Longboat cell reception study results

So how bad is cell phone reception on Longboat Key? Does the scientific data support the need for a dedicated cell tower on Longboat Key or in the vicinity?

To help come to a conclusion the Town Commission authorized a telecommunication study to determine scientifically the existing level of service as well as hear from an independent consultant recommendations to address any shortcomings.

Longboat Key News obtained the study results and below page by page is the actual data showing coverage and signal strength and quality for all the major cell phone carriers providing service to the Key.

At a Town sponsored meeting wherein the results were explained, a spokesman for TE Connectivity, the firm whom conducted the study, said the poor reception in the northern third of the Key shows a need for a “macro” solution. He said a tower is a macro solution whereas newer micro technology has not yet proven cost efficient enough to justify.

When asked if the service was bad enough to make the town liable under the federal telecommunications act if it were to refuse an application, he said no, he did not think the town would be liable. In other words, a tower will improve service, but the Town can legally say “no” if it so chooses under its zoning code.

TE Connectivity will present its findings to the Planning and Zoning Board later this month and to the Town Commission at the next workshop in April.

The results can also possibly help residents determine which cell service provider gives the best coverage.