Everything has a cost, and for AT&T, the price to install small cell antennas in Ocean City involves enhancing local security through surveillance cameras. The company has agreed to improve the city’s security system in exchange for permission to install its equipment near the inlet. Last month, a decision regarding this proposal was postponed, but the City Council has now approved a license agreement that allows AT&T to proceed with the installation of the wireless infrastructure on city property.
AT&T representative Diane Quigley informed the council that legal representatives had finalized the agreement and that the company is prepared to fund and install the necessary cameras. The primary motivation for this initiative is to enhance cell coverage during Ocean City’s popular music festivals, which often overwhelm mobile networks due to high demand from festival-goers who call, text, and stream performances simultaneously. Quigley initially approached the council in June with a request to install additional antennas in downtown Ocean City.
Since the installation would occur on city land, AT&T required an official license. Plans include the installation of five antennas in the inlet parking lot, one near Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and another close to a Boardwalk restroom, all mounted on existing light poles. The installation is scheduled to start on November 3, following this year’s Oceans Calling and Country Calling festivals.
Even with the new antennas, both AT&T and Verizon will continue to utilize temporary mobile towers during next year’s events to manage the increased demand. Councilman John Gehrig’s suggestion to add value to the agreement led to the installation of more surveillance cameras. With the agreement finalized, AT&T will submit the necessary permit applications to the city and will pay $344 annually for each antenna location.