Public-Private Partnership Saves $1 Million for Medford Public Safety
Published on October 29, 2025
Public Safety Towers Company (PSTC) and the City of Medford have completed the replacement of a failing public safety land-mobile radio tower through a unique public-private partnership. The result: a new $1 million cellular and radio tower built at no cost to the city or its taxpayers.
PSTC financed and constructed the new tower, enabling Medford to replace critical communications infrastructure without the use of public funds. The project enhances communication reliability and capabilities for first responders in addition to expanding wireless coverage for residents throughout the region.
"Fire Chief Thompson and the City of Medford have demonstrated real leadership by saving their taxpayers a million dollars through this innovative partnership," said Doug Lodder, CEO of Public Safety Towers Company. "This is what good governance and forward-thinking collaboration look like, and it’s a model other communities can learn from. When public safety agencies need cellular coverage for 9-1-1 callers and responders, PSTC can often provide that coverage at no cost to the city. We build the tower at our expense and recoup the investment through leases with wireless carriers. The result is a cost-free, shared solution that enhances connectivity while reducing the number of towers needed, preserving both resources and the skyline."
Medford Fire Chief Eric Thompson emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration, stating, “A huge thank you to PSTC, Medford Water, and our public safety partners. This is the type of creative, forward-thinking government that sets our community apart—where public safety, technology, and innovation come together to deliver better service without added cost to the public.”
Chief Thompson continued, “This partnership not only improves 9-1-1 access and enhances emergency communications—it’s also a powerful example of how Medford is leveraging innovation to solve complex infrastructure challenges. Every local government should take a close look at Public Safety Towers Company before spending public money to construct their own towers. We’re proof that a public-private partnership can deliver high-impact solutions with zero cost to taxpayers.”
Jorge Centeno, Managing Director of InfraRed Capital and principal investor in PSTC, stated: “Public safety needs reliable wireless coverage to effectively perform their duties. FirstNet®, built in public-private partnership with AT&T and the federal government, is the only nationwide broadband wireless network built with and for first responders and the extended public safety community. AT&T will be an anchor tenant on the tower, bringing reliable connectivity for public safety on FirstNet, while expanding coverage for 9-1-1 callers and emergency personnel alike. Financing the build of critical infrastructure in partnership with public safety agencies is central to our investment strategy for PSTC. This project exemplifies PSTC’s mission to strengthen community resilience through connectivity.”
Scott Agnew, President of FirstNet – AT&T, added: "As public safety’s partner, we are dedicated to solving their communications challenges. Given the scale of wildfire devastation across Rogue Valley and Southern Oregon, we are proud to have worked with the City of Medford and Public Safety Towers Company to expand connectivity to an area where first responders said they need it most. Now, public safety in the City of Medford will have access to their crucial, dedicated Band 14 spectrum, in addition to boosting connectivity for commercial users across the community. That’s the power of FirstNet.”