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Many of you may have noticed blue staking and excavation activities in your neighborhood and around the City. Much of this activity is likely due to the pending installation of many small cell poles in the right-of-way of our City streets. We've received a number of inquiries about small cell poles - read on for answers to frequently asked questions.
Who installs the poles and what is their purpose?
The small cell poles currently being installed in the City are from AT&T and Verizon. At this point, AT&T is installing only 4G small cells. It should be anticipated that these will be upgraded to include 5G. Verizon installs both 4G and 5G small cells. The purpose of these small cell poles is reported to be for in home WiFi and streaming services and to provide a first responder private communication network called FirstNet.
How does the state regulate small cell poles?
In 2018, the Arizona State Legislature adopted Chapter 5 - PUBLIC UTILITIES, Article 8 - Use of Public Highways by Wireless Providers (A.R.S. 9-591 thru 9-599). This law removes local jurisdiction discretionary approval of the placement location of small cell poles in City owned right-of-way, limits the fees that can be charged, and establishes a “shot clock” whereby if the City does not approve a location within a specified time frame, it shall be automatically approved. Small cell poles on private property are not allowed under this State law.
How are these different from cell towers?
Small cell poles differ from cell towers. Small cell poles are about the size of streetlights installed around Tucson. Cell towers are extremely tall poles with many cellular antennae. Cell towers require zoning approval by the Planning & Development Services Department.
How are small cell poles regulated by the City?
Small cell poles are processed through the Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM). DTM has created a web page that provides details and answers questions on small cell poles in the City. Many of your questions can be answered by visiting this site.
How do I find out about existing and planned poles in my neighborhood?
On the small cell pole web page is a link where you can view the street light map that includes planned and in place small cell poles.There are two symbols used to identify small cell pole locations on the street light map; the symbols represent locations that indicate “Small-Cell Reserved” and “Small-Cell Pole”. The “Small-Cell Reserved” sites are added when a cellular company submits plans for a small cell and pays their initial fees. This status remains even after a permit has been issued. The actual construction start is often six months to a year or more after. This is largely due to a shortage of material and or contractors to perform the work. The “Small-Cell Pole” indicator is added once construction is scheduled to start.
Contact Transportation and Mobility
DTM is dedicated to continuously improving communications regarding the construction of small cell poles in the City. Please contact the DTM customer service representatives by email at TDOTconcerns@tucsonaz.gov, or by phone at (520) 791-4371 should you have any questions.
More information
Web articles that may be of interest:
https://www.firstnet.com
https://www.crowncastle.com/communities/small-cell-information https://www.wirelesshealthfacts.com/experts/
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