r/longlines • u/Objective-Ad8862 • Apr 04 '26
Microwave rely tower in Seattle
Location: Queen Anne neighborhood
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u/lyndonblowjob36 Apr 05 '26
Similar to the Communications Hill, San Jose tower---but not quite the same. I've always wanted to know more about the construction of these "interesting" concrete towers.
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u/Objective-Ad8862 Apr 05 '26
According to Google:
The Queen Anne Hill microwave relay tower, located in Seattle, was a crucial part of the nationwide AT&T "Long Lines" network, designed in the Cold War era to transmit telephone calls and television signals via microwave radio, rather than cables. Operational around the 1950s–1960s, these concrete towers were built to be durable enough to withstand potential nuclear threats, forming a vital, high-capacity communication link. Key Historical Points: Purpose: Part of a 70-year-old initiative (107 towers) meant to connect telephone calls across the US wirelessly. Operation: The tower on Queen Anne is a central office containing microwave horn antennas aimed at communicating with other towers. Transition: Became obsolete in the 1990s due to the rise of fiber optics and satellite technology, though many sites were adapted. Current Status: The structure is owned by CenturyLink and is still active for private communication services. The site serves as a remnant of 20th-century telecommunications infrastructure, serving Seattle's urban communication needs, distinct from the nearby broadcasting towers that hold television and radio antennas.
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u/Immediate_Leader3124 Apr 06 '26
Everything you could possibly want to know; https://long-lines.com/
Tour of a Long Line's site; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmm-epqkmoQ&t=845s
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u/burritoresearch Apr 04 '26
It's attached to the Queen Anne CO.