AUBURN – Gov. John Baldacci took another step Thursday toward providing seamless cellular phone service throughout Maine as he announced membership of a task force that will propose a plan to provide universal wireless telecommunications in the state by 2008.

Baldacci, who uses his own cell phone as he travels around the state, has already asked Mainers to report to the Public Advocate’s office “dead zones” where they can’t get service. Earlier this month, he issued an order creating the Maine Wireless Telecommunications Infrastructure Board.

On Thursday, Baldacci announced membership of the 20-member board.

“Quality cellular coverage is vital to the public safety of our citizens as well as necessary service that will attract new business to our state,” the governor said at an event marking the expansion of a Unicel store in Auburn. “This type of investment is crucial to growing Maine’s economy and good-paying jobs with benefits.”

The new task force will be headed by Rick O’Connor, a Unicel executive, and other members will include representatives of Cingular, Nextel, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular, as well as state and local officials.

Cellular phones are also on the agenda in the Legislature, where a bill before the Transportation Committee addresses safety rather than reach of signals.

The proposal to ban the use of hand-held phones by drivers would levy fines of up to $250 for violations, but make exceptions for emergency personnel. Maine law already prohibits drivers under 18 from using mobile phones while behind the wheel.