AT&T Lauds Minnesota’s New Legislation That Sets Small Cell Pricing At $150 Annually

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton gets some love from the number two wireless carrier in the United States. As indicated in the press release that AT&T issued, it stated how the new legislation in the state contribute immensely in setting up regulations and even streamlining proper guidelines that should foster faster roll outs of small cell tech, and in the process, usher in the the arrival of better wireless tech and services in the state of Minnesota. AT&T believes that small cell tech is essential for laying the foundation for a true 5G network. Because of the law, the major US wireless carrier is now in a good position to accelerate its small cell roll outs in the Minneapolis-St Paul metropolis.

Per a detailed report on the new legislation published by AGL, the new legislation basically establishes the charges for small cell installations to municipal structures at $150 annually, with an additional $25 to cover for maintenance and electricity costs. The law will also let small cell roll outs become a permitted use in most public rights of way, and it needs officials to decide on applications for small cell roll outs within a period of three months (90 days to be exact).

Minnesota is far from being the only state in America that is trying to make small cell roll outs easier. According to a report recently published by NPR, the wireless industry in the country is fully supporting similar laws in no less than 20 states in 2017. As a matter of fact, bills related to easing small cell installations are under way in states such as Arizona, Colorado, and Virginia, just to name a few. And a year ago, states likes Kansas and Ohio have already passed their respective legislation on small cell deployments.

Other regions, however, appear to taking another approach when it comes to small cells. According to a report published by Philly.com, the state of Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission recently voted 4 to 1 to reaffirm an earlier decision to cease classifying distributed antenna firms as utilities, which basically means making small cell roll outs a bit more difficult to carry out.

Most players in the US wireless industry are generally in favor of accelerating small cell roll outs. But the market is having a tough time dealing with zoning and permitting related problems. In some districts, small cell deployments are being scrutinized over aesthetics, noise, and rights of way related concerns, among many others.