WASHINGTON — Another local school district is stepping into the controversy over building cellphone towers on school property.
Prince George’s County Public Schools have an agreement with Milestone Communications, a Virginia-based communications company, to build cell towers on at least nine sites on school property, according to The Washington Post.
Milestone Communications is moving forward with the plans.
The Washington Post reports a building permit has been issued for a cell tower in Temple Hills at Green Valley Academy and another building permit is in the works for a tower at Benjamin Tasker Middle School in Bowie.
Some parents are arguing against the towers because of potential dangers associated with exposure to radio-frequency radiation.
Parents shot down Montgomery County officials’ plans to have a cellphone tower at Wootton High School in Rockville. Also, community dissent caused a company to back out of its plan to build a cellphone tower at Piney Orchard Elementary School in Anne Arundel County, according to The Post.
Prince George’s County schools’ towers could bring in about $2.5 million over five years, The Post reports.
Prince George’s schools chief Kevin Maxell says putting cellphone towers on school property isn’t all about money and there are other benefits. He says the towers would provide better cellphone coverage for the community and the school district. Also, it would ensure better wireless network connections to make sure students can increase their tech knowledge.
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