Chattanoogans soon could benefit from expanded wireless network capacity, but not through looming cell towers.
Instead, short-range “small cell” emitters, located on poles or other fixtures, stand to power the next generation of on-the-go bandwidth inside the city. The use of “smart poles,” which do double duty as street lights and small cell antenna spots, play a key role in Chattanooga’s evolving strategy.
In a recent meeting, the Chattanooga City Council reviewed a proposed ordinance that will allow some control over how small cell technology rolls out when cellular providers come knocking on the city’s door to use its rights of way.
Crown Castle, a Houston-based small cell technology provider, has already approached the city. Federal law requires cities to offer right-of-way access to such providers, but lets them decide how they will do it.
“The ordinance that we present today balances the need of our citizens for cell [access], the provider’s needs and the city’s needs itself,” Assistant City Attorney Keith Reisman said.