The OAP asked for volunteers to join the "cell team", and Oceansiders responded.

A multi-path strategy is being employed to prioritize efforts to facilitate delivery of better connectivity in Oceanside. 

The team is investigating different methods and technology to address Oceansiders' need for reliable mobile communications.

Specifically, we are looking into postal pigeons (no, not really), extended range public outdoor WiFi, cell signal repeater options (Crown Castle), Private Wireless Network solutions (Ceragon Networks), and satellite communications technology (Starlink). A number of meetings were conducted with a select group of potential technology partners discussing technical challenges and solutions, leading to a better understanding of choices Oceansiders have to enjoy a more reliable mobile connectivity.

The ultimate goal of the team's effort is for Oceansiders to have seamless cellular service in localities where the service is spotty or does not exist today. Additionally, we are looking into alternative complimentary solutions for emergency communications:

addressing current absence of emergency communications capability in the lower laying part of the Village and the stretch of the beach from Oceanside to Netarts (ability to make 911 call, receive public emergency broadcast text/tsunami warning, etc), and 

creating robust backup communications options in the immediate aftermath of a large-scale, long-term power/communication services interruption for all of Oceanside neighborhoods.

In anticipation of 501c3 approval, we are working with partners to come up with actionable plans, technology and infrastructure choices, realistic budgets and funding options. 

In the meantime, we'd like to share with Oceansiders a few points related to improving cell service/emergency communications options discovered during our research:

Personal cell tower

If you have broadband internet at home but no (or unreliable) cell signal, you can set up your own personal cell tower.

T-Mobil, Verizon and AT&T all have proprietary self-installing "cell towers" you can connect to your router and create a cell service at your residence. These are not cell signal boosters that need at least a weak signal to work. These will create cellular service in areas that don't have any cell signal. While the cell signal created is much weaker than that of a "public" cell tower, it is stronger than WiFi signal you might be using to make calls over WiFi. As a result, you will have better connectivity inside and outside of your house.

In testing, we've seen reliable cell signal up to about 150 ft outside of a typical house. We have 3 neighbors in Woodlawn/Avalon area with properties about 150ft apart who installed T-Mobil CellSpots at their properties creating roughly 3 acres of cell reception area and providing cell signal on about 700ft of adjacent roads that previously didn't have cell signal. Any cell phone using T-Mobil as a service provider will seamlessly connect to this "cell".

There are technical limitations: limited number of devices can be connected at once, traffic can count towards your traffic limits (so it is better to have unlimited data plans with both your cell and data services providers), connectivity is service provider specific (Verizon subscriber can't connect to T-Mobil CellSpot and vice versa), etc. Therefore, personal cell towers do not provide a comprehensive public cell coverage solution. You still may find it a useful tool for yourself and for your immediate neighborhood.

If you'd like to learn more, below are select providers' links with more information.

We recommend you do not order online, but call your provider's customer service, explain that you do not have cell service at your property and are interested in the personal cell tower they offer. Your service provider might send you equipment for free. 

T-Mobil CellSpot ($25 refundable deposit, no service fee)

 https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/4g-lte-cellspot-setup-and-help

Verizon LTE Network Extender ($249.99, no service fee)

 https://www.verizon.com/products/verizon-lte-network-extender/

AT&T Cell Booster ($229.99, no service fee). AT&T calls it a "Booster", but technically it is a cell tower.

https://www.att.com/buy/accessories/specialty-items/att-cell-booster.html

Other mobile service providers might offer similar solutions. Give your provider a call to find out.

2. iPhone 911 Satellite capability. 

Apple offers free Emergency 911 text service via Satellite for iPhone 14 and 15 in the areas with no cell reception. The caller would need a clear view of sky to lock in a satellite to establish 2-way communication with 911 services via text.

As of this moment (January 2024), this could be your only option to reach out to emergency services while on a walk around Oceanside or on the beach. 

Search for and open "Emergency SOS" page on your phone and try demo at the bottom of the page to see how it works.

Samsung doesn't have the capability yet, but rumors are it will be offered with the new model release in February of 2024.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward towards finding suitable communications solutions for our unique and beautiful community.