Minnesota’s Small Cell Deployment Bill Gets Support From the Press

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In stride with a national trend, Minnesota is currently considering a bill that would create standardized rules, regulations and requirements for the deployment of small cell technology. In a recent opinion piece, the Duluth News Tribune Editorial Board wrote in support of this legislation.

“Because Minnesota must keep pace with technology if it wants to keep up with other states and the rest of the world in attracting business and encouraging economic progress, the Legislature this session can take action to streamline and make consistent throughout the state rules, regulations and requirements for small cells,” wrote the editorial board.

The board cited several reasons for support of the legislation, including the state and local communities’ outdated zoning regulations and the state’s abnormally high rent costs for providers to install equipment on public property.  

Pro-business groups in the state, like the Duluth Chamber of Commerce, have argued that the legislation would result in growth for local companies and new investments.

The editorial board also cited next year’s Super Bowl as a reason to act swiftly on the legislation. Minneapolis is hosting the 2018 Super Bowl, which is certain to draw a huge spike in wireless data in the state’s biggest city.

AT&T Minnesota President Paul Weirtz said making the rules standardized across the state will enable wireless providers to quickly deploy technology across the state and bring 5G wireless coverage to the Gopher State.

“These are the future,” Weirtz told the Duluth News Tribune. “The argument is if we can get some parameters as to how to deploy this over the 854 communities in Minnesota, just some standards around that, it’s going to get those antennas employed sooner. And that’s going to help bring that 5G wireless coverage quicker to Minnesota.”

April 26, 2017      

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