Category: General

(April 24, 2024) – Cellcom, a Wisconsin-based wireless carrier, recently opened a new store in Eau Claire at the Oakwood Mall. Preparations for the opening have been years in the making. The company first turned up its wireless network in the Eau Claire area in 2021. The network primarily served its customers based further east in the state as they traveled to the region. Last year the company further invested in Chippewa Valley, adding more cell sites throughout the area and then its team hit the road to test the user experience.

“Our network operation center team drove more than 1000 miles throughout Eau Claire, Chippewa and Dunn counties collecting network data. This essentially tests the strength of our wireless network. Once the data was collected our engineering groups reviewed and optimized the network to best serve the area,” said Rick Brooks, CTO of Cellcom. “After optimization efforts were completed, we drove the route again and saw impressive results.”

The time-intensive process will yield a very positive experience for wireless customers.

“With a Wisconsin-based team, we can give the network the time and attention to perform its best and ensure our customers have a strong user experience. Optimization often relies on customer usage patterns, which can take long periods to collect enough data to make appropriate adjustments. Our drive testing effort accelerated enhancements in Chippewa Valley to bring customers an exciting new option for wireless service,” said Brooks.

Cellcom operates its own network throughout the northern portion of Wisconsin and partners with other carriers to provide nationwide coverage for its customers. The company’s engineering and operations teams are all based in Wisconsin. In addition to its store in Eau Claire, the company has a regional business representative to assist businesses in person with their wireless needs and also offers online shopping.

“Wireless technology is about making life simpler and easier. We pair innovation with heart and are proud to offer Chippewa Valley an exciting new option for wireless service,” said Brighid Riordan, CEO of Cellcom.

For more information on Cellcom visit cellcom.com/welcome.

(April 8, 2024) – Cellcom, a Wisconsin-based wireless carrier, recently added a dedicated business solutions representative to serve the Eau Claire area. Justin Kressel will meet with businesses at their location to review their existing wireless service and provide a free assessment for switching to Cellcom. Kressel has been a part of the Cellcom team for 17 years, serving customers in central Wisconsin.

“Cellcom is a Wisconsin-made business with a passion for putting customers first. This includes our approach to serving local businesses,” said Damian Sanderson, director of business solutions and sales at Cellcom. “Businesses rely on wireless to keep their operations connected, but finding the time to go to a wireless store or use online services can be challenging with the complex needs of a business. Our dedicated business solution representative eliminates these challenges, both during the purchase process and for ongoing support. You’ll always get a live a person to assist you without automation.”

The company’s business solutions included phones, tablets, dashcam video telematics, wireless sensors, GPS asset tracking and more. Visit cellcom.com/business to learn more or call 844-882-0074.

(April 5, 2024) – The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon has announced that the 25^th annual event, scheduled for May 19, 2024, will be its finale. The non-profit event has been one of the largest distance running events in the state since its inception and has focused on fostering fitness and giving back to the community.   

“When the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon started, the vision was to create a community event that shined a spotlight on Greater Green Bay, encouraged wellness and helped make a difference for local charities. This was achieved through more than 183,000 participants, millions of dollars in economic impact and nearly $1.8 million donated to local charities,” said Brighid Riordan, CEO of Cellcom and board vice president of the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. “Our 2024 event will be a celebration of our collective accomplishments over the last quarter century, and we hope the community will join us on the course and at the finish line.”

The nonprofit event has selected Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and New Community Shelter as its 2024 charity partners. In addition to event proceeds, charity partners benefit from the Run for a Reason program, which allows runners to raise funds for the charity partners to earn free entry into the marathon, half marathon or relay. Participants raise a minimum of $300 to receive free entry for an individual event or per team member for a relay event.

“This event is the hard work and collective efforts of thousands of volunteers, supportive sponsor companies and community cheerleading along the course. We look forward to celebrating a few thousand more finishes and giving back to our 2024 charity partners,” said Riordan.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin believes that access to nutritious food is a right for all. They work to fight hunger for the one in eight people who do not know where their next meal is coming from. The organization serves neighbors across 35 counties and supports nearly 400 local pantries in that footprint. Proceeds from the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon will be used to further these efforts.

New Community Shelter helps the homeless and the hungry through its emergency shelter, transitional living program and community meal program. The organization believes in offering support services to access other community resources necessary for achieving self-sufficiency. Proceeds from the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon will be used for the community meal program, which provides dinner to anyone in need in the community 365 days a year.

Registration for all events is open. Visit www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com.

(December 20, 2023) – Local wireless provider Cellcom has added two small cells on Washington Island to improve service for residents and visitors. These are the first of four small cells that Cellcom is adding to the island and were made possible by the significant investment in fiber throughout Door County.

Small cells are miniature, low-powered cell sites that can be placed in popular areas to further improve the wireless experience. They are supported by fiber connections back to a traditional cell site tower.

“With the recent fiber investments on the island, we are able to offer creative solutions that fit the areas that need coverage without obstructing the beauty that people come to enjoy,” said Rick Brooks, chief technical officer for Cellcom. “Small cells are installed on utility poles in most cases, and we furthered our partnership with Washington Island Electric Cooperative to make each of these projects a reality. The enhanced service will help meet customer demands and improve safety for residents and visitors.”

Bringing fiber to the island began more than a decade ago, when Cellcom began constructing what is known as middle-mile fiber from Sturgeon Bay to Gills Rock, connecting its cell sites throughout the county to fiber. In 2022, in partnership with Washington Island Electric Cooperative (WIEC), Cellcom extended its fiber network to Washington Island. From there WIEC continues the fiber expansion to bring it to homes, businesses and anchor institutions throughout the island. This fiber-to-the-premise expansion paved the way for small cells and as it progresses will pave the way for more.

Cellcom’s first two small cells are located at School House Beach and near the intersection of Main Rd. and Michigan Rd. In 2024, the company will add small cells near Jackson Harbor and along Lobdell Point Rd to provide coverage between the ferry harbor and Main Rd. A potential fifth small cell site is currently being investigated for the Southeast corner of the Island near Njord Heim. Issues of terrain and tree foliage are obstacles that will need to be overcome in order to make this fifth site a reality.

Green Bay, WI (November 22, 2023) – Cellcom is using old cell phones to invest in the local community. The wireless company has selected 26 non-profits to receive $23,000 in Green Gifts, which uses money generated from its handset recycling program to fund green non-profit initiatives. This year Cellcom’s Green Gifts are addressing environmental sustainability, supporting outreach and educational efforts, conserving local natural resources, and inspiring the next generation of environmental advocates.

“Cellcom is focused on reducing our negative impact on the environment and investing in projects in our communities that do the same. From preserving and enhancing natural areas to providing educational programming to spearheading sustainability and research efforts, this year’s Green Gift recipients are leading the way for environmental causes locally,” said Mick O’Malley, director of sustainability at Cellcom. “We’re proud to support the many nonprofits throughout our service area that are not only performing critical work for our environment but also inspiring the community to become environmental stewards.”

By recycling old devices Cellcom customers are partners in the Green Gifts program, protecting the environment and reinvesting in the community.

“By responsibly recycling phones and tablets with Cellcom at the end of their usable life, we’re able to keep harmful materials out of landfills and make a difference throughout northeast and central Wisconsin,” said O’Malley.

The 2023 Cellcom Green Gifts were awarded throughout Cellcom’s service area and included:

• Baird Creek Preservation Foundation (Green Bay)
• Boston School Forest (Stevens Point)
• Boys and Girls Club of Portage County (Stevens Point)
• Crossroads at Big Creek, Inc (Sturgeon Bay)
• Door County Environmental Council (Sister Bay)
• Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance (Appleton)
• Greater Green Bay YMCA (Green Bay)
• Green Bay Botanical Garden (Green Bay)
• Green Bay Sail & Paddle, Inc. (Green Bay)
• Heckrodt Wetland Reserve (Menasha)
• L.H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve – Brown County Parks (Suamico)
• Lower Fox River Watershed Monitoring Program administered by UW-Green Bay (Green Bay)
• Manitowoc County Historical Society (Manitowoc)
• Manitowoc County Soil & Water Conservation Department (Manitowoc)
• Monk Botanical Gardens (Wausau)
• Navarino Nature Center, Inc. (Shiocton)
• New Leaf Foods, Inc. (Green Bay)
• North Lakeland Discovery Center (Manitowish Waters)
• Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust (Appleton)
• Open Door Bird Sanctuary (Sturgeon Bay)
• Shawano Community Middle School (Shawano)
• Shawano County Friends of the Mountain Bay Trail Inc. (Shawano)
• The Camp Nicolet Foundation (Eagle River)
• Trees For Tomorrow (Eagle River)
• Wild Instincts (Rhinelander)
• Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve, Inc. (Two Rivers)

Since 2004 Cellcom has offered a cell phone recycling program where customers can bring in their old or unwanted phones to be reused and recycled. Cellcom sends the phones to recyclers who in return send money to Cellcom for the materials that were saved from the phones. Cellcom’s recycling program has generated $604,206 for local charities over the past 20 years. Consumers can contribute to the program by donating their old cell phones for recycling at any Cellcom retail location.

Store opening in Oakwood Mall

Eau Claire, WI (November 20, 2023) – Cellcom, a Wisconsin-based wireless carrier, has announced it is opening a new location to serve Chippewa Valley. The company is opening a store soon in the Oakwood Mall (4800 Golf Rd.).

“Cellcom has served Wisconsin and Upper Michigan for more than 35 years. We are a Wisconsin-made business with a passion for putting customers first. It is exciting to expand our retail store footprint to Chippewa Valley and bring an affordable, reliable, nationwide wireless option to residents and businesses in the area,” said Brighid Riordan, CEO of Cellcom.

The company’s wireless offering includes phones, tablets, smartwatches, connected trail cameras and more. An introductory phone plan is available for Chippewa Valley for $34.99/month per line. For maximum affordability, new customers can keep their phone number and bring their current compatible device. Cellcom also carries all the top brands at a wide range of price points and is offering Black Friday deals throughout November and holiday and grand opening deals beginning in December.

“We offer the latest devices and budget-friendly plan options. In addition to our Eau Claire location, customers are supported by our Wisconsin-based customer care team both over the phone and online. Our team members understand the needs of Wisconsin residents and provide support that is second to none,” said Riordan. “We look forward to serving Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and the surrounding communities.”

Find more information or shop online today at Cellcom.com.

Cellcom is an innovative wireless company that operates its own regional network to provide service for its customer base throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. The company is respected for its long-standing reputation of delivering extraordinary customer care and being a strong community partner. As a subsidiary of Nsight, Cellcom is part of a family of companies offering complete telecommunications services. Learn more at www.cellcom.com.

Green Bay, WI (September 15, 2023) – The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is furthering its positive impact on the community with the donation of event proceeds to local charity partners. The non-profit event is proud to award a total of $50,000 to its charity partners Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, Greater Green Bay YMCA and New Community Shelter.

“Each year the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon promotes wellness, boosts local tourism and brings the community together on race weekend. The impact is felt year-round thanks to our partnership with local non-profits who will invest this donation to improve our community. This collective effort embodies the spirit of Green Bay and we’re proud of the ongoing impact,” said Dr. Ashok Rai, president and CEO of Prevea Health and board president of the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.

Since its inception in 2000, the event has donated more than $1.7 million to 25 local charity partners. This year’s event will help those experiencing hunger and homelessness and fund community-based after school programs.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin believes that access to nutritious food is a right for all. They work to fight hunger for the one in eight people who do not know where their next meal is coming from. The organization serves neighbors across 35 counties and supports nearly 400 local pantries in that footprint. Proceeds from the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon will be used to further these efforts.

New Community Shelter helps the homeless and the hungry through its emergency shelter, transitional living program and community meal program. The organization believes in offering support services to access other community resources necessary for achieving self-sufficiency. Proceeds from the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon will be used for the community meal program, which provides dinner to anyone in need in the community 365 days a year.

Greater Green Bay YMCA is dedicated to strengthening the community and being a place where all belong. The Y focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Donations from the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon will support the Y’s community-based afterschool programs by providing expanded enrichment opportunities, social emotional learning programs and academic resources to lift up our young people during these incredibly important out-of-school times.

The Mary Poppele Award, given to the top fundraiser in the marathon’s Run for a Reason program, was also presented today to Allen Keitel. The award is given in memory of Mary Poppele, an avid marathon fundraiser, who passed away in April 2004 while training for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.

Ten Towers Added and Additional Enhancements Completed

Crivitz, WI (August 21, 2023) – Wireless usage continues to climb and the desire for cellular connections stretches beyond cities and towns to rural lakes, trails and forests. Local wireless provider Cellcom has significantly invested in its network Marinette County to deliver strong wireless service to area residents and visitors. Ten cell sites were activated in the last year to help fill in coverage gaps and further enhance the overall wireless experience.

“As demand for cell service continues to increase, particularly data, these new cell sites also move users off high-traffic sites, which helps improve everyone’s experience,” said Rick Brooks, CTO and VP of Engineering for Cellcom. “Over the past year, we also added capacity at every site in Marinette County to deliver faster speeds, more connections at one time or additional coverage. The extra capacity will be particularly beneficial during the upcoming tourism season when we typically see traffic explode as visitors pour into the area. The improvements will result in a better wireless experience even during these busy times in the community and on our network.”

The activated new sites are located throughout the county in Athelstane, near downtown Marinette, south of Marinette along County Highway B, between Marinette and Peshtigo along Highway 41, at the town hall in Crivitz, south of Lake Noquebay, in the town of Grover along Highway 64, in the town of Porterfield near the intersection of County Highway E and Highway 64, and two sites in Stephenson near County Highway P and County Highway W and on Parkway Road near Cauldron Falls.

In addition to network enhancements, customers can take advantage of Wi-Fi Calling. This technology allows users to make calls and send texts and picture messages over a Wi-Fi connection. It’s helpful in fringe coverage areas and does not require a high-speed connection to utilize. Learn more about this service at www.cellcom.com/wificalling.

Cellcom is an innovative wireless company that operates its own regional network to provide service for its customer base throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. The company is respected for its long-standing reputation of delivering extraordinary customer care and being a strong community partner. As a subsidiary of Nsight, Cellcom is part of a family of companies offering complete telecommunications services. Learn more at www.cellcom.com.

Washington Island, WI (August 21, 2023) – The desire for cellular connections stretches beyond cities and towns to rural beaches, trails and waterways. Delivering wireless service to these rural amenities that people flock to Door County to enjoy is not an easy task. Local wireless provider Cellcom is tackling that challenge with an emphasis on the most secluded area of the Door County – Washington Island – thanks to significant investment in fiber throughout the county.

More than a decade ago, Cellcom began constructing what is known as middle-mile fiber from Sturgeon Bay to Gills Rock, connecting its cell sites throughout the county to fiber. This has allowed for regular network enhancements to bring faster speeds and more connections to wireless users. Last fall in partnership with Washington Island Electric Cooperative, Cellcom extended its fiber network to Washington Island.

“Cellcom connected its cell site on the island to fiber, allowing for an improved experience for wireless users on the island. We added capacity in July and in the first week the improvement allowed for 243% increase in data traffic at our busiest time and download speeds increased by 50% on average. This would not have been possible without fiber,” said Rick Brooks, chief technical officer for Cellcom. “With one site serving the entire island, we know there are coverage constraints in some of the more remote corners. Our next phase of wireless improvements will focus on expanding coverage using small cells.”

Small cells are miniature, low-powered cell sites that can be placed in popular areas to further improve the wireless experience. Later this year, Cellcom will be placing small cells near School House Beach, along Lobdell Point Rd to provide coverage between the ferry harbor and Main Rd., and near the intersection of Main Rd. and Michigan Rd. In 2024, the company will add small cells near Jackson Harbor and Njord Heim Dr.

“Options for expanding coverage on the island were previously limited. With fiber, we can offer creative solutions that fit the areas that need coverage without obstructing the beauty that people come to enjoy,” said Brooks. “Small cells are installed on utility poles in most cases, and we are furthering our partnership with Washington Island Electric Cooperative to make each of these projects a reality. This will help meet customer demands and improve safety for residents and visitors.”

Beyond the island, Cellcom has been working to upgrade its network throughout the county. In 2023, Cellcom will have completed enhancements to expand coverage, increase speeds and allow for more connections at each of its cell sites in Door County.

“These improvements are nearly complete, which has been especially beneficial during the tourism season where we see traffic explode as visitors pour into the area. The improvements result in a better wireless experience even during these busy times in the community and on our network,” said Brooks.

Cellcom is an innovative wireless company that operates its own regional network to provide service for its customer base throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. The company is respected for its long-standing reputation of delivering extraordinary customer care and being a strong community partner. As a subsidiary of Nsight, Cellcom is part of a family of companies offering complete telecommunications services. Learn more at www.cellcom.com.

New Towers and Small Cells Added

De Pere, WI (August 18, 2023) – Wireless usage continues to climb driving the need for expanded wireless networks. Cellcom, a local carrier, has again significantly invested in its network in De Pere and Ledgeview to deliver strong wireless service to area residents and visitors. Two new cell sites were activated, along with two small cells to help address the increase in wireless use and further enhance the overall wireless experience.

“As demand for cell service continues to increase, particularly data, these new cell sites and small cells move users off high-traffic sites, which helps improve everyone’s experience delivering faster speeds, more connections at one time and additional coverage.,” said Rick Brooks, CTO and VP of Engineering for Cellcom. “This extra capacity is particularly beneficial during high-traffic events. The improvements result in a better wireless experience even during these busy times in the community and on our network.”

The activated new sites are located near Highway 43 and Pine Grove Rd. and on Heritage Rd. near Highway 32. Small cells are miniature, low-powered cell sites that can be placed in populated areas to further improve the wireless experience. Cellcom recently activated two small cells at busy areas along Heritage Rd.

“Small cells blend into their surroundings and help in busy commerce areas, near schools or by venues where large events are held,” said Brooks. “Despite their small size, they can take as long to plan and implement as a full-size cell site. Our teams are already planning ahead for enhancements in future years.”

Cellcom is an innovative wireless company that operates its own regional network to provide service for its customer base throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. The company is respected for its long-standing reputation of delivering extraordinary customer care and being a strong community partner. As a subsidiary of Nsight, Cellcom is part of a family of companies offering complete telecommunications services. Learn more at www.cellcom.com.