New Hampshire Town Draws Packed House For Cell Tower Debate

A standing-room-only crowd packed the Hancock, NH Town Office as residents weighed a proposed 150-foot cell tower aimed at improving the town’s spotty wireless coverage, according to the Modadnock Ledger-Transcript. Planning Board Secretary Earl Carrel acknowledged the challenge facing officials, noting that any decision would leave some residents unhappy.

After nearly two hours of procedural discussions and waiver requests from Industrial Tower & Wireless LLC, the Planning Board postponed most public comment until July 1.

The proposed tower, located off Lee Farm Road, would expand cell service across the village center, Route 123, and surrounding areas. While many residents support better coverage, concerns remain about the tower’s potential visibility from Hancock’s historic town center and its impact on the community’s 19th-century character. A balloon visibility test is scheduled for July 11, and could play a key role in determining the project’s future. Town officials and emergency responders say improved cell service is needed, citing unreliable coverage that affects residents and public safety communications.