Faster internet within sight

Union Wireless expects to have its faster internet service available to Platte Valley customers in about two to three weeks.

“We are done installing the hardware, and within the next two to three weeks we will do some testing,” said Brian Woody, Chief Customer Relations Officer for Union Wireless.

The company installed all the equipment necessary to bring internet service that could produce speeds up to 20 megabits per second, as opposed to 1.5 megabits per second, the current fastest speed available to customers in the Platte Valley.

“The bottom speed is a meg and a half which is the top speed today,” Woody said.

All residents on a landline should have the faster internet while Union Wireless is testing.

Woody said testing the system will ensure a good internet experience when Union Wireless finally releases the service. After testing, Union Wireless will begin advertising the service. Woody said Union Wireless has set a “competitive” price for the service, but is not yet ready to release that number.

The project to bring 3G and 4G cellular service to the Platte Valley and other Union Wireless service areas is still in the works, but will take more time, Woody said.

“There is some other infrastructure we have to look at before turning those servers on,” Woody said.

The 3G and 4G services project commenced when Union Wireless received a $23 million grant from the Federal Communications Commission.

Woody said he estimates those services will also be available in the near future.