Media Release: Silver Star exiting cellular services in Star Valley
For Immediate Release
Thayne, WY April 19, 2022-Silver Star announced today that the company would discontinue its cellular service in Star Valley, WY, effective December 30, 2022.
In 2005 Silver Star began offering cellular service to fill a need in the rural communities it serves. For many years, the company was the only provider to have served many of the small communities throughout Star Valley.
“We have seen technology shift from analog to 5G over the years. While Silver Star has been able to provide the latest wireless technology, it has been at a large expense,” said Barb Sessions, Silver Star’s President. “Additionally, with an increase in data usage and roaming, it has become an expense to the point of being unsustainable.”
“This is bittersweet for us. We’ve made a good hard run with our cellular service over the past 17 years filling the coverage gaps and providing a service people would not have had otherwise,” added Sessions. “We care deeply about our customers and have enjoyed serving them. But, out of respect for them, we feel it’s important that they have other choices at a better value.”
Silver Star explained that the decision to sunset the cellular business is not only because of a fiercely competitive market but to focus the company’s resources on continued broadband expansion.
“Moving forward, our main focus is to continue our fiber build throughout our serving areas while expanding into others,” said Paul Petersen, COO. “Silver Star has been here since 1948, and we’re looking forward to providing exceptional broadband services and support for the decades to come.”
End of Release
Jackson, Swan Valley and Teton Valley Phone Plans
The Jackson, Swan Valley and Teton Valley plans since 2019 have been provided through Telispire, a third-party cellular partner. These customers will have their service seamlessly transition from Silver Star to Telispire, on June 1, 2022.
All affected customers will receive a communication with details about this transition including the opportunity to change providers and port numbers.