New Cell Towers Being Installed in Unlikely Places in Laguna Niguel

Many residents would prefer cell towers be erected anyplace but in their own backyards -- the same with jails and prisons. In other words, the more they are concealed the better.

And in an effort to keep cell towers camouflaged in Laguna Niguel, one telecom company is indeed erecting said towers on water tanks and behind strip mall facades.

For example, Verizon Wireless is in the process of installing a cell tower at a water tank site on Pacific Island Drive, according to officials.

"The project is the addition of cellular antennae by Verizon," said  "A contractor is performing the work for Verizon. Verizon has plans approved by MNWD for this installation, and will be making monthly payments to for use of the site. MNWD in turn uses the lease payments to keep rates lower for our customers."

Gumerman said the project should be completed in May.

Added Verizon Wireless southern region spokesperson, Ken Muche: "The process to find a site in the Pacific Island area began in October of 2008 and construction began in December 2011. This new cell site consists of five new antennae which add coverage and capacity for our customers in the area." 

Much said this cell site expands the company's 4G LTE network, which delivers average data speeds that are 10 times faster than its 3G network, allowing customers, for example, to download songs in seconds, and high definition movies in minutes.

Another place in Laguna Niguel where a cell tower is currently being installed is behind the Marketplace at Laguna Niguel's front facade. 

According to Robyn Hewitt, commercial property manager at Shapell Industries, the company that manages the shopping center, the work began a few weeks ago. The cell equipment is being placed behind the center's tower in the front of the building not far from the and .

Muche confirmed and said: "We identified the need for a site in the general area in September 2010.  Construction of the new site began at the end of last month. Specifically, we’re adding equipment for new coverage on a tower that already exists."

Hewitt said the work at the center should be completed in May.

Other unique areas outside Laguna Niguel where telecom companies have erected cell towers include in the cavity of a cactus in Arizona, in the fronds atop a palm tree in South San Joaquin County and inside a white obelisk in stationed in front of the Irvine Spectrum, that encases a Verizon cell tower.