OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Leaders in Overland Park, Kansas have a plan to help you get the fast cell signal you want without seeing towers all over town.
In March, the city adopted a new set of standards for mobile operators who install antennas in the city. One of the goals of the guidelines is to reduce the number of poles along streets and in the right of way. The new rules encourage mobile companies to add antennas to existing utility poles and street lights.
The rules don't apply to large cell towers, but to small cell antennas. They’re much smaller, cylindrical containers which boost the speed and reliability of cellular service.
More and more mobile companies are turning to small cell antennas in urban areas where there’s no room for big towers, but many people use a cellphone.
These standards will also regulate the size and color of antennas and make sure any wiring going from the antenna to an electric box is properly concealed in the pole or in a shroud alongside the pole.
The new guidelines in Overland Park are the result of an order from the Federal Communications Commission. The city's public works committee will review the standards during a public meeting Wednesday night at 7 o'clock in city hall.
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