U.S. Cellular and Senator Capito Announce Launch of Wireless Service in Paw Paw, West Virginia

Paw Paw, W. Va. (Nov. 16, 2015) – A new U.S. Cellular tower at 1545 Paw Paw Rd. in Paw Paw, W. Va., has brought high-quality voice and wireless broadband service to residents in the area for the first time. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and U.S. Cellular are celebrating the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the tower site today.

“With this new tower, Paw Paw and nearby communities have access to high-speed internet that can power our economy and harness the entrepreneurial spirit of many West Virginians. Today’s announcement is welcome news as we work to bridge the digital divide in West Virginia,” said Senator Capito. “Still, too many rural communities lack this fundamental service, and I will continue my efforts to improve connectivity and expand broadband access across the Mountain State through partnerships between private, local, state and federal organizations.”

Earlier this year, Senator Capito initiated the search for a wireless carrier for the Paw Paw community, and U.S. Cellular recognized the need in the area. The company then began the process of deploying high-speed wireless broadband service, with funding from the Federal Universal Service Program. After announcing in June that it would be bringing a tower to the area in early 2016, U.S. Cellular and the city were able to move up the timeline in advance of winter.

“As we celebrate this network expansion in Paw Paw, we can’t lose sight of other communities in rural areas that lack access to modern wireless broadband services,” said Ken Meyers, president and chief executive officer for U.S. Cellular. “The Universal Service Program is in dire need of an infusion of federal funding to ensure that all rural communities can experience the benefits that wireless broadband brings. The positive impact this new service will have in Paw Paw demonstrates the continued need for the program, and we applaud Senator Capito for helping to put a spotlight on unserved communities and the advantages that having wireless service brings to places such as Paw Paw.”

Local residents can sign up for new service and get the latest Apple, Samsung and LG devices at a U.S. Cellular “pop-up” store on Nov. 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Paw Paw Fire Hall at 44 Moser Ave. The public will have additional opportunities when the store returns on:

·       Nov. 24 at the Fire Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.             

·       Dec. 3 at the Paw Paw Senior Center, 783 Winchester St., from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

·       Dec. 10 at the Fire Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

·       Dec. 17 at the Senior Center from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“At U.S. Cellular, we focus on providing the best wireless experience for our customers, and we look forward to being a great community partner with the people of Paw Paw,” added Meyers.

   

In 2014, U.S. Cellular invested $11.4 million in network enhancements across West Virginia. This was a combination of 4G LTE enhancements and upgrades to the company’s existing high-speed network. The new tower in the area is one of more than 205 sites U.S. Cellular has built across the state.

4G LTE service provided through King Street Wireless, a partner of U.S. Cellular. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.

About King Street Wireless, L.P.

King Street Wireless, L.P. currently holds 700 MHz wireless spectrum in 27 states and is partnering with Chicago-based U.S. Cellular to deliver high-speed 4G LTE service to U.S. Cellular’s customers in several of the carrier’s markets.  King Street Wireless is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia where it is recognized for its involvement in its community both through its economic development and philanthropic efforts. To learn more about King Street Wireless, visit www.kingstreetwireless.com.

 

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by a high-quality network in big and small cities and rural communities, and currently 99 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Champion in 2014 for the third time in four years. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.