DORGAN SAYS PERMANENT CELL PHONE TOWER IN NORTHWOOD NOW OPERATIONAL, GIVING BOOST TO REBUILDING EFFORT
Senator pushed Verizon Wireless to construct permanent cell tower
Monday, August 18, 2008
CONTACT: Justin Kitsch
or Brenden Timpe
PHONE: 202-224-2551
(FARGO, N.D.) --- U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) announced Monday that Northwood’s new permanent cellular phone tower, which was erected after he urged Verizon Wireless to help improve service to the area, is now fully operational.
After Northwood was struck by an EF-4 tornado last August, city officials contacted Dorgan about the need for better emergency cell service. Dorgan and Congressman Earl Pomeroy worked with Verizon Wireless to secure a temporary system.
Once the temporary system was in place, Dorgan urged Verizon Wireless to install a permanent tower that would better serve Northwood and the surrounding area. He said the newly operational tower will give a boost to the city as it continues the rebuilding process.
“I’ve been inspired again and again by the resolve the residents of Northwood have shown as they recover from this tornado. They’ve made up their minds that they will rebuild and haven’t let anything stand in their way,” Dorgan said. “A good communications network is critically important to every community, and this new tower will be another valuable tool for Northwood as it rebuilds. Verizon Wireless deserves credit for investing in the future of Northwood. This tower should also improve service in other communities in the region, and I’ll continue to monitor that progress and keep working to ensure our rural communities have the service they need.”
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