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DAS network antennas are generally installed at lower elevations than traditional antennas found on cell towers . DAS infrastructure is also generally lower power and intended to serve a smaller geographic area . They are popular in dense urban areas where traditional cell towers are unfeasible to develop . There are numerous DAS technologies and they are generally specific to the telecommunication provider . In general , however , the lower the antenna height the higher the density of poles required to cover a given area .
Kimley-Horn held a meeting with a representative from AT & T Wireless who had previously addressed the UUTF regarding the deployment of Smart Poles throughout the Town . AT & T Wireless indicated that they do not have any current plans to pursue a DAS network within the Town , but that they could foresee themselves
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Smart Pole on the campus of Ole Miss University |
desiring to do so at some point in the future . They stated they are most interested in covering the commercial areas and main thoroughfares such as Royal Palm Way and Royal Poinciana Way . They are currently not interested in deploying DAS networks in less densely populated areas primarily for economic reasons .
Kimley-Horn reviewed the Town ’ s Code of Ordinances related to Telecommunication Towers and Antennas . We noted that antennas are a permitted use on all Townowned property and in all the Town ’ s commercial , R-D ( 1 ), R-D ( 2 ) and PUD-A zoning districts , provided approval is granted by the architectural commission or landmark commission , whichever is pertinent . This excludes many of the residential zoning districts in Town where Smart Pole technology could be deployed . Kimley-Horn ’ s recommendation is that the Town review the zoning code and consider modifications that would be specific to regulations for a Smart Pole DAS / WiFi
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network deployment throughout the Town . This could include specific regulations for permitted locations , aesthetics , height restrictions , etc . This would then provide better guidance to the cellular industry regarding how they could successfully deploy such a network within the Town . It may also support and expand opportunities for public-private partnerships between the Town and providers that have interest in providing not only wired broadband services but also wireless broadband services in the Town .
Kimley-Horn further recommends that any costs related to deployment of a Smart Pole DAS network be borne completely by the cellular industry and / or broadband providers . It is also recommended that the Town only install Smart Poles in conjunction with their street lighting program if a wireless industry partner identifies the exact location of where the poles should be installed along with the capital to perform such installation . The Town should not undertake Smart Pole installation without a wireless industry partner because the individual wireless carrier desired locations , equipment , and height requirements are highly variable and specific and cannot be reasonably predicted .
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