You're Not Imagining It: Cell Phone Reception Is Getting Worse.

The article discusses the declining quality of cell phone service in urban areas, particularly in densely populated regions like Manhattan and suburban New York. It highlights a report from J.D. Power indicating that U.S. cellphone users experienced an increase in service issues, with problems occurring 11 times per 100 attempts between April and June 2023, up from nine in previous years. The article explains that the challenges stem from overcrowded low- and mid-band spectrums, which are essential for reliable service, and notes that Verizon's focus on high-frequency spectrum has contributed to its customers experiencing more service issues compared to those using T-Mobile or AT&T. It also offers suggestions for improving reception, such as relying on Wi-Fi and upgrading home network equipment. [Extracted from the article]