WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema spoke with leaders of Verizon Wireless today, less than one week after she called attention to a senior community in Pinal County, AZ that lacked reliable cell service. Acknowledging Sinema’s concerns over the lack of connectivity at Sunscape RV Resort, Verizon Wireless met with Sinema and confirmed they will install a cell tower to service the community’s residents this year.
“As I said during my hearing, disparities in connectivity are disparities of opportunity. Verizon Wireless’ decision to install a cell tower for the people of Sunscape and Pinal County is great step towards ensuring rural communities across Arizona have the reliable cell service they need and deserve,” said Sinema.
Sunscape RV Resort residents wrote Sinema before last week’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing and explained how they lack consistent cell service, preventing them from calling 911 in the event of an emergency. Sinema shared their story at the hearing and called for further action to close the digital divide.
The Sunscape RV Resort is a community of residents age 55 and older located in Pinal County, Arizona. Depending on the time of year, between 850 and 1,000 residents live at Sunscape. No matter which cell provider they choose, the area has lacked reliable cell phone service for 15 years.
Sinema’s staff recently visited Sunscape and heard from residents and management directly about the connectivity challenges they face. Sinema raised the issue in the hearing as part of her efforts to ensure that every Arizonan can stay connected.
