Vermont Finds Wireless Dead Zones Triple What Carriers Reported to FCC
Vermont challenged wireless coverage data that carriers sent the FCC for the Mobility Fund Phase-II auction. The FCC is investigating if top wireless carriers submitted incorrect coverage maps in violation of MF-II rules (see 1812070048). Carrier data showed 1,310 out…
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of 25,000 square kilometers in Vermont would be eligible, but at its own expense, the Vermont Department of Public Service tested coverage on major roads, downtowns and village centers, and found it should be eligible in 4,186 square kilometers of the state, the agency said Wednesday. “Anyone who drives Vermont’s roads experiences that the industry’s coverage data is not accurate,” said DPS Telecommunications Director Clay Purvis. “Many of the areas in Vermont shown as served at 5 Mbps on their coverage maps actually lack sufficient coverage to even make a call.” Vermont Public Service Commissioner June Tierney hopes “our challenge will be fully sustained by the FCC” and “companies will seek grants to serve the expanded territory made eligible through our efforts in the forthcoming FCC grant program.” CTIA and the FCC didn’t comment Thursday.