Reception issues

Anyone noticed that lately, reception in Alabama has dropped considerably?  Even some of the rural areas around Mississippi seem weaker.  I have noticed this on my 3 personal lines, and all of our business lines.  Has somethng changed?

I heard a rumor (probably not true) that Verizon no longer grants c south roaming in the alabama area, and from when i heard this to when we started having reception issues the time frame fits.

I have also heard that dialing *228 fixes the issue. 

Any thoughts?