Permits to be Issued for Small Cell Technology
April 5, 2019
The City of Albuquerque is now accepting applications for permits to lease sites across the City for the installation small cell telecom nodes. The permits will allow small sensors to be installed by wireless service providers on street lights or utility poles, providing access to better/5G connectivity performance for mobile devices.
“The implementation of this permit process moves Albuquerque one step further in our march to becoming a ‘Smart City’ with multiple applications that will help residents and local government operate more efficiently and effectively,” Planning Director David Campbell said.
A network of small sensors provide performance for the next generation of mobile internet connectivity, increasing wireless capacity for faster speeds and more reliable connections on smartphones and mobile devices. The antennas are low-powered cellular radio access nodes mounted on structures, such as light poles and buildings much smaller than traditional cell towers.
“Staying on top of the best technology ensures we can be ready for the next rollouts in services,” said Brian Osterloh, director of the Department of Technology and Innovation. “We are always working to prevent barriers and provide the most efficient systems possible, whether it’s for services direct to our residents or, in this case, for service providers.”
The City’s Planning Department is actively working to streamline the implementation of this technology to ensure Albuquerque remains on the forefront of technological services. Complying with time limits for reviewing applications and providing permits is the first step in market entry of a broad cross-section of service providers to meet the diverse, evolving technology needs of the city’s vibrant residential and business communities.
In the permit application process, the City has outlined size and design standards of the small sensors to ensure that the mounted antennas, support structures, and wireless equipment has the least possible adverse effect on traffic, safety, sight lines, aesthetics, or ADA guidelines.
More information on the application process can be found here: Small Wireless Facilities.