Improving the Community with Better Connectivity

As the world continues to evolve there is a continued need for high-quality cell phone and bandwidth coverage. With the growth of Hilton Head and specifically Palmetto Dunes as a desirable place to live, work, and visit, connectivity is critical. Without adequate access to cell coverage, safety and security are compromised. Just last year, a Palmetto Dunes guest trying to call 911 to report an emergency lost the call twice. Based on concerns and data validated by a third party, cell phone coverage is inadequate in the northeastern part of the community. For those that have good cell service, you may be scratching your head. But for those that don’t, it’s a real problem and long overdue. Improving connectivity continues to be a Board priority. Reliable service and bandwidth are a critical necessity for property owners as well as for potential buyers and visitors exploring the various options for retirement and destination planning.

Importance of Cell Coverage:

• More than 80% of 911 calls are made from a mobile device
• First responders require reliable coverage no matter where they are, both for the public’s safety and their own safety
• The benefit of mobile internet access- given hybrid working now, and into the future, continues to increase
• 5G revolution – applications running on 5G require faster latency which will continue to rely on cellular infrastructure
• Resale of homes can be impacted. Buyers expect good cell service.
• Telemedicine is becoming more of a feature to patients and health care providers and has mobile functionality
• It will enable the Security team to spend more time in the field patrolling the community vs heading back to operations to complete reports.

In late 2020, the Association initiated conversations with Crown Castle, one of the largest cell phone tower operators in the country. Crown Castle conducted radio frequency testing throughout the community to determine the level of coverage. Heat maps for the three primary carriers (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile) were developed that clearly indicated opportunities in the Mariners area of Palmetto Dunes. After much technical analysis and discussion as to which location could best fill in the weak/dead zones of cell coverage in the community, two possible sites were on the Robert Trent Jones Golf course and the 7 Lee Shore property. The consensus is that the best location is at 7 Lee Shore.

Management plans to share more information with the Board at their March meeting. It will be followed by an overview of the project being shared with the community identifying the need for improved connectivity, along with a map highlighting the desired location for a tower within the Mariners section of Palmetto Dunes.