October 25, 2019

More small cell poles coming to Tucson

The poles enhance provider networks, but some carry 5G capabilities.

As major U.S. wireless carriers gradually roll out 5G — the next generation in cellular technology that will carry faster speeds — they’re giving existing 4G networks a boost in Tucson with the introduction of more small cell poles across the city.

The poles are designed to enhance broadband coverage in high-demand areas. Tucson has about 70 small cell poles but providers want to install hundreds more.

“We have over 200 permits that have been submitted as of now to construct more throughout the city limits,” said Erica Frazelle, a spokesperson for the city’s Transportation Department.

The department reviews applications and gives providers permission to work in the public right of way. Once the city grants a permit, providers have 90 days to complete construction. Afterward, the city owns the pole, according to Frazelle. She said the city began receiving more applications a few years ago shortly after a new state law significantly lowered maintenance fees for providers from upwards of $3,000 to $100 a year.

Most poles are located downtown and around the University of Arizona, but dozens more are permitted to go up in midtown and on the south side.

“I think we’re all into having fast internet. Everything we do is internet based, so having that ability and having these poles so close to where you are is a positive,” Frazelle said.

Frazelle added that poles installed by Verizon are equipped with technology that can support 5G. In a statement, Verizon said it has not announced 5G plans for Tucson, but in August the company began offering 5G service in parts of Phoenix, along with Sprint.

Arizona 360
Arizona 360 airs Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on PBS 6 and Saturdays at 8 p.m. on PBS 6 PLUS. See more from Arizona 360.
By posting comments, you agree to our
AZPM encourages comments, but comments that contain profanity, unrelated information, threats, libel, defamatory statements, obscenities, pornography or that violate the law are not allowed. Comments that promote commercial products or services are not allowed. Comments in violation of this policy will be removed. Continued posting of comments that violate this policy will result in the commenter being banned from the site.

By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.
AZPM is a service of the University of Arizona and our broadcast stations are licensed to the Arizona Board of Regents who hold the trademarks for Arizona Public Media and AZPM. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples.
The University of Arizona