The wind blew hard, the COWs danced and fell down

Did you know that COWs can dance? They surely can, and we saw it happening on the morning of Sunday, April 30 and into the following day. Strong storms with tornadic activity and high winds ripped through the area, leaving one COW (cell phone tower on wheels) dancing and another COW flat on its back. Yep, we had a man down. The Verizon tower on the Bike Path north of 5th Street succumbed to the early-morning storms. It was a sad sight to see for those with Verizon service.

Did you know that COWs can dance? They surely can, and we saw it happening on the morning of Sunday, April 30 and into the following day. Strong storms with tornadic activity and high winds ripped through the area, leaving one COW (cell phone tower on wheels) dancing and another COW flat on its back.

Yep, we had a man down. The Verizon tower on the Bike Path north of 5th Street succumbed to the early-morning storms. It was a sad sight to see for those with Verizon service.

A new tower appeared quickly, but it was just another reminder that we need a permanent fix … and we need it soon.

Not to mention, more than one of those COWs are not fully operational.

The Boca Grande Cell Tower Committee has been working on the problem. As of last week, the committee reported that the current providers of cellular services have begun the promised activities of sustaining service for Boca Grande and they were aware of the new situation.

Verizon has filed permits in both Lee and Charlotte Counties for small cellular sites on the north end, which isn’t a permanent fix but will hopefully strengthen cell signals there.

Verizon is still attempting to locate another COW to supplement the service-deficient areas.

AT&T has moved their tower to the Bike Path and increased its height.  Users have reported improved connectivity and services. 

Diesel generators are being replaced with local electric services. AT&T is still trying to locate additional COWs for the service-deficient areas on the island.

Meetings with T-Mobile have taken place without much progress, other than to suggest some supplemental temporary fixes.

Vertical Bridge, the tower owner, has revised its site plan and has incorporated the board’s Initial comments on better use of the exterior space. 

The board is hoping to receive a preliminary construction schedule for the new permanent tower. Right now, finding steel that can be brought here in an expedient manner is difficult.

The committee says they are expecting to hear more next week.