GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Montgomery County residents, many from North Potomac, Germantown and Gaithersburg, filled a school auditorium Wednesday night to give county officials an earful about the planned installation of cell antennas on 30-foot-steel poles that are planned for some residential neighborhoods.

“Look at the explosion of concern about this. We’d like to see it from you, and not this laid-back attitude,” David Fialkoff said to council members as the audience cheered.

Citing rising demand for mobile data, Gaithersburg-based Crown Castle is seeking permits to install at least 170 cell antennas on light fixtures or newly installed 30-foot steel poles. Council members, including President Nancy Floreen, told residents federal law encourages the expansion of the digital network, and it’s not easy for the county to oppose the federal policy.

But residents weren’t buying the argument.

“The (county) tower committee is doing nothing but rubber-stamping these applications,” said Janis Sartucci, of Potomac, to rousing applause from fellow residents.

Other residents raised concerns that putting cell antennas close to homes can cause health problems, including cancer.

Floreen assured attendees that the council was aiming to protect residents, and that no final decisions have been made about the cell antennas.