Wireless Coverage (Cell Service)

Cell Graphic

Improving Wireless Coverage in Concord

Ensuring reliable cell phone service is a top priority for the Town of Concord. Over the past two years, the Select Board has focused on improving wireless coverage, recognizing its importance for public safety, business operations, and daily life. We understand the frustrations many residents and businesses have with service issues related to wireless coverage gaps, and we want to assure the community that we are actively pursuing solutions to expand coverage. 

This concern has been ongoing for many years, influenced by decisions made by various town bodies, Town regulations, infrastructure limitations, and community concerns. The Town has collected impact statements from the public including residents, Town departments, and businesses which can be accessed here: Community impact statements (2022) Staff impact statements (2022)

The Town, working with cell carriers, consultants, and legal advisors, has made many efforts to identify access and advance potential solutions. The Town center has major gaps in coverage from more than one provider, and our goal is to attract key providers to locate infrastructure within the coverage gap. Despite challenges, the Town is committed to delivering better wireless coverage for our community. 

Cell Tower Listening Session 
Oct. 19, 2023

Town staff hosted a listening survey on October 19, 2023 and subsequently issued a survey to collect feedback about wireless coverage in town. The online survey resulted in 180 responders:

  • 90% of responders reported that the cellular coverage in Concord was not adequate for their needs 
  • 90% of responders reported their support for adding wireless infrastructure in the downtown area to increase mobile coverage

Listening Session Presentation - Oct. 19, 2023

Wireless Coverage

Addressing Coverage Gaps

Current Actions: 

  • Umbrella Arts Center Wireless Facility (40 Stow Street)
    • The Town issued a RFP (Request for Proposals) for wireless infrastructure in the cupola at the Umbrella Arts Center in April 2025
    • One proposal was received from Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless which was evaluated according to the RFP
    • The Town Manager awarded the proposal to Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless in June, 2025
    • Verizon has been performing site visits to 40 Stow Street to prepare for construction drawings
    • Next steps include finalizing the lease between the Town of Concord and Verizon 
  • Landfill Cell Tower (755 Walden Street)
    • Town Meeting supported the use of a cell tower at the municipal landfill to improve service in this area.
    • The Town conducted a procurement process to identify a vendor capable of developing the site.
    • Wireless Edge Towers was selected to construct and operate the tower.
    • The tower will be designed to accommodate multiple carriers, expanding coverage for residents, businesses, and emergency responders.
    • The Town entered into a lease agreement with Wireless Edge Towers.
  • AT&T Small Cell Approvals (Sudbury Road):
    •  On June 30, the Select Board approved an application from AT&T for small cell wireless installations at 1 Sudbury Road and 143 Sudbury Road. 
    • These installations will improve service for AT&T customers in Concord Center. This project is currently working through the permitting phase and expects to move forward with construction sometime in 2026.  
  • West Concord Analysis 
    • An preliminary analysis was done to review options for wireless infrastructure on municipal property. The clock tower at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center was considered, and Rideout Park is currently being evaluated. 
  • Town Meeting Article 26 (2025 Annual Town Meeting) Approved:
    • The Select Board sponsored Article 26, which allows the Town Manager (with Select Board approval) to enter into leases of up to 30 years for municipal land. This article was adopted, and will: 
      ✅ Provide greater flexibility for long-term cellular infrastructure projects.
      ✅ Encourage investment by offering more stable lease terms.
      ✅ Ensure Select Board oversight while supporting future infrastructure needs.
  • Regulatory & Planning Efforts
    • The Planning Board intends to review the current Personal Wireless Communications Facility Zoning Bylaw (Section 7.8) with a goal of proposing bylaw updates in 2026 to address current siting issues. 


Existing Wireless Infrastructure in Concord 

Wireless carriers currently operate on both private and municipal properties in Concord. The two primary municipal wireless hubs are: 

📍 509 Bedford Street – Infrastructure from Sprint, AT&T, OmniPoint, and Dish Network.
📍 40Y Annursnac Hill Road – Infrastructure from Verizon, Dish Network, AT&T, and T-Mobile. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Why is improving cell phone coverage a top priority for the Town? 

Poor cell service in Concord is not just an inconvenience—it is a public safety concern, a challenge for businesses, and an impediment to daily life. Emergency responders rely on mobile data for critical information, businesses struggle with unreliable point-of-sale systems, residents and visitors face difficulties communicating by cell phone and navigating town.  

What challenges have prevented past efforts to improve coverage?
 Several factors have made expanding cell service difficult, including: 

  • Complicated zoning regulations that severely limit where towers or antennas can be installed, necessitating the need for waivers.
  • Community opposition to certain locations due to concerns about aesthetics, neighborhood impacts, or perceived health impacts.
  • Extent of wetlands and floodplains in the community
  • Historic viewshed impacts, where potential sites are in or near historic areas.
  • Structural feasibility concerns, as some existing buildings or infrastructure may not be able to support new wireless equipment without significant modifications.
  • Lack of carrier interest in proposed sites due to financial, logistical, or technical challenges.
  • Town has limited control over private property, requiring cooperation from property owners to install wireless infrastructure. The Town continues to encourage partnerships with private property owners who may be willing to host wireless facilities.

What is the status of the landfill cell tower project?
At the 2024 Annual Town Meeting, voters urged the Town to pursue a cell tower at the landfill. An RFP was issued, and Wireless Edge Towers was selected as the vendor, and finalized the lease. The project requires special permits and regulatory approvals before construction can begin. 

What is the cost to the Town for building infrastructure or towers in Concord?
Wireless lease agreements on Town-owned property are designed to be financially beneficial to the Town, with no upfront costs required from municipal funds. The Town will receive financial compensation through lease agreements with wireless carriers.
 
To ensure the process is handled effectively, the Town is working with Town Counsel and a radio frequency (RF) consultant, funded through ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act), to assist with RFP development and negotiations.

How is the Town addressing resident concerns about health impacts?
We understand that some residents have concerns about the potential health impacts of wireless infrastructure. While the Town is not authorized to regulate wireless facilities based on health effects from radio frequency (RF) emissions, we want to acknowledge those concerns and help direct residents to reliable information. 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing RF exposure standards. These standards are based on guidance from expert health and safety agencies and are designed to protect public health. 

Residents looking for more information can visit the FCC’s RF Safety FAQ page at: FCC Radio Frequency Safety FAQ. 

If you have specific questions or concerns, you can submit a complaint or comment through the FCC’s Consumer Complaint Center at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov, or contact the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology. 

What steps are being taken to update wireless regulations?
The Planning Board plans to review and update the current Personal Wireless Communications Facility Zoning Bylaw (Section 7.8), aiming for proposed changes at the 2026 Town Meeting. These updates will reflect modern technology and community needs while ensuring a transparent and fair permitting process that takes into consideration the communities historic and natural environmental values 

Next Steps & Public Engagement
The Town is committed to keeping residents informed and involved. Updates will be posted here as new developments arise. Public input is always welcome and questions can be sent to Deputy Town Manager, Megan Zammuto mzammuto@concordma.gov.