KSWO, Lawton, OK- Wichita Falls, TX: News, Weather, Sports. ABC, 24/7, Telemundo - Better cell phone communication coming to wildlife refuge

Better cell phone communication coming to wildlife refuge

TEXOMA – The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is as beautiful as nature can be, but it can also be a bit dangerous.  Officials realized just how dangerous back in April after a gigantic fire threatened the refuge and fire fighters had a terrible time communicating with each other.

When the federal response team out of Arkansas was brought in to fight the fire, it also bought the refuge a cell phone antenna booster to boost cell phone service around the refuge.  Three weeks ago it was installed.  Now refuge officials say they have plans for even more.

At this point, the new system works great.  It is just the start though.  While cell service has been boosted around refuge headquarters, it is only the beginning.

If you hear the beep, you now it means your cell phone is useless.  And if you have been out in the refuge, you know how spotty cell phone service is.  So imagine hearing that beep after getting lost, hurt or falling while out in the refuge's 59,000 acres, like what happened Saturday night when two people fell and were trapped for almost an entire day.

"It's a safety issue.  It has become part of everyday communications," said wildlife refuge manager, Tony Booth.

Communications that were sorely lacking during last April's fire.

"They could not get cell phone coverage or very limited, had to do something," said Tony.

Tony says he is open to new ideas to get coverage.  Facilities manager, Bruce Booth is brainstorming some of those ideas right now.

"We're looking at putting an antenna on top of a water tower," said Bruce.

Bruce says he understands concerns about installing giant towers in the refuge; they can be unsightly, jarring to see in such a natural setting.

"We're trying to use what we have.  Towers we have or structures we have at Job Corp Water Tower.  Utilize what we can to use without putting a cell tower up," said Bruce.

Bruce says they may even look at antennas or boosters that look like trees or shrubs.  Tony says having reliable communication is great, but he has reservations.

"This doesn't supersede all over precautions and common sense.  This only supplements to the safety benefit higher level of assurance of safety."

Tony says they are looking at getting a grant to pay for another antenna cell phone booster.

Tony says the refuge is becoming more popular, especially since more people are coming to Fort Sill because of BRAC.  He says last year they had over a million people visit, another reason for better communication.