Verizon is making strides to eliminate another dead zone with the installation of a 125-foot cell tower in Murrysville, Pennsylvania. This area has long faced issues with poor coverage, particularly along Saltsburg Road, where calls frequently drop between Mamont and Ashbaugh roads.
The Murrysville council has granted a conditional-use permit for the project, which will also include additional infrastructure like fences. The decision is particularly beneficial for residents and travelers in the region.
Joe Cortez, representing both Verizon and the contractor, explained that they initially sought to share space on existing structures. Unfortunately, no suitable tall structures were found within a two-mile radius, despite regulations that encourage shared usage where possible.
Historically, many cell towers were constructed along interstates, but the demand for wireless services has evolved significantly, especially with the transition to 5G technology. Cortez mentioned that over 74% of households in the U.S. rely solely on wireless service today.
As such, the new tower is crucial for ensuring reliable connectivity, especially for emergency calls to 911, addressing a significant coverage gap in the area. While concerns were raised during the council meeting regarding the use of 5G technology on the tower, Cortez and council members noted that federal regulations limit local authority in these matters.
Council President Dayne Dice reiterated that while the location of the tower can be influenced, the municipality cannot dictate the technology used. Even if the permit had been denied, the project would likely proceed eventually, highlighting the ongoing demand for improved wireless coverage in communities.