Alltel Communications will build a permanent cell tower on the corner of Lindsey Street and Classen Boulevard.

Existing reception technology exists on the water tower on the same corner, but the water tower is being torn down. A new monopole will be built 50 yards northeast of that location, Norman Finance Director Anthony Francisco said.

“Alltel has had a temporary pole there for years and they wanted a permanent one with more height,” Francisco said.

Norman will own the pole, but Alltel will pay for the pole itself, as well as for the installation, Francisco said. As per their agreement with the city, Alltel will use the pole for 15 years, lease-free. Other providers, such as Verizon and U.S. Cellular will continue to pay lease for use of the pole.

“After 15 years, [Alltel] will pay $1,000 a month,” Francisco said. “Other providers already pay $1,000 a month.”

The monopole will take a “matter of months” to construct, Francisco said. The 180-foot monopole will take six months to build.

Mayor Cindy Rosenthal said the new pole will be a win-win situation for the citizens of Norman.

“In addition to the lease revenue and bringing in more potential providers, the city of Norman can place its own equipment on the new pole,” Francisco said. “It’s also attractive to the city.”

Francisco said the new monopole can also be used to help improve Norman police cars and the reception they receive.

Aesthetically, the monopole will resemble the pole on University and Highland Parkway, yet the city does not own that particular pole, he said.

Ward 3 councilman Hal Ezzell said normally this creates a lease stream revenue in which the providers pay the city, so this is a positive thing for the city of Norman.

“This is a positive thing, especially if you are a Alltel customer,” Ezzell said.