MICHAEL D. CORBIN

External Affairs Manager - Louisiana SWEPCO

The advancement of technology sometimes brings unwanted consequences.

Several residents and elected officials have expressed concern over new standalone poles supporting 5G technology installations in Shreveport and Bossier City neighborhoods. At least two communications companies currently have projects underway in our area that will strengthen existing cellular networks and introduce 5G service. Work began in 2018 to map out specific locations for necessary equipment, and both Shreveport and Bossier City governments finalized the application and permitting process. SWEPCO has been included in the permitting, planning and installation process from the beginning.

5G technology operates much differently from the existing 4G service. Location of transmitters, antennas and receivers is much more precise and often required to be within an area of just a few feet. More equipment is required to keep the signal strong and to prepare for technologies such as autonomous driving. Because of these requirements, the single tower structure with multiple transmitter/antenna devices or common areas such as water towers are not ideal for 5G equipment. Communications companies are estimating that equipment would be required every 300-400 feet on major roadways, which equates to about every third utility pole. Factor in multiple communications companies and the space available for equipment quickly becomes limited.

Communications companies cannot share equipment and must be aware of electrical interference from existing utility lines. Additionally, tree canopy, tall buildings and terrain can impact the 5G signal and create a need for additional equipment. SWEPCO is coordinating with the communications companies, and their contractors, to provide space on utility poles when ap propriate. This is referred to as co-locating. Electrical service is also required at each site to power the new equipment.

In many instances, a new stand-alone pole is required to be installed. This could be because the necessary location does not have a qualifying electrical pole in the needed location. Newer neighborhoods with underground utilities create a challenge because there are no existing electrical poles. Ability to provide electrical service at a location can also present a problem. SWEPCO is currently working to approve replacement street light standards that have built-in 5G equipment. An existing street light standard could be removed and replaced with a new standard in appropriate cases.

The FCC regulates the rollout of 5G technologies and has sent the message to municipalities and utilities that we must cooperate and find ways to work together to support this new technology. SWEPCO will continue to assist the communications companies in expanding and introducing 5G in our service area.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE April 23 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUISITOR.