Speakers support cell phone proposal

The Nebraska Service Commission held its final public hearing on a Viaero Wireless application to receive Universal Service Fund money to provide seamless wireless coverage to rural Nebraska. The hearing was conducted in Council Chambers in McCook's Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday.

Leslie Carlholm, Community Development Director for Imperial, told the commission she was concerned with the "spotty" coverage that current cellular companies provide.

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"I took the approach as Community Development Director and the parent of teenage drivers," Carlholm said, also stating that residents of Imperial drive an average of 13 miles each way to work every day. "Many are on dirt roads all seasons of the year. If they would be stranded or have an accident, chances are they would not be able to use their cell phone."

Carlholm said the service Alltel, a current provider for the area, provides is "sporadic even within the community." She says this raises a concern with economic development for Imperial.

Deann Doker, Chase County E-911 Coordinator, ap-peared before the commission and said that 50 percent of the time cell phone users are unable to call because of very poor or no service in Chase County.

Mike Ketter, manager of Wine Glass Ranch near Imperial, said he can stand on main street in Imperial and not receive any service on his cell phone.

"I carry a cell phone and, quite frankly, I don't know why. It works about 20 percent of the time," Ketter said.

Terry Vilbka, a farm operator from Enders, appeared on behalf of Viaero Wireless. He said with his current service he is forced to use an old analog phone because the newer digital phones don't receive service.

"I am doing business in five counties," Vilbka said of where he needs cell service. "It is spotty, at best."

Nebraska Public Service Commission:

http://www.psc.state.ne.us/