What is a small cell?

A small cell is just like the name implies. A small cell augments Verizon’s capacity in a given area. It consists of a radio, antenna, power and a fiber connection. Small cells are short range mobile cell sites used to complement larger macro cells (or cell towers). Small cells enable the Verizon network team to strategically add capacity to high traffic areas.

Does this replace the need for macro cell sites?

For Verizon, small cells are part of a balanced approach to network capacity. Verizon 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.

Are small cells subject to the same regulation as a traditional/macro cell site?

The approval process for small cells varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Verizon works hand-in-hand with each local jurisdiction on small cells placement including right-of-way regulations and more.

Information on Fiber 

Verizon MCI Metro deploys fiber optic cable, also a component of Verizon’s network.   Fiber optic cable provides high-speed data transmission for internet, cable television, and telephone systems that service homes, businesses, and municipal customers in Southern California.   In other words, fiber is not just for small cells!

Fiber installation work takes place in the public right of way in accordance with local permitting requirement.

Prior to construction, you may see crews within the public right of way using small flags and/or spray paint to mark various locations within the right of way.  These markings help to ensure that construction work follows the correct path and does not interfere with existing utility lines.

Once construction is complete, crews will return to the site to perform ground restoration in accordance with City requirements.

Are wireless facilities safe?

Concerning Radio Frequency (“RF”) safety, please be assured that Verizon’s telecommunications equipment and networks comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) radiofrequency (RF) safety standards.  The FCC developed these standards in consultation with numerous other federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  The standards have wide safety margins and are designed to protect everyone, including children.  The FCC adopted the standards after examining the RF research that scientists in the US and around the world have conducted for decades.  The research continues to this day, and agencies continue to monitor it.  Based on that research, federal agencies have concluded that equipment and networks that comply with the safety standards pose no known health risks.  In December 2019, the FCC, after a lengthy proceeding, affirmed these safety standards and concluded that these standards continue to be appropriate.  The decision was unanimous and bipartisan.  You can obtain further information about the safety of RF emissions from wireless network equipment and devices on the FCC’s website, which you can access via this link: http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html.

Moreover, because Verizon takes matters relating to RF safety very seriously.  Verizon has a comprehensive compliance program designed to ensure adherence to the RF safety standards set by the federal government.  Please note that RF exposure levels resulting from Verizon’s equipment are well within the FCC’s safety limits.

What is the key difference between 4G and 5G?

To grasp how transformational how 5G will be, it helps to understand how far wireless technology has come.