WASHINGTON-Western Wireless Corp., which does business as Cellular One, said Wednesday it has received eligible telecommunications carrier status for eight additional areas in South Dakota.
ETC designation is necessary to receive universal-service subsidies.
“South Dakota consumers will see a huge benefit from Cellular One’s investment in our state. These new sites will have a big impact on public safety, economic development and consumer choice. We applaud Cellular One for bringing better coverage and advanced services to more and more South Dakotans,” said Bob Sahr, chairman of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.
Western Wireless said it is scheduled to build at least 20 towers in South Dakota by the 2004-nine of these towers were contingent upon receiving ETC designation.
“The ETC designation by the South Dakota PUC will continue the momentum of bringing the benefits of telecommunications competition to all South Dakotans by providing them with greater choices. Our original ETC status designation in South Dakota is proof of this, as our customers in South Dakota and those in 13 other ETC states are enjoying quality voice and data services through our enhanced digital network,” said Western Wireless President Mikal Thomsen.
In 2002, Western Wireless received ETC status in South Dakota that covered the areas of 27 incumbent local exchange carriers and 600,000 pops. The new designation covers the areas served by Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative Inc., James Valley Cooperate Telephone Co., Splitrock Properties Inc., Venture Communications Cooperative, West River Telecommunications Cooperative and West River Telecommunications Cooperative.
Western Wireless has fought hard to obtain universal-service subsidies in its service territory, arguing that competition and mobility override concerns that rural landline carriers have about potentially losing their subsidy.
