Idaho-based Syringa Wireless cites competition, Sprint set to lose LTE roaming partner
Idaho-based Regional wireless operator Syringa Wireless is set to shutter services at the end of the year citing the market’s competitive environment.
In a note on its website, the carrier said that while it has provided services for the past 10 years, “we are disappointed that we cannot continue to serve you.” Syringa noted “extensive financial investments” over the past three years designed to make its service competitive, but that ultimately it’s unable to compete in the market.
“The wireless industry is fiercely competitive with rapidly changing technologies and cost structures,” the carrier noted. “As a small, locally owned and operated provider, we have arrived at a point where it’s simply not feasible to continue to operate.”
In a FAQ, Syringa recommends customers migrate their current phone number to a new operator by Dec. 31, though it will continue to support services through the end of the year. Current postpaid customers that keep their accounts active past Nov. 15 will be able to keep their device for no additional charge and have their early termination fee waived.
The shuttered service will also impact wireless services provided through Syringa’s partners Project Mutual Telephone, Filer Mutual Telephone, Direct Communications and Albion Telephone. Customers accessing services through those entities are set to receive different instructions regarding their accounts.
Syringa is recommending a handful of new carrier options, including Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile US, Sprint and Silver Star Communications.
There was no word from Syringa on what it plans to do with its network assets, though the closure could impact coverage for some nationwide operators. Syringa was one of more than two dozen rural operators that had signed up for Sprint’s Rural Roaming Preferred Provider program, which provides Sprint with access to LTE coverage in rural areas outside of its native coverage footprint, while providing the rural operators with access to Sprint’s larger LTE footprint. Silver Star could fill in some of that gap as it has also joined Sprint’s LTE roaming partnership.
Last month, long-time rural wireless provider Ntelos announced plans to be acquired by Shenandoah Telecommunications for $640 million in a deal set to combine a pair of Sprint network affiliates. The deal brought to a close Ntelos’ recent operating struggles as it found difficulty in competing against larger rivals and moved to sell off some network assets, including wireless spectrum, network equipment and towers.
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