Massachusetts Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Better Wireless Coverage Bill
Massachusetts state Rep. Hadley Luddy (D) and Orleans, Massachusetts, Fire Chief Geof Deering urged lawmakers Thursday to support HB-3974, which sets a Jan. 1, 2030, deadline for universal mobile coverage in the state. Cape Cod's unreliable cell service is an issue "I hear about constantly" from district residents, Luddy said as she presented the bill at a Joint Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee hearing. She said the problem worsens in the summer, when Cape Cod's population doubles.
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Deering testified that when the fire department was called to a propane leak in August, he couldn't text, make calls or access the internet. He said his department phone, personal phone and department tablet all couldn't get a signal.
The bill would direct the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable to work with wireless carriers to identify the cell tower and antenna site infrastructure improvements needed to provide cellular coverage to all residents. It also would set a July 20, 2026, deadline for the department to submit a plan for improving mobile infrastructure to state lawmakers.