US Cellular Launches Kyocera's DuraForce Smartphone
Wireless service provider United States Cellular Corp. (USM) – a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems Inc. (TDS) – has announced that Kyocera Communications’ Ultra-Durable 4G LTE Kyocera DuraForce Smartphone will now be available with the carrier effective Nov 26, 2014.
The rugged, IP68-certified dust and waterproof Kyocera DuraForce will be available both online and in stores under U.S. Cellular. All qualified customers will be able to include it in their Shared Connect plan and obtain it for zero upfront payment using U.S. Cellular's equipment installment option. Under this option, customers will have to pay tax on the DuraForce phone at the point of sale, and then make 20 monthly payments that will be handily added to their wireless bill. It will also be available at a price of $99 with a two-year contract with the carrier. Moreover, customers can upgrade this device in 12 months by trading it in for an updated model, and choose to pay off the full balance of their device whenever they want.
Notably, Kyocera's latest tough device is designed to work in rugged environments. To complement this feature, U.S. Cellular will provide DuraForce users with national coverage and a high-quality network. Also, by year end, U.S. Cellular expects to cover more than 93% of its customers by a 4G LTE network.
Interestingly, the company will be the second carrier to offer the Kyocera DuraForce after the device was first launched by AT&T, Inc. (T), earlier this month.
U.S. Cellular reported third-quarter 2014 loss per share of 26 cents, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 27 cents. However, the bottom line showed a marked deterioration from the year-ago quarter’s loss per share of 12 cents. On the other hand, third-quarter revenues of $1,000.4 million breezed past the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $980 million and also increased 7% from $939.2 million reported in the year-ago quarter.
U.S Cellular currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better ranked stock worth considering in this sector over the near term is Ruckus Wireless, Inc. (RKUS) with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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