AT&T plans 50-foot tower in Palestine to enhance Northeast Texas coverage

A major development in telecommunications is on the horizon for the City of Palestine, as plans for a new AT&T cell tower were discussed at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on March 6, 2025. The proposed 50-foot monopole tower aims to enhance wireless coverage in the Northeast Texas region, addressing long-standing complaints from residents and travelers about poor connectivity.

For the past seven years, AT&T has been working on a project to improve service in areas with low or no coverage, particularly in Palestine. The new tower is strategically located to serve not only local residents but also businesses like Sanderson Farms and highway traffic, ensuring better connectivity for emergency response teams through AT&T's FirstNet system.

The tower will feature a gated compound and is designed to blend into the community, with a modern aesthetic that includes a light standard on top. While AT&T will be the primary user, the tower will also be open to other carriers, promoting broader service availability.

Concerns about potential interference with other technologies were addressed, with assurances that the tower operates on distinct frequencies, minimizing any disruption to satellite or cable services. The contractor representing AT&T noted that while they are currently working on several towers in Anderson County, specific numbers regarding existing infrastructure were not immediately available.

The meeting highlighted the importance of improving telecommunications infrastructure in the area, with officials expressing optimism about the positive impact this new tower will have on the community. As the project moves forward, residents can expect enhanced connectivity and improved service reliability in the near future.