Category: General

Luxemburg, WI (November 7, 2022) – Cellcom has completed construction of its fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) network in Luxemburg, giving all residents and businesses in the village access to speeds starting at 300 Mbps and ranging up to a gigabit. Installations continue for those who have placed orders and all addresses are able to take advantage of the new, high-speed service. 

The Village of Luxemburg signed the agreement with Cellcom in February of 2021, seeking to quickly provide access to the latest technology for the community. 

 “When we signed on with Cellcom we wanted to fulfill the need for affordable and reliable internet for every address in our community. We also wanted to get the project underway so residents could benefit from the project as soon as possible. The village is thankful for Cellcom’s partnership to really meet the needs of our residents now and well into the future with a fiber network, and for doing so well within the proposed timeline,” said Jack Seidl, president of Village of Luxemburg.

Fiber internet offers faster speeds, more bandwidth and improved reliability over other technologies. The increased bandwidth can support more devices at one time, including multiple devices streaming or video conferencing simultaneously. Reliability keeps smart-home devices like security cameras, thermostats and more running around the clock. Since signing on to the project, Cellcom enhanced its service offering to provide equal upload and download capabilities. These symmetrical speeds are a major benefit for large uploads, smooth video calls or hosting live-streaming feeds.

 “Cellcom is committed to serving rural areas and providing these communities with the latest technological advances. We are headquartered right here in northeast Wisconsin and know that people living in a small, close-knit community want access to the same technical amenities as metropolitan areas. We’re excited to have delivered that access to Luxemburg to effectively meet the need for high-speed connections today and for the future,” said Brighid Riordan, CEO of Cellcom.

Additional details are available at www.cellcom.com/luxemburg.

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Luxemburg is a safe and friendly place with hardworking citizens who take pride in their village. With strong commitment and good planning, Luxemburg has created a growing community that allows people to raise a family in a secure environment with good moral values. Geographically, Luxemburg has the luxury of being located between Lake Michigan and the city of Green Bay where residents can take advantage of city amenities and the premiere vacationing spot of the Midwest, Door County. Additionally, Luxemburg is the place those looking to start or relocate a business have been searching for. Learn more at www.luxemburgusa.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. Cellcom also delivers fiber internet and accompanying services in select markets as part of a the Nsight family of companies. Learn more at www.cellcom.com.

Media Contact:

Tammy VanDenBusch
Communications Manager
(920) 617-7107

Cindy Durand
Senior Director of Marketing Communications
(920) 617-7069

Green Bay, WI (October 28, 2022) – Cellcom is using old cell phones to invest in the local community. The wireless company has selected 32 non-profits to receive $30,527 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 smartphones 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 2022 Cellcom Green Gifts were awarded throughout Cellcom’s service area and included:

• Baird Creek Preservation Foundation (Green Bay)
• Berry Lake Property Owners Association (Gillett)
• Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System – UW- Green Bay (Green Bay)
• Boys & Girls Club of Portage County (Stevens Point)
• Brown County Parks – Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve Suamico)
• Camp Nicolet Foundation (Eagle River)
• Community Clothes Project (Menasha)
• Crossroads and Big Creek (Sturgeon Bay)
• Environmental Park Trust of Sheboygan County (Sheboygan)
• Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance (Appleton)
• Friends of Rib Mountain State Park (Wausau)
• Glacial Lakes Conservancy (Sheboygan)
• Glacierland Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. (Green Bay)
• Green Bay Botanical Garden (Green Bay)
• Green Bay Sail & Paddle (Green Bay)
• Heckrodt Wetland Reserve (Menasha)
• Jorgens Park Preserve (Scandinavia)
• Manitowoc Public School District – Rahr Memorial School Forest (Manitowoc)
• Menominee Indian High School (Keshena)
• Monk Botanical Gardens (Wausau)
• Navarino Nature Center (Shawano)
• New Leaf Foods, Inc. (Green Bay)
• Newport Wilderness Society (Ellison Bay)
• North Lakeland Discovery Center (Manitowish Waters)
• Open Door Bird Sanctuary (Sturgeon Bay)
• Pulaski FFA (Pulaski)
• Shawano County Land Conservation Department (Shawano)
• Trees for Tomorrow (Eagle River)
• Waterways Association of Menominee and Shawano Counties
• Waukechon 4H Club (Shawano)
• Wild Instincts (Rhinelander)
• Woodland Dunes Nature Center (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 $581,206 for local charities over the past 19 years. Consumers can contribute to the program by donating their old cell phones for recycling at any Cellcom retail location.

Cellcom is an innovative wireless and broadband 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.

Media Contact:

Tammy VanDenBusch
Communications Manager
(920) 617-7107

Cindy Durand
Senior Director of Marketing Communications
(920) 617-7069

Cellcom Sets 2G and 3G Network Shutdown Dates for 2023

Green Bay, WI (October 27, 2022) – Last year wireless users in the United States used more data than 53.4 trillion MBs of data; that’s more data consumed than the years 2010 through 2017 combined and more than double data usage in 2020^[1]. To support this increasing consumption and demand for fast data connections, the wireless industry is investing in the 4G and 5G networks that deliver high-speed data interactions while also supporting calling and texting functionality. This collective focus on 5G and the latest network technology is bringing the retirement of older 2G and 3G networks for the industry.

Wisconsin-based wireless carrier Cellcom has set shutdown dates for its 2G and 3G networks in two phases. On March 31, 2023, the company will turn down data (internet) on its 2G and 3G networks, and on December 1, 2023 the voice (calling) functionality will be retired.

Devices that solely rely on 2G and 3G networks, which represents a very small percentage of overall devices, will no longer function. This will impact both Cellcom customers and partners who utilize Cellcom’s network. Cellcom is directly contacting its customers who will need a new device and encouraging them to take action as soon as possible. Impacted devices include basic phones that do not support 4G, early smartphones that do not support Advanced Calling (VoLTE), 3G-only data devices like mobile hotspots (Mi-Fi) or residential broadband devices, and home phone replacement devices that do not support Advanced Calling (VoLTE).

Devices that use 4G and 5G will continue to default to these two networks, which will continue to work in tandem for years to come. Wireless users may be impacted by the shutdown of other wireless networks ahead of Cellcom’s 2G and 3G network shutdown. Cellcom has worked for several years to transfer customers to capable devices and aims for a seamless overall experience for its customers.

For details about the shutdown customers can visit Cellcom.com/networkupdate, contact 800-236-0555 or stop by a local Cellcom location. 

Cellcom is an innovative wireless and broadband 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.

^[1] According to CTIA Annual Survey

Media Contact:

Tammy VanDenBusch
Communications Manager
(920) 617-7107

Cindy Durand
Senior Director of Marketing Communications
(920) 617-7069

Cellcom’s Middle-Mile Fiber Network Extends to Island; Fiber-to-the-Home Connections from Washington Island Electric Cooperative Coming Soon

Washington Island, WI (October 25, 2022) – Washington Island is on its way to becoming a Gig Island. Cellcom, an Nsight company, in partnership with Washington Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WIEC), has completed the middle-mile fiber connection to Washington Island crossing under the water of Death’s Door where Lake Michigan and Green Bay meet. This crucial connection will power the fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network delivered by WIEC. By the end of the project every home, business and anchor institution on the island will have access to speeds of 1 gigabit per second (1000 Mbps) with future expansion possible.

In 2018, Cellcom completed a multi-year project to install fiber optic cable throughout Door County, known as middle-mile fiber. This base infrastructure is necessary to connect fiber to homes and businesses. Cellcom also leverages this network for cellular service. Fiber to cell towers, including the tower on Washington Island, allows for faster speeds and more connections and will make way for the robust enhancements planned for wireless service in the future on Washington Island, Rock Island and throughout the county. This will benefit residents and the tens of thousands of visitors each year.

The middle-mile fiber network spans from Brussels to Gills Rock and crisscrosses the peninsula on the way up. The route initially stopped short of traveling underwater to Washington Island.

“Cellcom specializes in serving rural communities, including challenging areas. Middle-mile fiber construction in Door County was an immense undertaking. Our team went the extra mile to preserve landscapes and work through the rocky terrain. Getting to Gills Rock and turning up fiber in the largely rural county was a huge success but bringing fiber to Washington Island has long been an aspiration for our company,” said Brighid Riordan, CEO of Cellcom.

Washington Island previously relied solely on a microwave connection (a type of wireless delivery) to the mainland for landline telephone, including 911 service, and internet. The community was plagued with long-term internet outages, disruptions to essential landline phone services, insufficient internet speeds and at lack of support from the existing provider. When the underwater electrical cable serving Washington Island suffered catastrophic damage in 2018 requiring it to be replaced, WIEC and Cellcom came together to add fiber to the electrical project. The entities partnered on two broadband grants from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) in 2018 and 2021, which divided the costs between a large investment from Cellcom, a large investment and in-kind work from WIEC, and grant funding.

“There are key elements that make fiber projects successful, including community support and grant funding. Washington Island Electric Cooperative was passionate about the project and eager to partner to make it a reality. While bringing fiber to a rural island is fraught by challenges, it’s a necessity today for quality of life and livelihood,” said Riordan.

“The cooperative had been pursuing and advocating for better service for our island community for many years.  Our current success stemmed from a disaster which was our submarine cable failure. Cellcom invested more than funds in the project. Their engineering and grant-writing expertise were crucial to securing initial funding and ultimately providing the backhaul for the island’s internet connectivity. WIEC was fortunate to have the support of a local company who truly cared about helping our rural community. This allowed us to pursue and win additional grant funding and positions us for the future and project to serve every single home and business on Washington Island, not just picking the easy ones. In addition, the connectivity required for our project is enabling the project in Liberty Grove which emphasizes the cooperation between communities required to advance this necessary service,” said Robert Cornell, manager of WIEC.

Delivering fiber to a rural island is a historic achievement and the selection of the first customer, which will be the Washington Island School, had other ties to the past.

“Recognizing that students are our future, the school will be the first electric customer of Washington Island Electric Cooperative in 1945. While at a different location today, in a hat tip to former manager Ray Krause and the board of directors, the Washington Island School will be our first connection for fiber because that same reason is true today and this service is as vital to continued success,” said Cornell. “What started out as an idea and dream to bring high-speed broadband to the island is now a reality. Much like bringing electricity to the island, it’s truly a historic time. While we’re just getting started with the fiber-to-the-home portion of the project, this has been years in the making. It would not have been possible without Cellcom partnering to extend its middle-mile fiber network in Door County with the underwater electrical cable.”

Cellcom and the Nsight family of companies now have more than 160 route miles of fiber Door County, part of more than 4,000 route miles of network. In addition to powering the Washington Island fiber-to-the-home service, the network is the starting point for fiber projects in two other communities. The towns of Baileys Harbor and Liberty Grove are both partnering with Cellcom to build out service in the coming year. Construction of pilot projects in portions of both townships are poised to begin this fall and Baileys Harbor is in the planning phase for the project to cover every address.

“Leveraging an existing middle-mile network means this necessary layer of infrastructure for a community fiber network is already paid for, which makes best use of investments from towns and grant dollars, which are both funded by taxpayers,” said Riordan. “We are proud to utilize our expertise in Baileys Harbor, Liberty Grove and beyond as we work to bring the latest technology to communities of all sizes, by following through on commitments and making responsible and efficient-use of tax-payer funded government grants.”

Resources:

• Washington Island Electric Cooperative – wiecoop.com
• Liberty Grove fiber project – cellcom.com/libertygrove
• Baileys Harbor fiber project – cellcom.com/baileysharbor
• Communities interested in discussing a fiber project – broadband@cellcom.com

Cellcom is an innovative wireless and broadband 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.

Pictured above: Brighid Riordan (CEO, Cellcom), Robert Cornell (manager, WIEC), Bob Webb (VP of IT Services and Innovative Technical Operations, Cellcom) and Rick Brooks (CTO and VP of Engineering) at the point where the underwater cable connects on the island. You can see the mainland of Door County in the background and the fiber connection in the foreground!

Media Contact:

Tammy VanDenBusch
Communications Manager
(920) 617-7107

Cindy Durand
Senior Director of Marketing Communications
(920) 617-7069

Green Bay, WI (September 9, 2022) – Cellcom will offer the most advanced iPhone lineup ever with iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max, the new Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE with groundbreaking technology and performance, Apple Watch Ultra with a completely reimagined design and extraordinary new capabilities, and the second generation of AirPods Pro, the most advanced AirPods yet. Customers will be able to pre-order all iPhone models beginning Friday, September 9, with availability for iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max beginning Friday, September 16, and Friday, October 7 for iPhone 14 Plus. Customers can also order Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra beginning today with availability for Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE on Friday, September 16, and Friday, September 23 for Apple Watch Ultra. For AirPods Pro (2nd Generation), customers can order online on Friday, September 9, with availability in stores on Friday, September 23. For complete pricing and availability details, please visit cellcom.com.

iPhone 14 Plus available in October. iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone Pro Max are subject to FCC rules as well as consumer protection, contractual, and other provisions of federal or state laws. It (they) cannot be sold or delivered until the FCC’s authorization process is complete. This product is subject to FCC rules as well as consumer protection, contractual, and other provisions of federal or state law. It cannot be sold or delivered until the FCC’s authorization process is complete.

Media Contact:

Tammy VanDenBusch
Communications Manager
(920) 617-7107

Cindy Durand
Senior Director of Marketing Communications
(920) 617-7069

Howard, WI (September 1, 2022) – Meadowbrook Park in the village of Howard will soon be home to additional pollinator-friendly spaces and a temporary home to a herd of goats. Thanks to a donation from Cellcom, the village of Howard will be transforming two areas of Meadowbrook Park currently infiltrated with invasive species into pollinator gardens.

To reduce negative environmental impact of the project, goats will be used as an initial measure to clear the space. Goats graze as a herd and are known to eat almost anything within the confines of a fenced in area. This includes invasive, hard-to-eliminate plants like Canada goldenrod and buckthorn that are present in Meadowbrook Park. The benefit of restoration grazing service is no gas-powered heavy equipment and a decreased need for herbicides.

“Pollinators are vital to sustaining healthy ecosystems that support everything from the food we eat to clean air to stable soils. With research showing that pollinator populations are on the decline, we need to do what we can to prevent further loss. Communities taking the lead like the village of Howard can further inspire citizens to take part,” said Kevin Corbett, engineering technician with Brown County Land Water & Conservation Department. “Restoration grazing certainly adds to the interest of the project and is a sustainable method of starting a transformation.”

Cellcom is a long-time supporter of sustainability projects and implemented pollinator-friendly spaces at its corporate offices in Howard when the building was constructed in 1999.

“Cellcom is focused on reducing our negative impact on the environment and investing in projects in our communities that do the same. This project is in our backyard and has the support of local citizens and the village of Howard. We’re proud that we’re able to provide the funding to make it a reality,” said Mick O’Malley, director of sustainability at Cellcom.

The village of Howard expects to seed the areas in the spring. Pollinator projects take time to reach full growth, however, residents should enjoy some first-year flowers–and the pollinators they attract–next summer.

“This project will beautify and make use of vacant land within Meadowbrook Park that would otherwise not see much attention. We see this as a pilot project and hope to continue to work with Brown County Land & Water Conservation to plant more pollinator gardens on other village land,” said Paul Evert, village administrator for Howard. “We hope residents will stop down and see the space as it grows and consider adding natural landscaping at their homes and businesses in the future.”

The goats from Liberation Farmers will arrive for duty on Labor Day and will be located along one of the paths in Meadowbrook Park. The goats are fenced in utilizing a low-voltage, solar-powered electric fence. Those viewing the goats are asked to remain a safe distance from the fencing. Those interested in viewing the goats work online or learning more about the project can visit cellcom.com/green.

Brown County Land & Water Conservation has pollinator seed mix available for purchase along with a resource guide from Brown County UW-Extension. The seed mix is available at their office at 2019 Technology Way, Ste. 104, Green Bay between 7:00AM-3:30PM. The packet will cover up to 1000 square feet for $15. The office can be reached at 920-391-4637.

Media Contact:

Tammy VanDenBusch
Communications Manager
(920) 617-7107

Cindy Durand
Senior Director of Marketing Communications
(920) 617-7069

$30,000 will be donated to environmental causes

(August 22, 2022) – Cellcom is now accepting applications for the 2022 Green Gifts program. Through Green Gifts, Cellcom donates proceeds from its cell phone recycling program to local organizations, programs and projects that are dedicated to or support the environment, ranging from environmental education to preservation to sustainability.

“Northeast Wisconsin has an abundance of lakes, rivers, forests, and wildlife. It’s what attracts many of us to the area, whether it’s for our residence or recreation. And it is up to us to protect these natural resources,” said Cindy Durand, senior director of marketing communications, government relations and sustainability at Cellcom. “We’re excited to support nonprofits that are leading the way as environmental stewards. These efforts pave the way for our communities to connect with nature by enhancing natural areas, providing educational programming, and spearheading research efforts.”

Green Gifts complete the green cycle that starts with consumers being environmentally conscious and recycling their old handsets.

“We encourage you to recycle old, unused phones at a local Cellcom location for responsible disposal. This keeps harmful materials out of landfills and supports local organizations of all sizes whose work is positively impacting the community and building a greener tomorrow,” said Durand

This year a total of $30,000 will be donated across Cellcom’s service area. Applications must be submitted by September 22 at noon. The online application and additional criteria can be found at www.cellcom.com/greengifts. Award recipients will be notified in October.

Media Contact:

Tammy VanDenBusch
Communications Manager
(920) 617-7107

Cindy Durand
Senior Director of Marketing Communications
(920) 617-7069

Green Bay, WI (August 16, 2022) – The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon was grateful to make an in-person return in May and now the impact of race weekend is being passed along to the community with the donation of event proceeds to local charity partners. The non-profit event is proud to award a total of $100,000 to its charity partners Greater Green Bay YMCA and New Community Shelter.

“There was an overwhelming sense of gratitude at this year’s Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. We were thrilled to be back together to promote wellness, boost local tourism and bring the community together. Today, we are grateful to further the impact of race weekend with this donation to local non-profits. Our partners invest the donations and improve our community with their programs. 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 24 local charity partners. This year’s donation includes a $10,000 matching gift from CoBank’s Sharing Success program. Title sponsor Cellcom nominated the event and its charity partners for the donation. Sharing Success relies on CoBank’s customers to identify organizations and programs that are making a difference in rural communities.

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.

“The New Community Shelter is honored to have the opportunity to partner with the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. The partnership with the shelter has a huge impact in the lives of the people we help every day. It allows us to continue our mission to help and support individuals and families all year long. The funding we receive from this event will support our Community Meal Program, which provides meals every day to children and adults from our community who would otherwise go hungry. This year we are helping more people than ever before, which makes this donation so very important and appreciated. Being a charity partner is also great for shelter residents who desire and appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community that supports them and their temporary home,” said Terri Refsguard, CEO of New Community Shelter.

Greater Green Bay YMCA is dedicated to strengthening the spirit, mind and body of the community. More than a fitness center, the organization focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Donations from the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon will be used for community wellness initiatives.

“We are grateful for the generosity of the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon in supporting our health specialty programs at the Greater Green Bay YMCA. This donation will allow us to elevate our work in the areas of community wellness. Specifically, these funds strengthen programs such as LIVESTRONG and Stay Strong at the YMCA for cancer survivors, Exercising with Parkinson’s, Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring and Walk with Ease for those with arthritis. These programs are vital to our goal of cultivating wellness in spirit, mind and body for all. Thank you to the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon board, volunteers and sponsors for their dedication to wellness for our community”, said Kathleen McKee, Vice President of Programs and Innovation at the Greater Green Bay YMCA.

The Mary Poppele Award, given to the top fundraiser, was also presented today. Recipient Katie Fichtenbauer raised $355 through the Run for a Reason program. 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.

Media Contact:

Tammy VanDenBusch
Communications Manager
(920) 617-7107

Cindy Durand
Senior Director of Marketing Communications
(920) 617-7069

Pulaski, WI (August 11, 2022) – On August 24, Nsight Telservices customers in Pulaski, Abrams and the surrounding areas will experience a brief interruption to phone service, including the ability to dial 911, while equipment is upgraded.

Phone service will be impacted for approximately one hour with the interruption planned shortly after midnight. Customers will lose dial tone when the upgrade begins, and it will return when it is complete, indicating that service is restored and calls can resume.

Nsight Telservices customers should plan to use a cell phone for calls, including reaching 911 during this time. Customers without a cell phone are encouraged to make a back-up plan for emergency calls during this time. This could include identifying a nearby neighbor within walking or driving distance, staying with a relative or friend or borrowing a cellular device from someone for this time window. 

Questions can be directed to Nsight Telservices customer care at 800-826-5215.

Nsight Telservices offers world-class telecommunication solutions with exceptional customer care. Residential offerings include high-speed internet, voice, and cable television for customers in various service areas of Northeast Wisconsin. Nsight, parent company of Nsight Telservices and Cellcom, is a premier communications provider throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. To learn more about Nsight Telservices, visit www.nsighttel.com 

Media Contact:

Tammy VanDenBusch
Communications Manager
(920) 617-7107

Cindy Durand
Senior Director of Marketing Communications
(920) 617-7069

Call and Text Support Available

Green Bay, WI (July 15, 2022) – A faster way to seek mental health support during a crisis will soon be available nationwide. Starting July 16, calling or texting 988 will connect individuals to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. The toll-free number 1-800-273-TALK is available now and will remain available after the nationwide transition to the short code is completed on July 16.

Calling or texting 988 connects an individual to a trained counselor at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network Lifeline counselors will listen, provide support, and connect individuals to additional resources if necessary.

“Lifeline is a critical resource, and the new nationwide 988 short code will make it very easy to access. We encourage people to share this number with their friends, family and networks to help spread the word and possibly save a life,” said Cindy Durand, senior director of public affairs at Nsight.

The texting service does not support multimedia messages, including pictures and videos. Including these items will cause message failure. Users should only include text in the body of their text messages to 988.

There is no charge from a service provider to utilize this service, however the device needs to have an active plan and will not work on a disconnected cell phone. For additional information, Cellcom customers can visit www.cellcom.com/988 and Nsight Telservices customers can visit www.nsighttel.com/news-room.  

For more about the Lifeline, people can visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Media Contact:

Tammy VanDenBusch
Communications Manager
(920) 617-7107

Cindy Durand
Senior Director of Marketing Communications
(920) 617-7069