Alekhya Pulavarthy

‘Drive Test’ Results: Major Gaps in Mobile Coverage Across Town

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The New Canaanite 2024 Summer Internship Program is sponsored by Karp Associates. Much of New Canaan has poor cellular service and many parts have none at all, according to a widely anticipated “drive test” or “road test” conducted this summer by a Seattle-based company. During the July 16 meeting of the Utilities Commission, representatives from Ookla provided substantial data regarding mobile coverage – or rather, the lack thereof –  throughout New Canaan.  

“Poor to dreadful” is how one commissioner described the town’s mobile coverage during the meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference. Ookla presented multiple graphs illustrating gaps in service. Alekhya Pulavarthy, senior product manager at Ookla, presented a chart to officials showing a period of time where about 30% of calls placed by T-Mobile users in New Canaan failed.