Viaero Wireless: Difference between revisions

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==History==

==History==

Founded in 1991 as Cellular One of Northeast Colorado, Frank DiRico opened his first store in Fort Morgan. Expanding with a second store in [[Sterling, Colorado|Sterling]] in 1995, the company would take the name NE Colorado Cellular, Inc. The brand Viaero Wireless was formed in August 2003 when DiRico’s company merged with Wireless II (doing business as Nebraska Wireless).<ref>{{cite web |author1=Logan County Chamber of Commerce |title=Business of the Week: Viaero Wireless |url=https://www.southplattesentinel.com/2020/08/25/business-of-the-week-viaero-wireless/ |website=Sterling Journal-Advocate |publisher=MediaNews Group |access-date=31 January 2026 |date=25 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=MeetCellcos>{{cite web |last1=Leins |first1=Tom |title=Meet the Cellcos Serving Rural America: Part 2 |url=https://resources.telegeography.com/meet-the-cellcos-serving-rural-america-part-2 |website=resources.telegeography.com |publisher=Telegeography |access-date=31 January 2026 |language=en |date=June 8, 2022}}</ref>

Founded in 1991 as Cellular One of Northeast Colorado, Frank DiRico opened his first store in Fort Morgan. Expanding with a second store in [[Sterling, Colorado|Sterling]] in 1995, the company would take the name NE Colorado Cellular, Inc. The brand Viaero Wireless was formed in August 2003 when company merged with Wireless II (doing business as Nebraska Wireless).<ref>{{cite web |author1=Logan County Chamber of Commerce |title=Business of the Week: Viaero Wireless |url=https://www.southplattesentinel.com/2020/08/25/business-of-the-week-viaero-wireless/ |website=Sterling Journal-Advocate |publisher=MediaNews Group |access-date=31 January 2026 |date=25 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=MeetCellcos>{{cite web |last1=Leins |first1=Tom |title=Meet the Cellcos Serving Rural America: Part 2 |url=https://resources.telegeography.com/meet-the-cellcos-serving-rural-america-part-2 |website=resources.telegeography.com |publisher=Telegeography |access-date=31 January 2026 |language=en |date=June 8, 2022}}</ref>

Nebraska state regional headquarters were built in [[Grand Island, Nebraska]] in 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gottula |first1=Todd |title=See Storm, See Viaero – TEAM UP |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/982799594/ |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=Kearney Hub |date=September 12, 2007 |page=1}}</ref>

Nebraska state regional headquarters were built in [[Grand Island, Nebraska]] in 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gottula |first1=Todd |title=See Storm, See Viaero – TEAM UP |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/982799594/ |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=Kearney Hub |date=September 12, 2007 |page=1}}</ref>

==Network==

==Network==

In 2008, Viaero made the decision to maintain its analog services to support customers who were still using older handset equipment, even though most of its customers had migrated to use Viaero’s state-of-the-art digital [[GSM]] network.<ref>{{cite news |title=Viaero Wireless commits to maintaining older, analog-technology service |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/993169836/ |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=The North Platte Telegraph |date=Apr 13, 2008 |page=C6}}</ref> By 2013, the company had invested over $70 million in upgrades to its 4G operating systems.<ref name=ViaeroExpands>{{cite news |title=Viaero expands 4G network |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/993511083 |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=The North Platte Telegraph |date=June 23, 2013 |page=A5}}</ref>

In 2008, Viaero made the decision to maintain its analog services to support customers who were still using older handset equipment, even though most of its customers had migrated to use state-of-the-art digital [[GSM]] network.<ref>{{cite news |title=Viaero Wireless commits to maintaining older, analog-technology service |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/993169836/ |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=The North Platte Telegraph |date=Apr 13, 2008 |page=C6}}</ref> By 2013, the company had invested over $70 million in upgrades to its 4G operating systems.<ref name=ViaeroExpands>{{cite news |title=Viaero expands 4G network |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/993511083 |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=The North Platte Telegraph |date=June 23, 2013 |page=A5}}</ref>

In order to maintain spectrum capacity, in 2020, Viaero bid over $15 million for 558 licenses in the 3.5 GHz Auction 105 held by the FCC,<ref>{{cite web |title=FCC 3.5 GHz Auction |url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-20-1009A2.pdf |website=docs.fcc.gov |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=31 January 2026 |date=September 2, 2020}}</ref> and in 2022 the company paid over $6 million for eighteen 3.45 GHz licenses in Auction 110.<ref name=MeetCellcos /><ref>{{cite web |title=FCC 3.45 GHz Service Auction |url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-22-39A2.pdf |website=docs.fcc.gov |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=31 January 2026 |date=January 14, 2022}}</ref>

In order to maintain spectrum capacity, in 2020, Viaero bid over $15 million for 558 licenses in the 3.5 GHz Auction 105 held by the FCC,<ref>{{cite web |title=FCC 3.5 GHz Auction |url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-20-1009A2.pdf |website=docs.fcc.gov |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=31 January 2026 |date=September 2, 2020}}</ref> and in 2022 the company paid over $6 million for eighteen 3.45 GHz licenses in Auction 110.<ref name=MeetCellcos /><ref>{{cite web |title=FCC 3.45 GHz Service Auction |url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-22-39A2.pdf |website=docs.fcc.gov |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=31 January 2026 |date=January 14, 2022}}</ref>

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While in 2009 the company had 41 retail stores and 384 cell towers in operation,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sjuts |first1=Dave |title=Viaero Wireless opens store in York |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/993877056 |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=York News-Times |date=April 19, 2011 |page=7A}}</ref> the company continued to grow to have around 70 stores and about 1,000 cell towers.<ref name=EricssonWins>{{cite news |last1=Fletcher |first1=Bevin |title=Ericsson wins deal to replace LTE gear for Viaero Wireless |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/ericsson-wins-deal-to-replace-viaero-wireless-ran-core-and-transport |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=www.fierce-network.com |publisher=Fierce Network |date=20 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

While in 2009 the company had 41 retail stores and 384 cell towers in operation,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sjuts |first1=Dave |title=Viaero Wireless opens store in York |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/993877056 |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=York News-Times |date=April 19, 2011 |page=7A}}</ref> the company continued to grow to have around 70 stores and about 1,000 cell towers.<ref name=EricssonWins>{{cite news |last1=Fletcher |first1=Bevin |title=Ericsson wins deal to replace LTE gear for Viaero Wireless |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/ericsson-wins-deal-to-replace-viaero-wireless-ran-core-and-transport |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=www.fierce-network.com |publisher=Fierce Network |date=20 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

Viaero’s 4G network was outfitted with [[Huawei]] equipment which later was subject to new [[FCC]] and state of Nebraska security-motivated regulations for U.S. carriers using Chinese-made equipment. In September 2021, Viaero selected [[Ericsson]] to replace the Chinese equipment with 5G-ready hardware.<ref name=MeetCellcos /><ref name=EricssonWins /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bamer |first1=Erin |last2=Stoddard |first2=Martha |title=Nebraska lawmakers pass “Christmas tree” bills on broadband, hydrogen energy |url=https://omaha.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/nebraska-lawmakers-pass-christmas-tree-bills-on-broadband-hydrogen-energy/article_a9d7c036-f97b-11ed-9a57-677da7e5d4aa.html |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Omaha World-Herald |date=23 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref> An Omaha-based Public Service Commission representative noted that Viaero discussed up to $330 million of a $1.9 billion federal funds package that could be applied for, to aid in the replacement process.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanderford |first1=Aaron |title=Chinese wireless tech could put Offutt Air Force Base and Nebraska missile silos at risk |url=https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/17/chinese-wireless-tech-could-put-offutt-air-force-base-and-nebraska-missile-silos-at-risk/ |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Nebraska Examiner |date=17 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hardesty |first1=Linda |title=FCC advances $1.9B program to rip and replace Huawei gear |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/regulatory/fcc-advances-1-9b-program-to-rip-and-replace-huawei-gear |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=www.fierce-network.com |publisher=Fierce Network |date=18 February 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

4G network was outfitted with [[Huawei]] equipment which later was subject to new [[FCC]] and state of Nebraska security-motivated regulations for U.S. carriers using Chinese-made equipment. In September 2021, Viaero selected [[Ericsson]] to replace the Chinese equipment with 5G-ready hardware.<ref name=MeetCellcos /><ref name=EricssonWins /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bamer |first1=Erin |last2=Stoddard |first2=Martha |title=Nebraska lawmakers pass “Christmas tree” bills on broadband, hydrogen energy |url=https://omaha.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/nebraska-lawmakers-pass-christmas-tree-bills-on-broadband-hydrogen-energy/article_a9d7c036-f97b-11ed-9a57-677da7e5d4aa.html |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Omaha World-Herald |date=23 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref> An Omaha-based Public Service Commission representative noted that Viaero discussed up to $330 million of a $1.9 billion federal funds package that could be applied for, to aid in the replacement process.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanderford |first1=Aaron |title=Chinese wireless tech could put Offutt Air Force Base and Nebraska missile silos at risk |url=https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/09/17/chinese-wireless-tech-could-put-offutt-air-force-base-and-nebraska-missile-silos-at-risk/ |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Nebraska Examiner |date=17 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hardesty |first1=Linda |title=FCC advances $1.9B program to rip and replace Huawei gear |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/regulatory/fcc-advances-1-9b-program-to-rip-and-replace-huawei-gear |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=www.fierce-network.com |publisher=Fierce Network |date=18 February 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

==Community and Sponsorships==

==Community and Sponsorships==

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Viaero began sponsoring events like the [[Comstock Music Festivals]] in 2007,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Katherine |title=Comstock + Viaero = ‘perfect fit’ |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/982801213/ |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=Kearney Hub |date=May 3, 2007 |page=3A}}</ref> and it inked a $1 million, 5-year deal with the [[Tri-City Storm]] hockey team,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gottula |first1=Todd |title=See Storm, See Viaero |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/982799592/ |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=Kearney Hub |date=September 12, 2007 |page=1}}</ref> the first of its kind with the [[United States Hockey League]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Lt. Gov. Sheehy to drop puck at Storm opener |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/991616453/ |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=The Grand Island Independent |date=October 11, 2007 |page=5-B}}</ref>

Viaero began sponsoring events like the [[Comstock Music Festivals]] in 2007,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Katherine |title=Comstock + Viaero = ‘perfect fit’ |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/982801213/ |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=Kearney Hub |date=May 3, 2007 |page=3A}}</ref> and it inked a $1 million, 5-year deal with the [[Tri-City Storm]] hockey team,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gottula |first1=Todd |title=See Storm, See Viaero |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/982799592/ |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=Kearney Hub |date=September 12, 2007 |page=1}}</ref> the first of its kind with the [[United States Hockey League]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Lt. Gov. Sheehy to drop puck at Storm opener |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/991616453/ |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Newspapers.com |publisher=The Grand Island Independent |date=October 11, 2007 |page=5-B}}</ref>

The 5,000-seat multi-purpose [[Viaero Center]] in [[Kearney, Nebraska]] bears the company’s name.

The 5,000-seat multi-purpose [[Viaero Center]] in [[Kearney, Nebraska]] bears the name.

An unlimited music service called VGroov was in place in 2013 for Android users.<ref name=ViaeroExpands />

An unlimited music service called VGroov was in place in 2013 for Android users.<ref name=ViaeroExpands />

Viaero Wireless is a regional wireless telecommunications company that provides direct coverage in Nebraska, eastern Colorado, western Kansas, and southeastern Wyoming.[1] Based in Fort Morgan, Colorado, Viaero is often the primary cell tower owner in portions of its coverage area. Through roaming coverage partner relationships (notably with AT&T), Viaero customers can place and receive calls locally and across the country, internationally, and on cruise ships.

Founded in 1991 as Cellular One of Northeast Colorado, Frank DiRico opened his first store in Fort Morgan. Expanding with a second store in Sterling in 1995, the company would take the name NE Colorado Cellular, Inc. The brand Viaero Wireless was formed in August 2003 when DiRico’s company merged with Wireless II (doing business as Nebraska Wireless).[2][3]

Nebraska state regional headquarters were built in Grand Island, Nebraska in 2007.[4]

In 2008, Viaero made the decision to maintain its analog services to support customers who were still using older handset equipment, even though most of its customers had migrated to use Viaero’s state-of-the-art digital GSM network.[5] By 2013, the company had invested over $70 million in upgrades to its 4G operating systems.[6]

In order to maintain spectrum capacity, in 2020, Viaero bid over $15 million for 558 licenses in the 3.5 GHz Auction 105 held by the FCC,[7] and in 2022 the company paid over $6 million for eighteen 3.45 GHz licenses in Auction 110.[3][8]

While in 2009 the company had 41 retail stores and 384 cell towers in operation,[9] the company continued to grow to have around 70 stores and about 1,000 cell towers.[10]

Viaero’s 4G network was outfitted with Huawei equipment which later was subject to new FCC and state of Nebraska security-motivated regulations for U.S. carriers using Chinese-made equipment. In September 2021, Viaero selected Ericsson to replace the Chinese equipment with 5G-ready hardware.[3][10][11] An Omaha-based Public Service Commission representative noted that Viaero discussed up to $330 million of a $1.9 billion federal funds package that could be applied for, to aid in the replacement process.[12][13]

Viaero positions itself as a community-oriented company. For example, in 2025 the company ran a 20th anniversary community-appreciation party in Sidney, Nebraska,[14] and it shares weather camera feeds from its cell towers with Nebraska Television Network, to help monitor storms and advance safety.[15][16]

Viaero began sponsoring events like the Comstock Music Festivals in 2007,[17] and it inked a $1 million, 5-year deal with the Tri-City Storm hockey team,[18] the first of its kind with the United States Hockey League.[19]

The 5,000-seat multi-purpose Viaero Center in Kearney, Nebraska bears the company’s name.

An unlimited music service called VGroov was in place in 2013 for Android users.[6]

  1. ^ “NE Colorado Cellular Inc dba Viaero Wireless – Franklin to Red Cloud”. psc.nebraska.gov. Nebraska Public Service Commission. April 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  2. ^ Logan County Chamber of Commerce (25 August 2020). “Business of the Week: Viaero Wireless”. Sterling Journal-Advocate. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  3. ^ a b c Leins, Tom (June 8, 2022). “Meet the Cellcos Serving Rural America: Part 2”. resources.telegeography.com. Telegeography. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  4. ^ Gottula, Todd (September 12, 2007). “See Storm, See Viaero – TEAM UP”. Newspapers.com. Kearney Hub. p. 1. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  5. ^ “Viaero Wireless commits to maintaining older, analog-technology service”. Newspapers.com. The North Platte Telegraph. Apr 13, 2008. p. C6. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  6. ^ a b “Viaero expands 4G network”. Newspapers.com. The North Platte Telegraph. June 23, 2013. p. A5. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  7. ^ “FCC 3.5 GHz Auction” (PDF). docs.fcc.gov. Federal Communications Commission. September 2, 2020. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  8. ^ “FCC 3.45 GHz Service Auction” (PDF). docs.fcc.gov. Federal Communications Commission. January 14, 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  9. ^ Sjuts, Dave (April 19, 2011). “Viaero Wireless opens store in York”. Newspapers.com. York News-Times. p. 7A. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  10. ^ a b Fletcher, Bevin (20 September 2021). “Ericsson wins deal to replace LTE gear for Viaero Wireless”. www.fierce-network.com. Fierce Network. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  11. ^ Bamer, Erin; Stoddard, Martha (23 May 2023). “Nebraska lawmakers pass “Christmas tree” bills on broadband, hydrogen energy”. Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  12. ^ Sanderford, Aaron (17 September 2022). “Chinese wireless tech could put Offutt Air Force Base and Nebraska missile silos at risk”. Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  13. ^ Hardesty, Linda (18 February 2021). “FCC advances $1.9B program to rip and replace Huawei gear”. www.fierce-network.com. Fierce Network. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  14. ^ Arterburn, Hunter (August 7, 2025). “Cheers to 20 years: Viaero Wireless celebrates two decades in Sidney with community appreciation event”. northeast.newschannelnebraska.com. NCN – News Channel Nebraska. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  15. ^ “Viaero Wireless is working with trusted weather and emergency services”. www.instagram.com. Nebraska TV. August 28, 2025. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  16. ^ “Viaero Wireless Center”. KHGI. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  17. ^ Thomas, Katherine (May 3, 2007). “Comstock + Viaero = ‘perfect fit’“. Newspapers.com. Kearney Hub. p. 3A. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  18. ^ Gottula, Todd (September 12, 2007). “See Storm, See Viaero”. Newspapers.com. Kearney Hub. p. 1. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
  19. ^ “Lt. Gov. Sheehy to drop puck at Storm opener”. Newspapers.com. The Grand Island Independent. October 11, 2007. p. 5-B. Retrieved 31 January 2026.

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