Coordination is Key to a Successful Project

Verizon O'Hare Small Cell Project

When Verizon wanted a key partner to bring better cellular reception in and around O'Hare International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, they did not just choose anyone, they went with Phase 1. As a preferred vendor for Verizon, they understood that we had the knowledge, capabilities, and skills necessary to coordinate with several government agencies and companies to successfully complete a project.

This project required us to complete the full site acquisition process. This includes site selection, architecture and engineering (A&E) coordination, environmental work, permitting, and site leasing for 14 small cell sites for Verizon in and around O’Hare Airport.

For the project, Dan Berni, one of senior team members at Phase 1, found viable locations to install small cell poles along I-190, Bessie Coleman Drive, Mannheim Road, and Irving Park Road.

Permitting is usually about a lot more than just filling out a piece of paper, bringing it to a counter, and paying a fee. It usually requires coordination amongst many parties and in this case, with multiple government agencies. Dan worked with the Chicago Department of Aviation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),  Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and the Illinois Tollway System. On the commercial side, he worked with Verizon RF and Boingo Wireless.

As seen in this project, permitting can be more complex than just filling out a permit form. It is about knowledge of building codes, great communication and coordination, and understanding jurisdictional requirements.

Phase 1 will make your next project successful.