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U.S. Cellular Launches 4G LTE KYOCERA Hydro XTRM Smartphone

Waterproof, shock-proof device is online today and will be in stores May 24

CHICAGO & SAN DIEGO (May 21, 2013) – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) and Kyocera Communications Inc. have announced that the waterproof, shock-proof Kyocera Hydro XTRM is available online today and will be in stores on May 24 for $29.99 after instant rebate. The 4G LTE Hydro XTRM has Military Standard 810G certification for shock and drops and carries IP57 certification for protection against dust and immersion in up to 3.28 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.

This durable smartphone is the latest device to join U.S. Cellular’s 4G LTE line-up and is ready to handle whatever life throws at it. Businesses and consumers who purchase this device from U.S. Cellular also receive a valuable rewards program that recognizes customer loyalty.

“Whether you are on a family vacation near a water park or campground or your job takes you outdoors in more extreme conditions, the Hydro XTRM keeps you connected to the people and information you need,” said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. “At U.S. Cellular, we want to provide a better wireless experience, and our customers can rely on this phone to keep working through accidental drops, unexpected rain or harsh environments.”

The Kyocera Hydro XTRM has a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, is powered by Android™ 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and has a 4-inch impact-resistant touchscreen with reinforced housing for extra durability. It is tough enough to withstand the elements and powerful enough to download apps and videos seamlessly. Kyocera’s innovative and award-winning Smart Sonic Receiver technology turns sounds in to vibrations that go directly to the eardrum, so you can hear clearly even in noisy environments such as sporting events with friends and family or in a bustling office with multiple people. And with front- and rear-facing cameras, it is ideal for snapping quality photos or video-chatting with friends and co-workers.

”Hydro XTRM is the next-generation device in the Hydro family of products  for people who live life to the fullest and want a phone that can keep up,” said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc.  “With its attractive styling and excellent performance, you may quickly forget that it’s built to survive the daily grind of life’s spills, falls and unexpected downpours.  But you’ll be thrilled when life happens and you’re relying on the Hydro XTRM to get you through it all.”

U.S. Cellular, in partnership with King Street Wireless, currently offers 4G LTE service covering 61 percent of its customers in select cities in Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. By the end of this year, 87 percent of U.S. Cellular customers will have access to 4G LTE speeds. For more information about the 4G LTE experience, visit uscellular.com/4G.

For more information about the Kyocera Hydro XTRM, please visit
www.kyocerasmartphones.com/hydro-xtrm or uscellular.com.

Purchase of a smartphone data plan, a new two-year agreement and a $35 activation fee is required. Additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. See uscellular.com for details.

4G LTE not available in all areas. See uscellular.com/4G for detailed coverage info. 4G LTE service is provided in partnership with King Street Wireless. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.

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 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 offers national coverage and has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by its high-speed network, which has the highest call quality of any national carrier. Currently, 61 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds and 87 percent will have access by the end of 2013. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Service Champion in 2012 for the second year in a row. 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.

About Kyocera Communications Inc.
Kyocera Communications Inc. is the headquarters for Kyocera wireless devices in the Americas.  Designed with durability, dependability, and long-term value as priorities, Kyocera mobile phones help people feel comfortable with new technology and use it to connect, perform, and outsmart life’s challenges.  At the heart of Kyocera’s products is a belief that one size doesn’t fit all, and that people should do more with phones instead of being confused by them or having to alter their lifestyles to accommodate them. For more information, follow the company at www.facebook.com/kyoceramobilephones or www.twitter.com/kyoceramobile.

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) (http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of mobile phones, solar power generating systems, printers, copiers, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2013, the company’s net sales totaled 1.28 trillion yen (approx. USD13.6 billion). The company is ranked #492 on Forbes magazine’s 2013 “Global 2000” listing of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.
 
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For more information, contact:
Katie Frey, U.S. Cellular
(773) 317-0002
Katie.frey@uscellular.com

John Chier, Kyocera Communications Inc.
(858) 882-3543
john.chier@kyocera.com