Fake towers make national headlines
Twice now we’ve reported on the use of fake towers — first back in March and then a few weeks ago when the FCC became involved. Now the rest of the nation is catching up as the use of “stingrays” or fake cell towers has grabbed headlines across the country this week. Reports of the capabilities of these fake towers are staggering — not only can some intercept your calls and texts, but they can also actively take remote control of your phone and send fake messages that appear to have come from you. According to findings from CrytoPhone, 17 fake towers across the United States have been identified.
How did they discover this, you ask? German firm GSMK has developed the software for their super secure CrytoPhone, manufactured by ESD America. But it’s only available for enterprise customers using Android phones. According to ESD America, the Samsung Galaxy SIII “leaks data to parts unknown 80-90 times every hour.” Their strict version of the Android OS is said to have removed 468 vulnerabilities. Don’t get out your credit card just yet though. A phone this secure will set you back a staggering $3,500. So unless you have some high-grade espionage in your future, perhaps it’s best to just be a little more careful what you do on your cell phone.
Three workers injured in OK
Three men working on a tower in Norman, Oklahoma, were rushed to the hospital this week. According to reports, the men were working on the tower when a rope snapped, hitting one of them in the face and knocking him unconscious. The other two men were stuck near the top while another worker tried to get them down. During this rescue effort the men continued to fall until they were just 20 feet from the ground, hit the tower, then stopped. Fire rescue crews arrived on the scene to help the men down. Two of them men, Don Buffarini and Josh Harjo, have been released with only minor injuries, the third, Lucas Mullins, remains in critical condition. OSHA says it has opened a case to investigate the incident.
Death in Willmington
When a service technician arrived at an American Tower site in Willmington, Illinois, this week he found the body of Edward Squellati, a local resident. Not many details have been released, but it was determined that Squellatti did not have authorization to be at the tower, and the 100-feet tall fence surrounding the site had been cut using a tool found on the site.
Tower news quickies
CommScope posted an insightful blog on the problem with overweight towers
Tower blogger Wade discusses feedback on his ‘Drugs, Morons, and Steel’ post
SafetyOne training is offering $50 giftcards for any referrals to their training facility.
A future tower climber? This kid climbs with the skill of Spider-Man:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fnsf6i9FzA
Regional / local tower news
- Cell tower talk unveils existence of bus operation in Northland, OH
- Trustees give mixed reviews to cell tower proposal in Madison Township, OH
- West Deptford, NJ planning board loses appeal over Marple Farm cell tower
- Permit issued to build controversial cell tower in Lawrence, NJ
- East Sandwich, MA cell tower gets welcome reception
- Scarborough, ME cell tower growth remains a tough sell
- Falmouth, ME planners pass on rezoning bid for cell tower
- Marlboro, VT boards reject Verizon cell tower proposal
- Halifax, VT board members sign on cell tower lease and truck rental agreements
- Panther Ridge residents upset by new cell phone tower in East Manatee, FL
- Cell phone tower construction looms over neighbors in Benton County, WA
- Daniel Field calls proposed cell tower in Augusta, GA a hazard.
- Martinsville, IN BZA approves 911 cell tower variance.
- Yellowhead County in Alberta, Canada has adopted a new cell tower policy.
This week’s edition of cell tower industry news is brought to you by Towercrews.net.
Featured image is copyright ESD America.
