Mackinac Island Gets Service Boost From Disguised Verizon Cell Site

MACKINAC -- Santa Claus won't be sliding down the chimney of one house on Mackinac Island this holiday season, and it's not because the folks inside have been naughty.

Verizon Wireless worked with the community to build a cell site that looks like a chimney.

The upgraded site, which is housed on the roof of a local residence, boosts coverage and capacity for Island inhabitants and visitors.

"We are all aware of the growing technology needs and demands of the public visiting the Island, and being able to disguise that technology so as not to lose the historic nature and ambiance of Mackinac Island is the ultimate goal," said Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud. "Mackinac Island is such a unique place, and the city of Mackinac Island greatly appreciates all that Verizon Wireless has done to work with the community while keeping the historic nature of the Island in mind when completing their project."

The new cell site enables more Verizon Wireless customers to rely on their wireless devices for social networking, Internet browsing, downloading apps and music, exchanging email and text, picture and video messages, watching videos and making calls.

This new cell site is part of Verizon Wireless' continual effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Michigan. Nationally, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $65 billion since it was formed -- $6 billion on average every year -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. In Michigan, $265 million was invested in the network in 2011.