Verizon customers on Hatteras Island have reported widespread service issues in recent weeks, ranging from dropped calls and delayed text messages to entire stretches of the island where cell service has disappeared altogether.
The disruptions come in a community already familiar with a fragile communications infrastructure. In past years, cut or damaged fiber-optic cables have left Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands temporarily disconnected from phone and internet service, but this time, the concerns are not tied to a severed cable or a major storm.
Instead, Verizon confirmed that the issues stem from planned network improvements.
“Verizon is aware of the service concerns on Hatteras Island. They are a result of some proactive work we’ve been doing to improve service throughout the area this month. Our teams are actively working to resolve them, and hope to have everything restored before the end of the weekend,” a Verizon spokesperson said.
Residents and visitors have reported various issues, which includes inconsistent connections along the island.
One Avon resident described losing service altogether while traveling south.
“We noticed some dead areas as we entered Buxton, and it extended down to Frisco to the airport area. After the storm, it was completely void of service,” they said. “It goes to 5 bars as soon as you leave Buxton past the hotels, and Frisco south of Billy Mitchell Field. Also, those of us with Verizon had spotty service in areas between Avon and Salvo.”
Some noted that spotty service on Pea Island has been a longstanding situation, but said the current problems stretch much further and impact areas that typically have reliable coverage.
“I have great signal in Avon, but as soon as I travel to Buxton, it tanks,” said one Hatteras Island resident. “I have opened several tickets with Verizon… They said they will investigate further due to the number of tickets in our area, but it’s been bad for about three weeks.”
While Verizon has not provided details on the specific upgrades underway, company representatives said the work is intended to strengthen coverage and improve long-term service quality.
Once completed, the improvements are expected to address many of the weak spots that customers are currently experiencing, and restore more comprehensive and reliable service throughout the island.
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