1. Small Cell 101: Building wireless in the public right of way
Natasha Ernst, Attorney, Channel Law Group

2. What is an outdoor Small Cell?
“Small Cell” describes a single DAS node, micro or pico cell, or remote radio head/unit (RRH/RRU)
Small wireless “base stations”
Typically placed in the public right of way
DAS nodes and RRHs are connected to fiber going to a “head end” and BTS
Attached to utility poles and streetlights, or placed in new “stealth” poles
Antenna can be placed in the “comm space” or on the “pole top”
Equipment is often placed in a shroud, with an external disconnect switch and meter (if not a flat power rate)

3. Utility Spaces “Power” or “electric” space 40” of “safety” space
Antenna & cables in the “communication” or “comm” space
Equipment in the “common” or “unusable” space

4. Small Cell Varieties
Technologically different, but very similar in form and coverage

5. Heavily Regulated Federal State Local NEPA Checklist
224 Pole Attachments
State
Statewide Franchise (CLEC, wireless carriers)
Pole Attachments
NESC/GO-95 in California
CEQA
Local
Additional permitting with state and federal limits

6. Pole Selection Location: Pole top v. Comm Space
Coverage: Pole top may be necessary for better coverage
Structure: Utility pole, streetlight, or other
Agreements: Make sure agreements in place or note it will need to be obtained

7. Pole Selection Utility Poles: right to attach (≈free!)
Street Lights: last resort ($ ,000)

8. NESC v. GO 95
NESC Rule239H: Communication cables shall be covered with a suitable non-metallic material extending 40-inches above the highest supply conductor.
Pole Owner Standards: Many electric utilities choose 4 feet.
But in California General Order 95 Rule 94.4: 4-feet over secondary, 6-feet over primary.

9. Construction Make-ready Jurisdiction Turn up
FCC States: Strict make- ready timelines
Certified states: Vary from strict to non
Jurisdiction
Obtain construction & electrical permits
Turn up
Fiber connection
PIM & sweeps test

10. Local Governments: New Poles
Slim line lamp post
“alternate” forms

11. Equipment: Example Antennas
Omni Antennas: Kathrein quasi-omni is the most popular
Panel Antennas: 2’ directional antennas are used for precise targets

12. Equipment: Example Boxes
DAS nodes, Remote Radio Heads, and micro or pico cells are different, but may all be placed in similar, if not identical, shrouds.
Alcatel Lucent Metro Cell
DAS: CommScope ION-M
Alcatel Lucent RRH

13. Please contact with further questions: NATASHA ERNST Channel Law Group, LLP Office: Mobile: