Verizon Wireless is aware of the frustration Frisco residents face with their smart phone service, which is why they’ve recently applied to construct a tower in the middle of town. The Summit Daily News reported that a timeline isn’t yet in place and according to Steven Van Dinter, a media relations representative with Verizon, “Our network team is well aware of the issues. They’re working on securing a cell site either near or in town that would allow them to provide additional coverage … but that process takes time.”
Since April 2018, there’s been a severe drop in service and according to Verizon, the problem is a matter of network traffic. Van Dinter noted that network traffic can be affected by the number of devices connected to a tower at any given time, but also by the amount of data being used on the network.
For residents and visitors, dropping calls, receiving voicemails a day late or not being able to check their email can be frustrating but the lack of coverage is also a public safety concern. Summit Fire & EMS Chief Jeff Berino said that the coverage is affecting their ability to respond to calls in Frisco as efficiently as they would be able to otherwise.
“We use Verizon to send info to our units out in the field, and that’s becoming an issue as well,” said Jerry Del Valle, director of the Summit 911 Center. “We have a huge lack of coverage countywide, but we notice that Frisco has been degrading for some reason … Our biggest concern is people calling in. If we can’t hear them we don’t know what they’re telling us, and it’s way harder for us to help them.”
Frisco approved Verizon’s tower application in September and approved a modified application last week. As a next step, Katie Kent, a planner with Frisco, said Verizon must submit building and electric permits to the town and county, as well as receive approval from the property owner and get a license agreement in place. Once the preliminary aspects of the project are in place, construction of the tower should be completed relatively quickly, reported the Summit Daily. Comments? Email us.
December 5, 2018
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