Moturata Rd resident Steve Cowie said he and his neighbours had only learnt of Rural Connectivity Group's (RCG) plans to install the estimated 11m tower after a friend checked an online list of proposed sites, publicised on television show Fair Go.
Mr Cowie said only on Thursday were most residents becoming aware of the planned tower.
Documentation from consenting authority Clutha District Council shows an application for resource consent was made on RCG's behalf on July 15.
The tower - under the Government's Rural Broadband Initiative Phase 2 (RBI2) - would collocate 4G mobile and broadband services from Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees on a council road reserve about 30m from Mr Cowie's front door.
Contrary to the nature of those companies' activities, there had been a marked lack of communication with residents, he said.
"They advocate for open communication, but appear to be using subterfuge to put this tower in place. Had our neighbours not stumbled upon their plans by accident, the first we might have known would be contractors outside installing it."
His objections were part aesthetic, part safety-related.
"Doctors are still divided on the potential negative health effects of cell tower radiation, and it's just in the wrong place. Why is it so close to people's homes?"
RCG engagement manager Caitlin Metz said the tower would comply with all necessary regulations, and provide essential services to an underserved area, including out to sea.
"The Taieri Mouth community [has] expressed concerns about not having mobile services, especially for matters of health and safety around the river mouth.
"We investigated six site options on both sides of the river which didn't progress. The solution we're in the process of finalising meets the community coverage target, while being as unobtrusive as possible."
RCG would contact affected residents once it had received council approval, Ms Metz said.
Clutha District Council planning and regulatory group manager Ian McCabe said the council was yet to make a decision on the application.
It could be treated as non-notified, limited notified or notified, influencing the degree of consultation with residents.
"The applicant may be requested to consult with potentially affected persons and provide approvals."
Mr McCabe was unable to provide a timeframe for the council's decision.
