Rural Boulder County residents look for solutions to cell service issues [Video]

BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. — Bob and Judee Snell are used to peace and quiet at their tranquil home in Raymond, just off the banks of the South Saint Vrain Creek.

“It’s a peaceful, lovely place,” Judee said. “If you want to be on your own unto yourself, you certainly can be if you want to have a dinner out with some friends. You just pick up the phone.”

But when they lose power at their home, it can get a little too quiet.

The Snells and their neighbors live in Boulder County between Lyons and Allenspark, on the outskirts of the Roosevelt National Forest. Cell phone service is nonexistent. Voice calls only work when connected to wireless internet.

“Dependable cell service is over a half-hour away driving,” Bob Snell said.

In April, the lack of service was top of mind when Xcel Energy shut off power to thousands of homes …