Last week, Ithaca’s (NY) Common Council determined the fate of 5G in the town. The Ithaca Voice reported that the Council voted 7-2 that the installation of 5G towers would not have a significant environmental impact. Members also approved small cell design, location, and setback guidelines.
Ithaca’s 5G journey began in May 2020, when the city approved a resolution to allow Verizon Wireless to provide the next-gen service. However, plans for 5G could not be executed until after design guidelines were approved, according to the Voice.
The Council deliberated on the language in the guidelines, including setbacks, data usage, and health impacts. Verizon had already contacted city officials regarding the setbacks, arguing that the 250-foot measure was too stringent, so it was revised to 150 feet.
Additionally, Alderperson Ducson Nguyen argued that dropped calls are an antiquated way to measure coverage. He suggested utilizing data usage speeds instead; for example, if data usage drops below 10 Mbps, an application could be considered for 5G small cell installation, reported the Voice. Another item confirmed was around “questionable health concerns” language which was removed from the guidelines favoring the FCC’s stipulations.
Some residents spoke out regarding 5G, voicing health concerns and petitioning for an even wider setback (up to 1,500 feet from schools and daycares). Alderperson George McGonigal argued that the city has held firm on extended setback distances “in the interest of keeping people healthy and finding a way to compromise with the anti-5G sentiment in the community.”
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