Small Cell Antenna Installation Considerations

By Brett Reall

Small Cells are currently a hot topic in the wireless community, and are becoming a topic of interest for local governments. A small cell is just like it sounds – a small cellular antenna, typically designed to provide cellular coverage to a smaller geographic area than a cell tower or full rooftop cell site. While many small cells are installed on utility poles or street and traffic lights; small cells can be installed almost anywhere power can be placed.

As these placements require approval of local governments, the approval process is currently a hot topic within the small cell industry. In some areas state or federal regulations differ from local requirements.

From the standpoint of local governments and utility companies, many items need to be addressed in small cell installations, including:

1. Small Cell Aesthetics. While the small cell equipment is just that – small, there is generally a substantial amount of equipment required to support the small cell antenna. Radios, battery backup, cooling units, surge protectors, etc., may be required. This equipment can be mounted on the ground or on the pole, however many times the aesthetics are not well defined.
2. Small Cell Equipment Placement. Wireless carriers typically place their equipment in a location with the best ‘line of sight’ for the intended coverage area. Local governments typically do not know what camouflage options exist for small cell antennas.
3. Capacity of Pole/Light Post to Support Small Cells. Many times it is simply assumed that the utility/light post can support the small cells and associated equipment. A structural analysis should be performed to determine if the structure can support the proposed load.
4. Growth/Change of Small Cells Over Time. Historically, antenna sites have gained equipment over time as increased demand requires additional capacity. What is currently anticipated to be a placement for 2-3 small cell antennas, if unsupervised, could easily become a placement of 8-10 or more antennas.
5. Utilities Needed to Serve Small Cells. Generally speaking, Small Cells will need power and “backhaul”. Backhaul can be provided in several ways, typically via fiber, microwave, or telephone lines.
6. Application Intake Procedures for Small Cell Use and Building Permits. The industry expects a large number of small cell antennas to be installed in most metropolitan areas. Having a good process for reviewing applications is critical to avoid applications being “deemed approved” by default.

Cellular infrastructure is a highly specialized industry already. Small cells promise to add additional layers of complexity to the field. Gunnerson Consulting has the ability to assist local governments with all of the items above, or with any questions related to wireless infrastructure. Contact us today with your questions regarding small cell antennas and wireless infrastructure.