Why is there a quiet zone in West Virginia?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Quiet Zone in 1958 to protect the radio telescopes at Green Bank and Sugar Grove from harmful interference. Today, the Green Bank Observatory oversees the Quiet Zone.

Where are there no cell towers?

So, cell phone use is limited in the National Radio Quiet Zone, a 13,000-square mile area that limits radio frequency in the eastern half of West Virginia and parts of Virginia, stretching to the Maryland border.

What is the Quiet Zone in West Virginia?

National Radio Quiet Zone
To protect the sensitive equipment from interference, the federal government in 1958 established the National Radio Quiet Zone, a 13,000-square-mile area near the state’s border with Virginia.

Why is there no cell service at snowshoeing?

Snowshoe is located in the Quiet Zone needed for the National Radio Observatory located in Greenbank. Cell phone signals interfere with the telescopes. You will not have any service with Verizon.

Is Marlinton WV in the quiet zone?

The quiet zone is an area dedicated towards providing protection of the National radio telescope for both government and scientific purposes. There are two major telescopes that are part of this area and the reason for the restrictions. To learn more click here. Marlinton, WV is just off of RT 219.

Why is there no cell service in West Virginia?

The residents of Green Bank, West Virginia, can’t use cell phones, wi-fi, or other kinds of modern technology due to a high-tech government telescope.

Does Snowshoe WV have cell service?

Is there cell service? Through an ongoing partnership with ATT and the Green Bank Observatory, we have widened our cell phone coverage to include all of Snowshoe Village, as well as the Shavers Lake area and the Inn at Snowshoe.

Is Snowshoe in the quiet zone?

Snowshoe is smack in the middle of the 13,000 square-mile National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ). It’s the only place in the U.S. where cell phone towers and similar equipment is severely restricted and, in some cases, completely illegal.

Is there cell service in West Virginia?

All of the major carriers are represented throughout the state, as are a multitude of smaller MVNOs that run on their networks. AT has the widest network reach in West Virginia, and takes the title for the best network in the state, by far. Sprint, surprisingly, comes in second, and Verizon is in third.

Is there cell service in Marlinton WV?

There are 4 major cell phone carriers in Marlinton, WV. Other smaller carriers, called MVNOs operate using the larger carrier’s networks. The big networks offer a lot of coverage, so you will likely find coverage for your area.