U.S. Cellular invested $21M in Mo. last year

Chicago-based wireless carrier U.S. Cellular Corp. (NYSE: USM) invested $21.3 million in Missouri last year.

The largest chunk, $16 million, was spent on the company's 4G long-term infrastructure statewide, while $4.7 million was spent upgrading its existing high-speed network in the Show-Me State, according to a news release.

U.S. Cellular spent $557,000 renovating and building stores in the state, including its first Springfield store that opened in late 2012 at 3825 S. Glenstone Ave. in James River Towne Center.

Store renovations included expanded areas for users to test products, as well as lounges, the release said. Other new or renovated stores in Missouri are in West Plains, Macon and Mountain Grove.

“Many people look at their smartphone as the one device they can’t be without, and we want our customers to know that they are doing business with a wireless company that cares about them and their community," said Dorsey Ragland, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Missouri, in the release.

USM shares were trading at $41.48 as of 11:21 a.m., compared to a 52-week range of $32.25 to $48.98.