Capitol News

Per State of Michigan requirements, local municipalities must allow for cellular wireless companies to add 5G small cell wireless facilities within their communities. 

View the State's Small Wireless Communications Facilities Deployment Act to learn more about the State's requirements. 

What is 5G?

5G is the fifth-generation mobile network, offering bigger channels to speed up data, lower latency to be more responsive and the ability to connect more devices at once for sensors and smart devices. 

What regulations does the City of East Lansing have control over?

Per the City Code, the City can regulate the placement/siting of "small cell" facilities. View the Small Cell Networks section of the City Code for additional information.

How many small cell installations are there in the City and are there any planned for the future?

There are currently approximately 12 small cell installations in the City. Crown Castle has had pre-discussions with City staff and is proposing to add more than 50 small cell locations within the City beginning sometime in 2023. A draft map of Crown Castle's proposed locations for small cell installations can be viewed here. Currently, the City has not received any small cell permit applications from Crown Castle; the City has received previous Metro Act permit requests. The public can reach out to Crown Castle at Lansingarea@crowncastle.com. Representatives from Crown Castle will also be attending the Feb. 14 East Lansing City Council Discussion-Only Meeting, taking place at 7 p.m. at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road.

Who can I reach out to if I have additional questions? 

Individuals with additional questions can reach out to East Lansing Department of Public Works Acting Director Nicole McPherson at (517) 319-6928 or nmcpher@cityofeastlansing.com. The public can also reach out to Crown Castle at Lansingarea@crowncastle.com.

Original source can be found here.