US Cellular Details The “Belief Project” Set To Kick Off October 1st [US Cellular Kicks Announces The Belief Project, Is Aimed To Help Wireless Customers With Earlier Phone Upgrades, Overage Caps & Much More]

Posted on TFTS by Robert Nelson on Thursday, 30. September 2010 under: Mobile/Cell Phones

There are plenty of things US-based mobile customers complain about, namely not being able to easily upgrade within a reasonable amount of time and the length and frequency of contracts. Of course, for the most part those items along with others have become fairly standard. That said, US Cellular has recently announced the “Belief Project” which seems as if they are trying to correct some of those issues.

And just to kick this off, after reading the details in the press release, I have to say this sounds rather nice. It is also something that would be nice to see carry over to other carriers. But I digress, lets get back to what the Belief Project actually is. The official description reads as follows;

“an array of industry-first initiatives designed to give potential customers several compelling reasons to switch to U.S. Cellular and reward loyal customers.”

But in reality what US Cellular will be offering includes goodies such as “One and Done” contracts, a rewards program, “simplified” national rate plans, protection against bill shock in terms of overages, a replacement program, the option to save up to 5 percent for setting up auto-pay and paperless billing and more.

As for when this begins, the Belief Project will kick off on October 1st, at which time the US Cellular website will be updated with all of the official details. But in the meantime, here is a further breakdown of the features of the Belief Project.

No Contract After the First One
 With new “One and Done” contracts, new customers who fulfill an initial two-year commitment with U.S. Cellular never have to sign a contract again. Existing customers can simply finish the remainder of their current contract on one of the company’s National Single Line or Family Belief Plans without extending it. After that, customers are free to enjoy benefits without signing a new contract – like a new phone at promotional prices every 18 months that can be accelerated with points. Customers who have previously completed a two-year commitment and are currently on a month-to-month plan can easily switch to a Belief Plan without signing a new contract.
Belief Rewards
 Loyal customers often feel new customers get the best deals. At U.S. Cellular, all postpaid customers on Belief Plans can earn points simply for being a customer. The Belief Points can be redeemed for things customers actually want, like earlier phone upgrades at promotional prices, additional lines, phones, accessories, ringtones and forgiveness of overage charges. Customers are automatically enrolled and start receiving points when they sign up for any U.S. Cellular Belief Plan. Belief Points are earned based on a customer’s monthly service plan, the number of lines on the account and how long they’ve been a customer. There are no membership or enrollment fees, or blackout or expiration dates for active accounts, and points are easy to redeem in stores, online or by calling customer service.
Belief Plans
 U.S. Cellular’s new simplified National Single Line and Family Belief Plans are designed to be easy and affordable for a wide range of customers. Whether customers use their phones a little or a lot, the Basic, Unlimited Basic, Essential, Essential Plus, Premium and Premium Plus plans offer simple bundles of voice, text and data with built-in value. Select plans include U.S. Cellular’s industry-leading Overage Cap and Phone Replacement programs. In addition, postpaid customers automatically receive Belief Points with all Belief Plans.
Phone Replacement 
Phone Replacement allows customers on Premium or Premium Plus Belief Plans to get a replacement phone if something goes wrong with their handset. Customers who bring in their accidentally broken or malfunctioning phone can get a replacement of the same or a similar model – even if the phone is no longer under warranty. And, if a customer’s phone is lost or stolen, they can receive the same or similar replacement phone for $100 – far less than the typical cost of a phone. Phone Replacement is available at U.S. Cellular retail locations and through customer service. If a replacement phone isn’t available in store, it will be shipped to the customer to arrive the next business day.
Overage Cap, Forgiveness and Protection
 With Overage Cap, U.S. Cellular customers don’t need to worry about excessive overage charges. The service prevents voice overage charges from exceeding $50 for a National Single Line Belief Plan or $150 for a Family Belief Plan, and customers have the option to use points for overage forgiveness to eliminate overage charges. U.S. Cellular also has its customers’ 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.
Earlier Phone Upgrades
 For years, one of the most common frustrations for wireless customers has been waiting two years to upgrade to the latest handsets, like U.S. Cellular’s Android-powered devices. The standard phone upgrade time under a Belief Plan is only 18 months. U.S. Cellular customers can upgrade a phone as early as every 10 to11 months depending on their plan by redeeming their Belief Points.
Save Up To 5 Percent Using Auto Pay and Paperless Billing
 U.S. Cellular is the first wireless carrier to offer monthly service discounts to customers who use both paperless billing and auto pay. Customers who sign up for both with a debit or credit card get a 3 percent discount on their monthly bill. Customers who sign up for both and use their checking or savings account will receive a 5 percent discount.
Even More to Believe In 
The Belief Project complements U.S. Cellular’s other free, innovative offerings like Battery Swap, My Contacts Backup and Free Incoming Calls, Texts and Pix.