March 28, 2018 – Redzone Wireless, LLC, a Maine-based 5Gx wireless broadband innovation company, announced that it has begun a 2018 network expansion to further extend broadband services into 13 rural and underserved markets across Maine.

The expanded network will cover a large geographic area within Maine and reach more than 40,000 new locations in 25 different towns. Once completed, the larger network will also serve as the foundation for delivering broadband service into many more underserved rural Maine towns. 

Redzone’s planned multi million-dollar expansion represents significant investment in next generation broadband wireless infrastructure in Maine.  Community selection was based on broadband service availability data, in conjunction with thousands of broadband service requests received directly by Redzone in the 13 selected areas during 2017.  Redzone’s broadband expansion is scheduled to be fully completed, operational in 2018.

Redzone also announced that it has completed the first phase of the expansion in Liberty, Maine extending broadband wireless service to 500 new households in the towns of Liberty, Freedom, Searsmont, Appleton, Montville, Union & Washington.    

“Redzone Wireless remains on the forefront of fixed wireless broadband network innovation, and we have advanced the reliability, capacity and speed of our 5Gxâ technology substantially over the last year,” said Jim McKenna, President of Redzone Wireless. “We are confident in both our 5Gxâ network and the ability of our team to execute on this ambitious plan to bring improved broadband services to thousands of additional Maine households and businesses in 2018.” 

Redzone company management has also affirmed its participation in 2018 federal broadband development programs including the FCC’s Connect America Fund (CAFII), and USDA’s Community Connect grant program.

“It is good news for Maine's economy, educational opportunities, and healthcare access when internet service providers invest in expanding the reach of their broadband networks,” United States Senator Angus King said. “Each new effort to leverage private and public resources to increase broadband access or improve consumer choice is a win for Maine and the future of our economy.” 

“While our privately funded 2018 network expansion is significant, we know that there are still too many Mainers living without adequate broadband access in rural areas that are difficult and costly to serve,” said Michael Forcillo, Redzone Executive Vice President. “We are exploring every opportunity to collaborate with strategic partners, municipalities and federal government agencies to make broadband access a reality for all Mainers.”  

Redzone began offering broadband services in 2015, and currently provides affordable wireless access to 225,000 Maine households across more than 50 communities.