Page 16 - July-Aug2020 Vol38 No2

5G and Small Cell from page 15 Given the number of field contractors issued permits. Not all the permitted
and subcontractors installing the fiber sites go under construction when the
installation can have a much larger impact both underground and overhead, many permit is issued. Problems still exist
on the city than the actual installation of of the general requirements contained regarding getting notifications as to when
the small cell equipment. Additionally, in the issued permits were developed construction begins and is completed.
the fees charged by the cities for “on the fly.” In order to minimize the
fiber installation are not subject to impact on the motoring public and For that reason, an eight-week time
the regulations placed on small cell businesses, construction is limited to the limit was placed on the permits. If the
installations by the Act. hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. contractor does not complete the project
or request a valid time extension within
The City of Memphis has a robust The name of the contractor must be that period, the permit is voided, and a
operation for permitting and monitoring on each piece of equipment working new permit must be applied for.
the installation of fiber optic cable. To within the ROW, so that any issues
date, Memphis has permitted the arising from the construction can be Balancing the Challenges With Increased
installation of more than 372 miles of reported by name. In addition to all the 5G Speed
fiber within the City ROW (beginning in typical utility location requirements (via
October 2017). It is not uncommon for 811), the contractors also are required to The small cell program is happening. It
14 to 16 permits to be issued in a single notify the Memphis Signal Maintenance is real and it will last for a long time. With
day. The size of the permits varies from a Office if constructing within 350 feet of a small cells coming, major fiber installation
few feet to more than a mile or two. signalized intersection. will follow. It is almost like a right hook
Labor-Intensive Permitting Process followed by a left upper cut.
In some instances, such as
Issuing and tracking this volume installing fiber in the downtown In summary, if you are a municipality
of permit requests is labor inten- area, a special permit may be applied that hasn’t experienced the thrill of 5G yet,
sive. The city has a consultant assigned to allow installation after hours, you will. In your positions, you already
to receive the permit requests, track the or on Saturdays. This is mainly to are accustomed to dealing with elected
payments, review the permits, and issue avoid peak traffic hours and allow officials, neighborhood organizations, and
permit approvals. In addition, other con- the workers to complete the fiber angry citizens. You won’t be disappointed.
sultants work on installations taking place installation as soon as possible and exit
throughout the city. The fees paid by the the area. With many of the concerns, demands,
installers more than cover the cost of the threats, etc., that come to your office
necessary additional personnel. Notification of construction has regarding the small cell program, your
been a challenge, due to the number of hands are tied. You can always say “the
state legislature made me do it.

16 TPW July/August 2020