New York state has launched an Upstate Cellular Coverage Task Force to develop potential solutions and policies to address the lack of cell service in rural and remote parts of upstate New York.

The task force, originally proposed as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2019 State of the State, will be administered by Empire State Development.

The lack of upstate cellular network coverage undermines economic growth, impacts communications and safety, and inhibits adoption of smart municipal infrastructure.

In the Adirondack Park Region and other rural upstate areas with large coverage gaps, the issue of cellular deployment has been a major local concern. The task force will review existing policies, potential constraints, and available resources and funding sources including federal support, to develop implementable recommendations for enhancing cellular coverage in unserved areas including the Adirondacks and Catskills.