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Public utilities

Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves T-Mobile Northeast, LLC's Certificate of Public Good for Wireless Telecommunications Equipment Installation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has issued an order granting a certificate of public good to T-Mobile Northeast, LLC, authorizing the installation of wireless telecommunications equipment at 1186 Tower Road in Barnard, Vermont. The commission found that the project meets the criteria for "de minimis modifications" under 30 V.S.A. § 248a(b)(2), allowing for the installation of eight new panel antennas and associated equipment without increasing the height or width of the existing facility.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission approved T-Mobile Northeast, LLC's petition for a certificate of public good on December 1, 2022, authorizing the installation of wireless telecommunications equipment at 1186 Tower Road in Barnard, Vermont.
  • The project involves modifications to an existing telecommunications facility, including the installation of eight new panel antennas and two equipment cabinets, which will not extend above the tower and will not increase the impervious surface area surrounding the facility.
  • The total aggregate surface area of the antennas and equipment attached to the tower will not exceed 75 square feet, and the antennas will not extend vertically or horizontally from the structure by more than 10 feet.
  • The project meets the criteria for "de minimis modifications" under 30 V.S.A. § 248a(b)(2), which allows for the installation of equipment on an existing telecommunications facility without the need for further hearings or investigation.
  • The commission found that the public interest is satisfied by the procedures authorized in 30 V.S.A. § 248a, and the proposed project will promote the general good of the State of Vermont.
  • The project will not increase the height or width of the existing facility, and the net increase in aggregate surface area of the faces of the antennas attached to the tower will not exceed 43 square feet.
  • The Commission has determined that the project is exempt from additional hearings or investigation, and a certificate of public good has been issued to the Petitioner.

Statistics:

  • The project involves the installation of eight new panel antennas of varying sizes at a centerline height of 86' on the existing 101' lattice tower.
  • The antennas and equipment will not extend above the tower and will not increase the impervious surface area surrounding the facility.
  • The total aggregate surface area of the antennas and equipment attached to the tower will not exceed 75 square feet.
  • The antennas will not extend vertically or horizontally from the structure by more than 10 feet.
  • The net increase in aggregate surface area of the faces of the antennas attached to the tower will not exceed 43 square feet.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 22-4424-PET, Order entered: 12/01/2022
  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Amended Standards and Procedures Order, 1 Sixth amended order implementing standards and procedures for issuance of a certificate of public good for communications facilities pursuant to 30 V.S.A. § 248a, Order issued September 21, 2018.

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