ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- Arnold Air Force Base employees and visitors and Arnold Village residents will see an improvement in cell signal strength this year thanks to an effort led by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center.
Verizon, the contracted provider for cell service, will install 14 cellular antennas to increase cell connectivity. The anticipated start date of the project is late this month. Verizon constructed the existing cellular tower on South Hap Arnold Drive under a previous AFCEC contract.
The antennas and corresponding equipment will be installed on wooden utility poles approximately 35 feet tall.
“Arnold Engineering Development Complex Civil Engineering Branch is eager to get started to help enhance the cellular coverage base wide and provide more reliable connectivity to base personnel,” said Brandi Harmon, an AEDC civil engineering technician.
Ten of the nodes will be installed within the fenced mission area. Four more will be installed outside the mission area – one node each at Arnold Village, the Wingo Inn, FamCamp and the Gossick Leadership Center.
“Even with the addition of a cellular antenna at FamCamp, the signal will be limited due to the trees in that location,” said Harmon.