U.S. Cellular Launches Ultra-Durable 4G LTE Kyocera

CHICAGO, IL and SAN DIEGO, CA --(Marketwired - November 25, 2014) - U.S. Cellular ( NYSE : USM ) and Kyocera Communications Inc. have announced that the rugged, IP68-certified dust- and waterproof Kyocera DuraForce will be available online and in stores from U.S. Cellular on Nov. 26. Qualified customers will be able to add it to their Shared Connect plan and get it for $0 down using U.S. Cellular's equipment installment option. It will also be available for $99 with a two-year contract. ¹

Kyocera's latest ruggedized device is designed to work in rugged environments, and U.S. Cellular provides DuraForce users with national coverage and a high-quality network that works wherever they want to go. By the end of the year, more than 93 percent of U.S. Cellular customers will be covered by a 4G LTE network.

"We know our customers live, work and play in some extreme conditions, so we want to provide them with a smartphone that can match their lifestyle and enhance their experiences," said Joe Settimi, vice president of marketing for U.S. Cellular. "Whether you are working around dust or in extreme temperatures or vacationing near water or snow, the Kyocera DuraForce can provide you access to the information you need."

DuraForce is IP68-certified, meaning it is dustproof, waterproof and can be submerged in up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) of water for up to 30 minutes. ² With a reinforced housing and Military Standard 810G protection against dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, blowing rain, low pressure/high altitudes, solar radiation, salt fog, humidity and water immersion, DuraForce can go more places and withstand tough environments and conditions. Kyocera's lead product tester, Bear Grylls, can attest to its toughness. Watch the adventure-survivalist and star of the new series "Running Wild with Bear Grylls," put DuraForce to the ultimate test at http://bit.ly/duragentv .

"We know our customers operate in tough environments, and they need a smartphone that is up to the task -- whether that means withstanding freezing temperatures, being fully operational with gloves on or not breaking when dropped on the jobsite or in the kitchen sink," said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of Global Sales and Marketing at Kyocera Communications. "DuraForce is intended to keep people productive. Its affordability and tough-all-over durability allow users the freedom to work and play as hard as they want."

DuraForce features a high-capacity 3100mAh Lithium Ion battery that is well suited to long days on the job or on-the-go, along with a 4.5-inch 720p high-definition impact-resistant touchscreen that can be used while wearing gloves ³ , with wet hands or when the screen is wet. A large, user-programmable side button provides easy access to most commonly used applications or widgets. DuraForce also is certified for use in hazardous work environments (Hazardous Locations: Non-incendive, Class I, Division 2).

DuraForce features the Android™ KitKat 4.4.2 operating system, a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 400 with 1.4GHz Quad-Core CPU and Kyocera's Smart Sonic Receiver technology, which enhances audio clarity in noisy environments. The phone's 16GB of on-board storage can be augmented via an external microSD™ card slot that supports cards up to 32GB. 

With U.S. Cellular's $0 down equipment installment option (for qualified customers), customers pay tax on the DuraForce at the point of sale, and then make 20 monthly payments that are conveniently added to their wireless bill. Customers can upgrade this device in as little as 12 months if they trade it in for an updated model, and they can also choose to pay off the full balance of their device anytime they want.

For more information about the Kyocera DuraForce, please visit http://www.kyoceramobile.com/duraforce  or uscellular.com .

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular provides its customers with unmatched benefits and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by its high-speed network. Currently, nearly 90 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds, and more than 93 percent will have access by the end of 2014. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Champion in 2014 for the third time in four years. 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  facebook.com/kyoceramobile  or twitter.com/kyoceramobile .

Kyocera Corporation ( NYSE : KYO ) ( TSE : 6971 ) ( 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 solar power generating systems, mobile phones, printers, copiers, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial components. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, the company's consolidated net sales totaled 1.45 trillion yen (approx. $14.1 billion USD).

¹ New Equipment Installment Contract, Shared Connect Plan and credit approval required. Financing terms are zero down, zero APR; 20 monthly payments. 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. Additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. See uscellular.com for details.

² Meets US MIL-STD-810G to withstand dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, blowing rain, solar radiation, salt fog, humidity and water immersion. Certified waterproof for IPX5, protection against water jets and IPX8, protection against water immersion in up to 6 ft (1.8 m) for 30 minutes. Phone will not operate under water and should be dried as quickly as possible when wet. To ensure that your phone is waterproof, make sure the charger/data port, audio jack and card slot covers are properly seated, with no foreign objects obstructing the seals. Device may not perform as shown in all extreme conditions.

³ Recognizes touch input while wearing gloves up to 3mm thick, the material, texture and thickness of the glove as well as how it fits your hand will impact performance. Individual results may vary.

© 2014 Kyocera. All rights reserved. Kyocera is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.; use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions . Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. microSD is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC in the United States and other countries. All other marks are properties of their respective owners.