By ANDREA NOBLE SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals largely upheld FCC rules limiting local government’s ability to regulate 5G infrastructure and cap fees. Cities involved in the case have until Sept. 28 to file an appeal, but some experts say the ruling wasn’t all bad.

Dozens of cities and counties were on the losing end of a federal court decision last month that largely upheld Federal Communications Commission rules restricting their ability to regulate technology for 5G infrastructure.

Local governments that objected to the rules now have until Sept. 28 to file an appeal for a new hearing before the entire 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals—a step at least some are considering.

“We are speaking with our clients right now about whether or not to do that,” said Gerry Lederer, an attorney with Best, Best and Krieger, who represents the National League of Cities and a coalition of cities and counties in the litigation.

Read more at https://www.nextgov.com/emerging-tech/2020/09/after-decision-upholding-fccs-5g-rules-cities-now-weighing-appeal/168658/

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TUCSON (KVOA) – Looking at the small cell pole, it looks a lot like a light pole, but if you look a little closer, it is not. It is actually a wireless pole to provide faster speed internet and better cell reception.

It sounds great right? Not exactly great news if you are a resident with one in your front yard.

“I do not think it adds to my property value. I asked them if there were other options besides near my front door and they said no based on the grid they set up,” said Tucson resident Josh Franklin.

Franklin did not have a say in the new cell pole outside his house. In fact, he found out about it when they were digging in his yard two months ago. He contacted the City of Tucson. They do not have a say in the installation either.

According to state legislation, the city’s role is only processing permits for these small cell wireless poles.

“We review the permits as they come in, make sure they are in compliance with the requirements of the permit and then we issue the permit,” City of Tucson Department of Transportation & Mobility Deputy Director Sam Credio said.

Verizon and AT&T install these poles.

“We have no say on where the poles actually go. That design is done by Verizon and AT&T,” said Credio.

Watch the video and read the full article at:

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We appreciate you taking the time to read our newsletter.

The EMFSA Team

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August 12, 2020

A federal appeals court has upheld a 2018 decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to cap fees for wireless carriers to deploy small cells which are essential for the adoption of 5G networks.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on Wednesday largely upheld the three orders the FCC adopted in 2018 to speed 5G deployments, despite objections from dozens of U.S. cities.

The decision is a win for wireless carriers like Verizon Communications, AT&T, and T-Mobile US. AT&T said in 2018 that excessive fees sought by Portland, Oregon, were preventing it from deploying 5G small cells in the city.

Excerpt:

FCC commissioners have said the United States over a decade will need to install as many 800,000 small cells for 5G networks.

The 2018 FCC orders limited local governments’ ability to regulate telecom providers and prevented owners and operators of utility poles from discriminatorily denying or delaying 5G and broadband service providers access to poles.

The appeals court upheld the orders, except in reference to a provision dealing with local governments’ authority on aesthetic regulations.

Read more at: https://www.telecomlead.com/telecom-services/u-s-court-upholds-fcc-cap-on-5g-small-cell-fees-in-win-for-wireless-carriers-96348

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Source: https://www.speedtest.net/ookla-5g-map

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March 18, 2019

Excerpts (translated from Spanish):

The Department of Urbanism and Environment of the City of Oviedo (through the Municipal School of Sustainability) and Department of Education (through the Municipal School of Health) in collaboration with the Platform Against Electromagnetic Pollution (PECCEM), will develop several activities to raise awareness of the health effects of electromagnetic pollution and addiction to new technologies.

The Town Planning Councilor, Ignacio Fernández Del Páramo; Mónica Sánchez, from the Platform Against Electromagnetic Pollution (PACCEM) and José Luis Peralta, from the Municipal School of Health, presented  the “Follow the Good Wave” campaign, about the safer use (more intelligent) way of using newer technologies. The campaign has three main axes: For 5th and 6th grade Primary schools with recommendations on rational use (brochures will be distributed in schools) as well as making this information available to parents. There will also be two talks. The first was held on March 19th with  speakers Rubén García and Lennart Koch ( members of PECCEM).

The second talk, ‘Lights and shadows of the Internet: tips for parents 3.0’, by the psychologist Joaquín González Cabrera, will take place on April 2, at 5:00 pm, at the CP Poeta Ángel González, La Corredoria, Oviedo. Mayor Del Páramo:  “The idea is to educate the little ones in the use of new technologies and also the adult public.”

Monica Sanchez (PECCEM) wanted to “thank the City Council for the involvement with this campaign. We are not against the Internet but I am in favor of minimizing the possible risks, especially in children. This campaign is done in a positive way –  proposing good practices to be aware of when giving children a mobile device. ”

The councilor has also referred to current affairs. An audio of the press conference and the statements of the mayor can be found at https://www.oviedo.es/-/las-concejalias-de-medio-ambiente-y-educacion-lanzan-una-campana-para-sensibilizar-a-los-escolares-sobre-la-contaminacion-electromagnetica

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Cell Towers and City Ordinances

Some of the topics covered :

Small Cell Tower Applications: Cities Writing Preemptive  Ordinances

Tools Cities and Citizens Can Use to Preserve Wireless Facilities Control

Citizens are Fighting Cell Tower Proposals

New City Rules: Stronger for Citizens or For Industry?

Denying Applications: Significant Gap in Coverage Required –   Is There a Gap in coverage? Find Out

Lack of Transparency, Monitoring or Consideration of Environmental or Health Concerns

Arguing Health Concerns

Substantial Evidence of Health Harm

There is Emerging and Historical “Substantial Evidence” of Health Harm from Wireless Radiation

Firefighters Get Legal Health Exemption

My Street My Choice A Neighborhood Survival Guide: http://mystreetmychoice.com/   

WirelessAction.wordpress.com- Let Your Voice Be Heard.

Let your voice be heard!

Citizens Fight Back and Oppose Cell Towers

Attorney Patrick Shannon testifying against a 16 tower planned installation in Hillsborough, California

Court Hearings in the Appeal of Cell Towers

Many Cities and Schools Now Fighting Cell Towers In California

Note from EMFSA:

South Africa – 5G and Rapid Deployment

South Africa – Small Cells and 5G Reality Check

Public invitation to comment on the draft of the spectrum policy direction for ICASA

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