U.S. Cellular joins the iPhone crowd

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CUPERTINO, Calif., May 4 (UPI) -- U.S. Cellular is the latest cellphone company to carry the Apple smartphone, and analysts say two other major providers may soon offer the iPhone as well.

In the last year alone, Apple has added Virgin Mobile, Cricket Wireless, Walmart's Straight Talk and, most importantly, T-Mobile to the list of companies that carry its smartphone.

AT&T had exclusive rights to the iPhone for four years.

The addition of U.S. Cellular to the growing list those who offer the device leaves just two major telecommunications firms that do not offer the iPhone -- and both are prepaid brands, the Los Angeles Times said Saturday.

There is speculation both companies, MetroPCS and Boost Mobile, will offer the iPhone soon, the newspaper said.

MetroPCS Chief Executive Officer John Legere said recently there was a chance MetroPCS would have the iPhone but "it's not imminent."

Boost Mobile has not confirmed whether it will offer the iPhone but the Times said there has been speculation the company will have an iPhone option by the end of 2013.