AT&T deploys small cell solution in Rehoboth Beach

AT&T and the City of Rehoboth Beach have entered into a joint agreement for small cell sites at locations in the city. A variety of locations have been chosen for the placement of small antennas to expand cell phone coverage. City employees met at each site with AT&T engineers to ensure locations were viable ones for the best interests of the city. The term of the agreement is ten years with an automatic renewal for four successive five-year terms. AT&T will pay the city a one-time attorney and engineering review fee in the amount of $5,000. The city will receive rent from AT&T in the amount of $2,000 annually for each of the five installations, subject to a five percent escalator per term. “We continue to focus on technology innovation and investing in the latest software platforms to provide the best possible customer service experience. Many of our visitors and residents have complained of inadequate coverage with so many smart phones, tablets and various devices in use throughout the summer that it was time to commit to enhancing service, especially at the beach and Boardwalk. At the same time, it is imperative to reduce operating costs. We review all of our long-term contracts as they come up for renewal and we are excited to develop new vendor partners to diversify our infrastructure providers,” said City Manager Sharon Lynn. Starting soon, two new wireless antennas will be attached to light poles on the Boardwalk, one at Rehoboth Avenue and Second Street, one mounted above the stop sign at Wilmington Avenue and First Street and one will be concealed in a cupola structure to be constructed on the roof of the Delaware Avenue restroom facility.