DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S) IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Amendments to Chapters 29 and 37 of the City's Municipal Code
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing amendments to Chapters 29 and 37 of the City's Municipal Code to provide framework for the deployment of small cell network nodes and node support poles in the public right-of-way, authorized by SB 1004, which added Chapter 284 to the Texas Local Government Code; approving a design manual in accordance with SB 1004; and amending Chapter 29 to include San Antonio Water System's (SAWS) utility locate contact information.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Small cell network nodes are wireless communications equipment, such as a radio transceiver, an antenna, a battery-only backup power supply, and coaxial or fiber-optic cable that is associated with a particular small cell network node site. These nodes can cover a radius up to 1500 feet and provide an enhanced voice and data service by increasing network capacity which allows faster downloads and improved call quality within its coverage area. Small cell network nodes help to bring the wireless network "closer" to its users to deliver increased data capacity, faster connectivity speeds and overall better wireless experience.
Since 2015, due to the lack of State or Federal law granting wireless providers access to municipal right-of-way, the City's Information Technology Services Department (ITSD) negotiated three small cell antenna license agreements to regulate wireless providers' access to City right-of-way. These agreements established terms and conditions for installing small cell network nodes on traffic light signal poles, CPS Energy poles, and proprietary poles owned by third parties that are installed in the right-of-way in accordance with state law. The three executed agreements include:
* Verizon Wireless via Ordinance 2015-06-18-0573
* Mobilitie, LLC (on behalf...
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