UScellular Awarded Nearly $1 Million to Enhance Connectivity in West Virginia
Charleston, W. Va. (June 7, 2023) – UScellular has received $679,950 from the West Virginia WIN program to boost connectivity for residents and visitors in and around Coopers Rock State Forest. Three existing UScellular towers will be upgraded with 5G mid-band technology to bring enhanced mobile and home broadband coverage to 1,300 underserved households in Monongalia and Preston counties and provide additional coverage within the forest to increase public safety.
Additionally, through a $250,000 planning grant the company was awarded, UScellular will explore wireless solutions with state officials to address connectivity gaps for areas in and around Watoga State Park. The project will be focused on enhancing mobile coverage within Watoga State Park to improve public safety and bringing Fixed Wireless Access to key park facilities.
“Internet access – both at home and on-the-go – is an essential part of everyday life, and the West Virginia Broadband Office has a clear vision for how they can make reliable connectivity a reality for more West Virginians in more places,” said Nathan Waddell, area vice president for UScellular in the East Region. “We applaud their innovative thinking, and we look forward to putting this grant to work to ensure residents and businesses can be connected to the people and places that matter most.”
For more information on UScellular’s participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program and its approach to bridging the digital divide, please go to www.newsroom.uscellular/connecting-us.
About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2024. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.