Cape & Islands Legislators Call on Major Carriers to Address Cell Service Failures
FALMOUTH – Representative Moakley, along with other Cape and Island legislators, are urging immediate action from major telecommunications providers to address persistent cellular service issues plaguing Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. In a joint letter sent to AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon executives, lawmakers expressed alarm and frustration that unreliable mobile networks are creating risks for public safety, weakening local economies, and straining the daily lives of residents and visitors.
“Constituents consistently report dropped calls and unreliable signals, especially during peak summer months,” the letter notes. “In some areas, residents and visitors cannot place emergency calls or conduct basic communication tasks without leaving their homes or traveling to areas with stronger reception. These limitations are particularly troubling when mobile service is too often the only means of contacting emergency responders on beaches, trails, or other remote areas.”
The letter cites the Barnstable County Broadband Needs Assessment, which documents widespread seasonal degradation of mobile networks, high customer dissatisfaction, and limited provider competition. More than 40 percent of residents surveyed reported experiencing slowdowns or dropped connections at least once a week, while more than 20 percent reported such issues daily.
The legislators urged the carriers to:
Publicly acknowledge existing service deficiencies and infrastructure gaps;
Provide a plan and timeline for improving coverage and resilience;
Collaborate with local and regional officials on infrastructure solutions;
Strengthen customer support systems to ensure timely responses to disruptions.
“Personally, I’ve had the frustrating experience of being unable to complete calls from my own home in West Falmouth. I cannot reliably connect, and I know my constituents are facing the same challenges. In emergencies, disconnection can have dangerous consequences. It’s time for carriers to step up and invest in the infrastructure Cape Cod and the Islands need and deserve”, said Representative Moakley.