Public Hearing on 5G Technology

With thanks to Alder Rummel, District 6, for the wording below:

"On Wednesday, at Board of Public Works, there will be an informational meeting and public hearing about 5G technology. The City of Madison is developing guidelines that will allow cellular companies to locate Small Cell installations in a way that maximizes technological benefits, while attempting to preserve street level aesthetics. Wireless companies plan to install antennas and equipment on poles on public streets. The meeting will go over the interim design guidelines and other requirements the City is considering to regulate the installation of the new facilities.

To support the growing need, wireless network providers are starting to install equipment known as "small cells," which are low-powered antennas that provide an area with higher data volume than the large towers, but in a much smaller area. Since the small cells serve smaller areas, the facilities need to be installed much closer together, serving only a couple of blocks in all directions. The small cell facilities typically are attached to poles within the right-of-way including new standalone poles, utility poles and street light poles. When the small cell is placed on a utility pole or street light pole, the existing pole must be replaced. The small cell equipment is allowed in the public right-of-way per federal and state law, just like utilities. Federal regulations have limited the City's ability to regulate but some regulation is still possible."

The public hearing is being held Wed, July 17, 6pm, at 1600 Emil Street.  

I am no expert about the pros and cons regarding the proliferation of small cell antennaes.  I am unsettled, however, by the City's very limited purview in regulating this technology, that the FCC has essentially tied our hands.  Seems to me to be yet another instance in which local control has been pushed aside by huge corporate interests, in this case the telecommunication industry.

There are a number of concerns about health effects, as some of you are no doubt aware.  So much so, that insurance companies are apparently skittish about the risks.

There is also concern about the impact this technology could have on long-range weather forecasting.  Considering the need for accurate long-range forecasting in an era of more dramatic climate events, and you understand why scientists are sounding the alarm.

It's vital that we be aware of what's happening around us and consider the ramifications.  What are our options in terms of pushing back?  How can we use our limited local control to effectively regulate and mitigate potential harm?

Come to the public hearing to find out more.