Griggs County commissioners approve letter asking Verizon to study poor cell service

The Griggs County Commission voted Sept. 8 to send a letter to Verizon Wireless requesting company review of cell coverage gaps within the county after residents and commissioners described repeated dead zones and failed calls.

Commissioners said the problem affects residents, farmers working in the field and first responders. "There's quite frequently, our phones are on SOS in the middle of our yard or driving down the road," Commissioner Jamie said, describing a farm half a mile off Highway 200 in the county. "I need my phone to work for state's attorney's work and for emergency management stuff, and it just doesn't seem like it works."

The vote followed extended discussion and a presentation from Dan(iel/ielle) Darnell, who described technical checks done at the local hospital and by a local network partner. "On the roof of the hospital ... they couldn't get any signal on top of the hospital," Darnell said, and he reported that boosters offered to individual customers would only amplify the signal that exists at a site. "You're only boosting what you're getting," he said.

Why it matters: Commissioners said unreliable phone service threatens emergency communication and daily life. Several participants recounted areas with especially poor reception — Wimbledon, west of Wawam and places west of Cooperstown — and one commissioner said truck drivers now avoid sections of county roads because of the condition of the roadway and lack of cell coverage.

What the commission decided: Commissioner Edlund moved to approve a draft letter asking Verizon to evaluate coverage and options for the county; Commissioner Lauren seconded. After discussion the motion passed by voice vote. Commissioners asked staff to obtain an address for Verizon and to invite a Verizon representative to a future meeting.

Details and context: Darnell said Verizon representatives told him the company would erect a tower if land and local approvals were available; he noted the county has no zoning so tower placement approvals would typically fall to townships. The commission discussed technical factors, including a shift from LTE to 5G and differences in how coverage patterns work with newer technologies.

Commissioners also noted prior outreach and the possibility of towers, boosters and conditional use permits at the township level. They directed staff to pursue a mailing address for Verizon and to continue outreach with the company and with local landowners to identify potential sites.

The motion carried by voice vote; a formal roll-call tally was not recorded in the meeting transcript.