The AT&T and Verizon cell towers hidden within the steeple of the First Congregational Church in Spencer, MA, discreetly provided a digital connection for local residents. However, a devastating fire that destroyed the church last week left the town disconnected.
As WXFT-TV reports, service providers were quick to provide a temporary solution when they rolled cell-on-wheels (COWS) into town. The Cells on Wheels are parked nearby at the site of a decommissioned school, and are likely to remain pastured there until a permanent fix is available. “I think if you talked to anybody that had a carrier in that steeple, ” said Town Administrator Jeff Bridges, “they suffered a loss of service.” With landlines becoming obsolete, restoring digital connectivity is a priority for the community.
“Restoring connectivity by these companies is critical to you as a consumer and you as a person in your connection to the rest of the world,” stated Bridges.
Bridges said that plans are underway to install a temporary tower on the church site where both AT&T and Verizon can mount antennas. Prior to deployment, the plans are being reviewed by the town’s building inspector. “We look forward to getting the information on the new tower from AT&T for review to get service restored to as close to normal as possible,” Bridges told WXFT-TV.
While the COWS provide some level of relief, they cannot bear the full load of a busy permanent cell phone tower. “My [service] is still terrible,” said local resident and Verizon customer Catherine Graves. “It just stinks when you leave your house and for a good two or three miles you can’t make a phone call.”
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