Cell service can be a lifesaver

Published 9:00 pm Monday, July 18, 2011

In an era where we have routinely heard debates about the ills of such things as universal health care, the problems created by the rush of illegal immigrants across our borders and attacks on the social fabric of our culture, topics that have real impact on the lives of everyday citizens are often drowned out.

One such topic that very rarely is discussed is that of quality, consistent cellphone and Internet access in Alabama’s Black Belt.

That is, it’s rarely talked about until you head down any of the area’s highways and have a call dropped, service interrupted or can’t find any service to complain to someone about the lack of service. Be honest. Up until a recent story by the Times-Journal looking into the cell service in Dallas County and portions of the Black Belt, had you really given much thought to what is available, what is being done — or better yet — what isn’t being done to solve the problem? There are fancy named federal programs aimed at improving service, programs very few — if any — have ever heard of.

Email newsletter signup

There are “initiatives” on the part of providers to increase coverage and services, such as 3G and broadband Internet access.

The truth is, Alabama’s Black Belt is a rural area, and that is both a blessing and curse.

While we do not have afternoon traffic jams on our highways and byways, we are often times not provided the chance to such “luxuries” as cellphone coverage on the most remote portions of our streets or dirt roads.

But while that is a reality we must face, we should continue to ask, press and demand for more coverage.  For it is not a luxury to have cell service on a dark night when your car brakes down. In some cases, it’s a matter of life or death.