We live in a beautiful place. . .But your safety is at stake.  We don’t have enough cell phone coverage. It’s amazing in this day and age that anyone would be opposed to this. . . .but they are.

EHCA Executive Director Erin King Sweeney interviews Abbey Warsh, Owner of Harbor Market and Kitchen in Sag Harbor. Listen as Abbey discusses the importance of better cell service for local businesses.

We need to make a change.

Few can argue that cell service on the East End is good.  In fact, it is dreadful. While this poor service has always been an inconvenience on a good day, now the situation has turned dangerous.  According to Newsday, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, nearly 10,000 people have changed their mailing address to Suffolk County.  In addition, thousands more are staying in the Hamptons for longer periods of time even now that the summer season is officially over.

This influx of residents and visitors during the traditionally slow season is putting a strain on already paltry cell service.  With a larger population, the increased need for emergency communications is obvious.  From responding to health emergencies and automobile accidents to weather events, reliable cell service is necessary for survival.  Just as importantly, many of our children rely on cell service to conduct remote learning during the pandemic.  We can no longer afford to kick the can down the road.

Thankfully, the Town Board of East Hampton unanimously voted at its August 6 meeting to hire consultants to develop a strategy for better coverage. Previously, the Board voted to hire an attorney to update the Town code to comply with FCC regulations. The Town has also green-lighted Verizon’s building of a temporary tower in Wainscott, while the company awaits approval for something more permanent.  

EHCA applauds these efforts, but more needs to be done. The East Hampton Community Alliance wants to raise everyone’s awareness not only of the pitiful state of our cell service, but of the slow progress that is being made. We need world-class service for our world-class community, especially as we pivot from a vacation destination to a year-round community. The safety of our community depends on it. And, our children’s future require we act soon.  We can be creative about tower design and placement, and we can address any valid health concerns.

Let’s bring our cell coverage on the East End into the modern age.