Nov. 4, 2015 Infrastructure Committee: Small Cell Sites

1. SMALL CELL SITES
OVERVIEW & PROPOSED MASTER LICENSE PROGRAM
Presented to:
Infrastructure Committee
November 4, 2015

2. Overview of Small Cell Sites
• Small cells are low-powered radio access points that enhance
wireless connectivity, coverage and performance. Small cells are
intended to :
– Improve overall connectivity for end users by minimizing weak spots.
– Provide better coverage across the city by “plugging” zero coverage
spots.
– Improve performance of current network by reducing burden on
current infrastructure.
– Reduce need for large towers.
• Placed at edge of traditional cell tower coverage areas.
• Portable devices that are low-profile and easy to install.
• “Small" compared to traditional cell towers (antenna height <40’).
• Smaller space requirement.

3. Placement Possibilities
• Existing infrastructure or new poles (in
areas of high pedestrian traffic, busy roads,
near offices, shopping centers and
apartments).
• Right now, only proposed on street light
poles.
• City will not allow them on traffic signal
poles.

4. Technical Requirements
• Power and fiber needed for each small cell
site.
• Cabinets may be needed for additional
equipment adjacent to poles (currently not
proposed).

5. Small cell site attachment to
utility pole in San Francisco
Small cell site attachment to
streetlight in San Francisco
Samples in Public ROW

6. Samples in Public ROW
Los Angeles San Diego San Diego

7. Samples in Public ROW

8. Regulation in Public ROW
• Right to Use Public ROW - Wireless
communication companies generally
qualify as “telephone corporations”
under state law, which entitles them to
utilize public ROW for deployment of
their communication facilities.
• Regulation Limited to TP&M - Cities are
prohibited under state law from charging
any type of franchise fee or rent for a
telephone corporation’s use of the public
ROW; may only impose reasonable time,
place and manner restrictions.
• Result - Small cell sites are becoming.
How much control will the City have?

9. Regulation in Public ROW
(cont)
• City’s Proprietary Capacity – When a
wireless communication company desires
to place its equipment on City-owned
property, the City acts in its proprietary
(as opposed to regulatory) capacity.
• More Control & Rights for City – The City
has the ability to collect revenue and to
control the precise location of the
communication facilities.

10. Master License Program
• Overtures to City – The City has been
approached by a few wireless
communications companies requesting to
place small cell sites on City poles.
• Proposed Master Agreements – The City
has discussed entering into a Master
License Agreement with at least one
company, and depending on Council
direction will meet with others.

11. Benefits of City Program
• Revenue - Generate revenue for the City.
• Control - Greater control over the location
of the small cell sites. Not limited to TP&M
regulations.
• Not applicable - FCC Ruling on siting
policies (requires City to approve
minor modifications to existing
telecommunications facilities).
• Not applicable - AB 57 (provides
deemed approved status to cell sites
that are not reviewed in a timely
manner).

12. Proposed Process
• City Council would approve Master License
Agreement.
• Licensee would be required to obtain a
permit from the Board of Zoning
Adjustment for each small cell site located
under the Master License Agreement.

13. Master License Terms
• Standard rate, annual escalation & other
payment terms (including power usage, if
needed).
• Standard term and renewal options.
• Termination rights.
• Requirement that equipment be installed in
accordance with Federal, State and City
regulations.
• Indemnification and insurance requirements.
• Could identify locations where small cell sites
would not be allowed and allow locations to be
approved on a case-by-case basis (or delineate
the precise location for each small cell site). If
the former, could also delegate authority to City
Manager to approve precise locations.

14. Potential Issues
• Installation of electrical meter for each small
cell site location.
• If no meter installed, reimbursement of
electric charges (particularly if installed on
light poles maintained by an LMD).
• Maintaining supply of light poles (for knock
downs and other damage).

15. QUESTIONS?