Telecom Lead America: Bluegrass Cellular has launched the first phase of its 4G LTE network as part of the Verizon Wireless LTE in Rural America (LRA) program.

This initial launch covers a population area of over 348,000 people in its largest markets and includes the I-65 corridor providing 4G LTE coverage between Louisville and Nashville.

“We are particularly proud to provide LTE service to Fort Knox and its population of more than 40,000 soldiers, family members and civilian employees,” said Ron Smith, president of Bluegrass Cellular.

Bluegrass Cellular 4G customers and Verizon Wireless customers will now have access to LTE-speed data services within Bluegrass Cellular’s 4G LTE coverage areas and Bluegrass customers will also have access to Verizon’s 4G LTE network throughout the United States.

Bluegrass Cellular projects that LTE customers will experience download speeds of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) and 2 to 5 Mbps for uploading data to a wireless device.

Under the LTE in Rural America program, Verizon Wireless sought rural carriers to jumpstart the delivery of LTE services to rural communities throughout the United States. The Verizon LTE in Rural America program now features eighteen carriers in fourteen states across America, covering 2.7 million people and 144,000 square miles.

Under the agreement, Verizon Wireless leased to Bluegrass Cellular its 700 MHz upper C block wireless spectrum in the Bluegrass Cellular service areas where Verizon Wireless has not constructed a network.  Using the leased spectrum, Bluegrass Cellular constructed and operates a 4G LTE network in central Kentucky serving Bluegrass Cellular customers, Verizon customers and customers of other LTE in Rural America participants. In addition, Bluegrass Cellular customers have access to Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network throughout the United States.

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