Wireless carrier UScellular invested nearly $63.5 million in its Iowa network during 2024 to provide 5G modernizations, increase capacity and enhance connectivity across the state, the company recently announced.
In addition, Chicago-based UScellular invested $100,000 to upgrade the shopping experience at its Iowa stores in Algona and Spencer. It also invested nearly $4 million across the state to expand internet service for students, the company said in a news release.
“Reliable connectivity is more essential than ever, and we are committed to investing in our communities to ensure families and businesses are connected wherever they are,” Joshua Olbricht, director of sales and operations for UScellular in eastern Iowa, said in the release. “By upgrading infrastructure and supporting local organizations, we are fulfilling our mission of connecting people to what matters most.”
To support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education for local youth, the nation’s fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier also donated $143,750 to Iowa nonprofits.
The donations included $41,250 each to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Corridor, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Siouxland as well as donations to local Red Cross chapters for tornado and flooding recovery efforts.
$3.8M connects students
As part of the company’s After School Access Project, 18 organizations also were awarded $3.8 million worth of hotspots and service to help students connect to the internet. Since the program’s inception, UScellular has donated more than $30 million in hotspots and service to help improve connectivity for youth in its service area.
To help provide equitable learning access and opportunities for local youth, last year UScellular also donated 175 wireless hotspots and two years of service – worth $197,050 – to Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.
The donation, also made through its After School Access Project, included 25 hotspots for a location in Davenport with a donation of $28,150.
For more information, visit a UScellular retail stores or www.uscellular.com.
