Cell phone study needs more data
While the National Association of Counties’ project to map gaps and weaknesses in the country’s cell phone system is into its fourth month, "more data is needed before the association can report its findings to the FCC." Determining the number and location of existing cell towers can be more complicated than it might seem as companies are wary of making their tower and facilities information public due to safety and security concerns, according to Jason Pyles, the GIS specialist with Buckeye Hills Regional Council. Telecommunications companies like Crown Castle and American Tower are currently the dominant players in the market.