Mission Viejo Cell Out
"People Before Profit"
No End in Sight
According to Antennasearch.com, there are currently 101 cellular towers and 229 antennas within a 4 mile radius of Mission Viejo....and counting.
As wireless carriers fight to gain primacy in the market, they resemble the railroad speculators of the past: the company with the most antennas "wins".
The Story
In 2006 the City of Mission Viejo hired ATS Communications to create a "Wireless Master Plan".
The goals were: Increase cell phone coverage throughout the city. Consolidate future towers in designated locations. Create the network and infrastructure for a city Wi-Fi plan.
ATS completed their task with the following conclusion: 18 of Mission Viejo's parks and recreation centers are the most desirable city properties in which to consolidate all future cell towers.
The Problem
When ATS unveiled their plan in May 2006, many Mission Viejo citizens were angered. Consolidate future cell towers in parks & recreation centers- child sensitive locations??
Was this the best "plan" ATS could offer?? Why would the City sponsor such a "plan"??
18 MV communities are impacted. Their public safety and property values are disregarded by the ATS "Master Plan".
Is it any wonder why the City is garnering opposition to the ATS plan?
What the Plan Does Not Do
It does not control cell tower proliferation.
Whatever claims the City makes, the truth is that any "Master Plan" can never limit the wireless industry, which is regulated by the Federal Government and driven by consumer demand.
Wireless carriers hire their own engineers (free to the City), determine their own coverage needs, and scout for their own locations. The City can suggest that they farm their antennas in our parks, but the carriers will continue to add antennas WHEREVER ELSE they deem necessary, with very little the City can do about it.
The only way to provide reasonable limits on cell tower placement is through a City Ordinance, which provides basic guidelines on antenna siting. On September 4, 2007, the City Council rejected such an ordinance.
What the Plan Does
-Serves ATS who receives financial incentive to market MV parks, in the form of 25% commission on cell tower leases.
-Serves the City who receives financial revenue from cell tower leases.
-Serves the Wireless Industry with open invitation to our parks & recreation centers.
-Serves the financial interests of the Company/City Negotiator who will roll out city Wi-Fi in Mission Viejo.
To view a copy of the Wireless Master Plan drafted by ATS, click on: