contact U.S. Cellular's Roaming Support Center. They are available 24 hours a day and can be reached toll-free at 1-888-872-7462. You can also call 611 (always a free call) from your wireless phone. This will connect you to the customer service department of the carrier in whose network you are roaming. They can then assist you.

Can I receive calls anywhere in the United States if I have my wireless phone turned on?

Yes. U.S. Cellular is a member of the largest automatic call delivery service in the country. While you're traveling throughout North America, a caller need only dial your wireless telephone number to reach you. Callers from your home area can continue to reach you by dialing your 7 digits. The call is automatically forwarded to you.

For each call you answer, you may be charged a Roaming or Expanded Local Calling Rate for the area you are visiting, as well as any applicable long-distance rates.

Note: Since wireless networks are based on radio signals, you may not be able to place or receive calls in some areas due to loss of signal or problems involving another carrier's network. Should you require technical assistance while roaming, call U.S. Cellular's 24-hour Roaming Support Center at 1-888-872-7462.

What is an Expanded Local Calling Area?

Pertaining to the Local Plans only: "Anytime minutes" are applicable only within the "Local Calling Area". In addition to this area, there is also an "Expanded Local Calling Area". When using your wireless phone to make a call from this "Expanded Local Calling Area", you will be charged your local per minute rate for every used minute instead of a roaming rate. (Roaming rates are applicable when you travel outside the "Expanded Local Calling Area".)

How can I avoid roaming charges?

If you travel frequently and don't want to worry about incurring roaming charges, you should consider a national calling plan. With a national plan, you pay no roaming or long-distance charges no matter where you go in the United States. (Toll-free calling applies when the call is placed from your home calling area to anywhere within the 50 United States and Washington, D.C. Some restrictions apply; visit your nearest U.S. Cellular store for details.)

Am I charged long-distance fees if someone from another area calls me on my wireless phone?

If your calling plan includes toll-free calling, and you are in your U.S. Cellular "Local Calling Area" or "Wide Area Calling Area" no long distance charges will apply when you receive a call. The minutes used during a call will be deducted from your included monthly "Anytime Minutes."

[shahmiBro]

General Wireless

How does wireless phone service work?

Similar to how a cordless phone works with its base in your kitchen or bedroom, wireless phones receive and transmit messages using low-power radio transmitters located in your community. Each transmitter serves a geographic area called a cell. Equipment within each cell relays your message to a mobile telephone switching office, which in turn sends the message to the local landline telephone system to complete your connection. As you travel from cell to cell, your calls are transferred to you without interruption.

What is the difference between analog and digital?

Wireless calls can be transmitted using either digital or analog technology. Analog technology transmits your voice over airwaves to cellular antennas, much like a radio broadcast. Digital technology converts your voice into groups of electronic bits that are "reassembled" into your voice when they reach their destination. Digital transmission allows for greater voice clarity, privacy, advanced telephone features and more capacity.

How can I protect myself from wireless phone fraud?

Wireless phone fraud is the unauthorized use of a wireless telephone network with the intention of getting free service. This kind of fraud is a costly crime in the wireless industry.To help protect yourself from wireless phone fraud, please:

• Lock your wireless phone (with a PIN code) when not in use.
• Immediately report a lost or stolen phone to U.S. Cellular.
• Look for any unusual activity on your bill.
• Report frequent wrong-number calls or hang-ups to U.S. Cellular customer service at 1-888-944-9400.
• Ask US Cellular to remove long-distance calling features if you have no need for them.
• Do not give out your electronic serial number over the phone unless you initiated the call to U.S. Cellular customer service.

Here are additional tips to help protect yourself from subscription fraud:

• Only give out your social security number when absolutely necessary. Do not give it out over the phone.
• Do not carry extra credit cards, your social security card, birth certificate or passport in your purse or wallet, except when necessary.
• Shred or rip up preapproved credit applications before throwing them away.
• Do the same with bank statements, phone bills and credit card receipts. Get a copy of your credit report regularly, if possible, to check for any errors.
• Have your name removed from promotional lists operated by credit reporting bureaus and those who extend credit.
• Keep your wireless service agreement in a safe place.

Are wireless phones safe to use?

All wireless phones that are sold in the United States, including those sold by U.S. Cellular, must meet minimum guidelines regarding safe exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy emissions. To learn about these guidelines and RF emissions and health, visit the following Web sites:

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA)

[shahmiBro]

Prepaid Wireless

Who is eligible for Prepaid Wireless?

The good news is, anyone is eligible for Prepaid Wireless from U.S. Cellular! You don't need to sign an annual service contract, you'll never get a monthly bill and no credit checks are necessary. Customers pay how they want to pay - whether by cash, credit card, money order or cashier's check.

How do I know if Prepaid Wireless is right for me?

Prepaid Wireless can be an ideal solution for anyone, especially:

• budget-conscious and safety-conscious people who want to control their spending parents who want to get wireless phones for their teenagers businesses that want to track wireless spending by their employees
• anyone who is living in an area on a temporary basis, such as college students, military personnel and vacationers
• anyone who wants a wireless phone without undergoing a credit check
• anyone who does not want to sign a contract.

Is a service contract required to obtain the phone?

No. Annual service contracts are not required to obtain a phone.

I already have a wireless phone. Do I have to buy a new phone to use Prepaid Wireless?

No. Prepaid Wireless service works with any wireless phone, as long as it is compatible with U.S. Cellular's network in your area. Please check with your local U.S. Cellular store, if you have a phone and are not sure if it is compatible.

What features do I get with Prepaid Wireless?

Call Waiting, 3-Way Conferencing, Caller ID (where available) & Voicemail are included in all Prepaid Wireless plans.

What features can I add to my Prepaid Wireless?

Text Messaging
Say it with text! Choose the Text Messaging plan that is right for you. Plans start at $4.95/250 messages. Our Pay-As-You-Go option enables you to send messages at 25¢ per message. Incoming messages are always free and unlimited. Signal Dial Direct® Plus Wireless Phone Insurance- $5.95 per month
Replace or repair your phone if it is lost, stolen or damaged. Instant Refill required.

How do I know how many minutes I've used this month?

Call Customer Service by dialing #611 from your handset to hear information on your remaining minutes for the month.

How do I know how much money is in my Prepaid Wireless account at any time?

You can easily check your Prepaid Wireless balance at any time by calling #BAL (#225) from your wireless phone. This is a free call.

How much do calls cost with Prepaid Wireless?

Your rate depends on the calling plan you select. Rates are as low as 10¢/minute in Pay-As-You-Go Plans, including nationwide long distance.

How can I add money to my account?

There are 2 easy ways to replenish your Prepaid Wireless account.

Cash Refill:
Visit any U.S. Cellular retail store or authorized Prepaid Wireless refill location to refill your account. The in-store minimum refill is $5. Find a U.S. Cellular retail or agent location near you.

Auto Refill:
The convenient way to be sure your account doesn't run out of airtime. There are 3 easy ways to refill instantly. If you choose to set up monthly Instant Refills , your credit/debit card will be automatically charged on a specific day of the month, when your balance is an amount you pre-select, or at your convenience by dialing #ADD (#233) from your U.S. Cellular Phone.
[list[*]Monthly AutoFill- You select which day you want your account refilled. Your refill is automatically processed on that day every month for the amount you request.[*]Balance AutoFill- Your refill is automatically processed, for the amount you request, whenever your balance falls below $10.[*]Anytime Instant Refill- All Instant Refill customers can refill with just a call. Dial #ADD (#233) on your cell phone and follow the prompts to complete your refill.[/list]
Can I use Prepaid Wireless outside of my home service area?

Yes. Be aware that calls made from anywhere outside your designated home service area are charged a roaming rate when service is available. The roaming rate is 69¢ per minute, including long distance. Roaming is limited and some restrictions apply; refer to the map for more details, or call Customer Service at 611 from your wireless phone or 1-888-944-9400 for more information.

What other fees are associated with Prepaid Wireless?

There is a one-time $30 or $50 activation fee, depending on your plan, that is included in the cost of the package plans. Long-distance calls made from the home service area to anywhere in the nation are included in your airtime rates.

[shahmiBro]

Billing

Where do I mail my payment?

Please mail your payment to the appropriate address for your state.Payments may also be made via our automated account information line by either major credit card or direct-debit from your checking account at 888-944-9400 or 611 from your wireless phone (always a free call).

Please note: These addresses are for payments only. *For all other correspondence, please call 1-888-944-9400 for the appropriate address.

• Residents of CA, IA, IL, ID, IN, MO (St. Louis and Columbia area), NE, OR, WA, WI:
  U.S. Cellular
  P.O. Box 0203 Palatine, IL 60055-0203
• Residents of KS, MO (Joplin area), OK, TX:
  U.S. Cellular
  P.O. Box 650684 Dallas, TX 75265-0684
• Residents of MD, ME, NH, OH, PA, VA, VT, WV:
  U.S. Cellular
  P.O. Box 371345 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7345
• Residents of FL, GA, NC, SC, TN:
  U.S. Cellular
  P.O. Box 530724 Atlanta, GA 30353-0724

How do I read my bill?

Go to How to Read Your Bill to view a sample statement, as well as get tips for prompt bill paying.

Can I pay my bill online?

Yes. You can log in to My Account, U.S. Cellular's online account management site. You can pay your bill, check your minutes of use and schedule automatic payments. Your monthly statements will be stored for up to 16 months.

What are typical costs associated with wireless service?

Most plans charge a monthly service charge and include a specific number of airtime minutes, determined by the type of use associated with the calling plan you choose. There's usually a onetime charge for activating service and installation (if applicable). A typical monthly bill includes:

• Monthly service charge which may include packages of included minutes.
• Charges for airtime that exceeds the minutes included in your monthly calling plan, divided into peak and off-peak minutes.

Why do I have prorated charges on my bill?

Prorated or partial charges can appear on your bill if you add or change services in the middle of a billing cycle. Proration can occur on the bill following service suspension or addition of features.

How many days do I have to pay my bill?

Payments are due approximately 20 days after the billing cycle date. Refer to the top right-hand corner of the first page of your bill for the exact date your payment is due.

How can I help ensure prompt processing of my bill payment?

We recommend signing up to pay your bill online with our online account management site. You can pay your bill, check your minutes of use and schedule automatic payments. You will receive an e-mail notification when your statement is ready. You can choose to pay the bill as soon as it arrives or on the due date. You can also set up automatic recurring payments through your credit or debit card or your savings or checking account. If you prefer to pay your bill through the mail, return the bottom portion of the first page of your bill (remittance portion) with your payment using the enclosed envelope. Please write your account and wireless telephone numbers on your check or money order. If you are paying for multiple accounts, attach the remittance portion of each bill to ensure that every account is properly credited.

Will I be charged if someone calls me on my wireless phone?

All new U.S. Cellular Single line Wide Area and National service plans for $39.99 or higher include free incoming calls. So you never pay for incoming calls. All new U.S. Cellular Wide Area and National Family plans include Mobile-to-Mobile minutes. Unlimited incoming calls are available for purchase on Wide Area and National Family plans. Please check your service agreement for details.

Will I be charged when I place a call and get a busy signal or no answer?

In California, Illinois, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin there are no charges for busy signals or ring time if there is no answer.

In all other U.S. Cellular service areas, there is no charge, unless the phone rings for more than 59 seconds from the time you press the SEND key. In that case, regular airtime charges apply. While you are roaming, billing for busy signals and no-answers are at the discretion of the local wireless carrier. If applicable, these charges will appear on your bill.

How can I change my billing address?

Please either call us at 611 from your wireless phone (always a free call), if in your home service area, or at 1-888-944-9400. You can also e-mail our customer service team to let us know the new information.

What should I do if I move out of my home service area?

Simply contact a U.S. Cellular representative by dialing 611 from your wireless phone or 1-888-944-9400. First, we'll check to see if U.S. Cellular service is offered in your new area. If so, we'll make the change for you. If U.S. Cellular service is not available in the new area, we'll explain your options.

Is there sales tax on wireless service?

Normal taxes will apply for your wireless service based on the address on the account, just as they would for your existing utilities such as electricity and your home telephone.

[shahmiBro]

Continuation of billing faqs:

What is the Universal Service Fund?

In the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created a directive that allowed for a federal Universal Service Fund to ensure quality, affordable telecommunications service to all consumers, especially those in rural areas, as well as to schools, libraries and hospitals.
Beginning in 1998, all telecommunications carriers, including U.S. Cellular, had to start contributing to support universal telephone service. Each U.S. Cellular line is assessed this charge, which may be adjusted from time to time based on revised government calculations.

Is there a charge for 911 calls?

U.S. Cellular does not charge for 911 calls. However, if you are roaming when you call, roaming charges may apply. Please remember that 911 may not be available in some areas of the country.

What are roaming charges?

Roaming charges refer to charges for calls made in a roaming area. These charges will include a per-minute charge for airtime. Your roaming area is indicated on the map that appears in your calling plan brochure. Roaming minutes are available for purchase on some plans. Rates may vary by plan. Roaming charges can be delayed and not appear on your bill for one to two months.

What is an Expanded Local Calling Area?

Pertaining to the Local Plans only: "Anytime Minutes" are applicable only within the "Local Calling Area". In addition to this area, there is also an "Expanded Local Calling Area". When using your wireless phone to make a call from this "Expanded Local Calling Area, you will be charged your local per minute rate for every used minute instead of a roaming rate. (Roaming rates are applied when you travel outside the "Expanded Local Calling Area.)

What are Special Roamer charges?

Special Roamer airtime refers to the charges incurred for the delivery of a call to your wireless phone while you are outside your home area. This is a preferred roaming rate that applies to calls made within your Extended Home Service Area. Although you are only charged for those calls once, itemization of Special Roamer calls will appear in both the Call Detail and Roaming Detail portion of the bill.

What is Home Rate Roaming?

The area in which you subscribe to U.S. Cellular service is referred to as your home service area. Beyond that area, your specific calling plan may designate a Home Rate Roaming area. Home Rate Roaming minutes are billed at your calling plan's per-minute rate, the same rate you are charged for usage if you exceed your package minutes. Unlike Extended Home Service Area, Home Rate Roaming minutes are not deducted from your calling package's minutes. Also, long-distance charges may apply.

How can I monitor minutes used?

You can check your minutes used online with U.S. Cellular's online account management. You'll need the last 4 digits of the account holder's Social Security number to access this information.

What does it mean to bill in FULL-MINUTE increments?


U.S. Cellular charges calls in full-minute increments. Each partial minute of airtime is rounded up and billed as a full minute. Rounding applies to all airtime minutes including, but not limited to, promotional and non-promotional minutes and offerings. Airtime charges apply from the time you press SEND/TALK to the time you press END on completed calls. You may also be charged for calls that are not completed but ring longer than 59 seconds.

What does BILL IN ADVANCE mean?

At U.S. Cellular, your monthly service charges are billed one month in advance . For example, if your bill date is the 16th, your January 16th bill would reflect monthly service charges that cover January 16th through February 15th.

What's the difference between LOCAL and EXTENDED Home Service Areas?

A Local Service area includes the immediate area where the particular Cellular Telephone Number (CTN) is from. An Extended Home Service area is a larger service area that U.S. Cellular includes within your plan. Your included package minutes and overage rate will apply while you are in your Local and Extended Home Service area.

What are TOLL CHARGES?

Toll charges (as listed on the bill) include long distance charges (if long distance is not included with the plan), international dialing charges and charges incurred from calling directory assistance.

How are late-payment charges applied?

A late-payment charge is applied to your bill when the previous month's bill has not been paid in full, leaving a previous amount due carried forward. The late-payment charge is included in the total amount due on the current bill.

Why does my cellular number appear under "Wireless Details of Usage"?

Each call made (outgoing) and received (incoming) is detailed by date, time, length of call and number called. Incoming calls will show your cellular number under "Number Called."

Why does equipment I've purchased at a retail store show up on my bill?

This helps you manage your purchases as they relate to your account. You will see both the charge and the payment of the item.

Are Night and Weekend Minutes the same as Off Peak?

Yes, Night and Weekend Minutes are valid Monday through Friday, 7:00 p.m. to 6 :59 a.m., or 9:00 p.m. to 5:59 a.m. (depending on calling plan) and all day Saturday and Sunday. Night and Weekend Minutes are available throughout your rate plan calling area.

What is the Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee on my bill?

U.S. Cellular charges its customers a Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee to defray the costs associated with certain federal and state mandated programs. U.S. Cellular is not required by law to charge this fee. Since implementation costs may change over time, this fee will be subject to change accordingly. The Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee defrays the cost of implementing and maintaining the following programs:

Wireless Number Portability and Number Pooling

• Wireless Number Portability allows customers to keep their wireless numbers when switching to different carriers.
• Number pooling is a method to help conserve wireless phone numbers and delay area code exhaustion.
• E911 allows emergency response units to more effectively track the locations of wireless 911 calls.
• Telephone Text (TTY)/Dual Party Relay TTY and Dual Party Relay assists speech and hearing-impaired individuals with making and receiving messages by telephone.Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA). CALEA requires that wireless service providers make network changes that allow law enforcement officials to intercept and analyze communications carried over that network.

[shahmiBro]

Coverage Indicator

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.

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.

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.

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"

How often is Coverage Indicator updated?

Coverage Indicator is updated four times each year.

Does Coverage Indicator include Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) coverage?

Yes.

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.

Can I access Coverage Indicator on my phone?

For the best viewing experience, it is recommended you access Coverage Indicator from your computer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[shahmiBro]

Easyedge Enhanced Services

What is easyedge SM Enhanced Wireless Service?

easyedge SM from U.S. Cellular® gives you access to the hottest games,ringtones,wallpaper and more for your cellular phone powered by BREWTM. Also available are our Wireless Modems, which can be installed into a laptop and allows for wireless Internet and e-mail access within the coverage area

How does U.S. Cellular differentiate its easyedge SM products from its competitors?

U.S. Cellular has educated and knowledgeable sales associates, who can speak specifically to the value of the service, how to use it and how it is supported throughout the company. Our associates will provide personal, on site, detailed information on what we offer and its value.

Will I be able to attach my phone to my laptop so I can surf the Internet and check e-mail?

No, U.S. Cellular does not offer this functionality on easyedge SM hand sets. We do however allow tethering of our smartphones for an additional fee over the standard monthly data charges.

Service Area & Plans
Where does U.S. Cellular offer easyedge SM Enhanced Wireless Services?

easyedge SM is available in all U.S. Cellular service areas.

Picture and Video Messaging
What is Picture and Video Messaging?

Picture and Video Messaging Service allows users to send and receive picture and video messages right from their wireless phone. Pictures and videos can also be sent to an Online Album where they can be stored, edited, and shared with others. U.S. Cellular customers can also exchange picture and video messages with customers of partnered carriers.

In the wireless communications industry, Picture Messaging is often referred to as MMS, or Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), and MMS is the underlying technology for U.S. Cellular's Picture and Video Messaging Service.

Who can receive my picture and video messages?

• U.S. Cellular customers subscribed to Picture and Video Messaging
• Anyone with an email address
• U.S. Cellular customers not subscribed to Picture and Video Messaging (can view pictures from a website)
• Most other wireless carrier customers subscribed to a Picture and Video Messaging service

Who can send me picture and video messages?

• U.S. Cellular customers subscribed to Picture and Video Messaging
• Most other wireless carrier customers subscribed to a Picture and Video Messaging service
• Anyone can send pictures to your phone by sending from their computer to your free
• U.S. Cellular Picture and Video Messaging e-mail address

How are pictures and videos sent?

Snap a photo or shoot a video clip and send it to any valid wireless telephone number or email address. You can even personalize pictures with text and sound.

How are pictures and videos received?

Recipients will receive the picture or video message directly on their phone or a text message that provides a Web site and password for viewing the picture online.

How am I Billed?

For all current Picture and Video Messaging plans, you pay only for the transmission of messages you send, based upon your Picture and Video Messaging usage plan, You will be charged for picture and video messages sent from your phone, even if not delivered to the intended recipient. A common reason for non-delivery is sending a message to an invalid email address or telephone number.

What kinds of files can be emailed to a Picture and Video Messaging Service Phone?

Picture and Video Messaging Service can accommodate files of many types including:

• Pictures: jpg, gif, bmp, png
• Sound: qcelp, mid, midi
• Presentations: smil
• Text: plain text, html
• Video: avi, mpeg, wmv

To make the service even easier to use, some file types are automatically converted and/or resized so that they can be properly displayed on your phone. File compatibility and size limitations vary by phone model.

What are the size limitations for picture and video messages?

Picture and video messages sent between handsets are only limited by the phone model. Contact a U.S. Cellular Associate for size limitations for your specific phone. For videos, 15 seconds is a good rule of thumb for maximum length.Incoming picture and video messages from email are limited to 5MB.

For emails greater than 5MB: If an email is sent to a Picture and Video Messaging phone that exceeds the 5MB limit, the person sending the email will receive a 'Message Failure' email to indicate that the message is too large and therefore was unable to be sent. Users can check the total size of the email being sent to help predict if the email will exceed this limit.

For emails less than 5MB: Email messages less than the 5MB limit will be reduced to a size the phone can handle. The conversion process will lessen the quality of the picture or video along with the file size.

Where Does U.S. Cellular Offer Phone Download Service and Picture and Video Messaging Service?

Phone Download Service and Picture and Video Messaging Service are available in all U.S. Cellular service areas.

What are the Terms and Conditions for Picture and Video Messaging Service?

Picture and Video Messaging requires a U.S. Cellular-approved phone and usage plan. Picture and Video Messaging is not available in all areas. You may be charged for picture and video messages sent from your phone, even if not delivered to the intended recipient due to system or compatibility issues. U.S. Cellular is not responsible for content of pictures or videos.

What is Your Navigator?

Your Navigator is an easyedge SM application that provides all the features of an advanced car navigation system on your wireless phone, including traffic enhanced voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions with auto-rerouting if you miss a turn; local search of the lowest gas prices closest to your location and local search of nearly fourteen million points of interest (POIs) in the U.S.A.; and detailed color maps that can be quickly panned and zoomed.

How is Your Navigator different than Map quest Mobile®?

Unlike Map quest Mobile®, Your Navigator is GPS-enabled and provides voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions based on your current location.

How can I get Your Navigator?

Your Navigatoris available in the easyedge SM shop on your handset. It is available under "Navigate Your Life".

[shahmiBro]

Additional Easyedge Enhanced Services faqs:

How do I set up Your Navigator?

The first time you launch Your Navigator, you will be asked to accept an End User License Agreement.Your Navigator will remind you to turn the location setting on your phone to Location On.

Where can I use Your Navigator?

Your Navigator will work anywhere within the U.S. Cellular® easyedge SM data coverage area. Your Navigator's turn-by-turn navigation does not work in data roaming coverage.

Can I use Your Navigator indoors?

Yes. You can do both local searches and mapping indoors. Navigation requires you to be outdoors.

When do I incur data charges while using Your Navigator?

Your Navigator uses data usage whenever it needs to identify your location. This means you will incur airtime charges whenever you download a map, look for a place of interest or download directions, including if you go off route while following directions andYour Navigator needs to recalculate directions to your destination. In addition,Your Navigatormay need to contact the network periodically to update GPS parameters.

How will Your Navigator affect my phone's battery life?

For many of Your Navigator's features, the impact on the phone's battery life is negligible. However, navigating with turn-by-turn does impact your battery life. As such, U.S. Cellular recommends that you use a cigarette lighter adapter when using Your Navigator for turn-by-turn directions. Shop for accessories in our accessory store.

Every time I try to use Your Navigator, it tells me that it can't get my location. Why?

It is possible that your phone is set to get your location only when you dial 9-1-1. Your phone's location setting must be turned to "location on" in order to read your location. If your phone's location setting is set to "e911 only", your phone is not enabled to get your location. Simply switch your phone's location settings from "e911 only" to "location on". Location settings are generally found under phone or network settings on your handset.

Location Management
How can I tell if my phone is enabled to get my location?

Your phone's location setting must be turned to "location on" in order to read your location. If your phone's location setting is set to "e911 only," your phone is not enabled to get your location. Location settings are generally found under phone or network settings on your handset.

How do I enable my phone to get my location?

Simply switch your phone's location setting to "Location on" It will not be able to read your location when it is set to "e911 only." Location settings are generally found under phone or network settings on your handset.

If I turn my phone's location setting to "Location On", can anyone find my location?

No. U.S. Cellular values your privacy, and has taken many steps to ensure that your privacy is protected. Turning Location On will not allow anyone to determine your location. You must first opt-in to an application (allow it to access your location) before your location can be determined. If you never opt-in to an application, no one will ever be able to find your location, even if your phone is set to Location On. When you turn Location On, you must still opt-in before using all location-enabled applications.

If I turn my Position Location to Location On, can I be located if I dial 9-1-1?

Yes. 9-1-1 operators will be able to locate you regardless of whether the switch is set to "E911 Only" or "Location On".

Navigation
What is Navigation?

Navigation is one of the features, shown as a menu option, within the main screen ofYour Navigator. Navigation provides turn-by-turn directions with audible prompts when you are approaching a turn.

Do I incur data charges while I'm following my route?

No. All of the directions are downloaded at the beginning of the route. As long as you don't go off route, no additional air time will be used.

What happens if I miss a turn, or if I know a better way?

If you miss a turn, or if you go off route, Navigator will automatically contact the server and download new directions.

Can I place a call while navigating?

Yes. You can press the Send key and place a call at any time. You can call your destination, someone in your phone book or dial any number. Navigation will be suspended during the call. At the end of the call, Your Navigator will determine your location and will continue to guide you. It may be necessary for Your Navigator to contact the server to update the directions.

What happens if I receive a call while navigating?

Navigation will be suspended during the call. At the end of the call, Your Navigator will determine your location and will continue navigating to your destination. It may be necessary for Your Navigator to contact the server to update the directions.

The directions Your Navigator gave me took me a way that road wouldn't allow. Why?

Roads are constantly being added and changed. It can take time for these changes to be updated in the Your Navigator database.

Can I change the way Your Navigator routes my trip (fastest/shortest/simplest)?

Yes. From the main screen, select Options (Right Soft Key) and then Preferences. Select Navigation Preferences, Trip Settings, then Route Type. Use the Rocker Key to select from "Fastest" (default) "Shortest" or "Simplest", and press OK to save the setting.

How does my route change by altering the Route Type (fastest/shortest/simplest)?

"Fastest" routes are selected based on estimated travel time. They are faster to drive, but can be longer in distance. "Shortest" routes are selected based on total travel distance. They can take longer to traverse due to speed limits. "Simplest" routes contain the least amount of turns, but may take longer to drive and may be longer in distance than other route options.

Can I ensure that a route is traversable by truck?

Yes. From the main screen, select Options (Right Soft Key) and then Preferences. Select Navigation Preferences, Trip Settings, then Vehicle Type. Use the Rocker Key to select Truck and press OK to save the setting.

Can I get a route for bicycling?

Yes. From the main screen, select Options (Right Soft Key) and then Preferences. Select Navigation Preferences, Trip Settings, then Vehicle Type. Use the Rocker Key to select Bicycle and press OK to save the setting.

Can I get a walking path?

Yes. From the main screen, select Options (Right Soft Key) and then Preferences. Select Navigation Preferences, Trip Settings, then Vehicle Type. Use the Rocker Key to select Pedestrian and press OK to save the setting.

Can I tell the route to avoid highways, toll roads, and/or HOV (carpool) lanes?

Yes. From the main screen, select Options (Right Soft Key) and then Preferences. Select Navigation Preferences, Trip Settings, then Avoid. Use the Rocker Key to highlight an option you want to change, and press Set (Left Soft Key) to toggle the option on or off. A checked box means that your routes will be calculated to avoid that type of road. When done, press OK to save the settings.

Can I change the sort of audio prompts used during navigation?

Yes. From the main screen, select Options (Right Soft Key) and then Preferences. Select Navigation Preferences, then Navigator Audio. Use the Rocker Key to select the sort of prompts you want to use, and press OK to save the setting.

Can I change the voice used in navigation?

Yes. From the main screen, select Options (Right Soft Key) and then Preferences. Select Navigation Preferences, then Voice Type. Use the Rocker Key to select the voice you want to use, and press OK to save the setting.

What are turn maps?

Turn maps are detailed maps of turns that give you a better idea of what to expect when making a turn.

Can I show/hide the turn maps?

Yes. From the main screen, select Options (Right Soft Key) and then Preferences. Select Turn Maps, then Download Turn Maps. Use the Rocker Key to choose whether to use the turn maps, and press OK to save the setting.

How do I make the turn map appear automatically at the turn?

From the main screen, select Options (Right Soft Key) and then Preferences. Select Turn Maps, then Show Map at Turn. Use the Rocker Key to choose whether to automatically show the turn map when approaching a turn, and press OK to save the setting.

Can I see the turn map and turn icon at the same time?

Yes. From the main screen, select Options (Right Soft Key) and then Preferences. Select Turn Maps, then Turn Icons on Map. Use the Rocker Key to choose whether to show the turn icon on the turn maps, and press OK to save the setting.

Can I see the GPS coordinates while viewing a location's detailed info?

Yes. From the main screen, select Options (Right Soft Key) and then Preferences. Select General. Use the up and down Rocker Key to select Show Place Coordinates. Press Set (Left Soft Key) so that the box next to the option is checked. Press OK to save the setting.

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Local Search
What is Local Search?

Local Search is one of the features, shown as a menu option, within the main screen of Your Navigator. Local Search provides the ability to search for places of interest such as restaurants, gas stations and ATMs.

Do I need to select a category? Can I leave it as All Categories?

No, you don't need to select a category. If you leave the category as All Categories,Your Navigator will search for points of interest with the name entered in the What field. You can also search based on proximity to your current location. Simply leave the What field blank. For example, to search for all nearby restaurants, highlight the Category field and scroll right to the category list and select Eating & Drinking and leave the What field blank.

Can I do a Local Search beginning somewhere else?

Yes, simply change the starting location by modifying the Where field in the search. Scroll down to the Where field and then scroll right. Select the appropriate starting point.

The place I'm looking for doesn't appear in the results of the Local Search. Why?

Businesses come and businesses go. It takes a while for the Your Navigator database needs to be updated. U.S. Cellular update the database every three months.

My Places
What is "My Places"?

"My Places" is one of the features, shown as a menu option, within the main screen of Your Navigator. My Places provides quick access to locations you have saved or recent location searches you have performed.

Can I save favorite places?

Yes,Your Navigator allows you to store your home address and work address within My Places. In addition, you can save any search result, or any address you enter, into your favorites by selecting Options (right soft key) and then selecting Save to Favorites.

I looked for something a few days ago and want to find it again. How do I do this?

All of your recent activities are saved in Recent Searches. They are ordered from the most recent to the least recent.

How do I show/hide category icons when viewing Recent Searches or Favorites lists?

Yes. From the main screen, select Options (Right Soft Key) and then Preferences. Select Turn Maps, then Download Turn Maps. Use the Rocker Key to choose whether to use the turn maps, and press OK to save the setting.

Maps
What is "Maps"?

"Maps" is one of the features, shown as a menu option, within the main screen of Your Navigator. Maps provide the ability to select a location and view maps of the selected location.

Can I get a map of any address?

Yes, you can display a map of any address within the U.S.

Can I pan and zoom the map?

Yes, you can pan the map by pressing the 5-way switch up, down, left or right. You can zoom the map by pressing the OK button, then scrolling left or right to the appropriate zoom level and pressing OK again.

How do I switch between English and Metric units?

From the main screen, select Options (Right Soft Key) and then Preferences. Select General. Use the up and down Rocker Key to select Metric Units and press Set (Left Soft Key) so that the box next to the option is checked for Metric units and unchecked for English units. Press OK to save the setting.

Can I make the Follow Me map keep North at the top?

Yes. From the main screen.