By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

Terrible cell phone service could improve … some day

(June 22, 2023) During a board of directors meeting a few months ago, a resident challenged Ocean Pines Association President Doug Parks to address the poor cell service in certain areas of Ocean Pines.

That challenge was accepted and now Verizon will be providing the OPA with periodic updates on what might be done and when.

As reported by General Manager John Viola at Saturday’s directors meeting, he and Josh Davis, the director of public relations and marketing, reached out to Verizon, which confirmed there is an issue of poor reception in the community. Viola said he has significant issue with cell service here himself.

Because the problem seems worse in the summer, Verizon representatives suggested the problem might be the abundance of trees, but Viola countered it could be the larger number of people in the community.

Viola has given Verizon examples of certain problem spots and people to call to track the issue. In the meantime, Viola said Saturday the association should receive regular updates from Verizon within the next few weeks on whether upgrades will occur this year.

According to Viola, Verizon has upgrades planned that it believes that will help. Viola also said the company will work with the county on zoning to try to get a cell tower.

He expects to have more information over the next couple of months, he told the board.