Verizon LTE in Rural America service launched by all 21 partners

Verizon Wireless announced a deployment milestone in its LTE in Rural America program, noting all 21 rural telecom operators participating in the initiative have launched LTE services connected with the program. Those 21 participants are providing services across 15 states.

More specifically, Verizon Wireless said the rural telecom operators now cover 225,000 square miles in 169 counties; are using more than 1,000 cell sites in support of their LTE deployments; and cover more than 2.7 million potential customers. Verizon Wireless also noted participating carriers have certified more than 50 devices for use on the network.

Verizon Wireless launched the LRA program in late 2010 just as it was about to launch its own LTE service. The LRA program calls for Verizon Wireless to lease upper C-Block 700 MHz wireless spectrum to rural carriers in areas where Verizon Wireless does not plan on building out LTE services. The program relies on tower and backhaul assets from rural operators, with Verizon Wireless offering up 22 megahertz of wireless spectrum and core LTE equipment. The deal also provides for a reciprocal roaming arrangement among the parties.

“Verizon has always been a responsible steward of spectrum resources,” said Philip Junker, executive director of strategic alliances at Verizon Wireless and a leader of the LRA program. “We had a vision of partnering with the rural carrier community, we put our resources behind that vision and we delivered what we promised for our customers.”

The program initially rubbed some operators and trade associations the wrong way, although operators that have signed up for the plan note it has allowed them to quickly launch LTE services.

In addition to the LRA program, some rural carriers have also launched their own LTE networks running alongside the Verizon Wireless sponsored program.

Kentucky-based Bluegrass Cellular launched LTE services in 2013 using its 700 MHz, A-Block spectrum holdings as part of a fixed-wireless broadband offering.

Partners in Verizon Wireless’ LRA program include:

Bluegrass Cellular

Cross Telephone

Pioneer Cellular

Cellcom

Thumb Cellular

Strata Networks

S and R Communications

Carolina West

Custer Telephone Cooperative

KPU Telecommunications

Chariton Valley Communication Corporation

Appalachian Wireless

Northwest Missouri Cellular

Chat Mobility

Matanuska Telephone Association

Wireless Partners

Triangle Communications

Nemont

Mid-Rivers Communications

Copper Valley Telecom

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