AUBURN – Unicel, the wireless communications company, is in the midst of an aggressive expansion in Maine.
Committing about $25 million, the company is installing dozens of new cell sites throughout Maine, including about 20 in Androscoggin County alone. It also opened a new retail store on Center Street last month that will serve as a training center for all of its Northeast region staff.
“This is a very significant build-out for us,” said Peter Hyszczak, sales and marketing director for the Northeast region. The area includes Maine, Vermont and the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.
Hyszczak said a new technology called GSM (global system for mobile communication) allows for more efficient use of airwaves and underscores the company’s expansion. The company offers service in every Maine county except Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Washington and Hancock.
“It’s quite affordable for us to add additional sites to expand coverage,” he said. Cell sites can be placed on rooftops or existing towers. Unicel has already built a new tower in Bethel, and another in Strong is planned. Additional cell sites are planned for the Norway-South Paris area and Rumford.
“Most of these are on existing sites or building locations,” said Hyszczak. “They don’t need to be on high towers anymore. We often share space with other carriers as well.”
The new technology allows for faster speeds for both voice and data transmissions. Hyszczak said customers will be able to have phone and Internet service from their wireless phones, including high-resolution camera and video capabilities.
Unicel’s investment in its expansion is buoyed by about $2 million it gets from the federal universal service fund – the fee that is charged on every telephone consumer’s bill. Unicel is the only wireless carrier currently approved by Maine’s Public Utilities Commission as an eligible telecommunications carrier. That designation allows Unicel to tap into the universal service fund for money to expand coverage in rural areas as land line telecommunications companies do.
The federal funds are important, said Hyszczak.
“Otherwise some of those (more rural) locations would be further down on the build-out list,” he said.
According to the company’s 2003 annual report, Unicel intends to increase its profitability by increasing its penetration in existing markets. It notes that rural markets have lower penetration rates and favorable roaming characteristics that bode well for Unicel’s growth.
Early indications for growth in the L-A area have been promising, said Hyszczak. Since opening its retail store Jan. 24, Unicel has seen brisk sales. And the Auburn training center has been busy instructing Unicel’s 150 Northeast region representatives on computer and billing systems. The trainees arrive in groups of eight and stay for three days.
“Our reception in Lewiston-Auburn has been fantastic, especially by the business community,” he said.
That business connection is expected to be explored next week during a celebration at the Auburn store. Gov. John Baldacci is planning to speak there on Feb. 23, to recognize Unicel’s expansion and investment in the L-A area. The governor made improved cell phone coverage a priority during his State of the State address last month, in which he announced the Connect Maine initiative.
Its mission is to ensure that 90 percent of Maine communities have broadband access by 2010 and that 100 percent of Maine communities have quality wireless service by 2008.
Hyszczak said Unicel heard that message loud and clear.
“We’re really excited about it,” he said. “And we’re working to bring that coverage to rural Maine.”
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