ALBANY---The Governor's office has reached an agreement with Verizon Wireless and the five major environmental groups dedicated to the protection of the Adirondack Park on a "Statement of Principles" to help guide the future development of cellular phone service along the Northway (I-87) corridor.

The lack of cellular coverage on the Northway corridor has been a subject of great concern for public safety reasons. Nearly 47 miles of this heavily traveled interstate, the main thoroughfare between New York and Montreal, is without cell phone service. Recent tragic accidents have highlighted the need to address this important public safety matter.

The wireless solution offered by Verizon Wireless is a private sector solution, privately financed and located primarily on private land. The company has committed to erect as few towers as possible to secure full Northway coverage and is committed to building a system that is compliant with the laws, policies and regulations that govern towers in the Adirondacks. The company has indicated that it will not construct towers within the forest preserve.

Since taking office, Governor Eliot Spitzer says he has made Northway wireless coverage a priority. Beginning in January, he directed his staff to explore solutions and technologies and meet with cell phone carriers, communications experts and environmental groups to develop a solution that took into account environmental concerns related to protecting New York's Adirondack Park. After a number of meetings, Verizon Wireless emerged as the company interested in both implementing a technology solution for full wireless coverage and in working closely with environmental organizations to secure understanding and support for their proposal. These meetings resulted in the development of the "Statement of Principles" that was drafted by Verizon Wireless and the five Adirondack groups as announced. 4-19-07

© 2007 North Country Gazette