US cities get guide to handle threats to 5G deployment

A new guide for US cities to implement 5G infrastructure has been released by the National League of Cities (NLC) to assist with wireless broadband deployment and smart city technology.

According to the league, small cell wireless infrastructure has traditionally been guided by US federal and industry interests, as opposed to local needs. In the US, cities are facing the threat of increasing pre-emption of their traditional authority from state and federal policies. Several states have recently passed legislation that severely limits what cities may charge for private sector use of public streets. And the US Federal Communications Commission and Congress are considering policy changes which would impose new unfunded mandates on cities in the form of shortened application timelines and additional limits on rental rates.

“As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, every resident–no matter their zip [postal] code–should have access to broadband Internet,” said Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director, NLC. “Whether it’s a student completing homework online or a business reaching customers through a smartphone app, the strength of our communities depends on high-speed Internet access for all. As cities continue to lead and pilot new technologies, we must ensure they have the necessary support and resources at their disposal.”

The guide profiles five US cities–Boston, Lincoln, San Jose, Raleigh, and Tempe–and their different approaches to small cell wireless infrastructure deployment. It explains small cell infrastructure and similar policy issues in clear terms so that leaders can plan for small cell deployments in their cities.

Darnell Smith, Chief Information Officer from the City of Raleigh, told Cities Today that 5G will help cities like his to realise its smart city goals.

“While fibre optic will continue to be an important component of high-speed networks, 5G will lead the transition from below-ground-wired to above-ground-wireless infrastructure deployment.  This development will accelerate infrastructure expansion and should lower costs while providing higher speeds and continuous streams of data for everything from environmental sensors to self-driving cars. As the technology gains traction, the challenge will be how to manage deployment in a way that demand does not outstrip supply.”

The ‘race to 5G’ and small cell wireless infrastructure deployment present new challenges and opportunities for cities. Unlike traditional mobile cellular equipment which is placed high up on single towers, small cell technology requires many equipment installations clustered closely together. The NLC advises that cities must balance the business interests of wireless providers eager to densify their networks with the management of increasingly crowded city streets and pavements.

Recommendations for cities include:

1. Gaining a full understanding of the technology and important safety considerations.
2. Articulating priorities for accommodating the technology.
3. Creating clear policies for permit review that let both city staff and industry applicants know the expectations.
4. Developing a template right-of-way access policy/agreement, as well as a city pole attachment agreement.
5. Thinking through in advance any beneficial items the city could negotiate with industry in exchange for use of the right-of-way–if allowed by state law.
6. Giving careful consideration to fee structures.