County leaders highlight persistent broadband and cell coverage gaps in Perry County

Multiple council members and the consultant raised broadband and cell coverage as an infrastructure priority during the meeting, saying hills, bluffs and low population density leave many areas with spotty or no service.

"There are places in this county that you cannot get Internet. You can't even get a cell phone signal," one council member said, describing areas with intermittent coverage and citing emergency- communications concerns in northern and southern parts of the county.

Presenters and commissioners suggested using Public Service Commission maps and continued engagement with providers, supporting grant applications, writing letters of support for provider projects, and promoting fiber expansion where feasible. Attendees agreed the geography that complicates water projects similarly complicates wireless and broadband deployment.

No formal action was taken, but staff and consultants were asked to continue outreach to state officials and providers and to include broadband updates in the county’s communications plan.