Final carrier switched on for Mahwah cell tower, ending two decades of debate

MAHWAH — T-Mobile has confirmed its antenna has been activated on the long-awaited cell tower off Rozanski Lane.

"The tower is on-line and residents should be noting a difference," T-Mobile spokesman Mason Miller said Thursday. "Hopefully, with the tower on, customers will get better reception."

Township Business Administrator Ben Kezmarsky said the tower has been a goal since James Wysocki was sworn in as mayor in 2020.

"It has been his administration’s goal to complete this project for our citizens in the dead zone," Kezmarsky said. "There were many obstacles along the way we’ve had to battle through,  and we are very pleased with the ultimate results for our residents and emergency services personnel."

Members of the Mahwah Cell Tower Task Force Facebook page expressed their enthusiasm for the newly-activated service.

"My reception is so much better," Jon Paul Molfetta posted. "I can't tell you how happy my family is, and everyone I do business with. Finally!!"

The 185-foot-tall monopole was supposed to be completely activated by July 4 with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile carriers. However, T-Mobile experienced technical difficulties and was not activated until a week later.

TOWER ACTIVATED Activation of Mahwah cell tower in dead zone 'was a long time coming.' Where it stands now

The tower corrects a 2-mile-wide dead zone on the township's northern border that has been the subject of proposals, denials and increasing public pressure since at least 2005. Some 5,200 residents have been affected, as well as the emergency communications of police, fire and ambulance services.

The tower was erected on municipal property at Fire Company 3. Residents living around it fought the installation for years, even after the tower was approved in September 2019. Critics cited the alleged wetlands and wildlife impact and easement violations.

Customers who continue to experience poor reception are advised to contact their carriers by telephone or online:

• AT&T: 866-925-4389 or att.com;
• Verizon : 800-922-0204 or verizon.com;
• T-Mobile: 800-937-8997 or t-mobile.com.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Final carrier switched on for Mahwah cell tower, ending two decades of debate