Why is my cell tower signal strength so weak now?

[Naplescustomer]

Approximately 4 weeks ago the signal strength within my residence suddenly decreased to the point that calls frequently failed in mid conversation or never connected in the first place.  This was after over seven years of absolutely perfect service!  The problem is definitely not an issue with my specific phone since it affects my wife's phone, the phone of any Verizon customer who visits our house, and the phones of neighbors with Verizon service.  I can still use my phone reliably if I stand outside my house.  I've spent hours with Verizon personnel attempting to regain the service I'm still paying for.   After contacting several support personnel, I finally found one who was helpful enough to submit trouble ticket NRB00000978473.  A few days later, on April 24, I received a text message stating "Your reported service issue has been resolved.  Please retry your service".  I did, and absolutely nothing had changed.  The reported service issue was actually not resolved at all.  I responded to the text message (theoretically) letting Verizon know that the problem persisted, but never received any indication that a live person was on the receiving end of my  response.   My most recent phone conversation with Verizon support personnel (while standing outside my house) only resulted in being put on hold for a half hour.  The closest I've come for an explanation for the loss of tower signal came from an employee at the local Verizon store who suggested Verizon may be switching out their tower equipment to move toward 5G service.  I hope that this isn't the actual reason for the sudden drop in signal strength because it would mean that issue is not caused by equipment failure, but but rather a corporate decision.  In other words, not likely to be fixed any time soon.  

[vzw_customer_support]

We are concerned to know you are experiencing issues with your service, and we want to make sure you get the help you need. What services are affected this time? Is this happening with all phones in your account?

PamD_VZW

[Neghilem]

Have the exact same issue here in northeastern Pennsylvania. I know for a fact that Verizon is implementing changes to 5G at a tower 2 miles from my house. In the meantime, our service deteriorates daily. Verizon won't admit this is why we have such poor connectivity and refuses to make restitution for days when the service we pay for is unavailable. Man up Verizon!

[vzw_customer_support]

Neghilem, we always want you to have a strong and reliable connection when using your services. It's troubling to learn of the issues you have been with your calls dropping. Are you running into any issues with your text messages or data? What kind of device are you using, and is your HD Voice feature enabled? It is recommended to use Wi-Fi Calling while inside.       EricaG_VZW

[MaestraKPG]

Same problem.  Also internet strength reduced.  What is Verizon up to?

[vzw_customer_support]

MaestraKPG, we always want to ensure that you have reliable service, and are sorry to hear that your data speeds have been reduced. We always want to make sure that we help ensure you receive the best available service. Are calls and texts also impacted? When did this service issue begin? Also, could you please confirm your zip code?

LauraF_VZW

[Daniel7230]

I've been going back and forth with customer service for LITERALLY 3 months with the same issue.

Moved into a new apartment in July 2018 and had full bars of LTE all the time, speeds over 100 mbps. Come one day in October 2018 and I'm suddenly down to a 1-2 bars tops with ridiculously slow speeds, less than 10 mbps, and constantly dropping to 3G. In addition, all family and friends who have visited report the same issues on their Verizon phones, so clearly it's a bigger issue than just my device. Every time I contact customer care, all they can provide is the same generic answers (rely on your wifi for everything even though you're paying verizon in the first place, reset your data settings, upgrade to a new plan that doesn't prioritize data, blah blah blah). Obviously none of these are the solution because again, multiple people besides me who have varying data plans are having the same issue only at this location. 3 months later and I'm just sitting around waiting to finish paying off this phone to get off this garbage network that doesn't care enough about its customers to investigate the issue and get it resolved. I don't understand how something like this can even happen, but it's made my choice to leave the network once my phone is paid off incredibly simple. Way to go, Verizon. 

[vzw_customer_support]

Wait, hold the phone, we don't want you to leave.

We are committed to improving your wireless experience, Daniel7230. Time is valuable and 3 months to spend resolving an issue is way too long. That said, we'd be glad to help. Where are you located (intersection, zip code)? How do the other services work (calls, texts)? Can you take a current speed test and screenshot the results to share with us here?

GinaU_VZW

[spamoni4]

I am experiencing the same issue in Fairfax VA.  My Zip code is 22033.  I used to get 4 to 5 bars and now I get 1 to 2 bars.  My wife has an iPhone 11 and I have a Pixel 4 and both are experiencing the same issue.  This issue happens when I am indoors our outside, driving or sitting in my driveway.  Remember, I used to get 4 to 5 bars.  In addition, I have an AT&T phone which gets better coverage and recently had a TMobile phone (Temporary) which got 5 bars.  I tried to call Verizion and after 45 minutes sitting on hold I hung up....  The funny thing is, I can actually walk down my block to get to the cell tower as it is at the area school.

So, why is the signal strength to a point where we cannot surf the web, make calls, send multimedia texts, etc.  I do have the WIFI calling on so I can use it in my house more reliably.  Is this happening because Verizon wants everyone on the Unlimited plan?

Help would be appreciated and not the simple canned response.

Thanks

[spamoni4]

Additional Information - I turned off my wifi anf blutooth.  I then check the signal strength which is being reported as: -101 dBm 48 asu on my Pixel4.  this is terrible in that  I understand that you need to be closer to 0 from a great signal.  As explained in my previous post, the cell tower is within walking distance to my house and this started happening within the last few months.  I am hoping to find a solution or a reason at a minimum.  As a side note, my wifes iPhone 11 is reporting the following: rsrp0 -109 dBm and he rsrq0 is -24 which should be much lower.  Apparently -18 or greater is really bad.

[spamoni4]

Just did a Chat Session with VZW and was impressed with the knowledge and info.  they are dispatching the Network Team to test the tower in my area and see what the cause it.  It may be related to the 5G integration and my phones connecting to a tower further away.

[vzw_customer_support]

Oh no, spamoni4! It's our priority to provide a seamless network experience and we are concerned to hear that you are experiencing challenges with your data connection. We would love the opportunity to help you in any way we can. Can you tell us a little more? When did this issue start? What services are being impacted? 

RachelM_VZW

[spamoni4]

Take a look at my history at verizon.  they sent a Network Team out (I Believe) to check the tower and to see what can be done.  The response was that the cell service is working within parameters...  I guess having a -99 to -105 dBm signal is acceptable.  :(.  I think VZW needs to determine what is going on and why so many individuals are experiencing this.

The actual Tech I was chatting with indicated this issue is most likely due to the 5G being rolled out and causing individuals to shift to other towers.

[heloav8tor]

Reading all of these responses make me realize that my reduced service is here to stay.  The 5G cutover started mid-December for us.  We went from 4 bars/4G to 2 bars/5G.  I have been "waiting", giving Verizon time to finish their roll-out, but in reading all of this, I am sadly realizing that this it the new normal.  I work from home, so this is interferring with my employment.  And don't tell me to wi-fi call.  I pay a premium to Verizon to make calls and not rely on my even less reliable internet service to make phone calls with my "CELL" phone (not VOIP phone).

We have had 15 years of stellar service with Verizon.  If I am going to receive sub-par quality, I might as well move to a different carrier and save the $100/mo premium I have been paying for Verizon.

[amycramer]

I am on the unlimited plan and am having same problems. Don't let them tell you it will help, it won't just cost you more.

[JFinTN]

Amy,

I have unlimited on post and prepaid plans at my house. They both connect to the same, antiquated tower. My issue is not one of running out of data or being throttling down, it’s too much traffic on one tower and Verizon is unwilling to address it.

[amycramer]

After 2 days of research I have figured out why we are all having so much problems. It is the same talk over at all the other big carriers.  They have sold us out to all the small carriers. Time to switch for sure.

 https://smarttechtune.com/what-cell-phone-companies-use-verizon-towers/

[Weckmac]

El Camino and Watt last 3 months my signal is lost in this area. Please let me know why? In Sacramento area.

[mendesa]

I've had the same issue recently. Suddenly my service has gone down to 1 or two bars. Not sure what happened. The only thing that has changed for me is I went from having 5gb of data, to unlimited data. All my AT&T friends connections have been outperforming Verizon.

[vzw_customer_support]

It is concerning to see that you are having trouble with your services. Rest assured this is not the experience that we want you to have, and we want you to continue using your services with no problems. Can you please provide us more details on the issues that you are experiencing? GeorginaG_VZW

[rayvin65]

Not only have I had the exact same experience but I took it to the next level and bought a Verizon signal booster (over $200.00).  Now I'm having the SAME PROBLEM happen with the overpriced booster! While not as often it will drop my voice when talking on my cell.  VERY FRUSTRATING!!!  

[vzw_customer_support]

rayvin65,

This certainly isn't the experience we want for you to have. Getting the Network Extender should certainly help improve the coverage and call reliability. I'm happy to hear that it's helped a little, but our goal is for it to help a lot. Can you tell me more about where you are located (City, State)? How is your service outside of your home?

ErinW_VZW