Better Cell Service Coming to Golden Gate Estates as Collier County Approves New Tower

Residents in Golden Gate Estates who have long faced poor cell reception will soon see improvements. On Tuesday, Collier County commissioners gave final approval for a new 150-foot telecommunications tower on Weber Boulevard, between Golden Gate Boulevard and Vanderbilt Beach Road.

The tower, to be installed by a contractor for Florida Power & Light, will primarily enhance service for Verizon customers, with potential expansion to other carriers in the future.

For many locals, this decision has been a long time coming, according to a recent article by Mahmoud Bennett of Fox 4.

“It’s about time. This has been in the works for three years,” said Jill Snyder, an Estates resident who has actively advocated for better coverage.

Snyder, who has lived in the area for six years, spearheaded efforts with her neighbors to improve cell service.

“In 2022, hundreds, if not thousands, of us filed complaints with the FCC about the lack of coverage here,” she recalled.

Beyond daily frustrations, many residents say unreliable service poses a safety risk. A recent signal test at the tower’s future location showed just one bar of service, with internet speeds too slow to load a webpage. In contrast, just a few miles away, the connection was significantly stronger.

Despite the benefits, not everyone supports the project. Some neighbors worry that the tower could impact property values and alter the area’s natural landscape.

“I don’t like it. They’re trying to force something into the environment that doesn’t belong,” said local biker Paul Turner.

However, Snyder believes the benefits far outweigh any aesthetic concerns.

“I don’t mind how it looks at all,” she said. “Reliable cell service in 2025 is essential for everything, including emergency situations.”

According to project leaders, the tower could be operational within four to six months.

This article originally appeared on FOX 4