Editor’s note: This op-ed is by Owen Smith, AT&T’s regional vice president for Vermont.
Did you know that between 2011 and 2012, the amount of data on the nation’s wireless networks doubled? That’s right, doubled. When you think about, it makes sense given how many of us have smartphones these days, but a doubling in the amount of traffic is still a pretty amazing stat.
To keep up with that growth, AT&T invested $45 million in our network in Vermont over the past two years. It is a figure that we are proud of, and a signal of our commitment to providing the highest-quality mobile broadband service in Vermont. The investments included among many things, funds to expand service through the construction of new towers in difficult-to-reach areas.
Last month, Newfane Selectmen Chair John Mack expressed concerns about Vermont’s law that governs how cell towers are sited — known as 248(a) — in connection with AT&T’s efforts to build a much needed new tower to cover the villages of South Newfane and Williamsville, and portions of the Dover-Newfane road. We respectfully disagree with Mr. Mack, and believe the process in Newfane worked properly and allowed for local concerns to be addressed.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, the town of Newfane requested temporary cellular service in an area that had suffered significant damage – and where there was no existing wireless service. AT&T promptly installed temporary facilities in Newfane and Dover, providing service to customers had lost landline service as a result of the storm. Many of those who spoke at public hearings thanked AT&T for providing vital service during a very difficult time for the community.
AT&T designs and selects its sites to comply with local ordinances whenever possible, and the proposed Newfane tower is no different.
It was no surprise that later the Vermont Telecommunications Authority identified the Dover-Newfane road as a “target corridor” for improved cellular coverage, and advocated for providers to install facilities to furnish permanent, reliable service to the area. AT&T has moved to address this need by replacing its temporary facilities with permanent facilities. Once constructed, these new towers in Newfane and Dover will provide a stronger signal and better service on an ongoing basis.
AT&T designs and selects its sites to comply with local ordinances whenever possible, and the proposed Newfane tower is no different. Contrary to Mr. Mack’s assertions, AT&T listened to the feedback from local citizens, accepted commentary and concerns from various corners, and worked hard to address them.
For instance, in direct response to the Windham Regional Commission, the tower was changed from a standard monopole tower to a camouflage style tower designed to look like a pine tree. As a result of concerns over setbacks from an adjoining property, AT&T proposed an “overdesigned” tower so that, even in the event the tower could not withstand 90 mph winds, the tower will fall away from the adjoining property and essentially collapse upon itself.
Vermont’s leaders have correctly recognized the importance of reliable wireless service and access to the most current communications technology as critical to the economic future of the state. With that goal in mind, they put in place 248 (a) – a responsible law that has resulted in well-sited towers in terrain-challenged communities that balance the public’s demand for reliable mobile voice and Internet access against the concerns held by local citizens and officials.
Wireless technology is making life better and easier for people all over the state. Like numerous new towers and collocated facilities being installed in Vermont – including new AT&T sites in Weston, Rockingham, Bondville, Westminster, Brownington, Norwich and Hartford, the Newfane tower will meet an important need for scores of citizens whose safety and convenience will be substantially improved with permanent, reliable service.
