Study signals Longboat Key cellular patterns

TE Connectivity Inc. representative Scott Wierson didn’t send any signal about what recommendations the company would make to address Key-wide wireless communications issues during a public meeting March 16, at Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian.

But he did offer insight into wireless communications patterns on the island and presented findings generated from signal-strength tests conducted throughout the island last month.

Sprint and Verizon coverage followed the same basic patterns on the island: Received signal strengths and signal qualities were best at the northern-most tip of the Key and at a stretch from just north of the Sarasota-Manatee county line to midway through the Sarasota side of the island. Excluding the northern point, signal strengths and qualities were worst in most of the Manatee portion of the island, falling in the ranges the study defined as marginal or poor in many areas. The southern-most points of the island fared better than most of Manatee but worse than the area to its direct north.

AT&T’s received signal strength was strongest at the northern- and southern-most points of the island and the area to the direct north of the county line. The signal varied from good to marginal for the remainder of the island. Signal quality varied widely, with only the area just north of the county line falling in the excellent range. Much of the Key fell in the marginal range, although a large stretch of the Sarasota County portion fell in the poor range.

T-Mobile’s received signal strength fell in the good range or better for only the northern tip; most of the Key fell within the marginal or poor ranges, with a few spots falling in the “very poor range.” Quality was mostly marginal or good at the center of the island, with quality improving to the good, very good and excellent ranges on both the north and south ends.

Metro PCS’s received signal strength was marginal throughout most of the island, although a portion of the north end and a smaller section in Sarasota County fell in the poor range, with a few spots hitting the very poor range. Signal quality varied widely throughout the island, mostly from marginal to very good.

The company will give an informational presentation at the Planning & Zoning Board meeting March 27. Another community meeting has been scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.