The 2020 census counted 461 people living in the Maine coastal village of Winter Harbor. The town’s first cell tower is scheduled to take up residence in 2024. According to WVII-TV reports, the community appears to be eager to welcome the new occupant to town.
As Winter Harbor Police Chief Danny Mitchell put it, “I think we’re the last town on the planet to have a cell tower and it’s been a long time coming.” Mitchell stated that unreliable reception has been an ongoing problem for first responders. “If we’re in an area and there’s an alert that comes through, and we don’t have access, then we’re not getting that alert,” he noted.
“It’s been really really severe for everybody, I’ve heard so many complaints,” said Arthur Cole, manager of Winter Harbor’s Harbor Market. “It makes it hard for people to connect, especially the older folks who are stuck at home or they can’t get out in the winter and that cell phone is sometimes the only thing that they have so this will help everybody in general.”
“We’re very excited. I live right behind the food store in town and our service is the worst there,” agreed resident Hank Shafer.
The cell tower will be situated on Newham Street in the downtown area. AT&T will be the first carrier to occupy the tower, which is expected to be in service by springtime.
“I’m very hopeful for this. I think this will be an amazing upgrade for the town, our town people and public safety,” said Chief Mitchell.
Reader Interactions