Ask The Answer Person: "What are those new black poles which have gone in around Decorah?"

Melanie e-mails: "There are a few new black poles around Decorah, one by Decorah High School, one  across from Decorah Bank & Trust, one near Vesterheim and one by US Cellular.  Do you know what they are for?"

The Answer Person says: "They were installed on behalf of Verizon.  The new towers will improve signal coverage for Verizon customers in Decorah.  However, they are NOT for the much-hyped 5G cellular service—a Verizon spokesperson says they are 4G equipment.

And, yes, despite the fact one of the towers is located near US Cellular, the towers are for Verizon customers.  Decorah City Hall sources say the company has signed a 15-year lease for the use of the city-owned land on which the cell towers have been installed.  In addition to making a lease payment to the city, Verizon will pay all charges for electrical service."