Hockessin to get new cell phone tower, more to be built

The groundbreaking for a new cell phone tower in Hockessin commenced Thursday. (Photo by Ivelin Denev/iStock Getty Images)

Some dead-zones in Hockessin will be eradicated with the addition of a new 160-foot cell tower.

Located at 7259 Lancaster Pike in Hockessin, the addition had a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at the Hockessin Police Athletic League.

Cell phone reception along with internet availability has become a popular topic in recent years, especially with the pandemic highlighting some of the accessibility issues for some that made working or virtual learning difficult. 

The project is driven by New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, New Castle County Chief Tech Officer Jon Yearly and County Council, and this tower is two years in the making.

“This has been a priority for County Executive Meyer since the beginning of his term,” Yearly said. “There’s a need for coverage in this area not just for service, but for business, and especially public safety.”

This is a long time coming, but this is a big first step, said Rep. Mike Smith, R-Pike Creek.

“This is about more than convenience,” he said. “It’s been a big safety issue.”

There’s two other cell phone towers scheduled to go up, in Townsend and Middletown.

Funds for the project, about $1.3 million, are coming from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

“This is the first of a few towers that will be going up in the area,” Smith said. “Residents and businesses won’t have to worry about dropping calls or worry if they can get through to 911 soon enough.”

Jarek Rutz

Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.

Jarek can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz