U.S. Cellular installing 4G service in Springfield

Chicago-based wireless carrier U.S. Cellular Corp. (NYSE: USM) plans to install 4G long-term evolution service in Springfield by year's end.

In partnership with Alexandria, Va.-based King Street Wireless LP, the Queen City is among some 1,200 sites U.S. Cellular is targeting this year. By Dec. 31, U.S. Cellular claims more than 93 percent of its customers would have access to the 4G LTE network, according to a news release.

The network expansion includes other areas of Missouri, as well as 12 additional states.

In the Show-Me State, U.S. Cellular previously reported it invested $21.3 million during 2013, with the largest portion, $16 million, spent on the company's 4G LTE infrastructure statewide.

“We are a community carrier that is focused on Missouri, and we provide a network that works where our customers live, work and play,” said Dorsey Ragland, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Missouri, in the release.

U.S. Cellular entered the Springfield retail market in late 2012 with the opening of a brick-and-mortar store at 3825 S. Glenstone Ave.

The company's shares were trading at $41.31 as of 9:56 a.m., compared to a 52-week range of $32.25 to $48.93.