‘Microcell’ company again seeking franchise to deploy technology in town
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017 — Residents and visitors to Bardstown may soon have access to improved cellphone and wireless data coverage when demand surges thanks to a company that wants to bring “microcell” technology to town.
JEFF MILLS
City engineer Jeff Mills told the Bardstown CIty Council Tuesday night that a company called Mobilitie is requesting a franchise agreement with the city in order for the company to install its equipment in the city’s right-of-way.
The non-exclusive franchise will allow Mobilitie to deploy small cellular phone and data networks — known as microcells” — in areas of town where existing phone and data networks may be prone to heavy usage.
The Newport Beach, Calif.-based Mobilitie LLC has a Kentucky-based subsidiary called KY Backhaul.
A microcell is a cellular telephone system designed to cover a much smaller area than typical cell phone towers. Microcells have a range of 2 kilometers or less (about 1-1/4 miles), and are designed to add cell phone capacity in areas in which high capacity is needed.
Mobilitie’s wireless data technology is often used to add wireless capacity to specific venues and events, including indoor sports areas, outdoor stadiums and even Louisville’s Churchill Downs.
Mills explained that the company leases its connectivity to other cellular providers in order to add capacity they need during peak usage times.
COUNCILMAN JOE BUCKMAN, LEFT, AND COUNCILWOMAN KECIA COPELAND
The council took no action Tuesday night on the franchise request. The council may address the request before the end of the year.
HRB CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS. The council approved eight recommendations by the Historic Review Board on changes to the exterior of homes in the city’s historic district. The COAs included:
COA-17-78. 20 Schemes Inc., applicant/owner. Approval to install signage at 204 W. Broadway.
COA-17-87. Holden Willett, applicant/owner. Approval to paint the exterior of the home at 206 East Stephen Foster.
COA-17-89 and 90. Rachel Miller, applicant/owner. Approval to paint the doors and ramp; replace the front stoop at 103 East Stephen Foster Ave.
COA-17-91 through 94. Brandie Morrison, applicant/owner. Approval to install landscaping, alter the parking lot, install signage and a new roof at 301-303 West Stephen Foster Ave.
In other business, the council:
— approved a job description for a full-time marketing and communications specialist position.
— approved second and final reading of an amendment to the 2017-18 city budget.
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