5G Installation in the City of Melrose
What’s 5G?
5G is the fifth generation of wireless antennas that provides high speed internet services to communities. Click here to learn more about 5G.
Who’s Installing the Wireless 5G Antennas in Melrose?
Telecommunication companies maintain and install antennas across the City. The purpose of 5G is to improve cell phone and data service in Melrose.
What are the health ramifications of 5G technology and is it safe?
Federal law (the Telecommunications Act of 1996) expressly preempts state and local governments from addressing health concerns over RF emissions. FCC has set current RF emissions standards that any wireless technologies deployed in the City are required to meet.
Contact the Federal Communications Commission directly at (888) 225-5322 if you have concerns about RF emission standards or the possible health ramifications and studies being conducted concerning new 5G networks.
Questions on RF emissions safety can be answered here: https://www.fcc.gov/general/radio-frequency-safety-0
Does the City have the Authority to Deny 5G Permits?
The City can deny applications for wireless attachments that do not meet its engineering, safety, and design standard requirements. Other than ensuring all standards and codes are met for each proposed placement, the City is specifically prohibited by federal law (the Telecommunications Act of 1996) from taking any action that would prohibit (or have the effect of prohibiting) the deployment
of these attachments.
The City has no legal authority to take actions or set standards that would effectively prohibit the installation of this wireless technology, however it can regulate certain aspects relative to the placement, design, and installation of these devices. The City has no authority to deny placement of equipment on a pole based on health concerns (See above).
What can the City do?
The Mayor will be requesting that the City Council adopt an ordinance with conditions and standards and a standardized process for review and approval of the installation of these antennas within the City of Melrose.
Can residents have a say in the placement of wireless antennas?
The City doesn’t direct locations for wireless antenna deployments. Carriers request locations to place their equipment that will meet their system capacity demands. The City reviews pole attachment applications to ensure an installation meets all engineering standards, and that it will meet the design standards.
Other than ensuring all City standards and codes are met for each proposed placement, cities, counties and states are specifically prohibited by federal law (the Telecommunications Act of 1996) from taking any action that would prohibit (or have the effect of prohibiting) the deployment of wireless systems.
If you have received communications from Verizon about wireless equipment in your neighborhood, you can direct any questions to Verizon’s State Government Affairs office at 617-390-1915 or melrose@verizon.com.
What is the notification process for a wireless attachment on a pole?
As part of the current approval process, the City requires companies give advance notice in writing to immediately abutting property owners ahead of the installation.
Can I protest the approval of a wireless attachment permit?
There is no City appeal process related to wireless attachment permit approval. Under federal law, the City generally must allow telecommunication carriers to attach wireless facilities to poles. Once a carrier’s attachment application is found to meet all engineering design standards and requirements, the City cannot deny a permit for the placement of wireless attachment.