5G Small Cell Antenna Permit Application

5G Small Cell Antennas
The City of Naples has started receiving applications from wireless companies to install 5G small cell antennas within city rights of way. Due to new state legislation in 2019, the city’s authority over regulating the deployment of this new technology is limited.

What is 5G?
The mobile fifth-generation, or 5G, wireless systems are the next upgrade of wireless technology, which wireless carriers say will offer faster speeds, greater capacity and better reliability. Deploying this new technology requires new infrastructure called small cells, which generate less power while collecting and transmitting signals in a short range from one another.

What is the new state legislation?
Senate Bill 1000 was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 25, 2019, and it includes language that prohibits municipalities and counties from adopting or enforcing certain ordinances, regulations, or requirements related to communications services. The bill also specifies limitations on municipal and county authority to regulate and manage municipal and county roads or rights of way.

As this new technology is installed, the City of Naples will be working within its legal authority to preserve the aesthetic integrity of neighborhoods. However, the city will be required to follow state laws and may not have the ability to prevent these communications facilities from being installed or regulate the location of the facilities.

5G small cell antenna permit applications in the City of Naples: