RAY BROOK -- Six more cell-phone antenna panels have gained fast-track approval for co-location on an existing 237-foot telecommunications tower near Keeseville.

Adirondack Park Agency staff recently granted a general permit.

The site, owned by Omnipoint Communications for T-Mobile, will reach stretches of Interstate 87 around exit 34 in the northern section of the Adirondack Northway "dark zone," an area void of cell-phone service.

MOVED ALONG

APA spokesman Keith McKeever said the Omnipoint application fit requirements for fast-track approval.

"It looked to co-locate six antennae on an existing tall tower that lends itself to criteria in the general permit, which in this case took about 10 business days to approve."

Six panel antennas will be added at the 178-foot mark.

"This tower is the site of five previous APA permits," McKeever said. "It's been in place since 1965."

MORE APPLICATIONS

An increasing number of cell-phone companies have applied for tower permits this summer.

McKeever said the fluency in Adirondack telecommunication development is a result of hard work in Albany.

"Ongoing progress toward improved cellular coverage in the Adirondacks is a direct result of Gov. David Paterson's ability to build consensus between the public and private sector."

Independent Tower, LLC is looking to erect a new tower on a stretch of Adirondack Northway in Lewis, on the western side of the road between Exits 32 and 33, McKeever said.

"That's going to accommodate up to four different cell carriers. AT&T Mobile is co-applicant on that site."

The new Lewis tower will go before the APA Board of Commissioners in August.