U.S. Cellular has launched a new service plan today that makes the sixth largest carrier much more like an airline. Under the new plan, consumers earn points that can then be redeemed for early phone upgrades and other perks. The idea is counterintuitive to the way most cellular operators work…

Four of the smaller U.S. carriers—Alltel (NYSE: AT), U.S. Cellular, MetroPCS and Leap Wireless, reported third-quarter earnings this week. Here’s a highlights from the financial performances: —Alltel: The Little Rock, Arkansas-based company reported a net loss of $55.2 million on revenues of $2.5 billion. The loss was due to the…

Can you hear the scrambling going on? Since Verizon Wireless opened the floodgates with its $99 a month, unlimited flat rate calling plan, rival operators AT&T and T-Mobile quickly announced matching plans, with T-Mobile throwing in SMS and MMS as well. Now smaller carriers have joined the rush. Chicago-based U.S.…