A small cell is a low-powered radio access station, sometimes called a node, that transmits data in a smaller geographical range than a regular cell tower. That might sound backwards — bigger is better, right? — but the idea is to place groups of small cells across a community, increasing the overall capacity and quality of wireless service. It’s the strength in numbers theory. Small cells also transmit signals in high demand areas where the population density is high, near gathering places for large crowds, like a stadium or arena, and in Salt Lake City’s downtown, where tall buildings can impede service. Part of the small cell’s job is also to support the next generation of cellular technology, commonly known as 5G.

Small cell facilities will help manage the demand for wireless services as the city grows and technology evolves. By design they improve access to wireless services in places where coverage is low or spotty and can also improve the quality of service inside buildings or homes, where most mobile traffic occurs. Small cell nodes are also more environmentally friendly because they are compact and need less energy to operate.

Small cell nodes are, in fact, pretty small — about the size of a pizza box or a backpack. The nodes are affixed with an antenna that connects to a power source and then to a fiber optic network. Most frequently small cells are placed on top of poles — like streetlights or traffic signals — but they can also be lower to the ground attached to utility-type boxes or other structures. If there’s not easy spot to place a small cell, freestanding poles, commonly called monopoles can be installed. Currently in Salt Lake City, most small cell systems will be installed on monopoles.

Overall, small cell facilities are regulated by the federal government. In 2018, the Utah Legislature paved the way for small cell technology by passing the Small Cell Wireless Facilities Deployment Act. (https://bit.ly/3gxBnXl). The law allows for small cell infrastructure to go up in cities across the state and set the basic rules for where they can go. That takes most of the decision-making power away from communities, including Salt Lake City, but small cell installations still have to be permitted and meet local design standards.

The simple answer is: You might not. Neither state law nor city ordinances require advance notice to property owners of planned utility installations. This applies to all utilities, not just small cell nodes.

Wireless carriers who want to place small cells in Salt Lake City must first obtain some city approvals. The first is a master licensing agreement with the city, which set terms and conditions for protecting the interests of residents. Second, they’ll need a right-of-way permit before any equipment can be installed. In places where monopoles are installed, additional city agreements are also required. Cellular carriers are also required to maintain small cell equipment and nodes must be posted with information about the carrier and a 24-hour company contact number.

The permitted wireless carrier companies in Salt Lake City include AT&T, Crown Castle, ExteNet and Verizon.

To review a small cell installation permit you can contact Permit Engineer Scott Weiler at 801-535-6159. You can also call City Engineer Matt Cassel at 801-535-6140.

So far, the majority of scientific study has not linked exposure to radio frequency emission from cell phones to specific health risks. The Federal Communications Commission, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, sets limits for the radio frequencies emitted by cellular data equipment, including small cells.

The FCC and the American Cancer Society and World Health Organization websites each have information about radio frequency safety that can be found here:

Federal Communications Commission: https://bit.ly/2CbcCRS
American Cancer Society: https://bit.ly/3ivURNJ
World Health Organization: https://bit.ly/3euAQUy

For more specific questions about small cells installations, you can call Salt Lake City’s Engineering Division at  801-535-7961. There’s also an FAQ with more details here: 

Small Cell FAQ