Verizon Cell Connectivity Problems Continue from San Diego to El Paso

A unique fight has been taking place along the border between Mexico and southwestern states. And while your first thought may be that this points to a certain political issue, the problem we’re speaking about relates to the telecommunication industry.



With recent changes to the mobile carrier south of the border, problems have arisen for many customers on both sides. Let’s take a look at what is different now and the effect it is having for cell and data services.

Spotty Cell Service from San Diego to El Paso

Last year, the Mexican-based company of Altán Redes earned the contract for exclusive rights to the service area. It was previously run by a New York company known as Rivada Networks, which was found to no longer qualify for the Request for Quote (RFQ) finance commitments.

While Rivada Networks claims the Mexican government rigged the bid, no clear proof of these allegations has been found yet.

As of August 2019, Altán Redes began its wireless service for the Mexico side of the border, using the 700 MHz band, which is the same one used a few carriers in the United State including Verizon.

Since that time, Verizon clients have been experiencing poor cell and data service in San Diego, CA as well as El Paso, TX and other cities along the border. These troubles have ranged from dropped phone calls and spotty service to data unavailability.

Who’s to Blame?

While Verizon is trying to be understanding of these concerns, they have consistently pointed the finger at Altán Redes for the disruption to service. As customers have been reaching out to Verizon for an explanation, their response has been that the interference is due to the foreign mobile carrier. Along with this answer, they have simply told customers there is nothing they can do at this time.

But the Mexican provider sees things differently.

A spokesperson for Altán Redes has claimed they are not radiating their signal into the U.S. Instead, they are stating that Verizon has caused the issue which has led to coverage problems for their own customers.

As the blame is being directed back and forth between these two companies, larger entities have had to step in to determine a way to fix the problem.

How to Fix the Issue

In Mexico, the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT) is the equivalent of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. It is the responsibility of these two organizations to regulate telecommunications and broadcasting services.



The IFT has already stated that they believe Altán Redes is following the necessary protocols and staying within legal parameters. On the other hand, they have also made claims that providers like Verizon have surpassed the limits for usage of the 700 MHz band.

In the past, mobile carriers within the states have cooperated with one another to ensure their signals are not inhibiting one another. But the lack of responsibility taken on either side of this border issue means that research must be done to determine the cause of interference first.

Wireless communications experts recognize there may be conflicts on both sides but testing will be needed for confirmation.



The FCC and the IFT are currently discussing a way to remedy the situation. These conversations will include the necessary tests to confirm that the proper usage is being upheld by Verizon, Altán Redes, and other mobile carriers.

Waiting on the Resolution

Until the protocols are either corrected or updated, certain areas across southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas will likely continue to experience issues with their cell service and data connectivity.

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