Bluegrass claims completion of 5-year build tied to Verizon rural LTE program
Regional wireless operator Bluegrass Cellular said it completed the build out of its LTE network, which now covers its entire operating footprint. The deployment is part of a partnership with Verizon Wireless under the larger carrier’s LTE in Rural America program.
Kentucky-based Bluegrass said the five-year deployment included the launch of 115 new LTE sites providing coverage to 732,000 potential customers in a 10,300 square mile radius. As part of the Verizon Wireless LTE partnership, Bluegrass customers will have roaming access to a nationwide LTE network, with Verizon Wireless customers in turn having roaming access to the network built by Bluegrass.
“Bluegrass is committed to bringing the latest technology to central Kentucky and the completion of our 4G LTE network is a sign of that commitment,” said Ron Smith, president and CEO of Bluegrass Cellular, in a statement. “Our customers will now experience faster download speeds and stronger data speeds throughout Kentucky, as well as nationwide.”
Bluegrass in 2010 was the first rural operator to sign up for Verizon Wireless’ somewhat controversial LTE in Rural America program. The agreement called for Verizon Wireless to lease upper C-Block 700 MHz wireless spectrum in the Bluegrass Cellular service areas where Verizon Wireless did not plan on constructing its network. The program relies on tower and backhaul assets from rural operators, with Verizon Wireless offering up 22 megahertz of wireless spectrum and core LTE equipment. The deal also provides for a reciprocal roaming arrangement between the parties.
Verizon Wireless has signed up 21 operators across 15 states to the program, and announced in October all participating rural carriers had launched LTE services as part of the program. The LRA program initially rubbed some operators and trade associations the wrong way, though operators that have signed up for the plan note it has allowed them to quickly launch LTE services.
Bluegrass Cellular’s LTE network launched in connection with Verizon Wireless should not be confused with the carrier’s self-launched GetSetGo fixed-wireless LTE network, which it launched in 2013. That offering runs across the carrier’s 700 MHz, A-Block spectrum and relies on a fixed, wireless router device to provide consumers with an in-home broadband connection. The service was initially launched to meet Federal Communication Commission build-out requirements for its spectrum licenses.
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