(Milan, Ind.) - It may not be until next year when a new cell phone tower goes up in Milan.

Cell tower

The town in western Ripley County has been a notorious dead zone for cell phone users.

Verizon Wireless was given approval last year by the county to build a tower on County Road 625 East near CR 200 North – about one mile southwest of the town of Milan.

Verizon’s Midwest spokesperson Michelle Gilbert tells Eagle 99.3 the carrier is actively pursuing the project which has been identified as a high priority.  The tower may be ready for use in 2011.

Gilbert said Verizon would likely allow other carriers like AT&T to rent space on their tower, although there are no current agreements.

“We always look to co-locate,” she said. “It’s better for the community and less expensive for the carriers.”