Assuming you are talking about cell service - when the electric is on, the cell phone will use Wi-Fi. If the electric is out, there is no Wi-Fi. Thus, the cell phone operates ONLY via what is available from the cell tower. 

In much of Ocean Pines, that is very little. I could send/receive text, but unable to access the internet. Did not try a call.

This is why the Chief is concerned about the lack of decent cell signal strength in many areas of Ocean Pines. I hope he is successful in getting something done.