A new panel of Colorado lawmakers, officials and industry experts met for the first time on Tuesday to take a closer look at cell phone coverage across the state, with the ultimate aim of exploring strategies and legislation to fill gaps in services.   

The newly formed Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee has begun its work to identify gaps in coverage, particularly in rural areas and underserved communities.

“Whether it’s for work, school, meeting virtually with your doctor, searching for directions, or contacting emergency services — quality cell phone connectivity is vital,” Committee Chair Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, said. “However, many of our neighbors living in rural and mountainous communities are stuck with unreliable cell services. Gaps in cell phone connectivity means Coloradans can find themselves on their own in a dangerous, emergency situation.”

Gaps in cellular connectivity first came to light during the pandemic when many residents made the shift to remote working and learning.

Areas of study include major roadways, mountain passes and popular trailheads, rural communities, historically disadvantaged communities, examining whether maps provided by cell phone companies accurately describe coverage areas and determining existing state tools and resources that may be leveraged to improve connectivity throughout the state.

The 12-member committee is comprised of six voting members from the General Assembly, as well as six non-voting members.

Voting members include Reps. Lukens, Jennifer Bacon, Matt Soper and Sens. Nick Hinrichsen, Rod Pelton and Dylan Roberts.

The six non-voting members provide industry insight on connectivity and represent the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Transportation, and companies with a presence in the Western Slope, Eastern Plains, and the Denver Metro Area.

They include Mike Blank, Director of State Legislative Affairs, Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association; Eddie Castaneda, Director, Network Engineering & Ops, T-Mobile; Bob Fifer, Deputy Director of Operations, Colorado Department of Transportation; Kevin Klein, Director, Division of Homeland Security, Department of Public Safety; Guillermo Lambarri, Director of External and Legislative Affairs, AT&T; and, Eli Veenendaal, Associate General Counsel, Verizon.

“No matter your zip code, everyone deserves peace of mind and a strong sense of security that cell phones provide,” Bacon, D-Denver, said. “We convened this Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee to uncover the gaps in cell phone coverage across our state. Today’s first meeting set us on a path forward to understanding the connectivity issues as we work towards framing up future legislation.”