In June, the Everett City Council (MA) unanimously denied Verizon Wireless’s request to install two, 5G small cells. Last week, Verizon filed a two-count lawsuit against the City Council, citing a violation of federal law, reported the Everett Independent.
Since Everett requires the City Council’s approval for the installation of any telecommunications devices, many meetings are devoted to the discussion around infrastructure. Whether in person or virtual, sessions also involve pushback from neighbors regarding telecommunications projects, reported the Independent.
According to the Verizon suit, the denial of this specific request is “simply because some residents opposed them and based on unsubstantiated concerns about RF emissions.” The lawsuit went on to note that “under federal law, neither of those are valid bases for the denials.”
The City did not comment on the matter, according to the Independent. An attorney for Verizon, who couldn’t comment on the current litigation, offered the following statement, “We believe it’s important that local officials follow federal, state, and local law regarding cell sites.”
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