Alaska-based wireless carrier DigiTel today announced that the company has nearly doubled its subscribers recently, due to major growth in late 2007 and early 2008.

 

The company says it’s become the fastest-growing wireless phone provider in the state. Through expansion of its network, opening of new stores and markets, and adding subscribers, DigiTel says it’s carved a niche in the local market and has positioned itself as a true competitor. The company says that its main goal is to grow the business by raising the bar with respect to its network, stores and overall image.

 

Several factors contributed to the company’s growth, officials say.

 

In Alaska, DigiTel rebuilt its network in Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley and the Kenai Peninsula in the spring and early summer of 2008. Existing towers were upgraded and new towers were deployed in those three markets during this rebuild, according to the company. The company also says it introduced a new brand of pay-as-you-go wireless plans in March which made wireless simple for people who don’t want contracts, deposits, or other hassles. This offered premium services like long distance, roaming, and data services at the same time.

 

DigiTel extended its coverage in Fairbanks and the surrounding area in early 2008. In 2008, DigiTel says, it opened Fairbanks as a market with two stores, opened a new store in Palmer, improved and upgraded stores in Anchorage, and opened the Kenai-Soldotna market with a new store in Soldotna. The company can now access customers with seamless service throughout the nation, including access to high-speed data by entering into an exclusive, multi-year agreement with Sprint Nextel (News - Alert), one of the nation’s largest carriers. With all this, the company has also maintained continuous development of wireless products and technologies appropriate and appealing to the local market, officials say.

 

Nick Miller, DigiTel’s director of engineering and operations, said, “We’re making a large investment in our network, and we’re very proud of both our network coverage in new areas and in areas we knew we needed to improve. Drive tests are confirming tremendous improvements in network performance . . . Customers can expect better service and experience down Knik Goose Bay Road in Wasilla, in the Raspberry and Arctic neighborhood, at the Tudor Muldoon curve, and in the Fairview area of Anchorage”