Like notebooks and folders, cell phones have become a mainstay on the new school year checklist. With back-to-school shopping set to begin, U.S. Cellular knows that many Chicago families will be adding new wireless devices to their supply list to help their students stay organized and connected throughout the school day. According to a 2010 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 69 percent of 11- to 14- year olds own cell phones along with 85 percent of 15 to 18 year olds. Wireless phones aren’t just a convenience for the kids; parents like the peace of mind in knowing they can reach their children wherever they are. A few things parents might consider when choosing a cell phone this school year include:

• Reliable Network: A robust cellular network helps students get the information they need faster and ensures families can stay in touch. U.S. Cellular has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier, and all devices are backed by the carrier’s high-speed nationwide network.
• Find the value – A family of four can save more than $1,000 with U.S. Cellular’s Premium Plus family plan. U.S. Cellular is also providing a $100 switcher credit per line when new customers activate lines now through Sept. 8. Parents can come in to any U.S. Cellular store to get a rate comparison and find out their options.
• Messaging capabilities – Texting is more popular than talking among teens. In fact, teens send and receive an average of 3,339 texts per month. With that in mind, an easy-to-use messaging phone like the LG Saber™ and Samsung Chrono™ (both $0.01 with an instant rebate) are good options.
• Keeping the bill under control – To prevent parents of overzealous texters from experiencing bill shock, U.S. Cellular has parents’ backs with Overage Protection, which sends customers a text message when they reach 75 percent of their allotted minutes or text messages, and again at 100 percent, so there isn’t a surprise when the bill arrives. Parents can decide who on the calling plan will receive the warning. They can have alerts sent directly to them and their teens.
• Smartphones – is it the right time? For older students who may have even more after-school or athletic activities, smartphones can help students simplify and balance their academics and extra-curricular activities through e-mail, social media and synchronized calendars. U.S. Cellular is offering the Samsung Gem™ (free after a $100 mail-in rebate along with a data plan purchase), LG Optimus™ ($29.99 after $100 mail-in rebate along with a data plan purchase) and LG Apex™ ($29.99 after an instant rebate along with a data plan purchase), which all come with the tools busy students need to stay on top of their tasks.

For more information about all of U.S. Cellular’s plans, phones, deals and other restrictions on these offers, visit any U.S. Cellular store, go to uscellular.com.