Reliable cell phone coverage is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for work, travel, and daily life. Yet, many cities still struggle with dropped calls, slow data, and congested networks. Two powerful online tools, CellMapper.net and DeadCellZones.com, give users the ability to identify weak coverage, track dead zones, and influence network improvements in specific neighborhoods.
Showing posts with label Network Optimization. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Network Optimization. Show all posts
The Promises of 6G: How Ubiquitous Cellular Connectivity Could Become Reality
As the world begins to settle into the era of 5G, researchers and telecom companies are already envisioning the next great leap—6G, the sixth generation of wireless technology. Scheduled to roll out commercially in the early 2030s, 6G promises to go far beyond faster speeds. Its bold vision centers on ubiquitous cellular connectivity, ensuring that every person, device, and environment is continuously and seamlessly connected.
While 5G has improved bandwidth, reliability, and latency, it still faces gaps—particularly in rural areas, at sea, or in disaster zones. 6G aims to close these gaps with a mix of advanced technologies, global coverage strategies, and intelligent network design.
Where is AT&T Fixing Outdoor Reception?
AT&T is one of the largest wireless carriers in the United States, serving more than 240 million subscribers nationwide. Despite its vast infrastructure, many customers still encounter outdoor reception problems—dropped calls, weak signals, or slow data speeds. Outdoor coverage is especially critical for travelers, rural residents, first responders, and businesses that depend on reliable connectivity. Over the past few years, AT&T has invested heavily in network improvements, 5G expansion, and small cell deployment to address these issues. But where exactly is AT&T fixing outdoor reception? This guide explores the key areas where the carrier has made improvements, why reception varies, and what customers can do to take advantage of better coverage.
Why Outdoor Reception Matters
Outdoor reception is the backbone of mobile connectivity. While indoor coverage often depends on building materials and Wi-Fi availability, outdoor signals come directly from cell towers and small cells. Strong outdoor coverage ensures reliable calls, fast mobile internet, and consistent performance for navigation, video streaming, and mobile payments. Without strong outdoor signals, even the best smartphones can struggle. AT&T’s network improvements are targeted at reducing these gaps and strengthening performance across rural highways, suburban neighborhoods, and dense urban environments.
AT&T’s 5G Expansion
AT&T has aggressively rolled out 5G coverage across the United States. Its strategy involves two key technologies:
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5G+ (millimeter wave): Ultra-fast speeds in dense urban areas such as downtowns, stadiums, and airports. Ideal for high-capacity zones but with limited range.
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5G mid-band and low-band: Wider coverage for suburban and rural areas. These bands travel farther and penetrate obstacles better than millimeter wave.
Cities like Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami have seen significant improvements in 5G+ coverage, while smaller towns are increasingly benefiting from mid-band 5G. Customers in these areas report stronger outdoor signals and faster data, even during peak usage times.
Rural Coverage Improvements
One of the biggest challenges for AT&T has been extending reliable outdoor reception to rural America. Large distances between towers, mountainous terrain, and lower population density make it harder to justify investment. However, AT&T has participated in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rural broadband initiatives and FirstNet, the nationwide public safety network. As part of these projects, AT&T has added thousands of new towers and upgraded existing sites in states such as Montana, Wyoming, West Virginia, and rural Texas. Ranchers, farmers, and small-town residents are beginning to see more consistent outdoor signals where coverage was once spotty.
Suburban Small Cell Deployment
In suburban communities, outdoor reception often suffers due to tower congestion and interference. AT&T has responded by installing small cells—low-powered antennas mounted on streetlights, utility poles, and buildings. These small cells strengthen reception in neighborhoods, parks, and shopping districts. For example, suburban areas around Phoenix, Orlando, and Nashville have benefited from expanded small cell networks. These upgrades provide more reliable voice service and reduce data slowdowns in areas where traditional towers once struggled.
Coverage Along Highways
Highway coverage is critical for truckers, commuters, and travelers. Dropped signals along interstates create safety concerns and limit productivity. AT&T has focused on upgrading highway corridors, particularly those connecting major cities. Interstate 10, Interstate 70, and Interstate 95 have received significant upgrades in recent years, with additional rural towers placed along rest stops and service stations. These improvements ensure smoother calls, better GPS navigation, and faster streaming for drivers on long routes.
FirstNet and Public Safety Coverage
AT&T operates FirstNet, a dedicated wireless network for first responders and emergency services. As part of this initiative, AT&T has invested in strengthening outdoor reception in disaster-prone areas and locations with high public safety needs. Wildfire zones in California, hurricane regions in Florida and Louisiana, and tornado-prone states like Oklahoma have seen FirstNet-driven tower upgrades. While designed for first responders, these improvements often enhance reception for regular customers in the same areas.
Urban Dead Zone Fixes
Even in cities, outdoor reception problems occur in “dead zones”—spots where skyscrapers, stadiums, or infrastructure interfere with signals. AT&T has invested in distributed antenna systems (DAS) to improve outdoor reception in places like Times Square in New York, Millennium Park in Chicago, and the Las Vegas Strip. Sports venues and airports are also high-priority locations, with AT&T adding new 5G nodes at NFL stadiums, NBA arenas, and major airports such as Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL). These upgrades ensure stronger outdoor reception during high-traffic events.
Customer Reports and Crowdsourced Data
AT&T customers often report where outdoor reception is improving, providing valuable insights through crowdsourced coverage maps and independent testing firms. Reports show recent improvements in cities like Denver, Charlotte, and Salt Lake City, as well as along rural corridors in Kansas and Nebraska. Coverage-tracking platforms confirm that AT&T’s upgrades are reducing dead zones and boosting speeds in both metro and rural regions. Checking these reports can help customers confirm if their area has received improvements.
What Customers Can Do
While AT&T is fixing outdoor reception in many areas, users can also take steps to maximize signal strength:
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Update your device: Newer iPhones and Android models support AT&T’s latest bands and 5G frequencies.
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Enable Wi-Fi calling: Helps bridge coverage gaps indoors, especially in areas with strong outdoor signals but weak indoor reception.
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Use a signal booster: External antennas and boosters can amplify weak outdoor signals for vehicles and homes.
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Check coverage maps: AT&T publishes updates showing where upgrades are live, helping customers decide when improvements will reach their area.
By combining AT&T’s network improvements with smart device settings, customers can enjoy stronger and more consistent reception.
The Future of AT&T’s Outdoor Reception
AT&T has committed billions of dollars to network improvements, including expanding its 5G footprint, upgrading towers with fiber backhaul, and adding more small cells. With the rise of smart cities, connected cars, and IoT devices, strong outdoor reception will be even more important in the future. Customers can expect AT&T to continue addressing dead zones, expanding rural service, and strengthening urban networks over the next decade. The carrier’s goal is to deliver nationwide 5G that rivals or exceeds the reliability of traditional 4G LTE.
Conclusion
AT&T is fixing outdoor reception across the country by upgrading rural towers, deploying 5G in cities and suburbs, improving highway coverage, and enhancing public safety networks. While challenges remain, customers in both urban and rural areas are already noticing stronger signals and faster data speeds. By investing in modern infrastructure and expanding FirstNet, AT&T is building a more reliable outdoor network that benefits everyday users, businesses, and emergency responders alike. For customers wondering where AT&T is fixing outdoor reception, the answer is clear: everywhere from small towns to major cities, highways to stadiums, AT&T is strengthening its network to keep America connected.
Identifying Dropped Call Locations
What Is a Dropped Call?
What is the difference between 4g mobile towers and 5g cell?
The main difference between 4G mobile towers and 5G cells lies in their underlying technology and capabilities. Here are some key distinctions:
How to Get Cell Reception on Your Property
We get hundreds of emails from property and landowners who are interested in leasing their land for a cell tower. Here are some ways we have discovered that are effective at getting a new cell tower. These factors will come into play when carriers are considering your property: distance to adjacent towers, population density, broadband providers in the area, customer density, city zoning laws & public safety.
If you are experiencing poor or no cell reception on your property, there are several steps you can take to improve the situation:
How to Fix your Cell Phone Coverage
If you're experiencing poor cell phone coverage, there are several steps you can take to try and improve the situation. Here are some potential solutions:
Cell Coverage Hole Detection
Cell coverage hole detection refers to the process of identifying areas or locations with poor or no cellular network coverage. These coverage holes can result in dropped calls, slow data speeds, or complete loss of connectivity in certain areas.
Detecting cell coverage holes is essential for telecommunication companies and network operators as it helps them identify areas that need improvement in terms of network infrastructure and signal strength. By identifying these coverage gaps, network providers can take necessary actions to enhance coverage and improve the overall user experience.
Here are some common methods used for cell coverage hole detection:
Customer Feedback: Network operators often rely on customer complaints and feedback to identify areas with poor coverage. Customers may report dropped calls, weak signals, or data connectivity issues, which can help pinpoint potential coverage holes.
Drive Testing: Drive testing involves driving or traveling through various areas while monitoring signal strength, call quality, and data performance. Specialized equipment or mobile apps can be used to collect data on network performance, allowing operators to identify coverage gaps.
Signal Mapping: Signal mapping involves creating detailed coverage maps by measuring signal strength and quality at various locations. This can be done using specialized tools or crowdsourcing data from users through dedicated apps or services.
Network Performance Monitoring: Network operators continuously monitor network performance metrics, including signal strength, call drop rates, and data throughput. Anomalies or patterns indicating poor coverage can be detected through data analysis.
Site Surveys: Network operators may conduct physical site surveys in areas where coverage issues are reported or suspected. These surveys involve evaluating the signal strength and quality on-site, assessing the surrounding environment, and identifying potential obstacles or interference sources.
By utilizing these methods, network operators can gather valuable data and insights into areas of poor coverage, enabling them to plan and implement solutions such as adding new cell towers, adjusting antenna configurations, or deploying signal boosters to improve coverage in those areas.
Can You Drive Testing Indoor Coverage?
In our ever more transparent and tough economic environment don't you would think Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint should take a look at new innovative ways to better serve their customer's needs as more customers are using their mobile phones indoors. Our mashup DeadCellZones.com collects thousands of carrier indoor and outdoor cell coverage complaints from customers each month with zero advertising. If our website is collecting this data for free it appears the carriers are all overlooking a very simple way of listening to their customers. Ask!
Wireless service providers (especially in the U.S.) do drive testing to build theoretical coverage maps and test their networks for cell signal strength. Drive Testing or wireless data collection is used to provide coverage analysis, network weakness information and to aid in finding specific problem areas reported by consumers. Most drive testing companies are specifically tasked with simulating the actual call experience of customers during weekday periods to simulate capacity issues outdoors. Such companies include GWS, LCC, and WFI. Most carriers outsource this capability to third parties, unlike Verizon who has its own in-house drive testing team. Drive testing companies usually spend between $15-25 per mile in over 300+ U.S. markets benchmark testing signals. These companies provide a tremendous service to the carriers and deserve every penny for their efforts but how do they efficiently acquire in-building coverage data where customers use their phone the most?
DeadCellZones.com will be a the forefront of the carrier femtocell revolution and will start helping drive testing companies get better visibility of in-building coverage problem areas. U.S. carriers are starting to roll out femtocells and the number of worldwide subscribers is rising rapidly, jumping from 1.7 million in 2007 to 9.7 million in 2008. The number of femtocell phone units is expected to nearly quintuple in the 5 years from 2007 to 2011.
I think the current recession is going to demand cost-cutting measures that we have never seen from these companies since churn is more prevalent than customer growth. The carnage could be huge from suppliers and vendors beneath the umbrella of these giant companies of those who do not innovate. Its widely known throughout the industry that working with carriers is not much different than working with government bureaucrats because of their proprietary networks and huge customer bases. The lack of leadership of the wireless communication giants to is the primary reason why the U.S. is way behind Europe and Asia in wireless telecommunications.
Wireless service providers (especially in the U.S.) do drive testing to build theoretical coverage maps and test their networks for cell signal strength. Drive Testing or wireless data collection is used to provide coverage analysis, network weakness information and to aid in finding specific problem areas reported by consumers. Most drive testing companies are specifically tasked with simulating the actual call experience of customers during weekday periods to simulate capacity issues outdoors. Such companies include GWS, LCC, and WFI. Most carriers outsource this capability to third parties, unlike Verizon who has its own in-house drive testing team. Drive testing companies usually spend between $15-25 per mile in over 300+ U.S. markets benchmark testing signals. These companies provide a tremendous service to the carriers and deserve every penny for their efforts but how do they efficiently acquire in-building coverage data where customers use their phone the most?
DeadCellZones.com will be a the forefront of the carrier femtocell revolution and will start helping drive testing companies get better visibility of in-building coverage problem areas. U.S. carriers are starting to roll out femtocells and the number of worldwide subscribers is rising rapidly, jumping from 1.7 million in 2007 to 9.7 million in 2008. The number of femtocell phone units is expected to nearly quintuple in the 5 years from 2007 to 2011.
I think the current recession is going to demand cost-cutting measures that we have never seen from these companies since churn is more prevalent than customer growth. The carnage could be huge from suppliers and vendors beneath the umbrella of these giant companies of those who do not innovate. Its widely known throughout the industry that working with carriers is not much different than working with government bureaucrats because of their proprietary networks and huge customer bases. The lack of leadership of the wireless communication giants to is the primary reason why the U.S. is way behind Europe and Asia in wireless telecommunications.Where Are Wireless Carriers Turning Off 2G & Why?
Why Are Carriers Are Turning Off 2G & 3G Reception?
AT&T & Verizon are slowly turning off 2G cell phone towers in many rural markets. Why? Because they need the capacity and or spectrum in that market for 4G and LTE. 3G and 4G provide faster data speeds but voice service can often be less reliable.
If you have been a long time customer with an older phone and suddenly you don't have coverage any longer, you are probably one of those people who either have to upgrade their phone or find a new carrier. Many carriers still service 2G customers so its best you do your homework in a particular market and find out who has 2G service.
I think the FCC has done an incredible disservice to consumers not mandating that carriers provide transparency on where they are turning off 2G service. Thus, our map database Deadcellzones.com has exploded with contributions of dead zone problems this year on our map. Consumers are confused and don't know what to do. These present an opportunity for an aggressive smaller carrier to capitalize on this incredibly horrible service and transparency the big carriers are providing. Stay tuned because the fireworks are just beginning!
Top 5 Major Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Issues
Before starting the troubleshooting, we should scan our PC with anti-virus to check if it is free from malware and viruses. After running an antivirus scan, we should delete cookies and temporary files from our computer, as they may be the reason behind our computer’s slow performance. We should also call up our internet service provider and ask if there is any problem with their service or any kind of planned outage in our area.
Modem or wireless dongle issues
This is the simplest step that can solve the network connectivity problem without putting in much time and effort. All you have to do is shut down the modem from the main switch, and start it back after two minutes. In case of hardware or modem failure, we won’t be able to see any indicator on the modem.
Computer’s task manager issues
Network troubleshooting should always begin with opening the computer’s task manager. After opening the task manager, just select networking. The networking section will show if the internet connection is active or not. If the connection is not active, we should check the modem or wireless dongle indicator.
Check network settings & version of device driver
Network connectivity issues can also occur if network service settings are incorrect. One should check service settings, login settings, and adopter settings if we are not able to get connected to the network even if the network signals are strong.
Network settings will automatically change whenever we reinstall our computer’s operating systems or device drivers. After reinstalling the operating system or device drivers, we should check if the version of our ISP’s device driver is compatible with our new operating system or not. We will have to download a compatible version in case if the old one is not compatible.
Check the network’s cell signal strength
The browser and other applications on your computer will not work if the ISP's signal strength is very low. Our computer’s task manager can show us our internet service provider’s signal strength. A number of factors around our computer can reduce the network’s signal strength. Devices like Microwave, radio, mobile phone and other electrical devices should be kept at least 1m away from our computer as they can interfere with internet service provider’s signals and reduce the signal strength.
Signal strength can also reduce in case of too much load on the internet service provider’s network. There is nothing much that we can do in this situation, except for calling our ISP to log a complaint.
Problems while authentication
If we are putting an incorrect user name or password in the network settings, we will get an error that says “authentication failure”. In this case, we should try to reset our password or just call the internet service provider’s customer service number.
A proper, consistent and logical approach is necessary for troubleshooting network connectivity issues. Hitting your PC will not help. There is no need to be tech-savvy to understand some basic connectivity issues. The above tips can help you to solve basic issues all by yourself.
About the author: Kelly Marsh is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology, health and parenting. Besides this, she is fond of computer technology. She also likes reading various articles on DIY health & gizmo watch.
Throttling vs Network Optimization of Traffic
Data Throttling vs Network Optimization of Traffic
Throttling mobile data is a method by reducing the speed of packets delivered to the user on the network. Throttling is typically done when a user has exceeded the amount of data in a plan or is congesting the network by downloading too much video or content in an area.
Network optimization is a different technique used by the carriers. It involves caching and compression to reduce the strain on the network. The goal is to not reduced the user experience while preserving bandwidth on the network.
Byte Mobile's US customers include: AT&T laptop division, Metro PCS, Alltel, Cricket and Sprint. Verizon & T-Mobile are not currently customers and may be using a different method of detecting high data volume users and throttling them instead. MetroPCS is the most widely deployed customer in the US to date.
ByteMobile competitors in include Flash Networks, Open Wave, Cisco, Ericsson, Allot, Sandvine.
To learn more, visit Bytemobile.com.
Can Cellular Networks Handle Madonna's Super Bowl Half Time Show?
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| Madonna Super Bowl Half Time Show |
AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Zone, the company’s seventh major-market hotzone, serving parts of downtown Indianapolis. The new hotzone will provide fast and Wi-Fi near many popular locations along Capitol Avenue, Meridian and Pennsylvania Streets as well as East and West Georgia streets near the center of town, which consistently see high customer traffic and mobile data use. AT&T customers with high speed Internet, smartphone or LaptopConnect plans get unlimited access to AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Zones at no additional cost. From most AT&T smartphones and devices, customers will be able to automatically connect and switch seamlessly between AT&T’s Wi-Fi and wireless networks. Wi-Fi use doesn’t count toward customers’ smartphone data plans.
AT&T has also launched an expanded Distributed Antenna System (DAS) at Lucas Oil Stadium, which is among the largest of its kind in the U.S., enabling 4G LTE coverage within the stadium and carrying more traffic than 10 cell sites. In addition, AT&T has expanded its 4G LTE network to its DAS for media accommodations and has plans to enhance or install DAS systems in a number of other venues before the big game.
“Events like the big game generate memorable experiences that our customers will want to share with friends and family through text messages, photos, status updates on social networks and calls from their mobile devices,” said Brian Ducharme, Vice President and General Manager, AT&T Indiana and Michigan. “We’re excited to provide significant network improvements – like our AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Zone and expanded or new DAS throughout the city – that will enhance the network experience for our customers in Indianapolis before, during and after the game.”
Further preparations for the big game include deploying nine Cells on Wheels (COWs) to support Lucas Oil Stadium, the downtown area, practice facilities and other places where large crowds are expected to accommodate increased wireless network demands from high concentrations of smartphone users. The company has also added capacity to nearly 200 cell sites throughout the Indianapolis market. The augmentations will help improve reliability and offer faster data speeds.
Cell Phone Reception for Indy Super Bowl
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| Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis |
Last years Super Bowl in Dallas it was reported that numerous fans complained about the cell coverage inside Cowboy Stadium for the Super Bowl. Most networks just don't have the capacity to handle the traffic all at once. It still surprises me that stadiums have not installed their own Free WiFi networks inside the stadium for fans. Carriers often partner with the stadium to install WiFi / DAS networks in venues like this in order to enhance wireless connectivity. We would love to see more PR on this issue from all the sports leagues including the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB.
AT&T has made concerted efforts to enhance the network in Indianapolis. Not only are they upgrading the network but they are actually showing customers on a pretty map they call AT&T MicroSites.
One of the other things Patriots and Giants fans will see are these "cells on wheels," which are also called COWS. They are trucks with portable cell towers on top of them. You'll may also see devices hidden in parking garages and other places that will also boost cell power.
Months of planning have gone into the upgrades. "Over the last year, we've made more than 500 improvements in our wireless network alone here in the Indianapolis-metropolitan area," said George Fleetwood.
AT&T isn't the only wireless provider upgrading its network ahead of the big game. Verizon has spent $159 million on upgrades in 30 locations around Indy. Sprint has also beefed up its coverage with several cells on wheels along with major added capacity inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
Cell Phone Tips to Prepare for Hurricane Irene
- Have a two phones ready possibly from two different carriers. One corded or landline phone and one mobile phone. The landline phone is critical because it is not dependent on electricity in the case of a long power outage.
- Make sure all of your local emergency contact numbers and e-mail addresses are in your mobile phone. Police department, coast guard, fire station and hospital, as well as your family members.
- Keep your cell phone batteries charged at all times and keep an extra on hand. Have a plan to charge your battery in case of a long power outage using your car charger or generator.
- Keep your wireless phone dry in a dry pack or waterproof housing. If you phone gets wet or is exposed to excessive humidity you might not be able to use it.
- You can track the storm and access weather information on your wireless device but don't use too much phone battery power or data on the phone to jam the network. Try not to upload or download a lot of video during the storm. Thousands of homes will lose power during the storm and if you have a wireless device that provides access to the Internet, you can watch weather reports through mobile TV.
- Download one of the many weather apps if you have smartphone to track your local weather Accuweather, Weather Undergound and Weather.com are some of the best apps to see the radar.
- Have a camera and video phone on hand to take and send photos and video clips of damaged property or people in need of emergency help. It is also helpful to document the damage for your your insurance company.
- Use location-based mapping technology from Google and other services to help with evacuation routes or avoid traffic congestion from downed trees or power lines. Download and use location based friend applications to track a family members and friends on wireless device in case you get separated.
- During an emergency cell phone networks are typically jammed by multiple people trying to use their phones at the same time. The increased calling volume or data traffic on the network can create network congestion, leading to a "fast busy" signal on your mobile phone or a slow dial tone on your landline phone. If this happens, hang up, be patient and wait several seconds and then try the call again. This allows your original call data to clear the network before you try again. Keep non-emergency calls and usage of video uploading and downloading to a minimum. If there is severe weather, chances are many people will be attempting to place calls to loved ones, friends and business associates.
- Use text messaging as much as you can during an emergency as messages may go through more quickly than voice calls. Text messages require fewer network resources and will get priority before voice calls.
Are Verizon Customers Dropping More Calls?
Here is a letter from a 10 year Verizon customer in Virginia, who wrote to customer care. This issue has been escalated to the President level in the organization to resolve the problem. This an example of what is happening for millions of Verizon customers who previously had good coverage and are now suffering from more dropped calls. It just so happens that this customer is very persistent about getting the problem resolved but not everyone has the time or the skills to do this. Nor does Verizon have the resources to pursue every customer service problem in this manner. It is worth reading and just another reason that the current theoretical wireless coverage maps should be outlawed? Its false marketing and degradation once good coverage areas is becoming a big problem now that Verizon is moving to 4G / LTE. Wireless networks are breathing more than ever to optimize network capacity and thus why you might see 5 bars and then none standing in the same location. Read the full letter below about a Verizon trouble ticket resolution and please share any other examples in the comments or send us an email.
1st Customer Letter to Verizon
Dear Verizon,Is it possible to request a physical visit to the area in question (below), with measurements taken and reports made? My family and I drive this area a total of 12 times or more per day. We have been doing that for over ten years. WE HAVE NEVER HAD ONE DROPPED CALL IN THIS AREA FOR ALL THOSE YEARS. Why did we begin to drop most calls, suddenly, two months ago? I am specifically speaking of my driveway, 123 XYX Drive. Could an area suddenly, as if by magic, become "marginal", after working well for all those years?
My suspicion is that Verizon, by upgrading to the higher "G" coverages and has made equipment changes in this area. This new equipment places voice communication second to all the other services which the new smartphones sold. I believe that is what has caused my problem with 123 XYX Drive, etc.
I'd like to have a definitive answer, from Verizon, not some nonsense about secondary coverage areas, explaining why I still get a five-bar signal AND drop calls all the time? That doesn't sound like a coverage problem. It sounds like a Verizon equipment problem to me.
As far as being in a marginal coverage area, I've seen Verizon make those claims before. Any problems Verizon doesn't want to address are suddenly in a marginal coverage area.
Please see below, coverage maps copied from the Verizon published coverage map,
The map below is location 123 XYX Drive. As stated above, coverage just perfect for ten years. Suddenly, two months ago, the signal stays the same, calls are dropped constantly. Is it magic?
Below is another paste from the same Verizon coverage map showing the four-mile area east of my driveway on Rt. 221 where past wonderful coverage has degraded to many dropped calls with no loss in signal.
The last pasted map below is an area that Verizon knows is bad and has elected not to fix it. We get dropped calls in that area on a daily basis. The specific area is on 221 between Mays Farm Road and the upside-down question mark looking little road, just east of the 221 shields. To quote Verizon's answer on past complaints about the area, "This is an area of known problems." That's it, no fixed date, no nothing.
Please re-submit my complaint to the proper parties and include these Verizon coverage maps. I really would appreciate some sort of meaningful answer regarding the sudden degradation in service.
1st Verizon Response Letter
Mr. Customer,Your trouble ticket for service problems in your home area is now resolved. The ticket states: “located in a marginal coverage area due to distance from cell sites; there are plans for a new site in your area but not estimated time of when that will be up and running. There were currently no issues found w/ the surrounding cell sites.”
Feel free to email me back with any other questions or concerns and we can move forward or see what the next step may be.
Thanks,
Nate – Verizon Wireless Tech Support
woodana@NE.VerizonWireless.com
2nd Verizon Response Letter
Mr. Customer,From previously speaking to members of our Network Repair Bureau, I have been told that coverage can change. The majority of the time the coverage is increasing but I’ve been told that may not always be the case. I’m going to forward your email over to one of our NRB representatives and try to re-escalate this issue. I’ll email you back once I receive additional info about this problem. I also wanted to make sure that you were still marking the affected calls by dialing ### - SEND.
Thanks,
Nate – Verizon Wireless Tech Support
Customer Response to Verizon Wireless
Nate – Verizon Wireless Tech Support,
The coverage matter is a convenient out for Verizon. Their disclaimer really removes any value from the coverage maps they issue. (These Coverage Locator maps depict predicted and approximate wireless coverage. The coverage areas shown do not guarantee service availability and may include locations with limited or no coverage. Even within a coverage area, there are many factors, including customer’s equipment, terrain, proximity to buildings, foliage, and weather that may impact service. Some of the Coverage Areas include networks run by other carriers, the coverage depicted is based on their information and public sources, and we cannot ensure its accuracy.) This really makes any coverage argument totally invalid and a waste of time; except, of course, for Verizon to put forth as an unreal sales tool.
However, I might think that the cessation of service is a valid argument, and, as "supplier", Verizon would be held liable to continue the past level of service, unless they announce a change. In this instance, no change was announced to me.
I guess, unless they do something for me, my only recourse is to leave Verizon and go over to US Cellular who, according to "hearsay" has this area buttoned down tight. As you see from my record, I don't often change carriers, so I'm loath to do that.
Do let me know about the ##### or the *****.
Thanks, Nate,
Customer
Commentary & End Result
Lots of developments. After calling both Wireless and Landline executive offices at Verizon, a work order for both of my problems was issued and has gone away. A Verizon engineer surveyed my area of dropped calls and found that the PN on a tower about 18 miles away, was taking my calls and disconnecting them. They finally agreed on a new PN and the dropped calls problem is solved!
The more annoying problem is still in the works. That's the one where all calls, originated from a Verizon cell phone, within my area, showed "out of area" on my landline caller ID. If I called my Verizon landline from the same room, as my local Verizon cell phone, the landline caller ID showed "Out of area". This is annoying because "Out of area" calls are usually from salespeople and we never answered them. Now, seeing it might be one of us calling, we get to speak to an inordinate amount of salespeople!
Emily's note from Sprint is very pleasing. Not only does she seem to really care, but she is also reaching out across the Country. Not too many people around like that anymore. Sprint has always had minimal coverage in our area. I do not know what she's referring to when she says "granular detail", I've not heard that term used before. I'll give her a call, but, don't hold out much hope - unless they've increased their coverage.
Customer
How to Boost a WiFi Signal Using an Electrical Powerline Extender
If your home or office Wi-Fi isn't performing well you might consider improving the signal using an electrical powerline extender.
Wireless Network Armageddon in 2012
The analysis compiled three notable studies on mobile data traffic growth from Cisco Systems, Coda Research, and the Yankee Group. The average of these three studies estimates mobile data traffic to grow 5x between 2009-2011, 20x between 2009-2013, and 35x between 2009-2014. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski indicated that these studies were done before the iPad/tablet boom and therefore the growth may actually be understated. Our study shows that cell site growth is 7% while decelerating and Wi-Fi growth is accelerating to around 40%. in the U.S.
There is obviously going to be a spectrum deficit and the pain that consumers are feeling is going to get even worse. Some solutions trying to tackle the problem include hardware at each cell site to optimize the radio networks, offloading data to Wi-Fi and femtocells. Media optimization and compression will likely be used as well and might be more cost-effective. However, ultimately there will be 10-20 times more Wi-Fi networks and soon there will be more organic Wi-Fi management companies like Boingo, Fon & Google Wifi (TBD) to help users access the almost free networks.
Free WiFi Hotspots Growing 5X Faster than Cell Towers
1 - 22,321 - CrownCastle.com - $CCI
2 - 20,594 - Americantower.com - $AMT
3 - 10,792 - Att.com/towers - $T
4 - 8,588 - Sbasite.com - $SBAC
5 - 7,000 - T-mobiletowers.com -
6 - 3,700 - Gtpsites.com - Macquire Group
7 - 3,058 - Mobilitie.com
8 - 3,000 - Towerco.com
9 - 489 - Pegasustower.com
10 - 350 - Insitewireless.com
11 - 310 - Diamondcomm.com
12 - 305 - Subcarrier.com
13 - 250 - Horvathcommunications.com
14 - 102 - Tarpontowers.com
Why 5 Bars on a Cell Phone is Bad
My suggestion is pretty simple. Use WiFi whenever possible because 3G and 4G is not going to live up to the marketing hype.
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Understanding why it unlocks makes prevention a lot easier. The most common reasons include: 1. “Raise to Wake” activates inside your pock... -
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Spam calls and texts aren’t just annoying—they waste time, invade privacy, and can even trick people into scams. With robocalls and phishi...
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For years, Verizon Wireless has been known as the most reliable network in the United States. Many customers paid more for Verizon service...
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Do Wireless Carriers Care About Reported Dead Zones? What They Prioritize—and What Actually Changes If you’ve ever stared at a “No Service...
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In the rapidly evolving world of mobile connectivity, choosing the right network provider can be daunting. With giants like Verizon , AT...
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In recent years, the race to connect the world wirelessly has intensified with innovations like SpaceX's Starlink sate...
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Cricket Wireless Coverage Map Cricket vs AT&T vs Boost Mobile: Coverage & Network Comparison (2025) While Cricket Wireless, A... -
Airvoice Wireless Coverage Map Airvoice Wireless Database Plans You may use any unlocked 850/1900 MHz GSM device with Airvoice. You ...
