PORTLAND — RedZone Wireless launched its wireless Internet service in Greater Portland and Waterville on Wednesday, marking the start of service Gov. Paul LePage and state officials said could be a “game changer” for expanding broadband Internet in the state.
The service uses a specific range of the wireless spectrum the Federal Communications Commission set aside for educational institutions, which RedZone uses through a 30-year agreement with the University of Maine.
Jim McKenna, president of the Camden-based RedZone, said Wednesday the company planned to set up service at 15 sites by the end of the year.
The success of that effort will determine how quickly the company may expand to rural areas of the state, McKenna said.
“It’s a cutting-edge technology, and it’s truly a game changer for Mainers,” LePage said.
The company uses 4G LTE, or long-term evolution, technology similar to what sends data to smartphones. Its radio towers then connect to fiber-optic cable that provides “backhaul” for the service.
The company announced Wednesday it also launched service to Great Diamond Island off Portland in Casco Bay.
The wireless technology is a little better than line-of-sight service, according to Tilson Technology CEO Josh Broder, whose company prepares tower sites and installs equipment for RedZone’s network.
Maine consistently is ranked among the slowest for broadband service nationally.
The company will pay the university system about $210,000 for the first year, an amount that increases annually.
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