Redzone's 2019 expansion spreads coverage to 63% of Maine
Photo / Maureen Milliken
Gardiner, and Randolph, across the river, are two of 28 towns and cities added to Redzone's coverage area in 2019.
Redzone Wireless LLC in 2019 activated 28 new fixed wireless broadband service sites in Maine from North Berwick to Fort Kent, the Rockland-based broadband services company said in a news release.
Redzone added 55,000 households, including 8,000 considered underserved, and it’s total Maine coverage of 25 mpbs broadband has grown to 350,000 households, which represents 63% of the state. Internet speeds of 25 mbps are recommended by the Federal Communications Commission for homes with multiple users, or people who do substantial work online. The state, in its Broadband Action Plan, describes underserved areas as those without access to at least 25 mbps.
Coverage was added last year in Alfred, Bath, Belfast, Bucksport/Verona Island, Calais, Dover-Foxcroft, Farmington, Fairfield, Fort Kent, Frankfort, Greene, Lisbon Falls, Machias, Madison, Morrill, Naples, New Gloucester, New Sharon, Norridgewock, Palmyra, Presque Isle, Randolph/Gardiner, Sanford, Skowhegan, Union/Washington, Wells/North Berwick, Windham and Winthrop.
“It is beyond gratifying to connect so many Maine families and businesses to true broadband — in many cases for the first time, while also working to make a positive impact in the local communities where our customers and employees live and work,” said Michael Forcillo, executive vice president of Redzone Wireless. “Broadband connectivity is an essential service for individuals, particularly in rural Maine communities. Redzone is committed to leveling the digital playing field so all Mainers have every possible opportunity to benefit from affordable broadband connectivity.”
Strengthening regional businesses
The company, which started in 2014, leases wireless spectrum bands, rather than using cable or fiber. Redzone’s 5Gx fixed wireless broadband network is considered one of the largest FCC licensed fixed wireless broadband deployments in the U.S., the company said last year. Its 5Gx is a version of 5G technology that is adapted specifically for rural and lower-population area broadband, the company said.
According to The ConnectME Authority, Maine’s broadband authority, there are 80,000 locations in the state that lack access to 25 Mbps broadband service. Redzone estimates that it has narrowed Maine’s broadband gap by 10%, with new access provided to 8,000 previously underserved locations as a result of completing its 2019 expansion, the release said.
The expansion by the Rockland-based company, which is privately funded, follows an equally ambitious expansion in 2018.
“We’ve significantly expanded the reach of our broadband services, and made substantial investments in network infrastructure this year," said Jim McKenna, Redzone president and CEO.
Katey Doherty, CEO of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce, said the expansion to the Gardiner-Randolph area benefits the larger region. The ability to access high quality broadband gives businesses in the area the opportunity to harness technology to their benefit and grow and sustain a successful business," Doherty said in the release. "It is also a great development for the region as a whole with everyone who lives, works and plays here."
In Windham, the expansion means a stronger business market, said Tom Bartell, executive director of the Windham Economic Development Corp. "We’ve been striving to bring additional players into the broadband market to provide competition and it is good to see the market growing," Bartell said.
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