VRAD stands for video ready action devices boxes; the boxes have been appearing on poles or are free standing on cement bases.

When they first were discovered in the center of town, residents complained to the first selectman's office. The town was not made aware that these would be put up and selectmen had concerns over the safety of the boxes.

Representatives of AT&T attended a Board of Selectmen's meeting to answer questions.

Selectman Herb Rosenthal was concerned about the unsightly boxes that overhang some sidewalks near Newtown Middle School on Queen Street and possible pedestrian safety.

Selectmen indicated they would like the boxes on poles raised, but AT&T said the manufacturer does not recommend raising them. There would be stress on the pole, it would be less safe for workmen and they would be too close to wires on the pole.

When AT&T completes its work in 2009, there would be a total of about 33 boxes in town.

Two months ago Fred Hurley, director of Public Works, designated an employee to go to the sites of proposed boxes.

If AT&T does not obtain consent through notification and talks with town officials, future decisions would be made by the DPUC and Newtown could not block them.

DPUC made its final ruling September 30, and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities issued a state regulatory bulletin October 16 on the matter.

According to the ruling, AT&T must follow specific rules: obtain consent from property owners before installing large cable boxes associated with its new u-verse television service (VRAD boxes); notify municipalities of proposed new locations for the boxes; and formally file accepted and rejected locations with the DPUC.

The ruling, in response to municipal and residential complaints about more than 2,000 boxes already installed by AT&T, says that the company must "consult and cooperate with local authorities at least 30 days prior to installation. The notification must include the utility pole numbers and street addresses of the proposed location."

The DPUC also limited AT&T to six utility pole locations per week to allow municipalities time to review the proposed locations. Municipalities may appeal the proposed locations to the DPUC.

A group will be formed to work with municipalities that appeal, to reach collaborative decisions on the disputed locations. The DPUC decision recommended the CCM be part of this working group.

CCM had submitted comments to the DPUC, urging AT&T be required, among other things, to receive approval from municipalities for the existing VRAD boxes in addition to new ones.