In an effort to increase wireless capacity in the Delaware beach communities, Verizon is installing 15 new small cell antennas on Route 1, from Route 9 to the Maryland border.

In an email May 12, David Weissmann, Verizon spokesperson, said some of the new antennas will be 5G capable, with a range of several hundred to 1,000 feet. 

Weissmann said wireless providers pay permit processing fees, but they do not pay annual fees associated with the placement of small cells in the Delaware Department of Transportation’s rights of way. This is consistent with the treatment of other communications providers and utilities that access the right of way, he said. 

According to the small cell application found on DelDOT’s wireless small cell permitting website, there is a $100 fee for the installation of each small wireless facility, plus the actual inspection costs that go above and beyond the fee. The application also says the length of agreement between DelDOT and the wireless provider is for 10 years, with three 5-year terms that renew automatically.

Weissmann said state law does not require public notice for the locations along Route 1.