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.
