Verizon’s New Cellular Antenna Enhances Connectivity at Lake Michigan Shoreline

June 25, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Verizon’s New Cellular Antenna Enhances Connectivity at Lake Michigan Shoreline

Muskegon, MI – 6/25/24 – The City of Muskegon is excited to announce that Verizon’s new cellular antenna, installed at the Muskegon Water Filtration Plant, is now operational. This addition to the City’s communications tower significantly boosts connectivity along our Lake Michigan shoreline, offering substantial benefits to residents, public safety, and beachgoers.

“We’ve received official notice that the Verizon cell equipment on our tower at the Water Plant is officially up and running!” shared Jonathan Seyferth, City Manager. “I was out at Pere Marquette and had full 5G service. I also tested a parking kiosk and found the service to be very quick (the kiosks have Verizon SIM cards). This should greatly improve efficiency with our parking equipment and improve Verizon cellular service – which is also a safety feature.”

The enhanced connectivity promises immediate improvements, particularly for the parking kiosks, which will now operate more efficiently. This upgrade supports the City’s goal of transitioning from physical parking stickers to a digital, license plate-based system by the 2025 season, which streamlines the parking process for all visitors.

“Enhanced cellular service along the shoreline improves the quality of life for residents, supports commerce, and helps visitors to enjoy their time better here,” said Mayor Ken Johnson. “I’m grateful for the upgraded infrastructure, which bolsters public safety and generates needed revenue.”

In addition to the connectivity improvements, the lease revenues generated from Verizon’s installation at the Water Filtration Plant tower will be directed into the City’s water fund. This initiative helps defray the costs associated with operating our water filtration system and ultimately reduces the expense of water delivery to users.

“Team members from across the city have worked hard for a long time to make this happen and it’s very exciting that it’s now operational!” added Manager Seyferth. “We are thrilled about the positive impact this will have on our water fund. The lease revenues are a welcome contribution, helping to maintain and improve our essential water services without placing an additional financial burden on our community.”

For more information on the new cellular antenna and its benefits, please contact:

Dan VanderHeide
Public Works Director
City of Muskegon
[email protected]

Deborah Sweet
Community Engagement Manager
City of Muskegon
[email protected]