Carolina West Wireless and Verizon Wireless Partner in Rural America Initiative
April 21, 2011
Carolina West Wireless announced it has entered into an agreement as part of Clear Stream Communications, LLC to partner with Verizon Wireless in the LTE in Rural America initiative.
The LTE (Long Term Evolution) in Rural America program is a Verizon Wireless initiative established in 2010 to bring the benefits of high-speed mobile broadband to rural areas of the United States by sharing access to its 700 MHz spectrum with rural operators.
Verizon Wireless plans to partner with Clear Stream to cooperatively build and operate its 4G network in Northwestern North Carolina using Clear Stream tower and backhaul assets and Verizon’s core LTE equipment. This will provide 4G LTE coverage to Carolina West subscribers, as well as Verizon Wireless customers traveling through the area. In addition, Carolina West customers will have access to Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network throughout the United States.
“This is a significant step forward in our pursuit of consistently providing our customers with the most reliable and efficient wireless data technology available,” said Slayton S. Stewart, CEO of Carolina West Wireless and managing partner of Clear Stream Communications, LLC. “Our partnership with Verizon Wireless in the LTE in Rural America initiative will allow us the opportunity to provide 4G technology to our customers, affording them the benefits of faster wireless capabilities ultimately improving and enhancing the overall customer experience.”
In December of 2010, Verizon launched its 4G LTE network in 38 metropolitan areas across the United States covering more than 110 million people. Verizon’s 4G LTE network is the fastest and most advanced 4G LTE network in the US, and is expected to cover more than 200 million people by mid-2012 and more than 290 million by the end of 2013.
"We are extremely pleased to have Clear Stream join the LTE in Rural America program. Together, our companies will be the first to offer a 4G LTE high-speed mobile data network in rural Northwestern North Carolina," said Molly Feldman, VP of Business Development for Verizon Wireless.
Carolina West customers can expect faster speeds as part of the 4G LTE network initiative with average download speeds ranging from 5-12 Mbps, speeds up to 10 times faster than the 3G network.
“Speed, flexibility and connectivity are key components in the wireless industry for residential and business customers alike — regardless of geographical location,” Stewart continued. “Wireless customers in all walks of life — from the mom on the go, to the small business owner — want accessible and dependable network coverage that gives them the freedom to use their wireless device when and where they want. Our partnership with Verizon will ensure our customers continue to have that freedom."
About Clear Stream Communications
Clear Stream Communications, LLC was created as a partnership of Carolina West Wireless Corporation, Piedmont Communications Services, SkyBest Communications, Wilkes Communications and to provide fourth generation wireless data technology to Northwestern North Carolina.
About Carolina West Wireless
Carolina West Wireless was formed in 1991 and is owned by a partnership consisting of Skyline Telephone, Surry Telephone and Wilkes Telephone. Headquartered in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, CWW provides its customers with innovative technology including data and mobile services, the latest wireless equipment and competitive wireless plans that provide nationwide coverage. Detailed information about CWW is available at www.carolinawest.com
About Piedmont Communications Services
Based in Dobson, Piedmont Communications Services, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Surry Telephone Membership Corporation, and provides a variety of telecommunication services. These range from basic dial tone services and enhanced calling features like Caller ID and Voice Mail to long-distance, broadband Internet, business systems, security systems and digital TV.
About SkyBest Communications
Based in West Jefferson, SkyBest Communications is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SkyLine Membership Corporation, and provides a variety of telecommunications services. These range from basic dial tone services and enhanced calling features like Caller ID and Voice Mail to long-distance, broadband Internet, business systems, security systems and digital TV.
About Wilkes Communications
Based in Wilkes County North Carolina, Wilkes Communications is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wilkes Telephone Membership Corporation, and provides a variety of telecommunications services. These range from unlimited voice services and enhanced calling features like Caller ID and Voice Mail to high speed Internet, digital TV, business systems, and security, fire and home health monitoring.
Contact:
800 235-5007
