1. Emergence of Wireless Pole Attachments in Chelan County Tri-Commission Presentation
March 28, 2017

2. Overview Wireless industry growth What are wireless attachments
Implications for local governments in Chelan County
Strategic considerations/Next steps
Questions 2

3. Wireless Industry Growth
The “Internet of Things” (IoT) connects cars, homes, wearables, and everyday objects to each other
The IoT is growing exponentially – Number of connected devices worldwide:
2 Billion in 2006
15 Billion in 2015
Billion
projected by 2020 3

4. Accelerating Demand
Expecting in excess of 50% continued year-over-year increase in wireless data consumption
Requires increased data capacity
Requires improved coverage and density
Installing macro cells (large towers) is not always feasible to address increased coverage needs
Alternatives to large cellular towers:
Small Cells
DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems)
DAS nodes and small cells transmit at signal power levels that are much lower than macro cells (i.e., large towers) and tend to be deployed at low elevations in areas where macro cells would not be feasible. 4

5. Small Cell
An umbrella term for operator-controlled, low-power radio access nodes, small cells typically have
a range of approximately
600 feet
Small-cell solutions are typically deployed to provide enhanced coverage or capacity in smaller targeted areas. A small cell normally only serves a single carrier. Small cells require much less up-front design work, planning and capital investment than DAS. 5

6. Distributed Antenna System (DAS)
A network of antenna nodes connected to a common source via a transport medium, which provides wireless service within a geographic area
DAS offers a more broad area of coverage that has the capability to address a wider range of capacity and coverage challenges. DAS can accommodate multiple carriers – generally up to four. 6

7. Utility Pole Example Streetlight Example7

8. What is Happening at the State/Local Level
Local governments receiving requests from carriers and other companies (like Verizon Wireless) for new tower sites, expansion of existing sites, or pole attachments to support small cell facilities and DAS
Localities (or their utilities acting on their behalf) are often unfamiliar with their rights or duties under evolving federal and state laws
In particular, when/how “shot clocks” apply and when/how applications can be conditioned or denied
Local zoning, telecom, franchising, and other rules and procedures – where they exist at all – were typically written for macro tower siting and need updating to address small cell and DAS facilities
Local government moratoriums have become common in order for localities to better understand these issues 8

9. We tend to know what we don’t want…
Bulky and noisy antennas and equipment on poles that disrupt community aesthetics and system operability 9

10. Wireless Siting Goals & Values
Ensure cost recovery for use of the public right of way (PROW)
Ensure cost recovery for attachments to facilities
Facilitate (and encourage) efficient deployment of valuable broadband services for County residents and businesses
Maintain local governments’ obligation to provide reliable services, ensure public & employee safety, and protect public resources
In reviewing, negotiating, and approving the siting of wireless facilities within the public right of way (PROW), local governments must navigate sometimes-competing interests 10

11. Key Technical Issues to Address
Small wireless facilities and networks (SWFNs) pose new operational, safety, aesthetic, and other issues
Employee Safety
Hazards and obstacles on the poles
RF considerations
Interference
With Utility/City operations and wireless systems
Particular concern as Wi-Fi access points are deployed
Need for technical standards and code updates
Input from carriers, employees
Additional considerations:
Staffing for new technologies and technical analysis
Staff planning and augmentation if necessary to accommodate substantial permitting and inspection requirements for new applications
Current rate formulas do not work for SWFNs
Need to account for additional space usage
Need to account for impact on potential future use of pole 11

12. Strategic Considerations/Next Steps
Ensure local governments are working in sync
Staff collaboration of both pole owners and PROW administrators
Prioritize and protect core interests and values
Listen carefully to industry and consider workable tradeoffs
Continue awareness of developments across the Country and act proactively 12

13. Questions? 13