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5G Cell Tower/Fiber Deployment
Active 5G Deployments in Fishers
Verizon Wireless has begun constructing 5G small cell structures in the approved locations. For the structures inside neighborhoods, residents within 200 feet of the structures were notified via U.S. Mail, Nextdoor posts, and HOA leaders of a stakeholder meeting with Verizon, neighborhood residents, and the City of Fishers to discuss and submit alternative locations. The recommended locations were then taken to the Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety where residents and HOA’s could make public comments. Verizon has two years to construct the 5G small cell structures from the date of the permit approval. To see a full list of approved structures please visit see the map of active permits.
Below is the list of neighborhoods where Verizon is currently constructing structures:
- Anderson Hall
- Ashwood
- Auburn Springs
- Harrison Green
- Lantern Farms
- Pleasant View
- Rosewood
- Sutton Crossing
- Sweet Briar
- Sweet Briar North
- The Pines
Permits
See the map of active permits.
5G Process and City Review
(a) Determination of Completion/Defects. Within ten (10) days of receipt of an application, the permit authority shall review the application to determine if the application is complete. If the permit authority determines that an application is not complete, the permit authority shall notify the applicant in writing of all defects in the application. An applicant that receives a written notice of incompletion may cure the defects and resubmit the application within fifteen (15) days of receiving the notice. If an applicant is unable to cure the defects within the fifteen (15) day period, the applicant shall notify the permit authority of the additional time the applicant requires to cure the defects.
Upon receiving a complete application, the City will inform the affected neighborhood/community association or property management group of a proposed permit(s). The City will coordinate a meeting to facilitate communication between the Applicant and neighborhood/community association or property management group to collaborate and provide feedback on proposed locations, suggest alternative locations for the Applicant’s consideration, and attempt to reach consensus prior to final consideration by the Permit Authority in general accordance with the following timeline:
- 4 Weeks Prior to Permit Authority’s Consideration: The City will contact the applicable community/ neighborhood association or property management group to establish a mandatory meeting between it and the Applicant.
- 4 Weeks Prior to Permit Authority’s Consideration: The City will send letters to property owners who are within 200’ of a proposed new utility pole and direct these residents to work with their community/neighborhood association or property management group to provide comments or concerns.
- 2 Weeks Prior to Permit Authority’s Consideration: The City will host a meeting (virtual or live) with the Applicant, applicable community/neighborhood association, or property management group to discuss the proposed residential locations and any alternative locations proposed by the community/neighborhood association or property management group. The City will document these meetings and provide a summary of its content to the Permit Authority. The parties’ failure to reach consensus during the meeting will result in the Permit Authority making its final determination based upon the standards outlined herein.
- Permit Authority’s Final Consideration. The Residential Waiver will generally be considered within 4 weeks of the Applicant’s submission of a complete waiver application.
Watch Fishers Informational 5G Webinar
Watch an informational webinar led by City staff on the 5G process and how neighborhoods and residents can prepare for the Verizon stakeholder meetings regarding the placement of 5G small cell structures.
About 5G/Fiber Deployment
In September 2018, the FCC adopted a declaratory ruling outlining:
- Prevention of actions that materially inhibit the installation of 5G facilities
- Reasonable, non-discriminatory fees associated with permitting of the facilities
- The ability for local governments to have input on the exterior design of the facilities
- A set "shot clock" to ensure accelerated deployment of the facilities
The City of Fishers is required to allow 5G deployment by the ruling of the FCC. As a result, the City identified a resident-led process for 5G cell tower deployment. On August 10, 2020, the Public Works and Safety Board adopted a resolution streamlining the process for all parties involved. Below is highlighted from the resolution that outlines the new process.
Find more info and FAQs about 5G Cell Tower Deployment in Fishers.
In-ground fiber installation occurs in public rights of way through a targeted trenching construction process.
Verizon 5G
Verizon recently informed the City of their intent to re-initiate the permitting process for their 5G technology.
Verizon has cited its desire to concentrate on its fiber build-out as the primary reason for halting its pursuit of residential permits in Fishers. Neighborhoods that have begun the process of meeting or discussing 5G tower placements with the City, can expect:
- All tabled or pending applications and permits will be re-submitted for processing.
- If your neighborhood was scheduled at a past Board of Works meeting, you will be notified again when your location is prepared for a public vote.
- The City intends to restart the permit process from the beginning, meaning you will have another opportunity to review placements and discuss locations with Verizon Wireless and the City of Fishers.
5G implementation continues with all previously approved residential permits. Additionally, Verizon has the authority to continue with the construction of 5G towers located in the public right of way.
If you have questions, please email or contact Makenzie Poole at 317-595-3151.
About 5G
5G is the “fifth generation” of cellular networks. Hailed as a major technological breakthrough, 5G has the potential to provide peak download and upload speeds comparable to fiber connectivity, together with real-time responsiveness, while connecting a multitude of devices simultaneously. Additionally, 5G is intended to support new technologies such as autonomous vehicles and other use cases that will require near-real-time connectivity.
Many 5G networks are created by installing multiple small cells, which complement large cell towers to provide seamless coverage. Small cells are frequently attached to utility poles, light poles, or buildings, and work collectively to create radio access networks (“RAN”) and transmit data via electromagnetic radio waves (radiofrequency energy). The cells have a much shorter transmission range than traditional cell towers (typically 500 to 1,000 ft).
In contrast to the longer wavelengths associated with older wireless technologies (i.e., 3G and 4G), which allow macro-towers to be separated by miles, 5G will rely on shorter millimeter wavelengths that travel only short distances, and therefore require that small cell facilities be placed closer together.
Why 5G?
The demand and need for high-speed data connectivity from residents, businesses, and visitors is on the rise with no end in sight. 5G is the latest approach to increase wireless capacity for smartphones and internet service.
Fishers continues its emergence as a leader and innovator. It is this type of innovation that will enable residents to experience gigabit speeds that were previously only available via costly fiber. The City plays an important role and is actively working to streamline the development processes and effectively and efficiently pave the way for innovators to implement technologies that will drive economic vitality and close access barriers and gaps to serve our diverse communities. Technologies like 5G promise to revolutionize the daily lives of people.
*Newly proposed facilities must adhere to the City’s reasonable aesthetic requirements. For example, facilities deployed along our major thoroughfares will generally match City infrastructure.
Is it Safe?
The weight of scientific evidence has not linked exposure to radio frequency Energy from mobile devices with any known health problems. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in consultation with numerous other federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, maintains safety standards.
The FCC explains that its standards “incorporate prudent margins of safety.” It explains further that “radio frequency emissions from antennas used for cellular and PCS transmissions result in exposure levels on the ground that are typically thousands of times below safety limits.” The FCC provides information about the safety of RF emissions from cellular base stations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) established an International Electromagnetic Fields Project (IEFP) to provide information on health risks, establish research needs and support efforts to harmonize RF exposure standards. The project website provides additional information on RF exposure and mobile phone use.
Learn more from Verizon.
Who Regulates Wireless?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations.
The City of Fishers cannot by law regulate wireless telecommunication. The City and all local governments, are required to comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations related to the Telecommunications Act of 1996 which states: No State or local government or instrumentality thereof may regulate the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with the regulations contained in this chapter concerning the environmental effects of such emissions. All wireless devices installed in the City of Fishers must meet all FCC regulatory requirements.
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about 5G small cell tower deployment.
Neighborhood/HOA Registration
Neighborhood or Homeowners Associations may register to be notified by email and US Mail of any application for construction or placement of 5G/Small Cell facilities on new utility poles or support structures within the Association’s jurisdiction. To register, please email your Neighborhood/Homeowners Association contact information. If your neighborhood is not represented by a Neighborhood or Homeowners Association, please sign up directly for this information.
Agreements
Find information about how telecommunications providers are able to deploy this technology on city-owned facilities (i.e., traffic lights, signal poles, buildings).
Applicable Laws
Resources
- Info on 5G small cell towers from Verizon.
- Verizon Responses to Common Questions About 5G Inquiries
- Wall Street Journal: FCC Says 5G Doesn’t Pose New Cellphone-Radiation Threats
- Federal Communications Commission Proposed Changes in the Commission’s Rules Regarding Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields
- 5G Health Info from University of Maryland
- 5G Is Coming: How Worried Should We Be about the Health Risks?
AT&T Fiber
AT&T has notified the City of Fishers of their intent to install fiber utility in the public rights of way. AT&T must submit permits to the City of Fishers Engineering Department ahead of their construction as part of this process. Residents will be notified by AT&T prior to the start of construction through yard signs. The City of Fishers will also contact HOA leadership for your neighborhood as well as on Nextdoor to provide updates. AT&T and its sub-contractors will restore yards following the installation of the underground fiber line. For questions or concerns related to the AT&T construction process, contact the AT&T Construction Helpdesk at 1-877-780-5422 or by email. Hours are from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. EDT. Voicemail may be left after hours. You can also contact the AT&T Emergency Number at 1-800-246-8464. View FAQ.