Verizon Wireless service in our community has significantly degraded during this past year.  Over the past several months, the GH-CP Association Board has supported an effort to have current service evaluated and improvements made.  On behalf of the community, a direct approach to Verizon Corporate Relations was initiated by Rebecca Skinner and Scott Synnott, Board members.  Several community residents, including John Gold, also became involved with locally reporting their own connectivity issues.  Although there was reportedly an engineering survey done in the community, the Verizon response was that the cell towers are all operating and that this area has “less than optimal coverage”.

Short of finding another provider, which they did communicate, we found another option is to request a Verizon LTE Network Extender.  When connected to an internet router it greatly enhances connectivity within the home; unfortunately, it has limited range beyond the house.  On the Verizon website it is listed for $249; however, they have been providing them for free.  There have also been reports of account discounts due to the less-than-optimal coverage.  Both of these considerations must be initiated by the account holder by  calling 800-922-0204. These are just short-term answers as the goal is to have optimal coverage for the convenience and safety of our residents.

The GH-CP Board has also communicated with the CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, the FCC Bureau Chief for Wireless Communications, Congressman Wittman, Westmoreland County District 2 Supervisor, and our County Administrator.  During Saturday’s General Membership meeting, Jeff McCormack, our District 2 Supervisor, indicated Verizon had recently requested a building permit for a local wireless tower.  No details or confirmation are yet available as to what, if any, additional coverage would be provided to GH-CP.  The Board will provide more information as it becomes available and will continue to push for better service.

posted 08.25.25