Telecom Explains 5G Project In Western Springs

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — AT&T is planning to upgrade a Western Springs tower, which the company says will reduce the need for smaller 5G antennas that have drawn concern in Western Springs and nearby suburbs.

Earlier this year, AT&T notified the village of its project involving a "macro" tower in Spring Rock Park. In June, Village President Alice Gallagher told the company she wanted more information on the company's plans because of concerns over 5G.

In a July 31 response, AT&T executive Brian Gray said the company had been upgrading many of its macro towers throughout the suburbs and the rest of Illinois since last year. He said the Western Springs tower does not involve the 5G antennas known as small wireless facilities.

"In fact, AT&T's macro tower upgrade will minimize the number of small wireless facilities that will be required to provide improved service in some areas of the community," Gray said.

In a June 22 email to AT&T, Gallagher said the village was not challenging the company's work, but wanted more information about it.

"As you are well aware, our Village Board and residents have many concerns and questions when it comes to 5G technology," Gallagher said in the email.

Residents in Western Springs, Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills, among other towns, fear telecommunications companies will dot the landscape with 5G antennas. They say the antennas' radio frequencies could affect their health, which the companies deny.