DCPCUP-2017-02374 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . EVANS ,. ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS #2 Network Propagation Analysis A propagation study conducted by Verizon Wireless, which was examined by this consultant, shows that the area in question has pockets of underserved areas. An underserved area (either a weak signal or a lack of capacity), if not addressed, frequently results in reduced quality, dropped calls and slow or no internet connection in this area. A cellular network must be put together like pieces of a puzzle; each site is strategically located so that when the network is completed, a wireless subscriber can use his or her mobile device anywhere in the area without dropped connections. #3 Options for Co-Locating on an Existing Tower This consultant has confirmed that there are no federally-registered communication towers within Verizon's search ring, which has a radius of a half-mile from a point near the construction site proposed by Verizon. Thus, no discussion of alternative sites will be presented in this review. In the experience of this consultant, a distance of 0.5 mile is a reasonable radial distance for a cell site search area. The closest known antenna structure, the US Cellular tower, is 0.7 mile from the center of the search ring. #4 Proposed Antenna Array Height The cellular base station antenna height is dictated by the antenna height necessary for reliable coverage, which is influenced by topography and "look angle." Mounting the antennas too low above ground can cause the cellular base station signals to be degraded by hills and mature trees, which leads to cell phone call dropouts. This proposal appears to be reasonable at a maximum of 150 feet above ground level, considering that Verizon Wireless intends to enhance service in a wide area. #5 RF Exposure Although local governments are preempted by the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 from regulating RF emissions from wireless base station sites, nonetheless exposure to RF signals is generally a concern to some local government officials and residents. Exposure to RF signals from transmitting antennas is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC standards, which were adopted by that agency in 1997, are based on RF exposure limits developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) and adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992, "Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz." At the time the ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992 standards were being formulated, of Evans Engineering Solutions Communications Consultants 4 Verizon—Town of Rutland CUP Site Assessment Report