VoiceStream Wireless Corp. launch its GSM service May 1 in Chicago. The carrier said subscribers have free access to its Great Lake Neighborhood plan, allowing free long-distance for calls placed in and to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
UbiquiTel Inc., a Sprint PCS network partner, expanded wireless coverage in Lewiston, Moscow and Sandpoint, Idaho, and Pullman, Colfax and Ritzville, Wash. The carrier said when completed, its network will cover approximately 7.7 million potential customers in portions of California, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Indiana and Kentucky.
Sprint PCS announced the latest launch of its wireless service in Florence, Ala. The local service will be operated and managed by Sprint Network Partner, U.S. Unwired.
AT&T Wireless Services Inc. affiliate TeleCorp PCS Inc. launched its SunCom digital service in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, Iowa. Including the carrier’s earlier launch in Des Moines, Iowa, wireless coverage now includes the entire stretch of Interstate 80 from Des Moines to Iowa City, and north on I-380 to Cedar Falls. TeleCorp said it plans to expand coverage to Waterloo, Sioux Falls and Davenport, Iowa, later this year.
Dobson Cellular Systems Inc. launched Alex Wireless as its new brand name for wireless service in Southern California, replacing the AirTouch trade name previously used. The carrier marked the launch by opening three stores in El Centro, Brawley and Calexico, Calif.
Verizon Wireless said it would spend more than $300 million this year in the New York Metro Region to enhance its digital wireless network. The investment will include switching centers and cell sites to handle the increased demand for wireless service, and network upgrades for the eventual rollout of third-generation technology services. The carrier said it will spend more than $100 million in a similar plan for the Philadelphia Tri-State Region.
