Claiming it seeks transparency, California’s Novato City Council ruled four AT&T 5G applications as “incomplete.” While AT&T met the 10 day posting requirement, it did not meet transparency rules that are not yet in force. According to TechWire, the council has decided that 4G and 5G applications now need to be posted in advance on the city’s website. AT&T has been encouraged to reapply.
The City Council has indicated that it intends to officially adopt the new rule later this year. Councilwoman Pat Eklund, who championed the change in procedure, noted, “We have always been transparent and open. This is not transparency. It is not being open to the public, especially when notices are only sent out 10 days before an action.”
The source added that some council members expressed misgivings about redirecting the council’s energy and resources to reconsider projects that are already in the pipeline. Additionally, some residents pointed to phantom health concerns stemming from 5G. The source included a reminder that both the FCC and WHO have found no evidence to warrant 5G fears and the attention remained focused on the transparency issue.
Reactions from local residents were mixed, TechWire reported. Commenting in favor of the council’s actions, Novato resident Steve Glanz wrote, “We have provided evidence that California cities retain their local zoning control over the placement, construction and operations of wireless transmission facilities of any size of any ‘G,’ despite industry propaganda to the contrary.”
Marin County resident Craig Knowlton, however, expressed support for improving wireless communications. “We need more cell tower coverage throughout Marin, especially in Northern Marin and the city of Novato,” he noted. “Reliable, redundant communications during earthquakes, wildfires and other natural disasters are critical to ensure residents have the most up-to-date information possible to save lives.”
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