Enhanced Coverage on Bois Blanc Island? (michigan)

[conis]

(Reposted here from a different thread)

Im a newbee on a fact finding mission.

Bois Blanc Island is located in the straits, about 4 miles east of Mackinaw Island and 8 miles north of Cheboygan. The island is about 32 sq miles, (7x13 mi). Home to about 3000 residents in the summer and 50 (hard core) in the winter. 80% of the island is wild/undeveloped excepting a camp here and there. Most development is along the south shore and west end.

Nearest carriers are in Cheboygan; Alltel and I believe Cellular One. Service along the south shore is acceptable most of the time however deteriorates traveling east/west. No service moving a mile north (inland).

There have been ongoing discussions with BBislanders to try and bring communications into this century. Many reasons beyond convenience, mostly emergency response and support, forest fire control, marine accidents... a long list. Enhancing cell service on BBI may also benefit Mac Island which receieves 10s/thousands visitors annually.

I cannot believe that some carrier wouldn't be interested in strategically placing cell SOLID-RELIABLE reception in middle of the straits, not only for the benefit of residents and visitors, but for the bottleneck of marine traffic in this area.

There is already a Microwave tower on BBI. I assume a telecom relay? No idea exact purpose ow who owns it except to say that perhaps cell equipment might be added to this existing structure?

Like I said, I am at square one fact finding. Who to contact, how to approach this? Perhaps some of you folks might be able to provide some direction?

Once I have some solid information, it will be forwarded to BBI twp. for consideration and hopefully action.

Thanks so much.

[music4praise]

I suggest sending a private message to "Alltelwirelesstech" who frequents this board. Since he works for Alltel he may be able to give you a lead on who to contact. An official from the township should be the one to contact Alltel when you find the right person.

[conis]

10-Q Looking for leads, tips, contacts and short circuits.

C/TD

PS The microwave tower belongs to TDS, Island land line telecom. Likely not receptive to competing cell com. Another subject.

[strunke]

Originally Posted by conis

10-Q Looking for leads, tips, contacts and short circuits.

C/TD

PS The microwave tower belongs to TDS, Island land line telecom. Likely not receptive to competing cell com. Another subject.

They might be able to offer a joint venture type deal, get a cell with your landline thing a package...that is probably the only way the local phone co. will play nice.

I would have your local city council or whoever is in your local government contact Alltel. If they won't put cells on the existing tower, then there would have to be land somewhere to build another tower or more. A local person can offer their land to build the tower on as long as they own the land. The only tower on the island belongs to the Fire Department, and it's 19.8 meters tall, not sure if that is tall enough. You check some more here

http://www.cellreception.com/towers/index.html

Just put in Cheboygan, MI for the nearest map.

[conis]

This has been an interesting mission so far.

Bois Blanc Island (and also Beaver Island) have landline systems controlled by TDS. According the MPSC docs, BBi has around 400 phones netting 3000 m.o.u per month. A microwave tower is used to beam signals to cheboygan. The cost have having a landline on BBI is huge- expensive. I doub't TDS is going to support added-improved cell competition nor are they gaining new customers as it is.

Everyone else is using cell which works reasonably well along the south shore, which is where 90% of the cottages and main road is located. The interior and north shore is essentially dead.

Considering the amount of marine traffic through the straits, and residential/tourist traffic to Both BBI and MacI, I and Others believe solid cell service in ALL of the straits area is long overdue.

Over the last couple of years, there have been emergency incidents on BBI and in the straits where reliable cell service may have made a difference. Anyone recall the boat found on the BBI east end, engines running, passengers missing? A couple years ago and still not resolved as to what actually happened . One passenger (owner) was recovered. A long list of "911 situations" beyond this.

Alltel and Cellular one are the only carriers in the area. So I would assume it would be up to one or the other to install the equipment, whatever it takes.

I am merely looking for the right contact people for BBI twp to deal with. It could also be neither carrier is fully aware of the traffic through the straits or the demand for better service, or the opportunity to get there first with a strategically placed tower on BBI, which is in the center of the straits.

C

[alltelwirelesstech]

hey guys im not ignoring you. i am out of town and my car died so im stuck. i have linited access to work applications with this connection i have but will look into everything upon my return and i hope that is soon

[conis]

Originally Posted by alltelwirelesstech

hey guys im not ignoring you. i am out of town and my car died so im stuck. i have linited access to work applications with this connection i have but will look into everything upon my return and i hope that is soon

Thanks for your response. I am familiar with your situation.
conis

[conis]

Here is a link to this discussion as it is evolving on the Bois Blanc Island website.

http://www.bois-blanc.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1047

Visitors can view threads, join to post.

conis

[strunke]

I know this post is old, and I sent you a PM, but....

You may want to send a message to KGI Wireless they handle some of the tower operations for Alltel. They operate a tower on Beaver Island so they likely have some experience in this....

http://www.kgiwireless.com

[yuri1419]

It's unexpected, but you might want to look into Sprint for reception on Boi Blanc. My in-laws live on Hwy 23 between Cheboygan and Mack City, which got me investigating sprint's online coverage maps (well, Virgin Mobile actually, as that's my wife's phone, and where Sprint is, VM is). They have no coverage for miles and miles, but then one tower in that stretch of road.

Check out the Sprint coverage map at https://coverage.sprintpcs.com/IMPACT.jsp

It might only be decent on the south side of the island.....

[conis]

Originally Posted by strunke

I know this post is old, and I sent you a PM, but....

You may want to send a message to KGI Wireless they handle some of the tower operations for Alltel. They operate a tower on Beaver Island so they likely have some experience in this....

http://www.kgiwireless.com

Thanks, I'll pursue this!

[conis]

Originally Posted by yuri1419

It's unexpected, but you might want to look into Sprint for reception on Boi Blanc. My in-laws live on Hwy 23 between Cheboygan and Mack City, which got me investigating sprint's online coverage maps (well, Virgin Mobile actually, as that's my wife's phone, and where Sprint is, VM is). They have no coverage for miles and miles, but then one tower in that stretch of road.

Check out the Sprint coverage map at https://coverage.sprintpcs.com/IMPACT.jsp

It might only be decent on the south side of the island.....

We have decent coverage on most of Bois Blanc Islands south side. Alltel, Sprint, Centurytel... whatever.

Two problems.

NO coverage on the north side or a mile into the woods from south side. We need a tower/service on BBI which covers the entire island and straits-marine traffic area. Folks on the island are howling about this, marine safety over and above.

With 2-3-4 mainland carriers linking the island... the wind blows and the call gets shifted and usually dropped. It isn't unusual to hear the transfer sound and "You still there" and then redial.

BBI needs an anchor tower/service. I don't care which provider it is. We need service that works and It is hard for me to understand why this HUGE gaps in the straits remains un noticed?

Many on the island use cell as "only communication". drive to the south shore to check VM or make calls. Sucks and stupid. My mission is to get some carrier and the TWP lined up and into discussions/negotiations. One land line operation on BBI with 400 wired phones(at max$$$) They have the microwave link to Cheboygan and represent the hurdle to 2006.

This is going to take awhile.

C

[strunke]

Originally Posted by yuri1419

It's unexpected, but you might want to look into Sprint for reception on Boi Blanc. My in-laws live on Hwy 23 between Cheboygan and Mack City, which got me investigating sprint's online coverage maps (well, Virgin Mobile actually, as that's my wife's phone, and where Sprint is, VM is). They have no coverage for miles and miles, but then one tower in that stretch of road.

Check out the Sprint coverage map at https://coverage.sprintpcs.com/IMPACT.jsp

It might only be decent on the south side of the island.....

No Sprint will not do better. They are 1900, that will not carry as well as Alltel over the island. As far as building a new one. Who knows. Maybe they would.


Good luck conis!

[conis]

As far as northern Michigan, Alltel seems to be about the only show in town. So far , after numerous ems and calls, not been able to get with anyone in "planning" or "marketing" or "whats up with this oversight department".

Frustrated but still working on things.

C

[jones]

Looks like your only chance is a Repeater.

[yuri1419]

How much does it cost to put up a tower, and how much use would it get? I expect the answer to why you don't have it lies in the answer to those questions, which I don't have.

Marine safety? Aren't all craft over a certain size supposed to carry a marine radio? I've watched my in-laws have radio conversations with freighters that parked in the straits between their property and BBI.

[conis]

Originally Posted by yuri1419

How much does it cost to put up a tower, and how much use would it get? I expect the answer to why you don't have it lies in the answer to those questions, which I don't have.

Marine safety? Aren't all craft over a certain size supposed to carry a marine radio? I've watched my in-laws have radio conversations with freighters that parked in the straits between their property and BBI.

Actually I think cost effective, even if seasonal. Huge amounts of marine traffic through the area, cell reception is on/off through the straits with plenty of bounced-dropped calls.

Marine radio might be mandatory in boats above X length. I don't know. Thats OK for boats in distress but doesn't help them with general communication. Nor does it help anyone on the island more than 1/2 north of the south shore.

Jan, Feb and March, shut it down. All the BBI year rounders have land lines and walkie talkies (all 25 or so)

[Fire14]

Have you considered some type of petition to get the carrier(s) to notice the big need for a tower here? Even getting one of the TV stations involved.
It does sound like it could be a serious concern for emergency situations & if you had people willing to back up a company such as Alltel putting up a tower, they may persue it more.

Most of the time, carriers deal with NIMBY'ers (Not in my back yard) & have to fight the local township & resident's to get a tower built, here is a situation where people want one & they may be more receptive if they know they won't have a battle to fight putting up a tower.

I know it's a long shot, but from the sounds of your post's, it may be worth trying this route, as well as the routes you are currently taking.

[Gonz]

I would run your zip code and see who all has licenses for your county. Even if there are no towers from that carrier, they may think about adding a tower just for the roaming revenue.

[conis]

Well... This initiative has so far gone nowhere. Mostly because it requires involvement from the township... which requires getting their attention... which would probably require bringing the AFLAC duck to a township meeting. Pick it up again in the spring I suppose...

Lately, the subject has changed slightly as to "best service to use" I say alltel but I really don't think it matters since, as I understand, the towers along US23 ar all owned by different carriers. Calls are frequently dropped by back-forth tower-bouncing everytime a boat runs down the straits. whatever.

Beyond that... the subject of yagi antennas and 3 watt amplifiers... We have run this subject in the dirt, too.

Now, a question someone out there might be able to answer. A friend on the island is using an analog motorola bag phone (with alltel) that definately does the job. I see them cheap on ebay however I understand they have to be compatible with the the carrier, in my case alltel. Ifound some company in Canada that refurbishes them with a warranty $25-$50. I haven't followed up since I am not exactly sure what I want or don't want, nor can they help me unless I know.

Can anyone fill me in with some specs so I don't end up buying a boat anchor posed as a bag phone?

[Andy]

Originally Posted by conis

Well... This initiative has so far gone nowhere. Mostly because it requires involvement from the township... which requires getting their attention... which would probably require bringing the AFLAC duck to a township meeting. Pick it up again in the spring I suppose...

Lately, the subject has changed slightly as to "best service to use" I say alltel but I really don't think it matters since, as I understand, the towers along US23 ar all owned by different carriers. Calls are frequently dropped by back-forth tower-bouncing everytime a boat runs down the straits. whatever.

Beyond that... the subject of yagi antennas and 3 watt amplifiers... We have run this subject in the dirt, too.

Now, a question someone out there might be able to answer. A friend on the island is using an analog motorola bag phone (with alltel) that definately does the job. I see them cheap on ebay however I understand they have to be compatible with the the carrier, in my case alltel. Ifound some company in Canada that refurbishes them with a warranty $25-$50. I haven't followed up since I am not exactly sure what I want or don't want, nor can they help me unless I know.

Can anyone fill me in with some specs so I don't end up buying a boat anchor posed as a bag phone?

I think the first thing we need to answer is whether or not ALLTEL still activates Analog only phones. I honestly don't know too many carriers out there that still activate analog only bag phones.

[conis]

That was the crux of my question. What I do know is friends have analog bag phones, still running on Alltel. How much longer? No idea.

Lacking any other solution... we need something that friggin works! It is about communication, not the latest tech. The twinkie too-cool camera phones aint doing it. We don't need to be hi-tech/cool/front edge. Sometimes less is more and older is better than new?

We need cell service on the island and until that happens, work with what we have. And that aint much.

[UFO]

Originally Posted by conis

As far as northern Michigan, Alltel seems to be about the only show in town. So far , after numerous ems and calls, not been able to get with anyone in "planning" or "marketing" or "whats up with this oversight department".

This sounds pretty basic but have you sent e-mails to: corp.corporate.communications@alltel.com or andrew.moreau@Alltel.com ? It might be worth a try since I'm sure the letters are already written. They seem to be the only two e-mail contacts on Alltel's 'Coverage map.'

Also, I really liked Fire14's advice, but in your letter, highlight how it will benefit the company also. I did a quick google search that said the island had a summer population of about 1600 in the year 2000. But if you highlight how it will benefit the company being the only reliable cell service in the town, how the township is already in favor of it so there won't be a battle to find a location, and how it's a safety concern they might go for it. Maybe one day you can run to be elected to the township on this platform?? If the local carriers get letters from a township really wanting a tower, maybe even pre-approved cell site locations available to rent annually for very cheap or free for the sake of safety, you'd have to think that would catch their attention quick.

[conis]

Been there, done that. Finding sites isn't a problem. Getting local support isn't a problem.

The problem is the BBI township board taking any action. They seem to be embroiled in an internal legal dispute which may take some time to resolve... until that happens, nothing will happen. Trust me, this is the short version. Until things move forward, we are stuck with what we have to work with... and that means improving reception to-from mainland towers, which are 8-12 mils south of the islands south shore. Maybe going back to analog bag phones...

I think there is a tower on Mac island, too far to do us much good. The summer population on Bois Blanc Island averages 1600 seasonal. Much higher during peak summer. Winter is 45. Beyond that is a huge amount of marine traffic passing through the straits, both north and south of the island. So the potential isn't limited only to island residents.

1/2 mile inland, there is virtually NO coverage. It all comes from the south. Should there be a forest fire or medical emergency? Or boat accident? The island is 80+% wilderness. BBI could actually benefit from two towers, one either end. Google earth Bois Blanc Island and you will understand what I am trying to describe as far as island size and strategic location for cell service in the straits.

Two years ago, a 27' boat was found floating 4 miles off the east end of the island. Engine running, lights on, nobody home (captain/passenger vanished). This made national news. To date, after a lengthy investigation and recovery of one of the two... no one is certain exactly what happened "out there". "Out there" in Lake Huron might as well be out there in the Atlantic Ocean.

Sure they had VHF marine radio. If someone was listening to the right channel at the right time (paying attention amongst the constant chatter). Had these boaters been able to make a 911 call which would have been received by a tower on BBI , the outcome might have been much different.

My question: HOW TO Analog bag phone on ALLTEL? If we can't bring the tower to us, then we take it to the tower.

[strunke]

You could try a Motorola M800 bag phone....

[conis]

Originally Posted by strunke

You could try a Motorola M800 bag phone....

Thanks for the lead. I had heard "something" about these but didn't know the model. I also heard Alltel was (or going to, soon) carry them.

Everything is a trade-off. These Moto 800's aren't cheap (inexpensive). Some guy on ebay has 20 for sale at $250 each. The next question is what does "used" mean and why does he have 20 used ones? Didn't work out?

Also read "3x" transmit power (as compared to typical hand held I assume) but still way short of the 3 watt analog phones... I suppose I would like to hear from someone actually using one... Some other guy wrote he STILL has to buy a 3 watt booster after he bought a 800? And the point is?

I am also thinking It is time to ditch the old V 60 beater, maybe invest in a yagi antenna and 3 watt booster which would give me what I need (as wireless repeater) around camp inside and out. Leave the antenna there and and take the booster with me or use it in the car...

I need to look closely at all the options before I start throwing money at it.

Thanks for the tip. Will toss the 800 in the mix.

[RadioFoneGuy]

The bag phone thing would work for alittle bit, but analog service will be de-commisioned in 2008. I brought up your problem at work. The problem with putting a site there is the site has to create enuff revenue to basically pay for itself. We are the only carrier to have service on Beaver Island the site by the airport only does 200 calls a day.

Ill bug work but I cant promise anything, Im too far down in the food chain. Basically I just fix whats out there.

Another thought is to get a repeater. There is state funding available, your island is what is called an ETC area. I forget what it stands for.

I know Andrews communication has a good repeater, we put one out on Fox Island. The island owner bought the equipment and we got it running.

[conis]

Cellonetech.

Thanks for the insights. This is the sort of Info needed to move this forward.

The situation as described can't be all that "unique", more a matter of the best cost effective approach.

I sent you a PM re your last post. I don't trust EM notifications making it through spam filters.

10Q
TD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BTW, the bagphone idea if off the table. New or old-analog. The Moto 800 or whatever it is called, isn't getting real high marks. Little better transmit power than a hand held, still need booster for what we are needing. so whats the point?

[yuri1419]

I think a carrier should lease tower space on one of the 2 support towers of the bridge.... that should cover the straits nicely.

Preferably Alltel, and please add EVDO coverage while you're at it, so I can have a usable network connection when I visit family up there.

[RadioFoneGuy]

I doubt that will happen. Alltel and Cell One have towers on both ends and on mackinac island. Some Radio company tried to get on the bridge and the bridge authority said no. Alltel and Cell One have pretty good coverage in the straights exept Bois Blanc.