In 1974, Range Corporation began as a communications service company installing and maintaining several broadcast, microwave, and radio communications systems. Range has continued to expand the Range Tower Network to include 28 communication towers across the U.P. of Michigan. Upper Peninsula’s first paging service was introduced at this time and is still widely used by professionals and individuals who want a reliable means of communications.

Once we began providing paging services, we quickly recognized the need for a 24-hour telephone answering service. Within a year, our answering service was providing a full array of services, including 24-hour messaging, dispatching and temporary office support. Our Answering Service has grown from its beginnings as a local answering service, to a nationwide service, processing calls for businesses throughout 36 states across the United States. Range’s Telephone Answering Service is also the core of the Range Alarm Monitoring Center. Alarms are monitored for businesses and individuals, and are processed in a professional and prompt manner. Other services provided include Miss Dig, Order Taking, Voice Mail Boxes and other related services.

During this period of growth, Range Telecommunications began installing the first mobile/car telephone system in the Upper Peninsula. The RangeNet system provided interconnect telephone, dispatching, and data transmissions designed for specific individual needs. International recognition was given to Range because of the uniqueness of this system. Employees of the Chinese Ministries of Railways came to Marquette to visit Range Telecommunications to view our facility and see the RangeNet Phone System in place. The Chinese Railway was purchasing a complete communications system for their country and Range was the only company in the United States to have the “ESAS” (Electronic Switching and Signaling) mobile telephone system in place, which was marketed at the RangeNet System.

Range played a lead role in the installation of the Marquette County Central Dispatch radio system in 1983. This was a comprehensive system which was designed and installed by Range for the Michigan State Police. Currently, Range is the leader in providing the Michigan Public Safety Communications System with superior products that works on the APCO25 Michigan State Radio Network. As well as working extensively with public safety, our two-way radio trunking system provides Upper Peninsula schools and businesses with a reliable, cost effective communications source for travel throughout the U.P.

As a natural addition to the Range Alarm Monitoring Center, security systems were added to the mix of electronic and communication products and services offered by Range. Security Systems are being designed, installed and maintained by the certified professionals at Range Telecommunications. As society has changed, the need for providing a safe environment for family, employees, and customers has become a priority.

Sound systems designed and installed by Range can be heard in businesses, homes, schools, and institutions across the Upper Peninsula. In 1996 MUZAK became an addition to the products that we could offer through our association with Echostar Satellite Systems. This association allowed us to offer our business customers digital commercial music and Music-on-Hold, which is designed to appeal to their specific customers.

Range became an Authorized Agent for CenturyTel cellular phone service in 1999 and with the sale of CenturyTel to Alltel Communications, Range is now an Authorized Alltel Agent.

Wi-Fi technology has proven to be an area of rapid growth for Range as we continue to offer our customers a wireless connection between buildings of their campus and facilities.

Always looking toward the future, Range has introduced such things as XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio to the Marquette area. Range believes that the future holds many great possibilities and advancements in communications and will continue to play a vital role in its development throughout the Upper Peninsula.