Verizon is outlining plans to improve cellular and internet connectivity in Moore County, beginning with a new 5G-equipped tower expected to begin operating by the end of August.
The tower is located off N.C. 22, north of the Moore County Airport, and is part of a broader effort to address dropped calls, weak signals and unreliable service in growing areas of the county.
Local leaders say stronger Moore County Verizon service is important for businesses, residents and emergency communication.
New Tower Expected to Begin Service in August
The new tower is expected to provide 5G service to the surrounding area. Homes and businesses located within approximately one-and-a-half to two miles may also be able to use Verizon’s wireless home internet service.
Voice coverage from the tower is expected to reach beyond that area.
The tower is shorter than 150 feet because of its proximity to the Moore County Airport and Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
Verizon representatives said tower height and design depend on the location. Taller towers can cover larger rural areas, while shorter towers and smaller antennas are often used in more populated or congested areas.
Southern Pines Leaders Raise Connectivity Concerns
Southern Pines Mayor Taylor Clement has been one of the local leaders pushing telecommunications companies to address service problems.
Clement said unreliable cell coverage can create serious difficulties for local businesses. Business owners may depend on cellular service to process payments or continue operating when traditional internet or fiber service is interrupted.
She also emphasized that dependable Moore County Verizon service is a public-safety concern.
During emergencies, power outages or accidents, a cell phone may be the only available way to contact family members, first responders or other assistance.
U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson also met with Verizon representatives and toured areas where residents and businesses have reported service issues.
Additional Improvements Could Come to U.S. 1
Verizon is also evaluating areas along U.S. 1 between Southern Pines and Aberdeen. That corridor includes busy highways, shopping centers, restaurants and growing residential areas.
As more people move into an area, an existing network can become congested. Even when a tower remains operational, increased demand can lead to slower service or weaker connectivity.
In congested locations, telecommunications companies can install smaller antennas on buildings, utility poles or light posts. These devices may only be a few feet tall and can be designed to blend into their surroundings.
Clement said those smaller antennas could provide a possible solution for downtown Southern Pines, where buildings and increased demand can make reliable coverage difficult.
What Better Service Could Mean for Moore County
Improved Moore County Verizon service could help residents make more reliable calls, access mobile data and use wireless internet at home.
It could also provide local stores and restaurants with an additional option when traditional internet service is unavailable.
For first responders and families, expanded cellular coverage could reduce the number of locations where people are unable to call for help.
The tower near the Moore County Airport is currently expected to go online by the end of August. Other improvements remain part of Verizon’s longer-term planning for the area.
Local leaders say they will continue working with telecommunications providers to identify weak coverage zones and possible solutions.
As Moore County continues to grow, the demand for dependable Moore County Verizon service and internet connectivity is also expected to increase.
Stay connected with Star 102.5 and the Carolina Air Newsroom for updates affecting Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Aberdeen and communities across Moore County.
