Plans in works for Troy cell service

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

Troy could have cell phone service within a year or sooner.

Mayor Jim Hammons, who for about six months has been talking with wireless providers, said one is interested. Hammons, however, did not want to name that provider.

"We haven't made a commitment, but I'm really hoping they come through," he said. "I know towns and areas that have less population or traffic than we do and they have cell phone service."

The cell phone provider will look at possible tower sites for service in Troy within a few weeks, Hammons said.

"I think it's important to the economy," he said. "We have people who come do business in Troy and they always have trouble finding a phone. The restaurants and motels have concerns for losing business."

Right now, cell phones work east of Troy as far as Kootenai Falls. Service also is available after crossing into Idaho.

A petition with 2,600 signatures supporting cell phone service earlier was sent to Verizon, a cell phone provider. Verizon chose not to come into Troy.

"It was because of the economic cost to them," Hammons said. "If they can't make a buck, they won't do it."

He also has offered to provide electricity for towers through Troy Power & Light, which is owned by the municipality and serves 950 customers. Hammons sought help from Montana's U.S. senators Max Baucus and Conrad Burns, the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Word that wireless may come to town pleases Troy police officer Robert McLeod, who has a cell phone.

"I'm very excited," McLeod said. "I can use my cell phone for business and a lot of stuff we don't want to put over the air (on a police radio)."

Living and working in Troy, he rarely uses his cell phone although it's kept charged and turned on.

"It's hard when you've lived in an area with cell phone service," said the one-time Seattle resident.

The news of possible cell phone service also pleases Tracy Rebo, whose husband, Ron, works out of town.

"Once he showed up late because there was an accident on Yaak Hill," she said. "We have a policy that if he's not home within an hour, I start looking for him."

Tracy Rebo learned the accident had held up her husband.

"If he could've called me . . .," she said.