Please join Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B on Wednesday June 12th for a Special Call meeting to discuss the 5G Small Cell Tower Installations in Ward 6. The telecommunications industry will be deploying infrastructure that will bring 5th Generation (5G) technology to the area via wireless telecommunication antennae and equipment (small cell).
Representatives from telecommunications companies are expected to attend the meeting and provide clarification about the equipment and its installation to residents and commissioners, said ANC 6B Chair Chander Jayaraman.
Jayaraman said that his understanding is that if the cellular companies meet the guidelines set by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) they do not require approval from the ANC, only to give notice of installation. Jayaraman said that ANC 6B has already received multiple notices for installation in the area.
Small Cell infrastructure consists of antennas and related power equipment that transmits wireless signals to improve reliable data streaming. This infrastructure will provide cellular and data coverage throughout Ward 6. The antennae will be used to implement the newer, faster 5G service when it begins to be offered in the United States.
Small cell installation throughout the District is already in the works. The District has already entered into Master License Agreements (MLA) allowing five communications companies, including AT&T, Verizon, Extenet, Mobilitie and Crown Castle, to install the units throughout the city. The MLAs allow the companies to install units on cobra-neck street light poles and wooden utility poles or to install new, stand-alone poles on streets and named alleys, but does not allow units to be installed on Washington Globe light poles.
The meeting will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 12 at the first floor Conference Room at The Yards workspace (700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE). All are welcome.
