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Hernando Today

New Cell Tower Activated

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By TONY HOLT, Hernando Today

Published: January 28, 2008

WEEKI WACHEE - Anticipated population growth in the area has led the largest wireless carrier to activate a cellular site south of Royal Highlands.

The new cell site, located on Peach Orchard Road, was approved by county commissioners in 1990, according to Planning Department Director Ronald Pianta.

AT&T will now provide additional coverage along the Suncoast Parkway between State Road 50 and County Road 476. This year, the company plans to activate more than 50 new cell sites in Florida, according to a media statement released last week.

"(AT&T) put it there because of the anticipated growth around the highway," said company spokeswoman Kelly Starling. "It will provide additional capacity ... That means more calls will get through in that area."

New cell sites are activated based on population data and customer demand. More towers go up where there are high densities of people as well as a lot of busy highways, Starling said.

The Suncoast Parkway runs to the west of Peach Orchard Road.

"We have a very extensive and very mature network in Florida because we've been here for so long," she continued. "Each year, we make a major investment in the network. Since 2005, we have invested $800 million in the state."

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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