U.S. Cellular announced that the West Virginia Public Service Commission has deemed it an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) by allowing the company to access funds from the federal Universal Service Fund.  U.S. Cellular said it will use the funds to build and expand the wireless infrastructure for West Virginia’s rural and underserved communities, bringing new or improved service to approximately 405,000 residents.

U.S. Cellular said it expects to build as many as 70 new cell sites in West Virginia over the next five years.

“We are extremely pleased with this decision and thank the West Virginia Public Service Commission for its timely and thoughtful review of our application,” said John E. Rooney, U.S. Cellular president and CEO. “This designation will enable us to provide more rural West Virginians with access to dependable wireless services – the same services that urban folks now take for granted.”

“Wireless service is no longer a luxury to be enjoyed only by our urban residents,” said Governor Joe Manchin. “It is a fundamental necessity for personal and public safety, tourism, economic growth and long-term infrastructure development…We are pleased to welcome U.S. Cellular's continued investment in our rural communities.”