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

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)

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

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

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

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

Pole Selection Utility Poles: right to attach (≈free!) Street Lights: last resort ($1000-36,000)

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.

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

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

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

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

Please contact with further questions: NATASHA ERNST Channel Law Group, LLP Office: 408.502.9900 Mobile: 206.419.9800 nernst@channellawgroup.com