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rote <br />LEAGUE of <br />MINNESOTA <br />CITIES <br />INFORMATION MEMO <br />Cell Towers, Small Cell Technologies <br />& Distributed Antenna Systems <br />Learn about large and small cell tower deployment and siting requests for small cell, small wireless <br />and distributed antenna systems (DAS) technology. Better understand the trend of the addition of <br />DAS, small wireless or small cell equipment on existing utility equipment. Be aware of common gaps <br />in city zoning, impact of federal and state law, reasons for collocation agreements and some best <br />practices for dealing with large and small cell towers, small wireless facilities and DAS. <br />RELEVANT LINKS <br />47 U.S.C. § 253 (commonly <br />known as Section 253 of <br />Telecommunications Act). <br />47 U.S.C. §332 (commonly <br />known as Section 332 of <br />Telecommunications Act). <br />FCC Website. <br />47 U.S.C. § 253 (commonly <br />known as Section 253 of <br />Telecommunications Act). <br />47 U.S.C. § 332 (commonly <br />known as Section 332 of <br />Telecommunications Act). <br />Deployment of large cell towers or antennas <br />A cell site or cell tower creates a "cell" in a cellular network and typically <br />supports antennas plus other equipment, such as one or more sets of <br />transceivers, digital signal processors, control electronics, GPS equipment, <br />primary and backup electrical power and sheltering. Only a finite number of <br />calls or data can go through these facilities at once and the working range of <br />the cell site varies based on any number of factors, including height of the <br />antenna. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has stated that <br />cellular or personal communications services (PCS) towers typically range <br />anywhere from 50 to 200 feet high. <br />The emergence of personal communications services, the increased number <br />of cell providers, and the growing demand for better coverage have spurred <br />requests for new cell towers, small cell equipment, and distributed antenna <br />systems (DAS) nationwide. Thus, some cellular carriers, <br />telecommunications wholesalers or tower companies, have attempted to <br />quickly deploy telecommunications systems or personal wireless service <br />facilities, and, in doing so, often claim federal law requires cities to allow <br />construction or placement of towers, equipment, or antennas in rights of <br />way. Such claims generally have no basis. Although not completely <br />unfettered, cities can feel assured that, in general, federal law preserves local <br />zoning and land use authority. <br />A. The Telecommunications Act and the FCC <br />The Telecommunications Act of 1996 (TCA) represented America's first <br />successful attempt to reform regulations on telecommunications in more <br />than 60 years, and was the first piece of legislation to address internet <br />access. Congress enacted the TCA to promote competition and higher <br />quality in American telecommunications services and to encourage rapid <br />deployment of new telecommunications technologies. <br />This material is provided as general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Consult your attorney for advice concerning specific situations. <br />145 University Ave. West www.lmc.org 8/1/2017 <br />Saint Paul, MN 55103-2044 (651) 281-1200 or (800) 925-1122 © 2017 All Rights Reserved <br />