My first experience with cell phone connection issues

[Siwsan]

I use Consumer Cellular. This morning I got an alert that 'temporarily' I had no voice service. Got in touch with CC (excellent customer service) and they got me back in service but I had to go outside to do so. Connection was fine but then it dropped, again, after I disconnected from chat. I walked up the street - I'm at the bottom of three inclines so everywhere I go is a hill - and got a connection. It lasted until I went back inside.

I also have Xfinity voice so I'm not without communication options BUT if we get hit with heavy storms, which is a possibility, and I lose power, I'm totally incommunicado unless I drive somewhere.

Hopefully this is just a temporary problem. Or, could it be my cell phone? It's not even 4 years old.

Most aggravating. If it continues I'll get back to CC. Their on line chat is great.

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Cell phone service outside populated areas can be as finicky as your cats

Mine varies based on time of day, cloud cover, temperature, rain, and whether I leave the phone on all the time or turn it off every other day. My provider is owned by Verizon and the phone is 2 years old.

They all say they have coverage just about everywhere but mountain tops. They didn't say it would be a strong signal.

[Siwsan]

2. I'm in a very populated area

It was working fine, earlier this morning. I've never had an issue, save for an occasional lower bar showing on the phone. Well, the ONLY other time I had a problem was when I was in Frostburg, MD. Iffy service, at best. It's a very hilly area.

I think Consumer Cellular uses the A&T network.

[bucolic_frolic]

3. On a good day I get 2 bars

Maybe they're doing maintenance, replacing routers or something.

[Siwsan]

4. I'll just keep my fingers crossed for no power outages.

That was the one nice thing about having a traditional land line. When I lost power for a week, back in 2013, I could still communicate and not worry about battery power.

I'm going to have the phone charged to 100%, just in case I do need to travel in order to keep people posted if I do lose power.

[Tracer]

5. My house is in a cell phone dead zone.

It is so freakin' annoying and it shouldn't be that way, since I live in a suburb, not the country.

If I know that I need to make any important calls, I get in my car and drive a short way to the local community center where I KNOW I can get a very good signal.

Other than that, it's dropped calls, in-and-out voice, fuzz and static. It's
Verizon and I unfortunately PAY for this lousy wifi.

[Siwsan]

6. I've never had this issue at home.

I just took a stroll to the top of the hill and got 4 bars. Kept them while I was wandering the back lot, figuring out my next project. Walked back to the house. 4 bars. Put the phone down - POOF!! No service.