The proposed location for the new cellular tower. (Town of La Ronge)

By Derek Cornet

smart phones

SaskTel planning 5G tower for La Ronge

Dec 9, 2022 | 4:27 PM

SaskTel wants to erect a 33-meter cellular tower in La Ronge to support 5G and enhance LTE coverage.

That’s according to documents prepared for an upcoming regular town council meeting next week. Administration is recommending council approve SaskTel’s request to erect the tower at 115 Boardman Street.

SaskTel reports the new tower will boost coverage in the immediate area and would maximize the network coverage area, which cannot be achieved by utilizing existing infrastructure.

“SaskTel has existing communications infrastructure at 115 Boardman Street,” the document states.

“Administration asked SaskTel to look at alternatives given the location of this property in the downtown area, as well as proximity to float plan operations along the waterfront. Administration also suggested that townland may be available throughout the community that could be considered as an alternative location for the tower.”

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SaskTel prefers locating the tower on the subject site given the availability of support infrastructure on its properties at the location, as well as the fact the location would achieve its objectives for improved services. The new tower would replace an older, shorter tower at the site.

During the review process, administration raised concerns with the height and location of the tower due to its proximity to nearby float plane bases that operate on the Lac La Ronge waterfront, and the La Ronge Airport about four kilometres to the north.

“SaskTel advises it has submitted the required Aeronautical Assessment Form for Obstruction Evaluation to Transport Canada, as well as the Land Use Proposal Submission Form to Nav Canada with respect to the tower proposal,” the document states.

“These agencies will evaluate the proposal and may have special requirements like tower lighting. In addition, SaskTel consulted the Airport Manager who advised he did not have any concerns with the proposal subject to meeting any aeronautical requirements of federal agencies.”

larongeNOW reached out to SaskTel on this matter but didn’t receive a response by publishing.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno