A new 150-foot telecommunications tower planned behind Walmart could improve cellular coverage and capacity in southwest Excelsior Springs.

City Council members recently approved a special use permit allowing SBA Communications to construct and operate the tower at 2203 Patsy Lane on Walmart property. The facility is expected to provide Verizon service but is designed to accommodate additional telecommunications providers.

According to city documents, the project is intended to address cellular coverage and capacity needs in southwest Excelsior Springs and surrounding areas. Coverage maps submitted with the application show the proposed tower would significantly increase Verizon 4G and 5G signals in the area.

City staff noted the additional coverage could benefit not only cellular customers but also commercial and industrial applications and emergency services. Because city code requires telecommunications structures to accommodate multiple providers, the tower will not be limited to Veri…