Road to better North Shore cell coverage

The first phase of a proposed network of antennas meant to remedy spotty cellphone reception on the North Shore Tuesday received state approval, but a second phase needs nods from eight villages.

A Houston-based wireless communications company has received state Department of Transportation approval to install 17 antennas along state-controlled roads. Crown Castle plans to place the fiber-optic units on LIPA and Verizon utility poles on Northern Boulevard and routes 106 and 107.

The company also is seeking right-of-way agreements from Muttontown, Brookville, Old Brookville, Upper Brookville, Matinecock, Mill Neck, Oyster Bay Cove and Laurel Hollow for antennas along village-controlled roads.

The units would be installed at no cost to the villages, which might receive upfront fees and annual compensation. The rates, number of antennas and locations are being discussed.

David Bronson, counsel for the company, attended an Old Brookville board meeting Monday to advocate for the project. "It is the best solution to the chronic problem of bad reception, and it will help public safety as well," he said afterward.

Old Brookville Mayor Bernard D. Ryba requested information about antenna design and where each would be located.

Muttontown last year approved first-phase installations on routes 106 and 25A as well as a network hub now under construction on village hall property.

Dropped calls are endemic, said Muttontown Deputy Mayor Carl Juul-Nielsen. "You travel up 106 and 25A. You'll be talking and then all of a sudden, you'll be talking to yourself. There are dead zones," he said. "We're trying to get seamless coverage to our residents."