Wireless service in Unity villages to get boost
Residents in the Whitney area who have trouble with internet and cell phone connections could see improvement through a broadband service provider’s plan to install several “booster” antennae.
The Unity Township Supervisors on Thursday approved a franchise agreement allowing ExteNet to install the wireless boosters at six sites in and around the villages of Whitney and Hostetter. The agreement depends upon the final review of township Solicitor Gary Falatovich, who was awaiting a final copy of the document from a Pittsburgh attorney representing the company.
“We’ve been working on this for six or seven months now,” Falatovich said. “This will help that area tremendously. That’s a dead zone” for wireless service.
Local wireless users won’t pay directly for the booster service but will benefit if other services they subscribe to take advantage of the antennae, he said.
ExteNet will either place its antennae on existing poles or install new poles for the devices, Falatovich said. The antennae will be placed on public rights of way, and poles would not be taller than 15 feet, he said.
“These are not like cell towers,” he said. While more elaborate versions could be used, he said, “the antenna, itself, is generally tubular. You don’t generally notice it.”
ExteNet’s proposed booster antennae have been approved by the Federal Communications Commission, Falatovich said.
The five-year franchise agreement would renew for an additional five years if neither party moves to terminate it, he said.
For each new antenna pole installed, the township will receive an annual fee of about $270 — a figure that could fluctuate in accordance with FCC rules.
Hazardous waste collection set
The supervisors reminded residents that Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling will host a household hazardous waste collection event 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 29 at the organization’s recycling center on Innovative Lane, off Route 30 in the township.
The next regular supervisors meeting tentatively will be delayed by one week — to 4:30 p.m. on July 18.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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