Expanded cell phone service in Washington County will become a reality in the relatively near future, with a site in Whiting being eyed for a new cell tower.
     Richard Houde, project manager for U.S. Cellular in Maine, says, "U.S. Cellular was awarded money through the FCC [Federal Communications Commission] Universal Service Fund (USF) Mobility Fund Auction held last year to bring new cell sites in to Washington County. We are in the process of obtaining approvals to build new cell sites in Whiting, Eastport, Lubec, Cutler, Trescott, Alexander and Princeton."
     He adds, "Currently, there are not timelines to share for the construction of these towers. We are required to complete construction and begin to provide service under the USF program within three years; so the cell sites will come online throughout the next three years as sites are determined and after proper approvals are granted."
On April 29, Houde and Chad Hebert, representing Black Diamond Consultants Inc., which handles site acquisition for U.S. Cellular, met with the Whiting Planning Board to apply for a permit to construct a 250‑foot cell tower, a 75-square-foot compound area, an equipment shelter and an access road off Yellow Birch Road in Whiting, on property owned by Daniel Smith of Portsmouth, N.H. Whiting Planning Board Chair James Burns says that the application was incomplete and that he expects the completed application will be presented at the board's May meeting.
     Whiting's Communication Facility Ordinance, which became effective on March 25, 2002, requires that persons seeking approval under the ordinance must meet with the planning board at least 30 days before filing a permit application so that the board may discuss and explain the ordinance provisions. Among other requirements, all FCC standards must be met, a site plan and scenic assessment must be prepared, a form of surety is required to cover the costs of facility removal and site renewal in the event the facility is abandoned, and an application fee must be paid. The ordinance limits the height of a tower to no more than 150 feet above the highest terrain within the town. Pughole Mountain in Whiting is the highest point of land at 386 feet. Any tower over 30 feet must also be set back 110% percent of its height from property lines of abutting land owners. The setback requirement may be satisfied by including area beyond the applicant's property when the area owner has signed an easement for that purpose.
     A new wireless communication facility, such as the one being proposed, its ancillary buildings and equipment must be screened by shrubbery, trees or similar plants, so as to obscure its view from adjacent properties. Lighting is required to be only as necessary to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and other federal and state requirements. Limited security lighting may also be used. Color must blend with surroundings as much as possible, while visual impact and noise are also considerations.
     Last fall, when U.S. Cellular was awarded the money for this project, Houde said that the money would also be used to upgrade service on seven existing sites in Washington County from the current 3G service to the 10 times faster 4GLTE service, similar to a high speed Internet connection. It was estimated then that it would take the full three years allowed by the FCC for the seven new sites in Washington County to be completed.
     Renee Gray, deputy clerk for the Town of Lubec and a Downeast EMS employee, says that the cell phone situation for the ambulance "was the final straw" for her because "communication is so vitally important" when trying to contact a hospital to help a patient. Gray compiled numerous letters attesting to the need for expanded cell phone service and used them to help persuade U.S. Cellular to complete that expansion. She says that she is still in contact with U.S. Cellular and Chad Hebert.
     After the completed application is received by the Whiting Planning Board, a public hearing will be scheduled in compliance with the town ordinance.