Small Cell Wireless Facilities

5G Small Cell Facilities (1)

Small Cell Wireless Communication Facilities, also called "5G", are a type of wireless infrastructure. Existing wireless facilities are large antennas placed high above the ground that service a wide area (referred to as "macrocells"). The 5G antennae (also referred to as "small cells") provide spot coverage to a relatively small area - each small cell antenna services hundreds of feet whereas traditional macrocell sites cover square miles.

Because of the very limited coverage areas associated with small cells, many more antennae are necessary and need to be relatively closer to the ground (compared to macrocells) in close proximity to homes and businesses. The industry plans to install the vast majority of these antennae in public rights-of-way, affixed to existing pole infrastructure (street lights, traffic signals, and utility poles), or on new purpose-built small cell poles.

FCC Order

On September 26, 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Declaratory Ruling and a Third Report and Order, referred to as the "FCC Order". The FCC Order implements industry demands to remove barriers and accelerate the transition to 5G deployment, accelerating the United States' transition to 5G cellular networks.

The League of California Cities is currently challenging FCC ruling (link).

  1. How will 5G be used by city residents and businesses?
  2. What control does the City have over 5G small cell facilities?
  3. Who governs the location of wireless facilities?
  4. What is the City doing to regulate 5G facilities?
  5. Can potential health effects prevent these installations from being approved?
  6. Can the City require fiber underground as an alternative?
  7. What is the application process for a 5G facility?
  8. What control does the City have between public and private site installations?
  9. What type of facilities could be used for small cell wireless (5G) equipment?
  10. What is the status of application for 5G sites in the City?
  11. Is there an appeal process for approved 5G sites?
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