Lawmakers demand action on Boulder County cell service woes

Colorado lawmakers want federal regulators to fix spotty cellphone service in parts of Boulder County after restrictions meant to protect a government research facility disrupted coverage.

Why it matters: Unreliable service could leave residents unable to receive emergency alerts or call for help during fast-moving wildfires — not to mention the everyday inconveniences.

Driving the news: U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Lafayette) and U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper sent a letter Tuesday urging the Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to work with cellular carriers to restore service.

The lawmakers say Longmont and Niwot residents have filed more than 100 FCC complaints, reporting dropped calls or data use even with full bars.

Catch up quick: The Left Hand Valley Courier first reported the problems after Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile adjusted their networks to comply with federal regulations protecting the Table Mountain Radio Quiet Zone north of Boulder.

The facility supports sensitive research by federal agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Geological Survey, that could be disrupted by outside radio signals.

Federal officials discovered in 2024 that signals from the three carriers exceeded permitted limits and began working with the companies in January 2025 to bring them into compliance.

What they're saying: The lawmakers wrote that cellphones are "vital for public safety in Boulder County, which is prone to rapidly escalating wildfires."

The other side: T-Mobile told 9NEWS engineers were working on longer-term improvements.

AT&T and Verizon acknowledged the federal requirements, but neither provided a timeline for restoring coverage.

What's next: Federal regulators have been asked to meet immediately with carriers, but it's unclear when service could improve.