The Fishers Board of Works and Public Safety approved a nonexclusive agreement with AT&T Monday, allowing the communications giant to install small cell towers, paving the way for 5G technology to be available in the city.
Fishers City Attorney Chris Greisl talks about the future of 5G technology in Fishers and a license agreement with AT&T. (Photo provided)
City Attorney Chris Greisl told board members the city will establish an engineering standard and AT&T will attach the 5G small cells to city infrastructure, such as traffic signals, street lights, municipal buildings and park structures. AT&T is looking to begin 5G installations in three areas of downtown Fishers. The city will talk with other 5G providers about similar agreements.
The board plans on scheduling a work session later this month to discuss the issue of handling city approvals of 5G small cell installations in residential neighborhoods. Mayor Scott Fadness says he is looking for a healthy discussion at the board’s work session.
“From our conversations with the utility companies and telecom industry, they do desire to deploy a significant number of these [5G small cells] throughout our community,” said Fadness. “Some, more than others, have a strong desire to get into neighborhoods. That decision still resides squarely with the Board of Works.”
The board will set up the approval process for requests to place this 5G equipment within Fishers neighborhoods. There are a number of small cell pieces of equipment required to furnish 5G service because the range is small – only 500 to 700 feet.
In other board actions at the Monday session:
- $1.649 million in road and street improvement bids received the OK from the board. The road projects include Allisonville Road from 131st Street to 146th Street, Brooks School Road from Club Point to Fall Creek, Hague Road from Railroad Tracks to 116th Street, New Britton Woods Subdivision, and Kincaid from 96th Street to 106th Street.
- The board approved a professional services agreement with NBBJ, a national architect and design firm, for the Nickel Plate Trail. The board also adopted the Master Plan for the trail. You can review the Master Plan at this link.
- The City Hall office furnishings are being updated and the board voted to buy $131,601.79 worth of the furniture. For a breakdown of all the furniture, use this link.