U.S. Cellular expands to northern Maine

    BANGOR – U.S. Cellular is expanding its presence in the northern Maine by boosting its telecommunications network. The new cell sites include Stacyville, Houlton, North Amity with planned cell sites in Howland, Lee and Greenbush due to come online by the end of the year. The new sites are funded by the Universal Service Fund and complement the statewide network of more than 245 U.S. Cellular towers.
    This expansion is particularly significant because earlier this month the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) signaled its intent to cap the Federal Universal Service Fund (USF) “very soon.” A cap on the USF is especially dangerous for Maine as the USF provides critical support for wireless companies to build new cell towers in high-cost areas across the country, including rural communities across Maine.
    The new sites will bring increased coverage and capacity in Stacyville along Routes 11, 158 and I-95; in Houlton along I-95 and Routes 1, 2 and 2A; in North Amity along Routes 1 and 2A; Howland along Routes 6, 16, 155 and I-95; in Lee along Routes 6 and 168; and in Greenbush along I-95 and Routes 2 and 116.
     “We are responsive to our customers’ needs,” said Dana Dorcas, senior director of sales for U.S. Cellular. “This part of northern Maine lacked quality wireless service. As a result, we identified these communities as a priority for the funds the company receives through the Universal Service Fund. People everywhere depend on their cell phones to meet critical safety and business needs and the Universal Service Fund allows us to expand our service to Maine’s rural communities.”
    Dorcas said U.S. Cellular has a team of engineers who continually test areas across the state for network quality, listen to customer feedback, review network data and get input from company sales and marketing representatives to determine locations for new cell sites.
    Each site provides coverage and calling capacity for an area called a “cell.” When a resident makes a call, the U.S. Cellular phone transmits the caller’s voice to the nearest cell site. The site sends the call through the telephone network where it is delivered to the receiver.
     “The number and location of cell sites makes a big difference in call quality and clarity,” added Dorcas. “The new towers will bring new service to this part of Maine.”
     U.S. Cellular, serving Maine since 1988, is the only wireless carrier providing service throughout the entire state on its own network. The company currently employs more than 160 retail sales associates throughout Maine and operates 59 retail stores, kiosks, and authorized agent locations.
     “We realize that our success depends upon the satisfaction of our customers, and our customers’ loyalty has enabled us to grow our brand for almost 20 years throughout Maine. As we continue to expand in Maine, we look forward to differentiating U.S. Cellular with unparalleled customer service, quality products and services that meet our customers’ needs, and continued support of the communities we serve,” added Dorcas.
    U.S. Cellular has established a strong community presence in Maine and across the nation. Since 2005, the company has donated more than $135,000 to local nonprofits serving economically disadvantaged youth, family and seniors. In addition, U.S. Cellular associates conduct free wireless phone call programs for seniors, veterans, and those less fortunate throughout the year at organizations such as the Hammond Street Senior Center, Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, and the Togus VA Medical Center.