HANOVER - August 26, 2026 - Hanover town and public safety officials are moving to address long-standing cellular dead zones by proposing a cellular monopole near the Cedar School parking lot, a project officials say is vital for emergency response and school security.
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Town Manager Joseph Colangelo and Police Chief Timothy Kane presented a preliminary proposal to the Hanover School Committee to partner with a commercial wireless carrier for a long-term land lease to construct a cellular monopole on the Cedar School parcel. The effort aims to remediate persistent cellular connectivity gaps along the Cedar Street corridor, which have hindered everyday communications and raised critical public safety concerns.
Chief Kane emphasized that modern emergency operations rely heavily on cellular data for Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), mapping, voice tools, and direct 911 connectivity. He noted that multi-agency training drills in the school complex had repeatedly exposed cellular deficiencies.
Colangelo explained that rather than having the town finance, construct, and manage its own communications pole, the administration is pursuing a public-private partnership where a commercial carrier leases the school-owned ground space, builds the monopole, and maintains the equipment at market rates. Town officials hope to place an authorization article on the upcoming November Special Town Meeting warrant so the town can execute a long-term lease agreement. If approved by voters, zoning and conservation reviews would take place in early 2027, with construction potentially slated for summer 2027.
“While we do operate on dedicated radio systems, cellular networks provide us with another avenue—a level of redundancy... I can assure you that there is a high probability that if we were to have an emergency situation, whether it’s this school or one of the neighboring schools, it’s probably going to start with a 911 from a cell phone. Being able to ensure that that call won’t be dropped gives us a huge advantage right out of the gate.” — Chief Timothy Kane (41:14)
School Committee members raised questions regarding local zoning bylaws, fall-zone setbacks relative to school classrooms, construction timelines, and potential carrier revenue. Committee member Libby Corbo and Vice Chair Ryan Hall emphasized the need for comprehensive community outreach, calling for informational sessions and parent forums before the committee formally votes to sponsor or co-sponsor a Town Meeting warrant article.
