Commission stands by its cell-tower policy

County commissioners won't be overhauling local cell-tower ordinances any time soon despite advancements in technology that could eliminate many of the so-called "dead spots" that disrupt service in the islands.

Commissioners two weeks ago agreed that regulations on cell-tower construction don't prevent service providers from taking advantage of the new technology. But they also contended that easing the permit application process -- at this point -- could lead to a landscape cluttered by 8-foot tall antennas sprouting out of utility poles.

During a March 29 commission work session, Orcas Island's Roger Crosby asked the commission to ease the application regimen on the installation of cellular equipment. Crosby, a member of the board of directors of the Orcas Power and Light Cooperative, said the amount of work involved in the application process and the related costs have dissuaded cellular service providers from bringing the new technology to the islands. He said there can be a dramatic increase in cell-phone coverage by installing antennas and transmission boxes on utility poles wired with fiber-optic cable. Nearly all of Orcas Island would have uninterrupted coverage if seven poles at strategic locations were equipped with the 8-foot tall antennas, he said.

"They want it to be as easy as applying for a new license plate," Crosby said of the service providers OPALCO has consulted. "Right now it's too costly for them to try and get more coverage."

In addition to frustrating the typical cell-phone user, Crosby said the disruption in coverage poses problems for medical teams and firefighters responding to emergencies. Few utility poles would be needed to enhance cell-phone coverage because of the combination of antennas and fiber-optic cable, he said.

Still, commissioners noted that a simplified application process would be available to any service provider operating in the area, and it may result in a proliferation of utility poles with 8-foot antennas. Crosby acknowledged that it's unclear how many providers want antennas or how many utility poles would be targeted by competing providers.

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