Colchester, Vt. Unicel has expanded its GSM wireless network with new and enhanced cell phone coverage in many ski areas across Vermont. The expansion is part of the companys $45 million investment over the past year in its Northeast operating area, including enhancements along the Vermont Interstates, in the Champlain Islands and throughout the Upper Valley.
Unicel recently has added or enhanced cellular sites to its GSM network in or near the following ski areas in Vermont:
" Grafton Ponds Nordic Ski Center
" Jay Peak
" Killington
" Mount Snow
" Okemo
" Smugglers Notch
" Sugarbush
Unicel also has an existing cellular network with superior coverage in a number of key ski resort areas for tourists and Vermonters, including Bolton Valley, Pico Mountain, Stratton, Stowe and Suicide Six.
The ski areas are a vital component to Vermonts tourism and economy, said Tom McLaughlin, vice president of sales for Unicel. They are also the weekend haven of many Vermonters and we are proud that tourists and Unicel customers are able to both work and play on our network.
We are very pleased to be working in conjunction with Unicel to provide our guests and potential guests with the best wireless service in Vermont, said Steve Clokey, director of marketing and promotion for Smugglers Notch. In addition to improved service, Unicel has also added a service for their customers to receive immediate updates of the Smuggs Snow Report by dialing #-s-m-u-g-g-s on their cell phone.
These new developments bring the total number of GSM-capable cellular sites in Vermont to 95, giving customers who live, travel and ski in Vermont the benefits of an advanced network. GSM technology is recognized as the worldwide standard for wireless communication. To take advantage of these new features and the improved cellular network, customers need to have GSM-enabled phones.
Unicel operates 11 retail stores and service centers in Vermont. Unicel products and services are also available through more than 40 cellular agents.
About Unicel
Unicel is a service of Rural Cellular Corp. (RCC) that focuses on primarily rural markets in 15 states across the U.S. The company operates 99 retail locations and has a comprehensive network of over 70 authorized agents and dealers. Unicel is committed to bringing the latest advances in wireless technology, products and services to its rural markets.
Rural Cellular Corporation [NASDAQ: RCCC] was established in 1990. Since its initial public offering in February 1996, RCC has completed a series of acquisitions increasing its population served (POPs) where it directly markets from 600,000 to 6.4 million. Go to www.unicel.com for more information.
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For further information, please contact:
Brandi Safford/Mark Ray
Kelliher Samets Volk
802-862-8261