YOWIE Patrol Launches Statewide Mobile Speed Check Initiative to Improve Cell Phone and Public Safety Coverage in Vermont | Department of Public Service Careers Document Library Public Advocacy Regulated Utilities Energy Efficiency Utilities Efficiency Renewables Telecommunications and Connectivity Consumer Information and Assistance Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) YOWIE Patrol Launches Statewide Mobile Speed Check Initiative to Improve Cell Phone and Public Safety Coverage in Vermont FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: April 01, 2026 Contact: YOWIE Patrol Email: info@yowiepatrol.org YOWIE Patrol (YOWIE – Yes, Outstanding Wireless Is Essential), a Vermont-based nonprofit initiative, is expanding the use of its cell service Speed Check tool to help identify and document cell phone coverage gaps across Vermont, with a strong emphasis on public safety and emergency communications. The YOWIE Patrol Speed Check tool is a customizable, browser-based progressive web application (PWA) designed to collect real-world mobile connectivity data in critical “dead zones” where coverage is weak or nonexistent. The tool enables users to capture upload and download speeds, provider and technology type, precise GPS location data, and—most importantly—verified no-service conditions, ensuring that lack of service is accurately captured and mapped. The YOWIE Patrol Speed Check tool: Works on both iOS and Android devices Runs directly through a smartphone browser—no app store download required Logs latitude/longitude, provider, network technology, and upload/download speeds Records verified “no-service” locations for later upload Produces data suitable for mapping, analysis, and advocacy efforts Does not collect personal data “Other speed test apps fail exactly where we most need the data—places with little or no coverage,” said Robbie Blish, YOWIE Patrol representative and retired Chief of Police. “The YOWIE Speed Check tool allows Vermonters, first responders, and travelers to confirm ‘there is no service here’ and make sure that reality is documented. That information is critical when it comes to improving 911 access and public safety in rural areas.” Data collected through the YOWIE Patrol Speed Check tool is intended to support broadband planning, public-safety awareness, and policy discussions by providing a clearer picture of where mobile service works—and where it does not. The initiative emphasizes community participation and crowdsourced data as a way to supplement existing coverage claims with on-the-ground, real-world evidence. Vermonters and visitors are encouraged to participate by checking their mobile connectivity while traveling, recreating, or going about their daily routines. Each test helps build a more accurate understanding of Vermont’s cellular landscape and highlights areas where improved service could make a meaningful difference for safety and connectivity. Participants are also eligible to win exciting prizes. If a user chooses to provide their email address, they are entered into a quarterly prize drawing with each test. For more information or to access the Speed Check tool, visit the YOWIE Patrol speed check website In addition, YOWIE Patrol has committed one million dollars toward this effort and is encouraging organizations to partner with YOWIE Patrol in order to raise funds and expand participation. If an organization you belong to would like to participate for funding incentives, please visit the YOWIE Patrol partnership information page About YOWIE – Yes, Outstanding Wireless Is Essential YOWIE (YOWIE – Yes, Outstanding Wireless Is Essential) is a nonprofit initiative focused on closing cellular connectivity gaps in rural and underserved areas by collecting real-world connectivity data through its mobile Speed Check platform. The organization’s goal is to gather one million tests nationwide to ensure that accurate, on-the-ground performance data informs infrastructure investment, public-safety planning, and broadband policy decisions.