Orange County Register

See updates below…

As part of an ongoing $300 million investment in the area, AT&T has added three new cell sites in Orange County. Two are in Irvine and one in Ladera Ranch.

The three new sites are part of a 70-cell site rollout this year in the Orange County/Los Angeles area. AT&T previously added new sites in South and North Orange County (read “ AT&T improves indoor cell signal … for some of O.C.”

How were these cities so lucky to get more towers? 

“We determine where to place cell towers on a case-by-case basis depending on a variety of factors including where subscribers are located and where better coverage is needed,” said Katie Farnam, an AT&T spokeswoman.

So, calling in to complain may or may not help. (The customer service number is 1-800-331-0500.)

But lucky isn’t always the right word. Some residents in Irvine thought new cell towers and antennas were unsightly and convinced the city to put restrictions on cell sites. Sprint and Newpath Networks balked and the city has been in court ever since.  (AT&T had gotten in its requests before the brouhaha.)

According to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, local governments can’t, essentially, ban cell towers. But cities are allowed to put some limits on their aesthetics, according to the recent ruling of the appeals court. 

The latest update: Everything is on hold until the new year, says Louie Gonzalez, the city of Irvine’s communications manager. 

“We’re reworking the wireless ordinance,” Gonzalez said. ”There are several applications pending and everything is on hold. … That comes back to council early next year.”

If you live in Irvine and want your opinion to be heard on this, contact your local city council person. Here is the city’s contact page.

UPDATES:
April 7, 2009: Irvine cell tower: Sorely needed upgrade or aesthetic nightmare?

Related:

• Verizon Wireless improves cell coverage in O.C.
• UPDATE: AT&T improves indoor cell signal … for some of O.C.
• AT&T will improve North OC indoor service this year
• Finally, T-Mobile speaks: 3G Internet coming to O.C.
• Irvine’s wireless ordinance violates federal law, judge rules (March 4, 2008)

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