Cable and Broadband Internet Commission

Latest Updates

Cellphone Service Survey

The City of Portsmouth NH’s Cable and Broadband Internet Commission has conducted two surveys in 2025 — one to residents and one to businesses — to gather information about their experiences with cellular service in the community. Feedback from the surveys is being used to help the Commission better understand service issues and work with service providers toward potential improvements.  

Provider News: Verizon

At the Commission’s October 3, 2025 meeting, Verizon representatives discussed with Commission members service issues and challenges the company has encountered deploying additional infrastructure in areas in and around Portsmouth.  A video recording of this informative conversation with Verizon representatives can be viewed as a City YouTube Channel link.  

Verizon provided the following to be shared with residents:

To report Verizon cell service coverage issues residents can call 611, or 1-800-VERIZON. 

To improve coverage at home, residents can consider these technologies (click the link for details):

•             Preferred option - Wi-Fi Calling

•             Network Extender

Background on the Commission

The Commission consists of five members and oversees the operation of the Cable Television Franchise Agreement.  It also, as the need arises, consider the availability and quality of broadband internet services delivered via any physical transport (which includes physical cable or over-the-air delivery) and may work with relevant providers to meet those needs and desires as appropriate and as guided by the City Council. For further information please contact Suzanne Woodland (603) 610-7204 or smwoodland@portsmouthnh.gov

The Commission conducted a short online customer satisfaction survey in April 2023 to assess how well the City’s current cable TV service provider is doing in order to inform their work. There were 508 responses, of whom 98.8% were Portsmouth residents. For the findings of that survey including quantitative responses and a selection of comments organized by theme and for clarity and length, go to: FINAL Cable Survey and Comments 2023.09.21.pdf (cityofportsmouth.com).

In addition, in response to questions raised in some of the comments and to manage residents’ expectations regarding the City’s limited ability to influence pricing and packaging, the Commission formulated answers to Frequently Asked Questions to explain the scope of the Commission’s authority.