FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                       

Contact:         Tara Anderson
                        Marketing, Public Relations
                        tlanderson@CellularOneaz.com                   
                        928-205-9749
                        928-537-0690 x2221  

CellularOne Keeps Firefighters connected

Local Operator Supports Command Central with Free Cellular Service

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CellularOne supports Command Central – The Wallow fire has been wreaking havoc across some of the most beautiful areas of the White Mountains. Having already engulfed over 348,000 acres of forest, the wildfire is proving a challenge for emergency crews to tame. However, the Area Command Center is now even better equipped to coordinate efforts to battle the blaze. Having experienced some coverage and congestion problems using the larger national cellular networks, it quickly emerged that local cell phone operator CellularOne had the most reliable network and the strongest coverage in key areas of firefighting activity.

“When we realized that we needed better cell phone coverage we called CellularOne and within hours they were on-site with 20 handsets and free credit. I cannot overstate the importance of being able to rely on dependable communications in coordinating our efforts,” said Steve Holder, Head of Logistics Support for Area Command. 

Judd Hinkle, the new CellularOne Chief Operating Officer was quick to point out that CellularOne is very conscious of taking seriously its local responsibilities and looking after its customers and communities in the White Mountains. “CellularOne has been serving the White Mountains communities for 17 years; our staff and customers are our friends and family, we are all local and we take very seriously the responsibility we feel towards looking after our own in times of danger and when our homes are threatened,” said Hinkle. He went on to note that specialist engineers have been deployed by the cellphone company throughout their coverage area. “We may have lost some of our equipment in Greer to the fire, however that was a conscious decision to leave that site on air for as long as it could survive in order to maintain communications until the last possible minute.” Hinkle went on to say that the CellularOne network was performing at optimum with no congestion and that engineers were in the field actively ensuring that the network continues to perform without issue.

Meanwhile, down the road at Blue Ridge High School, the Red Cross is currently caring for evacuees displaced by the blaze.  CellularOne is providing the Red Cross and the evacuees in their care with cellphone service, free WiFi and humanitarian supplies. “We are very grateful to CellularOne for their assistance in providing this support at the evacuation centre, there’s no question but it helps in our efforts in taking care of those people who have had to leave their homes and are temporarily taking shelter with us here in the Blue Ridge High School,” said Linda Witbeck of the Red Cross.

About Cellular One
Founded in 1994 in Show Low, Arizona, Cellular One has grown from five employees and 1,200 customers to over 180 employees and 100,000 subscribers today.  Cellular One provides technically advanced GSM cellular coverage throughout northern Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. As a premium provider of wireless communications, Cellular One also enjoys a reputation of creating a “best place to work” for its employees, as well as a leading spirit of involvement in every community it serves. Cellular One main headquarters are located at1500 S. White Mountain Road, Suite 103, Show Low, AZ. 85901.