Redzone Wireless, LLC, a Camden-based wireless Internet service provider, has expanded its wireless broadband network with the activation of coverage in Camden, as well as Rockland, and Manchester/Augusta.

The announcement follows the company’s initial launch of its 4G LTE broadband network last June in Portland, Waterville and Casco Bay islands.

The company also said it intends to increase its 2015 hiring projections by 25 percent. Redzone’s offices are in the Knox Mill, and last winter, Redzone was certified by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development as a Pine Tree Development Zone Company. The Pine Tree Development Zone program offers businesses the chance to reduce or eliminate state taxes for up to 10 years when they create new, quality jobs in certain business sectors or move existing jobs in those sectors to Maine.

The Camden-based company hopes to extend its broadband network to 25 percent of Maine by the end of this year, and “cover more than 90 percent of Maine’s population by 2018.”

"We welcome this opportunity to provide a new choice in broadband service to more communities in Maine," said Michael Forcillo, Redzone vice president, in a Sept. 24 news release. "Our network is now available to 100,000 homes, representing more than 17 percent of all Maine households. Based on our success in expanding coverage, we now expect to exceed our previously stated goal of covering 25 percent of Maine's population by the end of 2015," added Forcillo.

In the language of broadband, “4G” means fourth generation of data technology and “LTE” means long-term evolution.

The goal is to deliver fast upload and download speeds to Internet users, faster, according to Redzone, than cable Internet services.

“Speeds of 50 mbps are not uncommon, and carriers are piloting and testing system speeds approaching 100 mbps within the next 12 months, and up to 1 gigabit over the next several years,” said Redzone, in its release.

 "Redzone Wireless is investing capital in Maine, creating jobs in Maine, hiring people in Maine, and at the same time, helping solve a real infrastructure problem that is holding back economic development in our state," said Maine Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner George Gervais, in the Redzone release.

"The expansion of Redzone's network highlights how several Maine-based organizations can collaborate to solve an important technology issue for the people of Maine while creating jobs," said Gregory A. Dufour, president and chief executive officer of Camden National Bank, which provided financing to Redzone. "Opportunities like this are created through a strong spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship by Jim and his team, a strong local bank like Camden National, and support from various state agencies who helped to bring this effort to fruition."

Redzone held a press conference at the Camden Yacht Club Thursday afternoon, Sept. 24, with dignitaries and food. For more information, visit redzonewireless.com.