More wireless broadband coverage coming to San Jose via light poles

The City of San Jose (CA) announced it has reached a tentative $5 million agreement with AT&T to deploy small cell technology on city-owned light poles. The non exclusive, 15-year agreement provides funding to help bolster the city's first responder communications network in addition to paying $1,500 per year for each of the projected 750 light poles to be used. The agreement still needs to be approved by the City Council at its May 1 meeting.

Small cell technology involves antennas and associated equipment to be attached to existing poles, which are commonly 30 feet tall, as opposed to building or adding equipment to much taller cell towers, which have been criticized for being eyesores to residents who live near them. Existing cell towers can range from 70 to 300 feet in height. AT&T says small cell technology is part of its plans to initiate 5G high-speed connectivity.