- Home
- Departments
- Engineering
- Public Works Projects
- Small Cell Project
Small Cells Project
As wireless communication technology continues to advance, wireless service providers are working to expand 5G networks throughout the United States. This requires deployment of small cell technology (small wireless facilities) which will make up the infrastructure of 5G networks and help provide better wireless service coverage throughout the United States. In September 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) passed a declaratory ruling titled “Accelerating Wireless Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment” to support the proliferation of small cell technology. The ruling restricts the authority of state and local governments to regulate small wireless facilities, limits fees that can be assessed by municipalities on the review of applications for these facilities, and places new limitations on discretionary aesthetic criteria that cities can apply to these facilities. The ruling creates a time frame (“shot clock”) for review of new application for small wireless facilities. The City of Fremont is adhering to this Federal regulation to allow Wireless Service Providers to process new applications for small cells within the public right-of-way.
City Council Agenda for Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Small Cell Projects-Status Update
The City of Fremont has two (2) executed Master License Agreements:
VERIZON
- License Agreement GTE Mobilnet of California Limited Partnership, D/B/A Verizon Wireless March 30, 2020
- Verizon Permit Approval Map
Verizon Wireless has submitted sixty-seven (67) Small Cell Licenses. Encroachment permits for these sites have been submitted and sixty (60) of these sites are anticipated to be completed by end of 2020.
AT&T
AT&T is in the process of submitting their Small Cell License Applications. No encroachment permits have been submitted to-date.
Design Guidelines
- What is a small cell facility?
- What are the physical components of a small cell facility?
- What is the benefit of small cell technology?
- What is the range of a small cell facility?
- What governs small cell deployment?
- Are there any health and safety concerns to be aware of?
- How are Radio Frequency (RF) emissions regulated?
- Are these facilities subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or additional environmental review?
- Can the City of Fremont prohibit the installation of small cells?
- What is the Public Right-of-Way?
- Who do these small cell facilities serve and which companies own and operate them?
- What is the process that a wireless service provider must go through in order to install a small cell facility on a City of Fremont street light pole?
- What is a Master License Agreement?
- Will the community be notified of where small cells are being installed?
- Can the City of Fremont prohibit the installation of small cells?
- Can the City prohibit the deployment of small cell facilities on wooden utility poles owned by PG&E?
- Does the City prefer wireless small cell facilities on wooden utility poles?
- What aesthetic standards will be applied to small cells?
- Where are existing cell towers?
Contact Information
Kei Louie
(510) 494-4727
Email