Hockessin to get new cell phone tower, more to be built

The groundbreaking for a new cell phone tower in Hockessin commenced Thursday. (Photo by Ivelin Denev/iStock Getty Images)

Some dead-zones in Hockessin will be eradicated with the addition of a new 160-foot cell tower.

Located at 7259 Lancaster Pike in Hockessin, the addition had a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at the Hockessin Police Athletic League .

Cell phone reception along with internet availability has become a popular topic in recent years, especially with the pandemic highlighting some of the accessibility issues for some that made working or virtual learning difficult.

“This is a long time coming, but I’m so happy we’re taking this big first step,” said Rep. Mike Smith, R-Pike Creek who helped lead the charge for the project. “This is about more than convenience. It’s been a big safety issue.”

There’s two other cell phone towers scheduled to go up, in Townsend and Middletown.

Funds for the project, about $1.3 million, are coming from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

“This is the first of a few towers that will be going up in the area,” Smith said. “Residents and businesses won’t have to worry about dropping calls or worry if they can get through to 911 soon enough.”