Verizon struggles to upgrade antennas amid communication breakdown

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing issues surrounding the installation of Verizon antennas on the town's big bear pen tower, which have been complicated by interference concerns raised by local resident Chuck Cooper. The meeting highlighted the need for improved communication between Cooper, Verizon, and town officials to resolve these technical challenges.

Cooper has expressed concerns about Verizon's antennas being too close to his radome antenna, which is currently mounted at 107 feet. Verizon's antennas are positioned at 100 feet, and while they have agreed to lower their antennas by two feet to mitigate interference, progress has stalled due to Cooper's refusal to adjust the power of his antenna to a safe level. This has prevented Verizon from completing necessary upgrades to improve cell service in the area, which has been a persistent issue for residents.

Town officials noted that Verizon has made multiple attempts to coordinate with Cooper since July, but these efforts have been met with resistance. The situation escalated when Verizon's technicians were unable to work safely due to high RF levels caused by Cooper's antenna, leading to a halt in their operations.

Additionally, the town's contract with WHLC, the local FM station, has expired, raising concerns about the regulatory framework governing antenna placements on the tower. Officials emphasized the importance of drafting a new contract that ensures fair compensation for tower usage and clearly delineates the sectors each company occupies.

The board is now considering directing Cooper to cooperate with Verizon to facilitate the necessary adjustments and is also looking to engage the town attorney to review the expired contract with WHLC. The overarching goal remains to enhance cell service reliability for residents while addressing the technical and contractual complexities involved.