The “Small Cell” bill continues to work its way through the
legislative process, despite heavy opposition from the cities and
counties it would impact. SB 649 would allow cellular companies
to hang antennas and other wireless equipment from almost any
locally-owned street light or traffic signal pole, with limited
local government input, and no public input on any individual
siting application. It passed out of the Assembly Communications
and Conveyance Committee yesterday afternoon.
“Decisions about local public infrastructure should be made at
the local level, and that includes deciding where big telecom
companies should be able to install new cellular equipment,” said
Matt Cate, Executive Director of the California State Association
of Counties. “SB 649 would allow them to install large, obtrusive
antennas and additional equipment on almost any street light or
signal light. Local residents and business owners would have
virtually no say in the matter. This bill is bad public policy.”
CSAC, the League of California Cities, and the Rural County
Representatives of California are all arguing
against the bill. It would stifle local authority and allow
unfettered access to tax-payer funded public infrastructure.
“This bill shifts power and resources from local governments and
our residents to the telecommunications industry,” said Lodi
Council Member JoAnne Mounce, President of the League of
California Cities. “This bad bill would render local residents
and municipalities powerless to determine where and how public
infrastructure is used by this industry as it seeks to add tens
of thousands of new cell phone equipment to street lights,
utility poles and public buildings throughout California. As
local leaders we are all for progress but not at this cost.”
