Verizon Wireless wants to improve mobile coverage across coastal Delaware and engineers have designed two proposals featuring small cell infrastructure to boost signals in Fenwick Island, reported the Coastal Point.
“We have seen an exponential growth in the data usage in wireless coverage for the last few years,” said Verizon’s Bonnie Metz. “We need to add capacity to the network to stay ahead of the demand and to fill gaps in capacity that we’re seeing now.”
The first proposed design recommends two 60-foot poles, both in town limits. The second requires five poles, with one in the town limits and the others in unincorporated Sussex County. At the town council’s request, Metz will research a third design with five poles. Where possible, Verizon will use existing poles or replacements, reported the Coastal Point.
“Our goal right now is to get 4G coverage as best we can for the whole town,” said Mayor Gene Langan. “You could do that with two poles,” Metz said. “Putting five poles up now, in my view, is going to position the town better for 5G than just the two poles, because we’re already going to have the infrastructure in place.” Preparing for 5G, which Verizon plans to roll out in a few major cities in 2019, is necessary now because according to Metz, Verizon will invest in early 5G upgrades where infrastructure is ready to go.
Supporters of the new infrastructure encourage the town council to be “forward-thinking.” Resident Barbara Levoli said mobile access is important for houseguests or family who want to work remotely at the beach. “5G’s gonna be here before you know it, and I think it’s in our interest and the town’s best interest to look at the long-term plan,” said Levoli.
Verizon has not yet submitted permit requests, which they’ll need, to move forward with the infrastructure, reported the Coastal Point.
September 17, 2018
