Downeast Customers, Network Operator Blindsided by Verizon Withdrawal

Verizon Wireless sends subscription termination notices to customers without warning

PORTLAND, MAINE (September 12, 2017) – Verizon Wireless customers in Washington County were blindsided this week when the company mailed them subscription termination notices ahead of the two-year anniversary of the launch of the 4G LTE network in Downeast Maine.

Wireless Partners, the builder and operator of the network, was made aware of the move not by Verizon Wireless,but by concerned customers in receipt of the notification. In response, Bob Parsloe, CEO of Wireless Partners, issued the following statement:

“Access to 4G LTE is an essential 21 st century infrastructure need and it is the mission of Wireless Partners to meet that need in rural, underserved areas of Maine and New Hampshire. To that end, Wireless Partners built, owns, operates, and is expanding a Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network in Downeast Maine. Along with our network users, we were blindsided to learn that Verizon Wireless mailed subscription cancellation notices to their customers on this network.

“Wireless Partners was not given advance warning that Verizon Wireless was planning to restrict new customers in nor terminate existing customers. We were only made aware of this development from concerned Verizon Wireless customers who were in receipt of the cancellation notification.

“We have received overwhelming support from every community in which we have made 4g LTE service a reality. However,Verizon Wireless’ recent actions have turned that exuberance into significant concern among business owners, public safety officials, and everyday consumers for whom this is their sole means of cellular voice and broadband internet service.

“In respect of our mission, our network users, and the potentially devastating public safety and economic development consequences, we will encourage Verizon Wireless to rethink this extremely consequential decision and to honor the promise of its LRA program. We are hopeful that a resolution is achievable and that this critical infrastructure will remain in service.”