Small Wireless Facilities (SWF) or “5G” are mobile communications antennas that utilize a complex web of small cells to send large amounts of data over a short distance. Each SWF is in turn connected to an underground fiber connection, a wireless tower, or another small cell.
Wireless providers will install SWF related equipment using several methods: Collocated with or replacement of an existing streetlight, traffic signal, or other utility pole and replace it with a similar structure that has a 5G antenna mounted on the pole. Other SWF related infrastructure will either be contained within the pole or located adjacent to it. Separate standalone poles may also be installed to support SWFs.
The Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act (Act) allows the placement of SWF by providers within a city’s right of way. The Act preempts local jurisdictions’ ability to prohibit SWF but does allow municipalities to establish a permitting process for deployment under certain conditions. PCMC has worked to impose conditions on SWF providers to the extent allowed by federal and state law, and to ensure that the permitting and placement of SWF is done according to the Act while maintaining PCMC standards.
A local jurisdiction has some leeway to implement reasonable aesthetic requirements, especially in historic districts, but otherwise remain limited in restricting 5G infrastructure within City limits.