T-Mobile Drops Downieville Cell Coverage Over Reliability Issues

DOWNIEVILLE — T-Mobile customers have been without traditional cell phone service in Downieville since December 2025. In response to inquiries, a T-Mobile representative confirmed that service was intentionally dropped at that time and provided the following statement.

“We looked into the experience in the Downieville area and found that coverage there was previously supported by a roaming partner whose network was not consistently meeting reliability standards and is no longer providing service as of December 2025. Due to the area’s remote location and challenging terrain, delivering 5G coverage in Downieville is complex. However, T-Mobile does provide 4G and 5G coverage across much of the surrounding region, helping customers stay connected as they travel through the area.”

The closest T-Mobile cell service from Downieville is typically at least a 30-minute drive, with Grass Valley or the Sacramento Valley to the west and the Sierra Valley to the east being the closest regions with reliable T-Mobile 5G coverage. AT&T, however, continues to provide traditional 5G cell service in Downieville.

The Downieville cell tower was commissioned by AT&T and became operational in 2023. From then until December, T-Mobile customers received service through their roaming partner program, albeit noticeably degraded from the service available to AT&T customers.

T-Mobile customers may still have basic text messages and emergency communications service on compatible devices with T-Satellite. The satellite connectivity program launched in July of 2025 and can also be used by non-T-Mobile customers for an additional fee. More information is available at https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-text-to-911-available-for-everyone.