Kings Canyon National Park's first cell tower is expected to be installed next spring on 7,500-foot Park Ridge, near Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park.

The Verizon tower was approved this week by the National Park Service, and officials are drafting a permit to allow installation.

The tower will provide wireless communication and internet coverage along a portion of the Generals Highway and State Highway 180, Grant Grove Village and Wilsonia.
Some remote areas within the park and the surrounding Sequoia National Forest also will get coverage.

Park service officials say the service will likely lead to improved communications for National Park Service operations. The service also may be valuable during emergencies, such as car accidents.