MARQUETTE -- For Friday's Facebook Story of the Day, we got an overwhelming response that most of you wanted to know about cell phone coverage in Michigan. How good is it? Where are the dead zones? Will there be any improvements?
We asked our Facebook fans for areas where they had trouble getting coverage. The feedback poured in, naming dozens of problem areas. For many, it's not just a issue of inconvenience, but a serious danger.
"There are some places, as we put it, even God can't get a signal," says Marty Marttol, co-owner of Advanced Mobile Accessories.
It's no secret cell service in some places of the U.P. can be a tough find. We had an overwhelming amount of viewers on Facebook post about their experiences. For many, these create safety concerns.
Kristine Schroeder posted on Facebook:
"There are certain places I know I better keep it on the road because there is no chance I'll be calling for help if I wreck."
So what do providers have to say about the dead zones their clients are finding in the U.P.?
Our request for an interview was not possible due to corporate AT&T regulations. I was able to speak with a representative over the phone, but was informed they can't discuss their coverage areas or any additions or improvements they are planning for the future to the media. She did add they'll "continue to enhance and expand our mobile broadband network in this area to provide the best possible customer experience."
Verizon was also not able to meet with us for an interview but did say they have activated nine new cell sites across the U.P. "which improve voice and data coverage."
One device that has become popular in the U.P. for those who need coverage are cell phone boosters.
"The signal from your phone amphifies it and sends it to the tower," Barttol said. "It takes the signal coming from the tower and boosts it up enough that your phone can pick it up."
Both home and car boosters are available, but they'll cost you $250-$700.
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