CUA Erects Cell Phone Tower for Papal Visit

On Monday, Aug. 24, The Catholic University of America installed a 150-foot cell phone tower to prepare for the Sept. 23 visit of Pope Francis.

The tower, which is located between Father O’Connell Hall and the building’s parking lot, will be shared by Verizon and AT&T. The tower and the accompanying antennae (which will be installed later) will boost cell phone signals for people attending the canonization Mass of American missionary Blessed Junípero Serra. The congregation attending the Mass will assemble in the area surrounding the steps of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, including the 3.6-acre University Mall.

In addition to supporting the cell phone signals of those attending the Mass, the tower is an added support for emergency calls, according to Bill Jonas, assistant vice president for University relations.

Two cells on wheels, or COWs, will be installed to support the tower. The COWs include the technology that will make the antennae work.

The tower will be removed after Pope Francis’s visit.