Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves T-Mobile Northeast's Wireless Telecommunications Facility Expansion

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has granted a certificate of public good to T-Mobile Northeast, LLC and GMR Holdings of NH, LLC, authorizing the installation of wireless telecommunications equipment at 6246-R VT Route 113 in Vershire, Vermont. The commission found that the proposed expansion, which involves the removal of three existing panel antennas and the installation of six new panel antennas, complies with the applicable substantive criteria of 30 V.S.A. SS 248a and does not increase the height or width of the existing facility.

The commission's order, dated September 7, 2023, notes that the project qualifies as "de minimis modifications" to an existing facility pursuant to 30 V.S.A. SS 248a(b)(2), as it does not increase the height or width of the facility, and the net increase in aggregate surface area of the faces of the antennas attached to the existing structure will not exceed 75 square feet. The project also complies with the limitations in subsection (c), measured from the outer walls of the building (for width) and the highest existing element of the building (for height).

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission granted a certificate of public good to T-Mobile Northeast, LLC and GMR Holdings of NH, LLC, authorizing the installation of wireless telecommunications equipment at 6246-R VT Route 113 in Vershire, Vermont.
  • The proposed expansion involves the removal of three existing panel antennas and the installation of six new panel antennas, which complies with the applicable substantive criteria of 30 V.S.A. SS 248a.
  • The project qualifies as "de minimis modifications" to an existing facility pursuant to 30 V.S.A. SS 248a(b)(2), as it does not increase the height or width of the facility and complies with the limitations in subsection (c).
  • The aggregate surface area of the antennas and equipment other than ancillary improvements does not exceed 75 square feet.
  • The commission's order notes that the project complies with all applicable substantive criteria and does not require further hearings or investigation.
  • The commission found that the public interest is satisfied by the procedures authorized in 30 V.S.A. SS 248a, and the proposed project will promote the general good of the State.
  • The order grants the petitioners a certificate of public good, authorizing the project modifications.

Statistics:

  • The commission approved the installation of six new panel antennas at the existing facility.
  • 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 existing structure will not exceed 75 square feet.
  • The project complies with the limitations in subsection (c), measured from the outer walls of the building (for width) and the highest existing element of the building (for height).
  • The commission found that the project will not increase the height or width of the existing facility.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission Order, Case No. 23-2440-PET, dated September 7, 2023
  • Vermont Public Utility Commission Standards and Procedures Implementing 30 V.S.A. SS 248a