The Edgartown planning board unanimously approved a temporary mobile telephone tower on Chappaquiddick, clearing the way for greatly expanded coverage for AT&T cell phones beginning this summer.
The Martha’s Vineyard Commission this week approved construction of a temporary 104-foot cell tower on Chappaquiddick, a proposal that has divided residents on the small island that lies off the eastern end of Edgartown.
A proposal to build a wireless antenna on Chappaquiddick heads back to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission Thursday for the second night of a public hearing that began last week.
Edgartown selectmen agreed Monday to form a new committee to study options for mobile phone service on Chappaquiddick amid concern from residents that a cell tower will be built on the small, rural island.
A brief, 527-foot ferry ride separates Edgartown proper from Chappaquiddick. But assume that voyage, and you step off the grid, surrendering access to reliable cell phone reception and the internet.