Yorktown Seeks Residents’ Input on Cell Phone Service

A new cell-phone service survey seeks information about poor connectivity and dropped calls in Yorktown.

CityScape Consultants created the community survey to fine tune maps that identify the areas of the Town with the worst cell phone service. Areas that have spotty service include the densely populated northeast and northwest corners of Yorktown, according to a presentation made to the Town Board on Tuesday.

“We want to hear back from the community on their experience with their coverage and capacity,” said Susan Rabold, of CityScape.

The survey is posted online.

The survey results will be used by Town officials to determine what kinds of cell-phone towers are acceptable to the community, whether that is poles, towers or some type of concealed transmitter that looks like a tree. Most of the communications towers in Yorktown are not concealed.

Once the survey results are collected, CityScape will give Town officials policy recommendations as they begin discussions with wireless providers about where to install new transmitters.

“We know from resident complaints that cell phone service on the east and south side of town has deteriorated over the past eight to 10 months,” said Supervisor Matt Slater. “As remote-working becomes a permanent reality for many residents in northern Westchester, I and my colleagues in neighboring towns must work collaboratively to ensure that our communities create a robust network of communications towers that can support our residents’ increasing need for wireless bandwidth.”

The survey is a step in the creation of the Northern Westchester County Draft Wireless Telecommunications Infrastructure Master Plan that involves seven municipalities. The plan’s goal is to coordinate remedial actions among the various municipalities to create seamless wireless coverage throughout the region.

Contact:  Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater, 914-962-5722 x201 or mslater@yorktownny.org