New Baltimore Contracts Could Mean Better Cell Phone Service

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Baltimore residents may soon experience better cellphone reception.

The Baltimore Sun reports that the city has signed off on two agreements with private companies, allowing them to effectively create mini cellphone towers on public property such as lamp poles.

Officials say the smaller systems will improve service by drawing users away from the large towers, reducing the chance of interference and dropped signals.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake signed the 10-year agreement with Crown Castle NG Atlantic LLC on Monday. A similar agreement with Extenet Systems Inc. moved forward in August.

According to city documents, Crown Castle is working with Verizon Wireless, while Extenet is working with Sprint.

Department of Transportation spokeswoman Adrienne Barnes says the city expects to bring in at least $650,000 more in revenue each year as a result of the two deals.