REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Small Cell Attachment Agreement with GTE Mobilenet of California Limited Partnership, D/B/A Verizon Wireless.
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
GTE Mobilenet of California Limited Partnership, D/B/A Verizon Wireless (Verizon), has requested to install small cell equipment within the public right-of-way on City-owned streetlights. The City of Santa Clara owns over 8,500 streetlights in the right-of-way.
Small cell antenna installations are wireless telecommunication devices that consist of radio receivers, antennas, and other equipment. Small cells use less power than a typical cell tower and need to be spaced closer together in order to deliver high-capacity data services. A typical small cell installation is used to enhance services in areas of high data usage or are otherwise in need of support to meet capacity needs.
In September 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) passed a declaratory ruling titled "Accelerating Wireless Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment" to support the proliferation of small cell technology. The ruling restricts the authority of state and local governments to regulate small wireless facilities, including limiting fees that can be assessed by municipalities and creating a shot clock for review of new small cell application(s).
DISCUSSION
The proposed agreement with Verizon is very similar to an agreement with New Cingular Wireless (also known as AT&T) that the City Council authorized in 2020. The Small Cell Attachment Agreement (Agreement), Attachment 1, contains uniform terms and conditions applicable to all Verizon wireless facilities on City-owned streetlights and outlines the process for Verizon to license individual streetlights. The Agreement was developed in accordance with best utility practices and is designed to assist the Ci...
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