UPDATE AT&T (NYSE: T) has requested a stay in its federal lawsuit against the City of Walla Walla, WA over the city’s denial of a permit for a proposed 65-foot cell tower at Blue Mountain Community Church, according to the Union Bulletin. The telecommunications company aims to pursue an alternative option to colocate on a 100-foot tower being developed by DISH Network (NASDAQ: SATS) in Walla Walla County. AT&T’s court filings indicate that the DISH tower, approved by the county in 2022 and currently under construction, could potentially meet AT&T’s coverage needs through a 20-foot extension.
AT&T originally applied to build its own tower at 928 Sturm Ave. in Walla Walla after concluding that a shorter, colocated tower would not adequately cover the service gap. However, during the application process, city staff had suggested the DISH tower as a potential alternative. Despite this, AT&T contended that there was no evidence at the time that the DISH tower would be built, leading it to proceed with its initial application.
City Attorney Tim Donaldson opposed AT&T’s motion to stay, arguing that AT&T should have fully vetted the DISH tower alternative earlier in the process. However, U.S. District Court Judge Stanley A. Bastian granted the stay, reasoning that the delay would not cause significant harm or prejudice to the city. This ruling postponed the trial, originally set for November, to February 28, 2025, according to the Union Bulletin.
The case has drawn local opposition, with residents Barbara and Everett Knudson, who run a bed and breakfast near the proposed tower site, intervening due to concerns over health and aesthetics. Additionally, residents have organized regular protests outside Blue Mountain Community Church, with November 3 marking their 100th picket.
Walla Walla County’s standards for wireless communication facilities permit cell towers up to 120 feet without requiring special approval. The DISH tower was initially approved at 100 feet, with potential for height extensions up to the 120-foot limit, which could allow AT&T to secure sufficient coverage.
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