What is Zap the Gap? Mississippians are becoming more and more reliant on cell phone service and high speed internet access in their daily lives. Unfortunately, there are areas in our state, especially rural areas in North Mississippi, that still lack good wireless coverage and broadband service, despite the fact that millions of dollars have been collected by telecommunications providers in Mississippi for this purpose. Commissioner Presley wants to change that by getting the public involved.
In early 2008, Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley heard about a little known program being used in some states to bring better cell phone service to rural areas where wireless coverage was spotty or even non-existent. After many months of research on the program and its results, Commissioner Presley initiated Zap the Gap in an effort to fill the "gaps" in areas of North Mississippi still needing service or more improved coverage. With a change in federal law, he is now able to do the same with Broadband through the Connect America Fund ("CAF")
Consistent with the framework created by Congress, the Mississippi Public Service Commission designates companies as Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (“ETCs”) for participation in the FCC’s Connect America Fund (“CAF”). The Commission is tasked with ensuring that ETCs use CAF support consistent with federal statutes and the FCC’s implementing regulations and may collect information to preserve and advance the goal of universal broadband service.
If you live in an area of North Mississippi that has poor cell phone coverage, we need to hear from you. If you have experienced dropped calls, or have traveled through areas of North Mississippi where there is little or no cell coverage, it's important to let us know.
Commissioner Presley's staff will collect information from the consumer survey forms to determine where there is demand, yet little or no wireless coverage in North Mississippi. Similarly, if you live in North Mississippi, we hope that you will take a few minutes to fill out our Broadband Internet Survey. The information you share will assist us in our goal of bringing affordable broadband internet access as well as dependable wireless coverage to everyone in the state of Mississippi.
If you live in an area without natural gas service, we need to hear from you as well. Please take a few minutes to fill out our Natural Gas Survey. The information you share will assist us in our goal of expanding Natural Gas service in North Mississippi.
Together, with the public's help, we intend to work with providers to make sure these gaps in service get the attention needed so consumers can enjoy better and more dependable wireless coverage and broadband access in North Mississippi.
Please complete the Online Surveys:
Wireless and Broadband
Water
Natural Gas
or download the forms:
Wireless Survey
Broadband Survey
Natural Gas Survey
and mail to:
Commissioner Brandon Presley
Zap the Gap
P.O. Box 1174
Jackson, MS 39215-1174
If you have other concerns regarding your wireless or internet service (e.g., billing, contracts, etc.), please contact Commissioner Presley at 1-800-356-6428 or 1-800-637-7722.