The feds want to detail how wireless infrastructure upgrades will impact historic buildings
The Federal Communications Commission has solicited public comment on how it should consider deployment of small cells and distributed antenna systems in historic buildings.
Specifically, the FCC wants comments by Sept. 28 based on requirements prescribed in the National Historic Preservation Act; that legislation outlines the review for physical projects as related to historic buildings covered by federal protections.
The goal is to formulate what’s called a “scoping document.”
From the FCC request for comment: “New and additional infrastructure deployments are necessary to meet the increasing demand for advanced wireless services and greater wireless bandwidth. Many wireless providers are deploying new infrastructure technologies, particularly DAS and small cells, in order to increase coverage and capacity in indoor and outdoor environments. Because DAS networks and small cell facilities use radio spectrum licensed by the Commission, the installation of these facilities on utility poles, buildings, and other existing structures is acknowledged as a Commission undertaking …”
Any changes to the review process would eventually be incorporated into the 2001 Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Colocation of Wireless Antennas.
“The Colocation Agreement provides that most colocations of antennas on existing structures are excluded from historic preservation review, with a few defined exceptions to address potentially problematic situations. The FCC proposes to amend the Colocation Agreement to better account for the limited potential of small wireless communications facility colocations that meet specified criteria, including DAS and small cell deployments, to affect historic properties,” according to the FCC document.
Carrier small cell rollouts are expected to pick up steam this year. Sprint, for example, plans to add capacity and coverage by rolling out thousands – some industry watchers estimate 70,000 – small cells.
Similarly, software vendors are pushing network rollout solutions designed to help service providers optimize network resources and maximize RoI while minimizing capital and operational expenditures.
