Fiber route first step for 4G network

(October 11, 2011) – Cellcom is currently extending their fiber optic network from Oconto to Marinette. The fiber route will link all of Cellcom’s cell sites in the area to prepare the network for wireless fourth-generation(4G) technology.

“Fiber allows for more bandwidth and greater backhaul,” said Jim Lienau, chief technical officer for Cellcom. “This ultimately translates to higher capacity and speeds for customers when 4G equipment is installed and turned up.”

With the growing demand for connectivity and mobility, consumers and businesses will benefit from the higher speeds of 4G technology. The fiber route to Marinette will be completed by the end of this year, with 4G equipment installation and testing planned for the first part of 2012. Cellcom expects to turn up the technology in Oconto and Marinette counties in the second quarter of 2012, with plans to deploy 4G LTE across all of its Wisconsin markets by the end of 2012. As the 4G network is turned up, customers will simultaneously have access to a nationwide 4G network thanks to Cellcom partnerships.

Pat Riordan, president and CEO, notes that the project demonstrates Cellcom’s continued commitment to serving rural areas.

“Our aggressive 4G strategy will allow us to provide the same technology that is offered in major metropolitan areas to residents of Northeast and Central Wisconsin and in our service area in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula,” Riordan said. “Meeting the needs of our rural customers is always a key priority, and we are proud to be working to launch 4G service in these smaller markets as part of our comprehensive plan.”

The  long-term evolution (LTE) technology that Cellcom is using for their 4G network will deliver robust data service with superior performance and very low latency, and will be particularly beneficial in situations that use a large amount of data such as viewing video, gaming and other multimedia communications.

“With a 4G network, our customers will have the ability to browse the mobile web, access their favorite social media site and listen to music, without sacrificing quality or speed,” Riordan said. “They will experience seamless mobility.”

“We pride ourselves in being a creative, forward-thinking rural carrier,” said Riordan. “Our latest investment in bringing LTE technology to our customers demonstrates this commitment.”

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Cellcom’s renowned network is customized to their rural markets and customers. Cellcom is a sister company of Nsight Telservices and a subsidiary of Nsight, a provider of national communications services with more than 70 retail and agent locations throughout Wisconsin and Michigan. For more information visit www.cellcom.com.