Sure, but I don't see why this translates into AT&T having the right to put up towers.
I don't either, but apparently the federal government disagrees. The article doesn't cite this "law," however.
If there's poor AT&T service in Harvard Square and customers complain, AT&T can simply direct them to petition the zoning board to allow them to put up towers. That way the issue can be resolved using local politics instead of lawsuits.
More than likely, customers would just jump ship to Verizon instead, which is the last thing AT&T wants.