Generally, the work required to implement Verizon Wireless’s network enhancements at a given location will complete within 1-2 days. We do not expect the work to interfere with access to your home or business. Approximately 2-3 parking spaces will be reserved for work vehicles. Thank you in advance for your patience while we undertake this effort to ensure Jersey City residents and visitors continue to receive the wireless service they deserve and to prepare for future technologies.
All Jersey City area residents will benefit from improved Verizon Wireless service, even if they are not Verizon Wireless customers. First, the small cell network will relieve congestion on the Verizon Wireless network serving Jersey City by providing additional capacity during peak times of the day or night. This added capacity improves Verizon Wireless’s network for all of Jersey City by off-loading calls and data demands from existing facilities. Second, these enhancements will improve the network for all of the area’s first responders. Finally, should another wireless carrier’s network fail, the Verizon Wireless network is available to all users for emergency calls and text messages.
First responders across Jersey City are regularly using the Verizon Wireless Network for vital communications across a broad range of emergency situations, from patient treatment coordination between ambulance EMTs and hospital emergency rooms, to protecting officers in the field by providing vital off-radio channels for police work.
As of the latest surveys, over 90% of US households use wireless service. With this steady increase in demand comes the need for upgrades in equipment to meet customer needs. Citizens need access to 911 and wireless phones may be their only connection. (CTIA, June 2015)
To stay ahead of demand, Verizon is deploying new technology, commonly referred to as small cells. A small cell network adds coverage, capacity, and increases connection speed so that more users can connect to reliable high-speed wireless service where they live, work and play. Small cells are part of a macro-micro cellular communication coverage umbrella enabling information flow between traditional cell sites and small cells. This architecture provides higher quality of service and increased capacity to a dedicated geographic location. Small cell architecture enhances the network for users in the selected geographic small cell area. The increased communication quality benefits customers during normal communication use and emergencies.
Small cells are a fraction of the size of traditional communication facilities, use a fraction of the power and serve a much smaller area than traditional cell sites. The reduced size allows the small cells to attach to existing utility poles and light standards.
Once Jersey City and Verizon finalize the agreements related to Verizon Wireless’ deployment of small cells to enhance service in Jersey City, you will have the ability to view a tentative schedule of small cell installation dates and proposed locations. The most up-to-date schedule can be found here.
What is a small cell?
A small cell is just like the name implies. Small cells are short range mobile cell sites used to complement larger macro cells (or cell towers). A small cell augments Verizon Wireless’s capacity in a given area. It consists of a radio, antenna, power and a fiber connection. Small cells enable the Verizon Wireless network team to strategically add capacity to high traffic areas.
Why small cells?
Demand for wireless data services has grown 18-fold over the past 5 years. Small cells are part of Verizon Wireless’s network strategy to provide reliable service and keep up with this booming demand for wireless data. Small cell networks add capacity in small specific areas to improve in-building coverage, voice quality, reliability, and data speeds for local residents, businesses, first responders and visitors using the Verizon Wireless network.
How does it work?
A small cell uses small radios and antennas placed on various types of poles like utility poles, street lights, or new poles in the public right-of-way. The coverage area can range from a few hundred feet to upwards of 1,000 ft. depending on topography, capacity needs, and more. This small focused footprint, within Verizon Wireless’ network, supports the latest technology-enabled devices, allowing more consumers to do things like stream video or share photos on social media during events.
Does this replace the need for macro cell sites?
For Verizon Wireless, small cells are part of a balanced approach to network capacity. Verizon Wireless will continue to add traditional macro cell sites, expand its wireless footprint for increased capacity and coverage, and will keep investing in the things that keep its network running, even during times of disaster – battery back-up, generators, mobile cell sites, and more.
Where has Verizon Wireless deployed small cells?
Verizon Wireless first began adding small cells in late 2013 across the country to meet community needs. We have already added sites in Jersey City.
Are small cells reviewed for compliance with FCC safety guidelines?
Yes. All small cells must comply with the same stringent standards under which macro communications sites are reviewed and regulated.
Are small cells safe?
The Federal Communications Commission, in consultation with multiple federal agencies, sets federal government safety standards regarding small cells. Those standards have wide safety margins and are designed to protect everyone, including children, and were established after close examination of research that scientists in the US and around the world conducted for decades. The research continues to this day, and agencies continue to monitor it.
Scientists have studied potential health effects of RF emissions from cell phones for decades. Based on all the research, federal agencies have concluded that equipment that complies with the safety standards poses no known health risks. And advisers to the World Health Organization have specifically concluded that the same goes for 5G equipment. In fact, the RF safety standards adopted by the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are even more conservative than the levels adopted by some international standards bodies.
FCC: The FCC provides information about the safety of RF emissions from cellular base stations on its website at: http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html.
FDA: The Food and Drug Administration’s Cell phone website.
EPA: The Environmental Protection Agency’s overview of cell phone safety: Cell phone safety.
For additional facts about RF, click here.