(October 11, 2011) – Cellcom continues to develop its network in Door County. Equipment to deploy the fourth-generation (4G) long-term evolution (LTE) network has been delivered to Sturgeon Bay cell sites and installation of the 4G antennas will begin soon. Testing will begin in early 2012 and the company 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.
“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,” said Pat Riordan, president and CEO of Cellcom. “Meeting the needs of our rural customers is always a key priority, and we are proud to be launching LTE service in these smaller markets as part of our comprehensive plan.”
In August Cellcom began the first portion of the project, which included extending the fiber optic network from Green Bay to Sturgeon Bay. The construction of the route will be wrapped up by late October, and Cellcom will then add optics to the route by the end of 2011.
“The LTE technology will deliver robust data service with superior performance and very low latency when deployed correctly,” said Jim Lienau, chief technical officer of Cellcom. “Fiber, radio equipment, installation, testing and devices all play a pivotal role in a positive user-end experience with 4G technology.”
Cellcom has purchased cellular equipment for network from Ericsson, a world leader in mobile technologies. Technicians are also going through advanced training to help with the installation.
“To deliver the fast response that 4G offers, all the equipment needs to work together more efficiently,” said Lienau. “Our technicians are being specially trained to install this new equipment and our engineers will be performing advanced testing to make sure everything is working properly.”
Devices are the final element of a quality 4G experience. A 4G-compatible device will be needed to reap the benefits of LTE technology. Cellcom customers can expect devices to be released as the network is prepared for launch. 3G-capable phones will continue to operate on the current network.
“We pride ourselves in being a creative, forward-thinking rural carrier,” said Riordan. “Our latest investment demonstrates this commitment to our customers.”
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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.