HomeMy Public PortalAbout02-12-2013 info presentation wireless_201302071155033568 TOWN OF
1630
WATERTOWN
Office of the Town Manager
' Administration Building
- 149 Main Street
Watertown,MA 02472
Phone:617-972-6465
Michael J. Driscoll Fax:617-972-6404
www.watertown-ma.gov
Town Manager townmgr@watertown-ma.LYov
To: Honorable Town Council
From: Michael J. Driscoll, Town Manager
Date: February 7, 2013
RE: Agenda Item—Informational Presentation
As you recall, as a follow-up to the attached June 21, 2012 Agenda Item correspondence, the
Honorable Town Council approved a transfer of funds to move forward with an evaluation of wireless
coverage in Town at the June 26, 2012 Town Council Meeting.
As a follow up to the Honorable Town Council's action and the attached correspondence from
Steven Magoon, Director of Community Development and Planning, I respectfully request an
Informational Presentation on this matter be placed on the February 12, 2013 Town Council Agenda. The
Presentation will be given by Steven Magoon, Director of Community Development and Planning and
David Maxson, Isotrope, LLC.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
cc: Steven Magoon, Director of Community Development and Planning
Gerald S. Mee, Jr., Superintendent of Public Works
Edward P. Deveau, Police Chief
Mario A. Orangio, Fire Chief
ToWN OF
1630 WATERTOWN
` Office of the Town Manager
Administration Building
1 149 Main Street
Watertown; MA 02472
Phone: 617-972-6465
Michael J. Driscoll Fax: 617-972-6404
Town Manager \VwW.\vatertowll-111H.gov
rowan gr(a)Wntertown-ma.nov
To: Honorable Town Council
eetffj��
From: Michael J. Driscoll, Town Manager
Date: Julie 21 , 2012
RE: Agenda Item — Transfer of Funds Request
As you recall, at the September 13 , 2011 Town Council Meeting the Honorable 'Town
Council adopted a motion to retain a consultant to assess the coverage of the major cellular carriers
throughout the Town; and identify potential Town-owned locations that would be appropriate for the
location of cellular antennas, at a cost not to exceed $ 10,000. (See excerpt of September 13, 2011
Town Council minutes)
Attached please find correspondence from Steven Magoon, Director of Community
Development & Planning regarding a proposal that meets the above mentioned tasks for a fee of
$ 5,860.
Therefore, in order to move forward with all evaluation of wireless coverage in the Town, I
respectfully request the attached transfer be placed on the June 26, 2012 Town Council Agenda.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
cc: Steven Magoon, Director of Community Development & Planning regarding
Gerald S. Mee, Jr., Superintendent of Public Works
Rueleen Parsons, Purchasing Agent
Thomas J. Tracy, Town Auditor
Phyllis L, Marshall, Town Treasurer/Collector
TRANSFER AMOUNT $6,860
FROM: FY 12 Town Council Reserve $ 51860
0111152-570780
TO : FY 12 Comm. Dev, & Planning - Contracted Services $ 51860
0118152-530303
I hereby certify to the availability, authority of funding source, mathematical accuracy
and appropriate fiscal year.
DATE 1 TOWN AUDITOR
Excerpts from September 13, 2011 Town Council Minutes
8. MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
a) Action on the cell tower recommendations per thejoint Public Works and Economic
Development and Planning committee report.
MOTION: Vice President moved that the Town Council approve the development of an RFP to
retain a consultant to assess the coverage of the major cell carrier throughout the town and
identify potential town owned locations for cell towers at a cost not to exceed $ 10.000, seconded
by Councilor Donohue,
Councilor Kounelis asked if by accepting this motion; would it open us up to accepting cell
locations at the Brigham House, Coolidge School Apartments? Mr. Magoon stated that it would
not be the intent of the study to identify or eliminate any town properties but to look at the scope
of where service needs are and where that coincides with town property,
Councilor Palomba asked if this motion ties the hands of Mr. Magoon in finding a consultant
who is within the bidding laws. Mr, Magoon stated that if a single company could be found
within the confines of the laws, than all RFP would not be needed.
Councilor Lawn spoke in support of the motion indicating that it is a worthwhile Study to
conduct on our own and not rely on studies put forth by cell companies.
Councilor Piecirilli stated that health issues have been studied regarding cell towers and antennas
which show no risk to the public. Councilor Piecirilli also stated that towers should be
camouflaged so that they are hidden from view and by offering municipal properties, we can
prevent less desirable placement of antennas.
Councilor Lenk stated that in order to get the best use of our monies we should make sure that
we get a very detailed map.
Mr. Magoon concurred and stated that it would be beyond what is made available by carriers and
more detailed that what is available on the interact.
Councilor Falkoff stated that she is'in favor of going forward with the study but not necessarily
in favor of the town placing antennas on town owned buildings.
Councilor Kounelis concurred with Councilor Falkoff.
The Chair stated that the town gathering its own information on where cell coverage is needed is
very beneficial and prevents the town from relying on information gathered by cell carriers.
The motion was adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff,
Anthony Palomba, Angeline B . Kounelis, Cecilia Leak, Vincent J. Piecirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn,
Jr„ Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S . Sideris voting in the
affirmative.
Town of Watertown
Department of
1630 Community Development and Planning
Administration Building
t a! . ' � 149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 972-6417
FAX (617) 972-6484
To : Michael J. Driscoll, Town Manager
'//
From: Steve Magoon, DCDP Directofo i
Date: June 21, 2012
Subject: Cellular Service Study
At the request of Honorable Town Council, staff has pursued a consultant to perform the
analysis of the coverage of the various wireless service providers in Town, and further, to
compare that coverage with Town owned properties to determine if there is a potential
market for service on Town property. The analysis will also allow the Town to
independently assess individual applications that come before the Town as to the level of
coverage and what alternatives exist,
I ]rave attached the minutes from the joint meeting of the Committee mr Public Works and
the Committee on Economic Development and Planning from September 13, 2011 with the
relevant direction I have also attached the proposal from Isotrope Wireless from Medfield
Massachusetts. The proposal meets the required tasks for a fee of $5860 . Although this is
somewhat dated, I have contacted Mr. Maxson and confirmed that the proposal is still valid.
I also received proposals from two additional firms, but their price well exceeded the
Council limit of $10,000 . One bid was for $14,950, and one bid required an exclusive
business clause or an exorbitant fee, I also have been in contact with colleagues who have
utilized the services of Isotrope and Mr. Maxson, and they gave very positive reviews of his
work. I would therefore request that this be placed on the honorable Town Council's next
available agenda for a funding request,
Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns.
Town Council
Town of Watertown
Joint Meeting of the Committee on Public Works
and the Committee on Economic Development and Planning
Meeting: September 13, 2011
Written Report Submitted : September 27, 2011
The two committees met Tuesday September 13'h at 5:00 pm in the Council Chambers to continue
discussion on the possibility of locating cellular antennas on public property.
Present were: Stephen Corbett, EDP Chair and PW Vice•chair; Susan Falkoff, PW Chair and EDP
Secretary; John Donohue, EDP Vice-chair; and Vincent Piccirilli, PW Secretary. Also present were
Director of Community Development & Planning Steven Magoon, DPW Superintendent Gerald Mee,
DPW Clerk Mary Haley; Councilors Cecilia Lank and Anthony Palomba ; Kenneth Woodland, and Kate
Coyne. Councilor Corbett chaired the meeting .
Mr. Magoon Indicated that he spoke with several consultants regarding providing expertise with respect
to cellular communications needs and opportunities, as well as the Town's wireless emergency
communications needs.
After considerable discussion, the Joint Committees arrived at two recommendations for the Council:
1 , For the Town's wireless emeraencv communications needs: Direct Mr. Magoon to convene a
meeting of the Involved departments - police, fire, and public works to:
a. begin to assess their emergency communications needs ,
b. develop a scope of work for an integrated wireless communications system, and
c, Identify the cost for hiring a consultant to design such a system.
This Information would be brought back to the Joint Committees to develop a recommendation for the
Town Council. Voted 4 to 0.
2 . For cellular communications needs: Recommend that the Town Council approve the development of
a Request for Proposal to hire a consultant to assess the coverage of the major cellular carriers
throughout the Town, and also identify potential Towrnowned locations that would be appropriate for
the location of cellular antennas , for a total cost not to exceed $ 10,000. Voted 4 to 0.
Other Business :
For the Public Works Committee, Mr. Mee discussed the project to Improve the traffic signal and
pavement markings at the Intersection of Orchard St, Charming Rd, and the entrance to Victory Field.
He Indicated that the DPW will be Installing some traffic calming measures at this location, including a
sidewalk bump-out to narrow the road and shorten the crosswalk distance.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM.
Report submitted by: Vincent Piccirilli
Page 1 of I
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Thinking outside the sphere
Steve Magoon, Director March 16, 2012
Community Development and Planning
Town of Watertown
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Dear Mr. Magoon,
Thanks for Inquiring about Isotrope's services in evaluating wireless coverage In the Town of
Watertown. As you know, Isotrope is fully equipped and experienced in assisting municipalities,
especially in Massachusetts, with wireless facility planning matters.
As 1 understand it, Watertown wants 1) to be prepared to address present and future wireless
coverage needs within the boundaries of the community and 2) to Identify possible locations on
Town property from which wireless facilities could provide Improved coverage while generating
revenue to the Town.
Typically, we start by collecting information from the public record regarding the placement and
coverage of the wireless service providers' existing wireless facilities. In planning potential
future facility locations, It is Important to have Identified as many current facility locations as
possible. We then develop coverage analysis using computer modeling similar to the modeling
the wireless providers submit to permit application hearings. These coverage models provide a
thorough picture of each carrier's coverage in Town.
In support of such computer modeling, we can also perform a drive test ("scan test") of the
existing coverage of the carriers along selected streets. Scan test data is helpful in several ways,
First, it serves as a double check on the computer modeling of each carrier's coverage, and If
necessary, the computer modeling can be "tuned" to be more consistent with the scan test. '
Second, scan tests can report performance measurements such as call drop/block data or
wireless data service throughput speeds. This provides a richer picture of wireless service
performance than just signal strength measurements or computer predictions,
The demand for wireless service has grown to the point that It is not merely telephone calling
capabllity, but more Importantly, data connectivity that drives new facility construction . Recent
statistics Indicate there are more cell phone subscribing households without a land line than
there are land line homes without cell phone subscriptions. Similarly, published reports
1 Where computer modeling Is essentially two dimensional, projecting the coverage across a Cartesian
plane of land, scan tests are essentially one-dlmensional assessments of coverage along Individual roads
and streets, only approximating the two•dlnnensional nature of the computer models.
www.isotrope.im Isotrope, LLC • 505 Main Street < Medfield, MA > 02052 508 359 8833
• , I • , Isotrope, LLC
demonstrate that over 70% of wireless data traffic originates or terminates Indoors, The need
for Increased data capacity at every cell site Is projected to grow tenfold In the next four years.
Based on the foregoing observations, simple measurement of wireless telephone coverage may
not suffice for planning purposes. To obtain broadband wireless data services indoors,
subscribers need stronger signals and ultimately closer cell sites. Computer coverage modeling
can be scaled to perform "what-if" scenarios with existing as well as hypothetical cell sites. Scan
tests are harder to Interpret that way. Where scan testing can excel (In addition to acting as a
"sanity check" on computer modeling) Is in performing throughput speed measurements. Last
year Isotrope completed a throughput speed test on the major wireless carriers In Utah on a
9000 mile scan test with data throughput testingt
httno//bloe.broadband .utaii .aov/2011/10/13/uta h-mobile-broad ba nd-%E2%80%98drlve-
te s t%E 2%80%99-t1 a to-ava l la b le-fo rdow n loa d/
Finally, based on whatever data Is ultimately collected about existing coverage, we can help the
Town Identify likelyTown•owned sites to consider offering for lease to wireless providers. While
the most obvious choices will be in locations with the worst existing coverage, there may be
locations that are within existing service areas but that may offer capacity or signal quality
Improvements over otherwise passable existing service,
We propose two basic services, computer mapping and drive testing. . To the extent the
proposals stand alone, the Town Is welcome to select what It finds will work best for the needs.
We suggest that the most holistic approach would include both sets of computer mapping
services and both sets of drive test services, described below,
Computer Mapping Services
A. Existing Coverage
Town will provide relevant coverage and facility location Information from the public record.
Isotrope will review materials. Existing facility sites, by carrier, will be tabulated and marked on
a map.
Option A.1
With existing facility Information marked on a map, develop a composite coverage map of each
wireless service providers coverage, based on public information provided by Town. Each map
will include signal strength tiers reflecting carriers' target signal strengths for various levels of
performance. Included with maps will be a discussion of the "pressure polnts" where wireless
providers are most likely to look to Improve coverage.
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•• • , Isotrope, LLC
B. Town racility Coverage
Employing the existing coverage maps from A. 1 above, and/or from drive testing (if conducted),
work with the client to Identify possible facility locations and types on Town parcels and
structures. Prepare coverage maps for selected heights at selected sites.
Option B.7
If Option A. 1 Is performed, then also provide composite coverage maps showing coverage from
optional Town sites overlaid on existing coverage maps generated in A.1.
Drive Testing Services
k
C. Conduct a Scan Test
Drive as much of the 74 miles of streets as is practicable In one day, collecting signal strength
Information on each major carrier: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and MetroPCS. Prepare scan
test maps showing gradations of signal strength based on carrier specifications along all streets
driven.
Option U
Conduct data throughput testing of each carrier's service during scan test. Prepare throughput
test maps showing current realized data speeds for each carrier along the streets tested. (If
preferred, call testing can be preformed instead of data testing, and blocked/dropped calls can
be logged and mapped Instead of data rates.)
3
www.Isotrope.im
•, 1 :
• Isotrope, LLC
Fee Proposal
A. Existing Sites Tabulation and Map $160
A. 1 Existing Sites Coverage Analysis and Mapping (5 maps) $1200
B. Town Sites Selection and Coverage Mapping -, Up to 10 Town sites $1000
0.1 Also overlay Town Sites Coverage on Existing Coverage Maps (from A. 1) $500
One or two maps per Town site, showing services that benefit the most
C. Drive Testing Services — Conduct Scan Test — 5 maps scan data (signal strength ) $2100
C.2 Also conduct Data Throughput Test (or call continuity test) — 5 maps $900
D. Combined services Include one meeting to present results and discuss with client at no
additional charge. Maps will be accompanied by brief explanatory narrative.
Total fees, if all services are requested: $5860
We look forward to being of service to the Town as needed .
Yours truly,
4iDavid Maxson, CP
Isotrope, LLC
505 Main Street
Medfield, MA 02052
4
www,isotrope.im
.&30Watertown Town Council
Administration Building
149 Main Street
r = saa Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-972-6470
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Mark S. Sideris Resolution# 3 `j R-2012- 5 1
Council President
Stephen P. Corbett Transfer of funds in the amount of $ 5, 860. 00
Vice President
John A. Donohue Be It Resolved: That the Town Council of the City known as the Town of
Councilor At Large Watertown hereby approves the transfer of $5, 860.00 from the Fiscal Year 2012
Town Council Reserve Account # 0111152-570780 to the Fiscal Year 2012
Susan G. Falkoff Community Development & Planning = Contracted Services Account # 0118152-
Councilor At Large
530303 in order to fund an evaluation of wireless coverage in town .
Anthony Palomba
Councilor At Large
Angeline B. Kounelis
District A Councilor Be It Further Resolved: That a copy of said Resolution is forwarded to the Town
Cecilia Lank Auditor and Town Treasurer/C II cto .
District B Councilor
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr.
District c councilor Council Member
" �nneth M. Woodland
strict D Councilor
I hereby certify that at a regular meeting of the nine member Town Council for
which a quorum was present, the above resolution was adopted by a - . . . .. . .
Roll call vote of 8 for, 0 against and 1 present on June 26, 2012.
Valerie pas Mark S. Sider'is
Clerk of the Council Council President
Town of Watertown
Department of
1630 Community Development and Planning
Administration Building
149 Main Street
c 4 y Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 972-6417
FAX (617) 972-6484
To : Michael J. Driscoll, Town Manager
From : Steve Magoon, DCDP Directoo�j,
Date: January 3, 2013
Subject: Cellular Service Study
At the request of the Honorable Town Council, Isotrope LLC, has performed an analysis of
the coverage of the various wireless service providers in Town, and compared that
coverage with Town owned properties to determine if there is a potential market for
service on Town property. The analysis also allows the Town to independently assess
individual applications that come before the Town as to the level of coverage and what
alternatives exist for various providers in Town.
The study has gone through a staff review and is now completed. I would therefore request
that this be placed on the Honorable Town Council's next available agenda to include a
presentation of the findings by the consultant team.
Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns.
cc Gerald S. Mee Jr., Superintendent of Public Works
Edward Deveau, Police Chief
Mario Orangio, Fire Chief
o ! o
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r.
WIRELESS
Thinking outside the sphere
Summary Narrative of Wireless Coverage
Analysis in Watertown November 20, 2012
Overview
The Town of Watertown, Massachusetts engaged the services of Isotrope, LLC in evaluating the
present state of wireless coverage throughout the Town. Isotrope has long experience assisting
municipalities with land use matters relating to the placement of wireless facilities.
As Isotrope understands the objectives of the study, Watertown wants 1) to be prepared to
address present and future wireless coverage needs within the boundaries of the community
and 2) to identify possible locations on Town property from which wireless facilities could
provide improved coverage while generating revenue to the Town.
The project started with Isotrope collecting information from the public record regarding the
placement and coverage of the wireless service providers' existing wireless facilities. In planning
potential future facility locations, it is important to have identified as many current facility
locations as possible. We then developed coverage analysis using computer modeling similar to
the modeling the wireless providers submit to permit application hearings. These coverage
models provide a thorough picture of each carriers coverage in Town. The computer estimated
coverage analysis is presented in the form of color-coded coverage maps, provided in the
Attachments.
To balance the computer modeling, Isotrope also performed a drive test ("scan test") of the
existing coverage of the carriers along selected streets. Scan test data is helpful in several ways.
First, it serves as a double check on the computer modeling of each carriers coverage, and if
necessary, the computer modeling can be "tuned" to be more consistent with the scan test. '
' Where computer modeling is essentially two dimensional, projecting the coverage across a Cartesian
plane of land, scan tests are essentially one-dimensional assessments of coverage along individual roads
and streets, only approximating the two-dimensional nature of the computer models. However, in highly
developed areas with many streets, such as in Watertown, the linear street-way measurements provide a
rich nearly two-dimensional view of each carrier's service. In contrast, the computer models lack
precision Information on the nature of each building or obstruction, and are based on general
assumptions about the known cell sites in the area. On the average, computer models generally provide a
reliable picture of coverage, plus or minus some uncertainty at any given location.
www. isotrope.im Isotrope, LLC o 605 Main Street = Medfield, MA = 02052 508 359 8833
•• •• Isotrope, LLC
Second, scan tests can report performance measurements such as call drop/block data or
wireless data service throughput speeds. This provides a richer picture of wireless service
performance than just signal strength measurements or computer predictions. To aid
comparison of drive test results with the computer estimations, the coverage maps in the
Attachments are alternated between computer-estimated and scan-test coverage maps.
The demand for wireless service in the USA has grown to the point that it is not merely
telephone calling capability, but also data connectivity, that drives new facility construction.
Recent statistics indicate there are more cell phone subscribing households without a land line
than there are land line homes without cell phone subscriptions. Similarly, published reports
demonstrate that over 70% of wireless data traffic originates or terminates indoors. The need
for increased data capacity at every cell site is projected to grow tenfold in the next four years.
Wireless service providers are currently upgrading their existing facilities to add new radio
bands and new transmission technologies to support the demand for broadband services. To
obtain broadband wireless data services indoors, subscribers need stronger signals and
ultimately closer cell sites, if the signal strength is not sufficient from existing sites.
Finally, based on the data we have collected about existing coverage, we can identify likely
Town-owned sites to consider offering for lease to wireless providers. While the most obvious
choices will be in locations with the worst existing coverage, there may be locations that are
within existing service areas but that may offer capacity or signal quality improvements over
otherwise passable existing service. An Attachment addresses the possibilities.
Computer Mapping Services
A . Existing Coverage
After conducting a records review and orthophotographic analysis, Isotrope tabulated existing
facility sites, by carrier, and marked them on a map.
A. 1
With existing facility locations in hand, Isotrope developed a composite coverage map of each
wireless service providers coverage. Each map includes signal strength tiers reflecting target
signal strengths for various levels of performance. "Pressure points" where wireless providers
are most likely to look to improve coverage have been identified.
B . Town Facility Coverage
Employing the existing coverage maps from A. 1 above, and from drive testing Isotrope
conducted, Town-owned parcels were identified for possible facility locations . Coverage maps
were prepared to illustrate the possible coverage obtainable from those locations.
2
www.isotrope. im
Isotrope, LLC
6. 1
Composite coverage maps showing coverage from optional Town sites overlaid on existing
coverage maps generated in A. 1.
Drive Testing Services
C. Conduct a Scan Test
Nearly all streets of Watertown were driven in an approximately 74 mile drive test in one day.
Data was collected on the coverage of the following carriers : AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint
and MetroPCS. Isotrope prepared scan test maps showing gradations of received signal strength
based on carrier specifications along all streets driven .
C.2
A call continuity test was conducted with the scan test. Call testing was performed and
blocked/dropped calls were logged and mapped. Dropped calls are shown as black dots on
drive test maps.
Results
On the following page a table of soft spots by carrier is shown. In one column, a discussion is
provided for each computer-estimated coverage plot. In comparison, the next column discusses
the drive test results. In summary, areas near Victory Field are common soft spots among the
carriers. The Victory Field facility or the adjacent DPW site might be considered for use by
wireless carriers.
The largely residential area within ''/: to 2/3 mile of the Waltham boundary Is soft on coverage
for some of the carriers. The need for increased capacity and improved signal strength in this
area may become evident to carriers in the coming years as people become more reliant on
wireless internet services. If there is a location that could compatibly support a short tower
(disguised in a manner such as a flagpole) in this locus, it would be prudent to establish
supporting regulations.
Some carriers' coverage in the mall area is marginal, or may not have the necessary capacity
over time. If any enabling regulations for new facilities in this area are necessary, it would be
advisable to anticipate greater carrier needs In this area.
As for call drops, only the AT&T network recorded a few dropped calls on our system. Even in
the areas marked gray on the drive test maps, there is a degree of service from the carriers
("outdoor" quality), but not enough to satisfy indoor service and broadband requirements in the
coming years.
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•• •• Isotrope, LLC
Table of Coverage Computer Model Drive Test
Soft Spots by Carrier
AT&T • School St area (0.6 mile long, up to 0.5 Indicates softer performance than computer
mile wide segment); model :
• A 1/3 mile diameter area centered at • School St area is more poorly served
Intersection of Orchard and Carroll than the computer model suggests.
Streets, including Lowell Elementary Extends full length of School St and
School, Public Works, and a portion of spreads to Mt Auburn St and Arsenal St.
the Victory Field complex. • Modest coverage shown In
• Southwestern corner — Gore Place, Carroll/Orchard area, but weak spots
Waltham Street, Pleasant Street, exist.
Edwards Road • Highland Av/Main St/ Waltham
St/Pleasant St area has signal strength
MetroPCS North and west of town: west from Drive test indicates other MetroPCS facilities
Common St along Belmont St, as deep as in or around Watertown are providing
Victory Field, extending counterclockwise, coverage at MetroPCS current service
Including Warren St, Highland Ave, Main St, threshold, with only one soft spot in the
Waltham St and Pleasant Street. If vicinity of Carroll/Orchard streets. MetroPCS
MetroPCS has joined other existing sites In use of 5 and 6 sector facilities increases sector
Waltham or Belmont, this coverage shortfall gain (penetration) and cell site capacity,
may not be as large. compared to traditional 3 sector arrays.
Sprint Known sites leave soft areas in NW and Most significant soft spot is a several block
West border areas. Also pockets at Victory area along Orchard St. Other areas showing
Field to High School; north end of School St; in blue may not meet long term objectives for
In Nichols Ave and Mall area. data.
T-Mobile T-Mobile has the most facilities gathered Marginal performance perforates these areas:
from applications in Watertown (not certain between Victory Field and Belmont St; Blocks
if all are on line). Computer model west of Jensen Rd and Hersom St to Waltham
generally corroborated by the drive test line (Waltham St, Main St, Highland Ave area);
results, except computer model expects Warren St; area from Maplewood & Mt
slightly higher levels than measured in Auburn Streets tO Belmont St,
drive.
Verizon Three Identified facilities In Watertown. It is Coverage generally good throughout town,
probable additional facilities outside except for a corridor from the High School,
borders, beyond those shown, are In through Victory Park and northwesterly to
operation, thereby providing better Belmont Street.
coverage along Waltham and Belmont
border areas than shown. Verizon's lower
frequency band (cellular) may be an
advantage in penetrating foliage to obtain
the fairly full coverage shown. Coverage
along.
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•• i •• Isotrope, LLC
Additional analysis of coverage from two town sites was prepared. One location is the Victory
Field area ("balifield" — assuming antennas are mounted on a light stanchion or equivalent), and
the other is the Lowell Elementary School site ("school' — a hidden installation inside the cupola
was considered) . These sites are close to each other, so it may be sufficient to consider the
better of the two sites. Also, coverage from the Victory Field complex could be substituted by
coverage from a wireless facility at the adjacent DPW parcel using a building mounted mast, a
short tower or a utility pole to mount antennas.
Also of interest for addressing potential future needs to the west is one of the non-residential
parcels in the west of town, such as the Cunniff Elementary School or the adjacent cemetery.
Reading the Maps
The coverage maps based on computer modeling simplify the results by providing a single
threshold between high and low coverage (we avoid terms such as "satisfactory" and
"unsatisfactory", or "good" and "poor" because there is more nuance involved in interpreting
quality of service. We have given green shading to the areas designated as being above a target
signal level, and no shading (indicated as white on the legend). The underlying map has color
features, so the green shading tints the underlying colors.
Carriers do consider intermediate levels of coverage when considering the differences between
in-building, in-vehicle, and outdoor coverage. However, in this study, with the density of
development that exists throughout Watertown, we elected to focus on how the carriers will be
continuing to improve service over the long term, and where the greatest pressure is for
coverage improvements. For most of the carriers, our computer plots use a high threshold
representing very good indoor coverage that is consistent with what we see the carriers using.
Outside the areas colored green, there is very likely to be service available for the most part, but
at less than ideal in-building service levels. The drive test maps illustrate more gradations of
coverage. The MetroPCS computer modeled coverage is based on the threshold they currently
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use to apply for facilities, which is less demanding than the others, so they may appear to have
more coverage per site than the others.
The drive test maps provide three gradations of coverage (except for the MetroPCS map, which
reflects the two tiers currently used by MetroPCS). The highest level, green, is the most robust
coverage which is generally considered effective indoors in residential areas. The blue is still
effective indoors, but with less reliability and building penetration than the green areas. The
gray is also indicative of service, but at the lowest tier of what the carriers consider useful. In
the gray areas, indoor service might be irregular depending on where and in what building the
subscriber is. People indoors on higher floors will have better service on the whole than the
drive test measurements can show.
Also, the parcels that are highlighted orange are a set of "public" sites that are non-residential in
use and either owned by the town or by private entities (such as cemeteries).
Data Service
The wireless carriers are currently upgrading their facilities to deliver high speed data services
(also known as "broadband") . Construction of new sites is diminished while the upgrades
occupy carrier attention. After the upgrades are completed in a year or two, there may be more
attention refocused on new site development. The signal levels required to provide broadband
data services are on the higher side of the scale. The computer-estimated coverage maps
(except for MetroPCS) represent the typical thresholds desired for robust data services. The
green levels on the drive test maps represent similar levels. Ideally, each carrier would deliver
solid green coverage to the entire town, and there would be enough facilities to handle the
capacity demand.
Conchtsion
Watertown has substantial coverage from each of the major wireless carriers. Certain areas,
due to terrain and due to the difficulties of siting new facilities in heavily developed residential
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areas, have less than optimal service from one or more carriers. Carriers are in the process of
modifying their existing facilities in the USA to provide more radio bands and new 4G services.
Capacity will improve within their existing coverage areas for those carriers utilizing additional
spectrum. Outside their areas of strong coverage, capacity and quality will remain limited .
Carriers might try to place new facilities in the pressure point areas where coverage is not up to
their standards. Expect this new facility demand to increase after the new 4G network upgrades
to existing facilities are completed.
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SIGNAL'"':Watertown Coverage
Received Power at remote
-76.0 dBfnW Indoor
a +, ' ' n, r --- < -76.0 dBmW Less reliable
Display threshold level:.120.0 dBmW
Parcels of Public Accommodation:
Municipal, Park, Cemetery, Country Club
ativ ss- i, ,,, {' ' '`�'�.y �"�, �yr} �' M'� to y 1 , ' ; ' �•„ a z � r $ �6 � �� ���
^.,^"" •:- _ � * 1 ,,; 3 F ; �t�Y t � r�` ti, * ? ` a^�'r; �� „, I Town Line
a'a £ 4wwi a ,ko „` v > ,F" ! " fi ,ti < � �'. FEET
-2500 0 2500
� ^ RFMaps .com
ATT Estimated Coverage
without 313 Pleasant SL
a a 4 t ;z, ,.,'^ ,4 •,�,- Tue Aug 0717:1727 2012
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AT&T Wireless Coverage and Drive Test Maps
AT&T has facilities on the periphery of Watertown, and while the computer estimated coverage
plot suggests good coverage in most of the town, the drive test map captures the challenges in
modeling cellular band coverage in a densely built up area. The drive test shows substantially
lower performance than the computer model. Companies with cell sites in the interior of the
town fare much better in the drive tests and have closer correspondence between the computer
modeling and the drive testing. Dropped calls appear as black dots on the drive test map. AT&T
may be the most interested in improving its service in Watertown with new facilities.
The capacity for AT&T data services seems to be under stress in Watertown, just by observing
the lack of facilities in the core of the town. There is a substantial population and commercial
activity that is relying on geographically peripheral facilities. AT&T and Verizon have the
greatest amount of new spectrum, and they are expanding their existing facilities to Increase
capacity with the new spectrum bands. This will reduce but not eliminate pressure to build new
AT&T facilities in Watertown .
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SIGNALTM : Watertown Coverage
' Measurement Data: ATT-UMTS
76.0 dBmW Indoor
n & Concorq "- \ �' 'i 184.0 to .76.0 dBmW In-Vehicle
"�+,,, -84,0 dSmW Least Reliable
Parcels of Public Accommodation:
__ - - Municipal, Park, Cemetery, Country Club
PI,53 I I Town Line
IVA
FEET
Owl
-2500 0 2500
w _ ` Afo6ue 1' Trepeio rtoa ( 1 V { l .1 s . C o 1 I 1
ATT Drive Test
_ • Dropped Cads (UMTS to GSM)
Tue Aug 071712AL012012
Ad
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MetroPCS Coverage and Drive Test Maps
At the less demanding signal level threshold that MetroPCS currently uses, its four facilities in
Watertown and the unidentified facilities outside town provide substantial coverage. The Drive
test data corroborate the coverage from in -town facilities and confirm that there are out-of-
town facilities, particularly in Waltham and/or Belmont, that supplement coverage. There is
only one soft spot, near and northwest of the Victory Field area.
Capacity is enhanced with the use of facilities with more than just the common three sectors.
Each additional sector is like a separate "cell' to which call and data traffic can be offloaded . In
addition to the soft spot noted, the areas that lack a centrally located facility may be pressure
points for future MetroPCS facilities to handle better signal strength and capacity for data
services.
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F - .y"�" W �' �• , �_ , � K SIGNAL Watertown Coverage
1,, ^ ,_�•�,^^�; / ,:�.r f Received Power at remote
11 > -88.0 dBmW Indoor
< -88.0 dBnnW Less reliable
Display threshold level:-120,0 dBmW
Parcels of Public Accommodation:
Municipal, Park.Cemetery, Country Club
I Town Line
FEET
-2500�`--� 0 2500
RFMaps.com
i
MetroPCS Estimated coverage
Tue Aug 0719:43:16 2012
� -, yc M • +,A
1 •a4A � rt.t
- `- �« -___'-- ,-- •",x E'a°,aj� �£/ Metro-65 Mdl Y �`t' ,�,1r.�'� : 3
t.Y 1, e 4rz • ° 4,,N, 2 - ±\ I ,:r." Metro-485 Arsena
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S1GNALTM:Watertown Coverage
Received Power at remote
-76.0 dBmW Indoor
-76.0 dBmW Less reliable
+vr' ' ' W vrw k" a a f Nt J ,° '•¢ varw.�.}Er w�,,'.4Y,
Display
D' threshold level:-120.0 dBmW
x
Parcels of Public Acconrcnodation:
Park.CemerY. un�te Co Club
t
e's ,x.�J , y t t t h A, a w �rt!.,wA:'� w'u
I Town Line
FEET
-2500 0 2500
i Mt.i�^� (�ps.co j
m
'N
�l , . 1 rapelo Roa , ATT Estimated Coverage
-
-� with Orchard St Ball Field Li ht Pole 9
r , � � _ �'�y •, Tue Aug 07 18:16:23 2012
Mt Au
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'A",� •, try' 'l` ,tw i&v , a :., � n�. "5
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s
-
':.3. ma's°tea t. :i. i`✓'
INVEoxy, rct7i -. :. .v..•.•�?� „+�"•.' ,.^�. -,s.v ......... •C"�.q HS::Y ,A..
SIGNALT"': Watertown Coverage
J Measurement Data: MetroPCS
-88. dBmW Indoor In-Vehicle
<
-88.0 dBmW least Reliable
Parcels of Public Accommodation:
\� Municipal. Park, Cemetery, Country Club
1 Town line
�'
FEET
-2500 0 2500
Maps . com
MetroPCS Drive Test
7 .< without estimated coverage
Tue Aug 07 19:45:06 2012
et-2 Belmon
/{Metro-462
�, .� �_ � ✓ � SIGNAL Watertown Coverage
Received Power at remote
.,,k `sW "e✓ % ,"�� o. :,J > -88.0 dBnnW Indoor
< -88.0 dBmW Lass or ble
play
Dis threshold level:-120. m dBW
�h .�- •—
Parce4s of PubGCAccommodation:
Municipal, Park.Cemetery.Country pub
II
I Town Line
s a
-2500 0 2500
RFMaps.com
C P ,
MetroPCS Estimated coverage
6 � with school cupola
Tue Aug 07 19:47:01 2012
Belmon
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7 • r'r � - m Tk e , y,
�-
>L
G¢�{' `Yl . WK „ Sys„ «•r )�� C 1
R Y a \ •'N ,le: r 'J wr`O • 'µ v+Y„� �j�� �„µ`�'4� ,'rt �:' ,
/ ua� l�. � 3 •y N ' Metro-485 Ars¢na
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Sprint Coverage and Drive Test Maps
Sprint has an arrangement of facilities similar to that of MetroPCS, plus a facility at 2 Rosary,
near where the MetroPCS soft spot is. The Sprint modeling and drive test data use a more
demanding threshold than the MetroPCS maps. Consequently, the Sprint mapping could be
used to visualize MetroPCS coverage if MetroPCS were to shift to the more common signal level
thresholds. Both companies use similar frequency bands and the same technologies to provide
service, so the comparison is valid.
Sprint's coverage rarely falls to the gray outdoor threshold in the drive test. The blue areas
indicate where coverage might stand improvement as Sprint moves toward providing 4G data
services. Both the signal strength, and the area covered affect data speed and quality. If an
urban area of coverage is too large, there may not be enough capacity to serve subscriber
needs. A look at the T-Mobile build-out shows substantially more facilities in Watertown than
Sprint. In the long run, If Sprint survives as a separate carrier, it may need to increase the
number of facilities to compete particularly in data services.
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SIGNALTM:Watertown Coverage
I Town Line
Received Power at remote
76.0 d5mW Indoor
-7&0 dBmW Less reliable
Display threshold level:-120.0 dBmW
FEET
n l u u� ^ I
7
-2500 0 2500
w+`. S 'k§ '"u ,yr s Y• E ° I`
elmo , Maps .co 11
Sprint Estimated Coverage
a
' g iy pvvy� -
'
i
i' r.75-85 lain
-
, f. C
— �.."�' z° '� m�dm.•'P.. ' *�' ,r<" Meg � ��, � �„ ` ` �
SIGNALT : Watertown Coverage
Measurement Data Sprint-EVDO
> -76.0 dBmW Indoor
yicy ..a 1,84,0 to -76.0 dBMW In-Vehicle
-84.0 dBmW Least Reliable
Parcels of Public Accommodation:
Municipal, Park, Cemetery, Country Club
I Town Line
9 - r n s MET
arch Imo _ r -2500 0 2500
rW
, J eNip, �; � RFMaps . com
Sprint Drivetest
without estimated coverage
- _ Tue Aug 07 16,3927 2012
41
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SIGNALTM:Watertown Coverage
Received Power at remote
> -76.0 dBmW Indoor
-76.0 dSmW Less reliable
Display threshold level-=.O dSmW
Parcels of Public Accommodation:
w \
"", . a: `V`' �' ,"=,.h" � ,' a k`^,x �. i : Municipal, Park, Cemetery. Country Club
Town Line
4.
FEET
V1 1 Imo( L
-2500 0 2500
URFMaps .com
Sprint Estimated Coverage
with School Cupola
Tue Aug 07 76:43:04 2012
MtAubu
r f��`I ua '75.85 Main .�: -.r�,�,•' .e .r`
„
SIGNALTM:Watertown Coverage
Received Power at remote
> -76 0 dBmW Indoor
s x'i,i•'a(:^ r ...,... 76 0 dBmW L I
y� _ �, ._... w« \ - ti, - le Less reliable
-` F'v.�..^ — _. 1` t Display threshold level-120.0 dBmW
,,.�. Parcels of Public Accommodation:
p Municipal. Park Cemetery, Country Club
I Town Line
FEET
`,\ hurch Imo v „<.,...,, ��
-2500 0 2500
<< 3RFMaps .com
;. Sprint Estimated Coverage
with Batl Field Light Pole at 35ft
Tue Aug 0716:45:57 2012
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T- Mobile Coverage and Drive Test Maps
T-Mobile has the most facilities serving Watertown from within and nearby. Yet its drive testing
shows some areas of blue (less than ideal) and pockets of gray (functional but least desirable) .
T-Mobiles sites are characteristically at modest to low antenna heights (for example in a church
steeple) so their coverage footprints may not be as large as a strategically positioned tower
could provide. Consequently, the T-Mobile coverage has small holes in its overall service area
that are more difficult to address. 1 the long run, the more that existing buildings of any type,
Including multistory residential buildings, can be permitted for cell antenna Installations, the
easier it will be for carriers to provide robust high bandwidth services to the entire community.
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SIGNALi°": Watertown Coverage
\ Measurement Data: Verizon-CDMA
.76.0 dBmW Indoor
-84.0 to -76.0 dBmW In-Vehicle
-84.0 dBmW Least Reliable
; It Parcels of Public Accommodation:
Municipal, Park Cemetery, Country Club
I Town Line
FEET
_ v<"&Ala -2500 0 2500
' = sRFMaps . com
Verizon Drive Test
without estimated coverage
Tue Aug 0719:13:52 2012
� a
44
w y
-
�' away nter _ - -
SIGNAL-:Watertown Coverage
i Received Power at remote
> -76.0 dBmW Indoor
< -MO dSMW Less reliable
splay threshold level--120.0 dBMW Di
'r .a rvq 'i
""�``. -� + Parcels of Public Accommodation:
C.• ':, gq - -. /q.,.,;,, d'^ 'ay`ti:� ��""`"` i...,,;;` Municipal. Park Cemetery, Country Club
_ Town Line
FEET
pw. - „. -2600 0 2500
RFMaps.com
" Verizon Estimated Coverage
at cell frequency
Tue Aug 0719:11:332012
4
po r i �t ti
',Fri: `, F+ 5' t k .•?
� . . ,�. 'A1VarXyg.,'q. nw„„,. _ ,.n. :,jM;,.x'„^`• .,t + eaq�
�dr' any
` •', ,,,� - *: �, Ver2on 561 Arsenal"
ar v
., .x Q •?„ •�• ,f:a ".: .. 'Gl try,, w� .. ' ... •5'
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me.
4 A
4 .
SIGNAL^":Watertown Coverage
�mrv,A
Received Power at remote
> -76.0 dBmW Indoor
}�. \ � ., •,.�,�. ,_ �•.,_ _ _ „w„.,. < -76.0 dBmW Less reliable
Display threshold level:-120.0 dBmW
Parcels of Public Accommodation:
i F C - nvro:.m
�-a'•�" 3 � i'�` '� `�-`u;.5'4 � '/ - - • a �~»,.,m •., i --, Municipals Park, Cemetery. Country Club
Town Line
FEET
17
-2500 0 2500
RFMaps .com
p F Verizon Estimated coverage
With baq field tight pole
Tue Aug 07 19:15.33 2012
t
-
'
_' ` n y.� =gyp,a�..;�ti„ �- 's. •.; ^. >:.':�`��l�.ukr �,. �.�:�Y e ,+Ver¢ort 551 Arsenal
.
k .
/ a .
a�F 3 . �,. k"a�, tit �nR �i ; - w''('•
M1 N,vS • Jl W L'Y�. i, •' .� •�'b'R`4+� ,.a tt. .._."... •' 4'.t`::.rh::'A ',),.'� .
SIGNAL-:Watertown Coverage
`v` YKVFww
Received Power at remote
-76.0 dBmW Indoor
"+" + >x ,' _ _ < we - . -_ __ "•."'.. < -76.0 dBmW Less reliable
y1„y t'�-_a •Display threshold level:-120.0 dBmW
,+ v'a >ti„ $ — - Parcels of Public Accommodation:
s r s �' "s >+� srs + y:.� .r s °, \ Municipal, Park, Cemetery, Country Club
'd'^- --.` 1 `� . e\ i - _ I Town Line
FEET
i tW4i+fi^ MYtM" p r '
w. - .t«v.� vdr x""w•" � I + -2500 0 2500
RFMaps .com
s
uw i
Verizon Estimated coverage
With School Cupola
Tue Aug 0719:16.46 2012
NY�r Jy < twy , •1 Py(:vYyT
N a @
- ^�,.,, . 4:';- t�m;�va' • t,,, ..: ',h., ,-;R.. . .'«. s.: :«,, errzon 76 CaoGd
w � ` k mVerizon 551 Arsenal
9 „
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Verizon Wireless Coverage and Drive Test Maps
With three known sites in Watertown and more just outside, the Verizon cellular network
largely shows good coverage around town, except for a key area near the golf course and
Victory Field . The computer modeling lacks key Verizon cell site locations outside Watertown, so
we rely more heavily on the drive test data.
With its lower frequencies (cellular 800 MHz and new 700 MHz bands) and substantial licensed
spectrum (including higher frequency PCS and AWS bands), Verizon, like AT&T, has the ability to
expand capacity greatly from existing sites. However, where coverage is most depressed, a new
site or sites would be necessary to provide full coverage to the town.
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SIGMAL-:Watertown Coverage
Received Power at remote
ys. > -76.0 dSmW Indoor
. x.- -76.0 dBmW
Less reliable
Display threshold level:-120.0 dBmW
Parcels of Public Accommodation:
Municipal, Park, Cemetery, Country Club
`V
S
Town Line
rFEET
�•^ � {, � +� ;� ' ;,tt� � 4 _ -2500 0 2500
�^'"' ,s Mobile saver tre 1 IemaG sly , ° - ° • " � j
RFMaps .com
T-Mobile Estimated Coverage
^s:;eti:� T-Mobile-240 Wavers cc ' '.� '
Tue Aug 0719:05:37 2012
e S a ' y>s, y Obll•
u r•
P y T-Mobile Char z ' . `.•-
n .
a
fir
e � -Mobile 6 ewto _ ^>.: •..:.. .. . .. .,•
u m { ✓'id t n�Y-- Y..r.i_ �> 'Yu'^:A• '� � i�V'.J
a\ \
SIGNAL' : Watertown Coverage
a_
Measurement Data TMoble-UMTS
-76 0 dBmW Indoor
4WO to -76.0 dBmW In4ehicle
-84.0 dBmW Least Reliable
Parcels of Public Accommodation:
Municipal, Park, Cemetery, Country Club
- -- - - I Town Line
FEET
urc mo .„ .,,,, -2500 0 2500
T-Mobile Beaver Ste e 0 lemat e
L
RFMaps . com
A i ( �mie 4 I rape�o rtoa
T-Mobile Drive Test
without estimated coverage
- r _ Tue Aug 0719:06:57 2012
Y
f5v :'T Mobile Churc L -. i4
Mt Aubun'
r ^ - a obi 1 easant ♦ _
o ie 76i
Mai - -
- - � ' " ' �- �� ^'ace,,.. �r*�^ - :
o i e ewto "4 , '
O 5 ¢ F� 2YE-Alt",..