Communication Division moves antenna site

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HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  The antenna site for the base radio networks is moving from its traditional home at Building 1119 to the roof of Building 1624. 

The effort began over a year ago when it was determined that there were a number of locations on base where radios would drop out or signals virtually disappear. In July of 2007, a team from the 85th Engineering and Installation Group at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, completed a comprehensive coverage survey with assistance from the 212th Engineering and Installation Squadron of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. Their findings determined that placing the antennas in the vicinity of Building 1624 would guarantee nearly 100 percent coverage of the base. 

"Knowing the extent of the problem was the key to fixing it," said John MacLean, 66th Communications and Information Division, Personal Wireless Communications manager. "The radio frequencies in that range have a tendency to scatter given the terrain, time of year, and amount of foliage covering the trees at any given time. By moving the site and giving sufficient height, we will eliminate most, if not all, dead spots on the base." 

The contract to do the installation was awarded in September of 2007 to Cambridge Communications of Vienna Virginia and Timberline Construction of Canton, MA. "It involved a detailed study of Bldg 1624 to determine if the radio towers could be placed there, extensive design to guarantee greatest coverage while providing the greatest margins for safety, installation, and testing," said Joe Boeggeman, 66th Communications Squadron Plans and Programs, branch chief. "The installation of the towers will tentatively take place from August 18 to 21. This will result in some inconvenience to the inhabitants of Building 1624 and some traffic alerts while exiting the Vandenberg gate. But we are working to mitigate this as much as possible," Mr. Boeggeman said. 

"Overall, our radio users should notice a large boost in reception," Mr. MacLean said. "We're really excited." 

The new antenna site is scheduled to become active in early September.