T-Mobile will pay $24,000 a year in rent to build a cell phone tower on an existing light tower at Blake at the end of this school year, before the start of fall sports.

Although the plan is still being deliberated, the attitude seems positive. Says principal Carole Goodman, “I’m open to opportunities to bring in additional resources to the school, providing that it’s safe.”

Safety engineers have met with the administration and PTSA to address health risks and safety issues. Current research shows that there are no serious radiation risks since the level of radio frequency wave exposure is 5000 times below the maximum permissible standard.

Other problems arise, however. Says signature program technical director Robert Ingram, “Depending upon the frequency of the tower, [it] may interfere with other wireless transmitters in the area.” This would cause static and cross-talk for wireless microphones and interference for wireless routers.

The tower could also lead to more work for security and staff. Students would be able to use their cell phones more during school hours due to the signal boost from the tower.

The $24,000 rent would be split three ways. Blake would receive $8,000, the cluster schools would share $8,000 and MCPS would get $8,000. “I would like it all for us, but that’s not going to happen,” says Mrs. Goodman.

Other carriers can piggyback off of the existing tower. Blake would get $8,000 more per carrier and stand to make up to $32,000 a year. Says Mr. Ingram, “I think it will be a good revenue generator.” Plus, he adds, “It will be an interesting addition to the landscape.”

Tilden Middle School and Sherwood High School already have such structures on their grounds. Cell phone tower negotiations are also underway at Magruder, Kennedy and Wheaton high schools.