U.S. Cellular Expands in Missouri

U.S. Cellular, the sixth-largest wireless service carrier in the US has announced a major network expansion. The carrier will invest $3 million to build 10 new cell sites in rural Missouri. Interestingly, the company will get help from the federal Universal Service Fund (USF) to build the first towers.

Currently, U.S. Cellular is providing six million customers in 26 states with quality wireless service. The wireless company is based on Chicago and relies on more than 8,000 associates to provide top notch service to its customers. U.S. Cellular operates on a customer satisfaction strategy. They strive to meet customer needs by providing a comprehensive range of wireless products and services. The company also utilizes superior customer support and a high-quality national network to satisfy the demands of wireless consumers.

The plan is that 10 new cell sites will be added to enhance coverage in and around Cole Camp, Dell Junction, Ellsinore, Fayette, Lincoln, Mansfield, Spring Fork, Stover and Warsaw. The extensive network of more than 500 U.S. Cellular towers across the state will be bolstered by the new towers.

However, there are concerns over the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intent to cap the USF in the upcoming weeks. Missouri will be affected by this development because the USF provides critical support for wireless companies to build new cell towers in high-cost areas across the country.

The USF was created by Congress as a measure to make sure that rural communities like the ones in Missouri will not be left behind by telecommunications technology. Wireless carriers will be able to build hundreds of towers in rural communities nationwide and bring new service to areas that would not have otherwise had access through the aid of the USF.

About $11 million in new federal funds that would have come into Missouri annually will be put on hold indefinitely if the proposed federal cap will be implemented. U.S. Cellular's planned investment of 39 new sites during the next two years will be compromised by the proposal. Many people are also concerned that without adequate wireless coverage, area first responders will not be able to quickly and reliably deal with critical safety issues.

More and more people are now relying on cell phones to make emergency calls but E-911 technology is useless in areas without wireless coverage. Another imp[ortant factor to consider is that wireless companies rely on federal support to make these resources available to smaller communities in high-cost rural areas.