Andover Select Board Delays Decision On AT&T Small Cell Wireless

ANDOVER, MA — The Andover Select Board delayed a decision Monday on the town's first petition for a small cell wireless facility. The petition, by AT&T, would install an attachment with a 25 inch antenna to an existing utility pole at 308 Lowell Street. It would provide 3G, 4G and 5G wireless coverage.

The Board initially considered a motion to approve the petition, then punted to their Feb. 24 meeting. An AT&T representative at the meeting told the board that the Federal Communications Commission has jurisdiction over wireless radiation emissions, and they follow those rules. Specifically, at ground level, the proposed facility would produce around one percent of the allowable emissions.

However, the Board found that they were missing a report showing that, and were concerned that they did not have authority to test emissions for annual re-certification. Town Manager Andrew Flanagan said his office would draft a policy for dealing with facilities out of compliance. In April, 2019, the Board created a general policy for small cell wireless facilities.

Christpher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.