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Council updates working group on options to improve island cell coverage; carriers tentatively on board
Summary
A working group of town, club and SAPOA members reported carrier interest in improving weak southern/western Seabrook Island cell coverage; options include a single monopole with multiple-carrier tenancy or multiple microcells, and the town expects public hearings before any installation.
Council members reported progress from a town–club–SAPOA working group examining how to improve cell coverage in the southern and western parts of Seabrook Island.
A member of the group summarized presentations from a resident with tower‑construction experience and said carriers have tentatively agreed to commit resources for improvements. The group discussed small-cell (microcell) options and noted that microcells work well where many utility poles exist — a condition Seabrook Island lacks — and that hundreds of nodes would be needed to match the coverage a single tower can provide.
The discussion favored a single monopole tower with multiple-carrier tenancy as a practical option for the island. The presenter cautioned that 5G equipment on the water tower will improve service for devices in range but does not meaningfully extend overall range, and that lower-range 5G frequencies can shorten coverage distances. Town staff emphasized that placement, aesthetic considerations and county-level approvals will be necessary and that public hearings would be part of the permitting process.
No formal decision was made; members agreed to continue technical and regulatory work with carriers and landowners and to provide public hearings before any final siting or tower construction.
