Hundreds Lose Cell Service in Black Hills

JOHNSON SIDING, S.D. (AP) - Some residents around the small Black Hills community of Johnson Siding have lost cellphone service without notice.

The Rapid City Journal reports that a three-year contract that allowed Verizon customers to roam on AT&T towers expired Monday. Johnson Siding resident Ralph Johnson says hundreds of people have lost service, leading to fears about the inability to call for emergency services if needed.

Spokeswoman Karen Smith says Verizon has erected two towers in the area that have reduced the size of the disruption area, though she isn't sure by how much. She says the cellular provider is working with other customers on service options.

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