Council Corner: Cell Coverage
By Elizabeth Scifres
I just recently gave up my land line.
During the ice storm of ’98, I lost power for nine days. But I never lost phone service. That was back when everyone had a land line and those of us who had cell phones had little clunky devices with tiny screens and limited, expensive service.
Fast forward to today, when just about everyone carries around a petite super-computer of a phone and land lines are predominantly a thing of the past. People are mostly reliant on cell coverage for their communication.
Even before I was on Town Council, I heard from a significant number of people about poor or no-signal areas in Cape Elizabeth. There are the well-known areas on and around Shore Road and Fort Williams, but there are so many more. I don’t want to list all the other areas for fear of missing one! I continue to hear from citizens about this issue, as their concern over a lack of access to emergency communication intensifies every day.
This is not an issue of convenience, but one of safety.
Years ago, I myself witnessed an emergency at Plaisted Field during which no one could get through to 9-1-1 because of poor cell service. A parent had to drive down Shore Road toward South Portland, onto Cottage Road until they could get through.
Our town emergency personnel are well aware of this problem and are also deeply concerned, as every moment can be time-critical. A fire. A fall. A heart attack. A stroke. And while some who live in those “dead” zones have land lines, many have that service through the local internet/cable provider which does not function during a power outage. And the land line doesn’t help anyone on a walk in their neighborhood, in Fort Williams, on Crescent Beach, or around Two Lights.
One of the Town Council’s 2025-2026 goals is to improve cell coverage in those low- or no-service zones. I do not believe this is a goal we can achieve in a single year, nor do I think this is the first time the Council has taken aim at this target. However, we take this issue seriously and continue to keep it a priority.
Town staff have been investigating various solutions, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some technologies have been investigated and found deeply lacking. The good news: the Town Council has recently heard a proposal to improve cell coverage in one low/no-service area in the near future – a cell tower in the area around Plaisted Field and Fort Williams -- which is heartening if it can happen! There is still a long way to go before this possibility could become a reality, including many opportunities for public input (a slow and methodical process of multiple Planning Board and Town Council meetings). Please see the notes from our August 12th meeting, specifically the item titled “Vote authorizing Town Manager to explore feasibility of a cellular tower …”
Meanwhile, we will continue to work toward improvements in cell coverage in all those parts of town that need it.
Elections & Voting
Voters may now submit a request for an Absentee Ballot for the November 4, 2025, Elections. Please visit our Elections & Voting webpage for application options, including Maine Secretary of State Online Application.
Maine Housing HEAP Portal Open
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps qualified homeowners and renters pay for heating costs. Benefits include assistance with fuel costs and emergency fuel delivery. You can also qualify for energy-related repairs and utility payments if you are eligible for HEAP.
Households are encouraged to apply for HEAP as early as possible. Applications for the 2025 - 2026 HEAP Program are now available. Apply 24/7.
Notice: Property Tax Assistance Program
The Town Assessor will be reviewing the Cape Elizabeth Property Tax Relief Program for 2025 applicants beginning in September. Updated information regarding the program, an updated application, and an applicant mailing list will be available mid-September.
In the meantime, we appreciate your patience! Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!
 Labor Day Closures on Monday, September 1
- Town Hall offices CLOSED
- Thomas Memorial Library CLOSED
- Recycling Center CLOSED
- Community Services CLOSED
- Pool and Fitness Center CLOSED
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