Steve Van Dinter, Great Lakes Market spokesman for Verizon, said the Federal Communications Commission told the company to turn down its local signal strength after Canadian cell carriers took issue with American signals bleeding over the border.
He said the carrier had to comply with the order in December 2016, or face a “substantial” fine.
“Typically, we will see coverage (shift), especially in areas like the Midwest where you’ve got a lot of spring and summer foliage. (It is a) season difference,” Van Dinter said.
According to the FCC, the U.S. and Canada have agreements in place to cover use of radio frequencies along the border with the intent of licensees being able to provide coverage while avoiding interference. Most agreements require licensees not exceed signal limit from cell towers at the border unless both agree to specific conditions.Neither Verizon nor the FCC disclosed what that signal limit was. However, Van Dinter said that is what they’re working on.
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