Verizon says proposed tower would markedly improve coverage across Ocean Pines; board urged to green-light next steps

Verizon told the Ocean Pines Association Board that a proposed new tower would substantially expand reliable cell coverage in the community, and the company asked for the association’s commitment to move the project into its next planning phase.

Paul Blum, speaking for Verizon, presented revised, consumer-friendly maps that compared current coverage and projected coverage after the proposed tower is built. He said the 'after' map shows a much larger area of "best" coverage (green) across Ocean Pines, contrasted with the more mixed coverage shown in July's technical maps. Blum explained the maps represent different frequency bands: towers use low-band frequencies to cover large areas while small-cell deployments rely on higher-band frequencies that travel shorter distances.

Blum said the proposed monopole is currently sized at 143 feet and the team is evaluating whether a 175-foot option would provide additional benefit without disrupting existing coverage patterns; he warned that towers built too high can sometimes degrade some local coverage. He also said supply-chain constraints (notably ordering steel) and permitting steps will shape the schedule. Milestone Communications, the tower company, has requested board approval to proceed so it can finalize design and begin the formal permitting process.

Board members and the police chief pressed Verizon on expedited permitting and interim options. Blum and the chief explained temporary deployments such as cell-on-wheels can help during concentrated events but are not a sustainable substitute for a permanent tower that provides community-wide, long-term coverage. Blum noted that Delegate Wade Hartman has indicated a willingness to help expedite state and local permitting where possible, but he cautioned that material procurement and the formal 'day 1' start of construction steps will determine the actual timeline. The 18-month schedule discussed earlier was described as theoretical; the company said it can refine timing once the board authorizes the next steps.

What happens next: Milestone is seeking the board’s commitment/approval to proceed to final design and permitting. Verizon and Milestone representatives said they will provide periodic updates and a clearer timeline once the board signals support. The board expressed willingness to help facilitate permitting; no formal commitment or vote on a tower permit was recorded in the meeting transcript.