A 5G network through a private company, ExteNet Systems, will be installed in Smyrna’s right of way.
The 7-0 decision was made on Dec. 17 by the Smyrna City Council.
ExteNet is the first private network to approach the city, according to Councilman Ron Fennel.
Over the past year, cities throughout Georgia have been approached by wireless infrastructure companies, such as ExteNet Systems, requesting permits to install poles in city rights of way and/or place equipment on existing poles.
Now ExteNet Systems will be allowed by Smyrna to place small-cell antennas at various locations in the city.
To assist cities and the industry negotiate terms that balance protection of the local right of way and the needs of wireless infrastructure companies to locate wireless infrastructure, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) has developed a comprehensive Master Right-of-Way License Agreement with ExteNet Systems, according to City Administrator Tammi Saddler Jones.
The agreement was developed as a cooperative effort between GMA and senior representatives of ExteNet Systems to help facilitate the deployment of wireless infrastructure in Georgia cities while recognizing the municipal right to manage access to the right of way.
Highlights of the GMA agreement include:
- Requires co-location of communications equipment on existing poles unless ExteNet Systems provides proof that co-location is not possible.
- City has discretion over the appearance of the new poles; and new poles must meet the city's approval, regarding aesthetics, visibility, environmental and safety standards.
- ExteNet Systems agrees to pay an annual license fee to the city of $500/site/year for pole attachments to existing poles. For new poles, ExteNet Systems will pay $1,350/site/year with a 3 percent annual escalator plus $500/year for any other carrier that locates on the new ExteNet Systems pole.
- Extenet Systems will honor executed agreements with cities that are in place if federal or state laws change to preempt local control over permitting or compensation.
- The permitting process must be consistent with the Georgia Department of Transportation's Utilities Accommodation Policy and Standards Manual (UAM) in addition to requiring ExteNet Systems to follow local codes and ordinances to obtain a permit.
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