The cell tower atop the Hanna, WY recreation center cannot accommodate the weight of upgraded 5G equipment, leaving Union Wireless in search of a new cell site. As KTGA-TV reports, a town meeting was held to allow residents and council members the opportunity to review options previously presented by Project Engineer Thomas Labuda. Labuda explained that a new cell site was a necessity and suggested three potential sites that would address Hanna’s coverage needs. The town council eventually voted in favor of a 120-foot lattice tower near a railroad overpass.
There is an old cell tower at the railroad overpass site which Union Wireless will dismantle and replace at its own expense. Because the proposed tower exceeds Hanna’s height limit, Town Attorney Patrick Brady recommended that the council grant a variance. He also reminded attendees that federal law favors approving digital outreach.
One person questioned the need for improved service, saying he had never experienced a problem. Mayor Jon Ostling replied that the existing infrastructure cannot support modern cellular signals. Councilman Roger Hawks backed the mayor, noting that the new tower would provide better service, an option that was not possible with the existing Verizon equipment, according to KTGA-TV.
Hawks made a motion to approve the railroad overpass site and allow the height variance. Councilman Jason Nordquist seconded the motion, which passed with unanimous agreement. Town Clerk Vivian Gonzales added that Union Wireless will begin construction as soon as possible. There would be no disruption in service during this time, noted Nordquist.
Reader Interactions