Manchin, Capito Visit US Cellular 5G Wireless Pilot Site in Kingwood, West Virginia

  

Kingwood, WV – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) visited the new US Cellular 5G wireless tower pilot site in Kingwood, West Virginia. The site deploys new mmWave 5G technology that can deliver speeds in excess of 800 mbps download and 60 mbps upload to a home or business while also enabling 5G mobile broadband for the surrounding area.  US Cellular’s 5G wireless tower pilot in Kingwood is unique in that it uses mmWave on a large Macro Tower, extending the range and coverage dramatically.

 

“Reliable, affordable broadband access is absolutely critical for West Virginians to be able to do their jobs well, complete their homework, keep up with their healthcare appointments, and to compete in a 21st century economy,” said Senator Manchin. “Today, Senator Capito and I visited the new US Cellular 5G wireless pilot site in Kingwood. Our visit highlighted the potential of this new technology to bring broadband access to every West Virginian, no matter where they live. And the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill that Senator Capito and I negotiated provides nearly $600 million to make a real change in reliable, accessible broadband access for all West Virginians. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of US Cellular’s efforts for broadband expansion here in the Mountain State.”

 

“Because West Virginia’s landscape presents natural challenges in deploying broadband, it’s critical to constantly explore new options to connect our communities, which is something I am actively doing through my Capito Connect initiative,” Senator Capito said. “Fortunately, fixed wireless has stepped in to provide service in the hardest-to-reach areas of West Virginia, and I’m excited to see its capabilities continue to grow and play a much-needed role in more rural areas. Innovative solutions, combined with key investments like those in the bipartisan infrastructure package, will go a long way in delivering affordable, fast, and reliable internet in our state.”