Expanded fiber route first step for 4G network
Wausau, WI (October 18, 2011) – Cellcom is expanding their fiber optic network in Marathon County. The current network runs from Green Bay to Wausau, connecting two cell sites within the city of Wausau. The expansion will connect several additional sites in Wausau and the surrounding area to the fiber network and help 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.”
The first phase of the expansion is underway, with construction happening in Wausau east of the Wisconsin River. Two additional phases will follow connecting areas in the northwest and southwest regions of Wausau. The entire fiber project will be completed in the Wausau area by the end of this year, with 4G equipment installation and testing planned for the first part of 2012. Cellcom expects to turn up 4G technology in Wausau and parts of Marathon County 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 of Cellcom, 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 markets as part of our comprehensive plan.”
The long-term evolution (LTE) technology that Cellcom is using for its 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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