Residents, businesses and emergency personnel in parts of Moore County may now have improved access to wireless service following the launch of a new roaming agreement.
The agreement took effect September 10 and expands AT&T coverage into areas of Moore County where the company previously did not provide service. The expanded access also applies to eligible FirstNet subscribers, including first responders who depend on the public-safety network during emergencies.
Reliable service has remained a concern in several parts of Moore County, with residents and businesses reporting weak signals and inconsistent connections. Coverage gaps can create an additional challenge for police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel responding in rural or previously underserved areas.
The expansion follows an August meeting between U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson and AT&T representatives in Moore County. The discussions focused on locations experiencing connectivity problems and possible ways to improve service.
The effort is also part of broader discussions with multiple wireless carriers. Verizon representatives visited Moore County in July to examine areas with poor coverage, including a small-cell site in Aberdeen and a tower near Moore County Airport.
Verizon activated the airport-area tower in August, improving service for customers around that location. Local leaders have continued working with providers to identify neighborhoods, roads, businesses and public-safety locations where dependable wireless connections are limited.
Additional details are available from the Sandhills Sentinel.
