§ 4.16. Communication Towers

The siting of new wireless telecommunication towers is a growing issue in the state of Wisconsin. The need to construct additional towers is being driven by advancements in mobile telephone technology, additional demand for mobile telephone service, and increased numbers of service providers competing to supply that increased demand. The popularity of the handheld digital phone is the primary reason that more towers are needed. These phones require more towers to operate than the older cellular telephone. The expansion of digital service can assist in the ability to access the internet by wireless modem.

During this period of digital service expansion, areas along major highways tend to be targeted first. The STH 29 corridor currently has enough tower locations to provide continuous cellular coverage, but additional towers may be required to provide uninterrupted digital coverage. The USH 10 corridor is primarily served by towers in Neillsville and towers outside of Clark County. This corridor is likely to have gaps in coverage for both digital and cellular service due to topography, foliage, and lack of towers.

There are no telecommunication towers within the city, but there are two located in neighboring towns. There are no substations located in the city.