Cell Service For Our Area

Many of us have been frustrated and concerned about the lack of cell service in the area. Our Town Supervisor, Rob Stanley has reached out to the Public Service Commission to try and rectify this situation. He wrote a letter and received the response below. He is now asking anyone who can to write a letter to the PSC at the address provided below. Let's all try and comment to see if we can get some better cell service than the spotty coverage we have now.

Folks,

FYI - Friday I received a response from the Public Service Commission (see excerpt below) regarding a letter I wrote to Governor Cuomo regarding the lack of cellular communication in our area.

It appears that the PSC is looking for comments.

I just sent a copy of this to the Town Clerk to post as I'm hoping we can get a few folks to submit comments to help stress the need for cellular communications in our area.

Write or send your comments and try to get as many people as you can to send comments as well.

The original letter was sent from me as the Chair for the Route 28 Municipal Leaders Group, which is the Board of Directors for the Scenic Byway. So try to get others you may know in the region to submit as well.

Best,

Robert A. Stanley, C.F.M.

Supervisor, Town of Shandaken

Shandaken Town Hall

PO Box 134

Shandaken, NY 12480

Phone: 845.688.7165

Fax: 845.688.7392

Excerpt from the letter to Rob Stanley from the Public Service Commission:

As you note in your letter, attracting investment to the diverse regions of the State is of critical importance and the State has several programs in place to address this issue. For example, in 2011, Governor Andrew Cuomo established the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, through which 10 Regional Councils develop long-term strategic plans for the economic growth oftheir regions. 
The Regional Councils are redefining the way New York invests in its economy and creates job by using a community-based and competitive approach for State resources. Additionally, Governor Cuomo has dedicated $500 million - the largest contribution of any State - to building high speed broadband infrastructure in those areas of the State that do not have it. On the topic of health and safety, the State, through the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, is participating in the federal FirstNet project. FirstNet is an independent authority authorized by the United States Congress to design, build and operate a nationwide wireless data network dedicated to public safety communication.

The Department of Public Service, through its Examination of the State of Telecommunications, is actively engaged in reviewing its regulatory frameworks to address issues of resiliency, reliability and availability of communications - cellular and otherwise - in all parts of the State. A formal proceeding has been initiated and we encourage your participation so that the issues you raise may be addressed. Comments and information may be submitted to the Department directly as set forth below.

Internet: www.dps.ny.gov (Case 14-C-0370)
E-mail: secretary@dps.ny.gov
Phone: (800) 335-2120
Mail: Hon. Kathleen Burgess, Secretary, NYS Public Service Commission, 3 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223