Schumer: Submit Your Cell Phone Dead Zones

Statement

On a conference call with reporters, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced his office will be conducting a statewide crowdsourcing campaign to identify and locate dead zones in Upstate New York. Schumer said the information will be used to help crack down on wireless carriers who are falsely listing their service on coverage maps throughout New York State. Schumer has been pushing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to investigate if network providers are fairly and accurately advertising wireless coverage so that consumers can make informed choices. Schumer said that the information on dead zones provided by New York residents will enable the FCC to pinpoint the exact locations where wireless companies are false reporting good coverage, and then crack down on the lack of accuracy in those coverage maps.

"These false coverage maps may be good for business, but not for consumers living in those areas, who decide on which wireless carrier to use based on whether or not they provide good service in their area," said Schumer. "Consumers need accurate information in order to make informed decisions in the marketplace, but these deceptive coverage maps may obscure the truth and put consumers at a major disadvantage. That is why I am launching a statewide crowdsourcing campaign that will allow customers to report the dead zones they have experienced first-hand across Upstate New York which will provide the evidence necessary for the FCC to crack down on inaccurate coverage maps."

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