UScellular Awarded Nearly $3.5 Million from the Nebraska Universal Service Fund
Lincoln, Neb. (Nov. 14, 2023) – UScellular has been awarded nearly $3.5 million from the Nebraska Universal Service Fund Wireless (NUSF) Fund Program to bring reliable, wireless connectivity to parts of Nebraska that are currently underserved. With this funding, awarded by the Nebraska Public Service Commission, UScellular will build new towers in Beaver Crossing, Beemer, Memphis, Monroe, Naponee and Nehawaka to enhance mobile and in-home connectivity.
“The Nebraska Public Service Commission has been a champion for wireless service for years, and we commend them for their leadership in helping to connect the hardest-to-reach areas of our state,” said Monique Moore, director of sales and operations for UScellular in Nebraska. “This funding will help us ensure residents and businesses across the state have reliable, wireless connectivity at home and on-the-go, and we look forward to working with the Commission on their efforts to ensure the Fund Program continues to be an effective tool to help bridge the digital divide in Nebraska.”
This NUSF funding builds on UScellular’s 2022 grant of $5.1 million that the company is using to build towers in Adams, Ayr, Brainard, Cedar Rapids, Edgar, Elmwood, Murray, Newcastle, Niobrara, Ponca and Tobias. Planning and construction work on those towers is underway, with targeted in-service dates by the end of 2024.
Since 2010, UScellular has built or upgraded more than 50 towers using NUSF funding. Building and maintaining a new cell tower in rural areas can cost twice as much as building one in an urban center, so programs like this are important to help wireless carriers connect residents quickly and efficiently. More information on UScellular’s approach to bridging the digital divide is available at 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.