UScellular yesterday revealed that it has been awarded nearly $3.5 million from the Nebraska Universal Service Fund Wireless (NUSF) Fund Program to bring reliable, wireless connectivity to parts of Nebraska that are currently underserved. With this funding, awarded by the Nebraska Public Service Commission, UScellular will build new towers in Beaver Crossing, Beemer, Memphis, Monroe, Naponee and Nehawaka to enhance mobile and in-home connectivity.
This NUSF funding builds on UScellular’s 2022 grant of $5.1 million that the company is using to build towers in Adams, Ayr, Brainard, Cedar Rapids, Edgar, Elmwood, Murray, Newcastle, Niobrara, Ponca and Tobias. Planning and construction work on those towers is underway, with targeted in-service dates by the end of 2024.
Since 2010, UScellular has built or upgraded more than 50 towers using NUSF funding. Building and maintaining a new cell tower in rural areas can cost twice as much as building one in an urban center, so programs like this are important to help wireless carriers connect residents quickly and efficiently.
Monique Moore, Director of Sales and Operations, Nebraska, UScellular
The Nebraska Public Service Commission has been a champion for wireless service for years, and we commend them for their leadership in helping to connect the hardest-to-reach areas of our state. This funding will help us ensure residents and businesses across the state have reliable, wireless connectivity at home and on-the-go, and we look forward to working with the Commission on their efforts to ensure the Fund Program continues to be an effective tool to help bridge the digital divide in Nebraska.
