Verizon Wireless adds another rural carrier to LTE plan

Utah-based rural operator Strata Networks said it has taken Verizon Wireless up on its LTE in Rural America program designed to expand network coverage through partnerships with rural operators.
Strata said it will work with Verizon Wireless to deploy LTE services using 700 MHz spectrum in the Uintah Basin. Strata will use its tower and backhaul assets for the offering, while Verizon Wireless will contribute spectrum and core LTE equipment.
Strata, which currently offers CDMA-based services, said the engineering and planning work has already begun on the network with the initial build out phase expected to begin later this year.
Strata is the sixth rural operator to join Verizon Wireless’ rural program. Other operators that have joined include Wisconsin-based Cellcom, Kentucky-based Bluegrass Cellular, Oklahoma-based Pioneer Cellular and Cross Telephone.