Push for better cell coverage in Au Sable Forks continues

AU SABLE FORKS | Town officials from Black Brook and Jay are continuing the push for improved local cell phone coverage. "We have consistently raised our concerns about the lack of coverage in both towns," said Town of Black Brook Supervisor Jon Douglass. "Unfortunately, we've had little success." In the September meeting minutes, it was noted that Verizon had begun communication regarding the construction of a cell tower. Since then, Douglass said the town has heard nothing more about it. The Town of Jay also faced a similar situation when working with a subcontractor on potential tower sites, but that fell through, as well. "Things were moving forward, and then, all of a sudden, they just stopped. Apparently, they had renewed their lease of another cell tower [...], so they were no longer looking for alternative spots," said Town of Jay Supervisor Matt Stanley. "Unfortunately, nothing has been resolved, and nothing has gotten better." While the actual cell coverage — the geographical area where a signal can be received from a cell tower — is technically acceptable, the bandwidth — the capacity of a connection to transmit data — is the problem, said Stanley, referring to a map showing the area's cell coverage that the Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board created. "We see on our phones that we have two bars, but we can't complete a call. It's the bandwidth that ensures calls can be connected. That's the problem." Earlier this year, the Town of Jay installed public Wi-Fi around the Grove Athletic Complex, Riverside Park, Tops Friendly Markets, and the Community Center to improve communication. While this is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done, as residents and locals alike should be able to have adequate communication access anywhere in the community, said Au Sable Forks Free Library Board President Scott Wilson in a previous interview. "We used to have good cell service in town, but when Verizon adjusted the tower a few years ago, the cell signal really degraded. Now, you drive through town and only have one bar or no bars. It's a huge issue that needs to be addressed." In spring, the Au Sable Forks Free Library decided to circulate a petition around town to improve local cell phone coverage. At this writing, there were 240 signatures on the online petition, and paper versions with even more signatures are circulating, as well. The end goal is to have a cell carrier — either Verizon or another — install a new cell phone tower or booster to ensure consistent, reliable communication service for everyone. "It is time for our community's needs and safety to be prioritized," as stated on the change.org petition page. "Join us in urging the relevant authorities and telecommunications providers to take immediate action. Enhance the quality of life and safety in Au Sable Forks by providing the cell service infrastructure that we deserve. Please sign this petition to support our call for better connectivity and safety in our beloved community." To access the online version of the petition, visit change.org/p/install-cell-tower-in-au-sable-forks-for-safety-and-connectivity?source_location=search.

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Push for better cell coverage in Au Sable Forks continues

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