Small Cell Technology Review

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Consultation has concluded

Up to date information about the Small Cell Technology Review is now available here.

In Winnipeg, mobile devices like cell phones traditionally get service from large (“Macro”) cell phone towers and antennas so we can access internet, phone, and texting services.

Small cells are smaller versions of those towers that can complement larger radio installations to improve coverage, add capacity, and support new services and user experiences. About the size of a home Wi-Fi router, they are small enough to be installed atop poles, lampposts, on the sides of buildings, or on traffic signals. Their weaker signal only covers a

Up to date information about the Small Cell Technology Review is now available here.

In Winnipeg, mobile devices like cell phones traditionally get service from large (“Macro”) cell phone towers and antennas so we can access internet, phone, and texting services.

Small cells are smaller versions of those towers that can complement larger radio installations to improve coverage, add capacity, and support new services and user experiences. About the size of a home Wi-Fi router, they are small enough to be installed atop poles, lampposts, on the sides of buildings, or on traffic signals. Their weaker signal only covers a small geographic area, so multiple small cells are necessary to equal the coverage of a Macro tower.

Small cells are required for 5G service, the fifth generation of wireless technology. 4G service has been available in Winnipeg for several years, and is currently deployed on the traditional (Macro) cell phone tower system. While existing 4G service would benefit from a shift to small cells, 5G service is dependent on small cells to support better coverage, substantially increased speeds, and other features.

The Government of Canada is responsible for regulating all forms of cellular technology, while the City of Winnipeg (City) has a role in guiding the location, design, and information to the community for the introduction of antenna systems on City-owned assets in Winnipeg.

The City is seeking to better understand the opportunities, issues, and value of small cell technology and the implementation of 5G service. In Phase 1, we asked for feedback to help us better understand the level of awareness and views about small cell technology in Winnipeg. Further technical results and outcomes will be published via the small cell website (winnipeg.ca/smallcelltechnology).

Information will be provided across three phases:

Phase 1: Collect feedback to inform aspects of the trial

Future communication: Further technical results and outcomes will be published via the small cell website (winnipeg.ca/smallcelltechnology)

An image of a City from overhead shows different elements designated as City-owned assets, Manitoba Hydro, or privately owned. These roles are described in the table below.

The following information illustrates roles based on current policies and guidelines, which will be part of the review:




City-owned Assets

Manitoba Hydro Infrastructure

Privately-owned Lands/Buildings

Exempt Locations

Private Sites

Description

Towers or small cells on/in City-owned land or buildings

Installations of antenna/small cells on existing MB Hydro infrastructure through lease agreements with MB Hydro and exempted under the City Encroachment By-law

Locations where antenna system proposal review and public consultation is exempted by the Winnipeg Antenna System Policy

Lease agreements with individual property owners for sites available on the open real estate market

City Role

  • City lease agreement in/on buildings
  • (Multiple) permit/s on rights-of-way
  • Letter of Concurrence/Non-Concurrence on buildings/ structures based on conformity with the WASP

No role

No role

Letter of Concurrence/Non-Concurrence on buildings/ structures based on conformity with the WASP

Examples

  • City-owned/public buildings
  • City-owned poles (e.g., ornamental street lights)
  • Transit shelters
  • Traffic signal poles, etc.
  • MB Hydro poles on back lanes, etc.
  • Street light standards
  • Inside buildings
  • Where the antenna installation does not increase the height of the structure by more than 25%
  • Freestanding towers less than 15m in height (e.g., amateur radio towers)
  • An increase in height to an existing freestanding tower no greater than 25% of initial height.
  • Temporary antenna systems
  • Maintenance, minor modification and relocation within the same site
  • Freestanding towers
  • Rooftop antenna installations
  • Antenna attached to buildings


We want to know:

Phase 1:

  • What are residents’ thoughts about small cell technology?

We commit to:

  • Passing feedback along to decision makers, including a report on how feedback was considered by the Public Service.
  • Informing residents on progress related to trials.

Background

Wireless service providers are interested in introducing new service delivery methods – such as 5G networks – to improve cellular reception and performance throughout Winnipeg. Carriers are now planning to introduce Small Cells sites in Winnipeg. These will supplement the traditional large scale Macro Cell towers that are currently used.

The City of Winnipeg is not responsible for the regulation or monitoring of radio communications. Canada’s Radiofrequency Exposure Guidelines are developed at the federal level by Health Canada (Safety Code 6) and regulated by Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). Any company operating 5G or Small Cell technologies in Winnipeg would be required to adhere to these guidelines.

The City’s role is explained in this document, including the Winnipeg Antenna Systems Policy (WASP). The goal of the WASP is to ensure there is a reliable communications network in the city, while at the same time protecting the safety of residents and minimizing adverse visual impacts on the community. The WASP was adopted by City Council, as amended on May 27, 2015.

Consultation has concluded
  • September 14, 2021

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    Since the review began, the project team has learned the limitations of the City’s jurisdiction, and as such, the limitations of the City’s ability to influence wireless service provider’s actions based on public feedback. To ensure a genuine process, engagement is now concluded following learning about the views and concerns of residents.

    Information about the trials and outcomes will be available at winnipeg.ca/smallcelltechnology.

  • February 17, 2021

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    Thank you to all those who participated in Phase 1 of the Small Cell Technology Review.

    We heard from you through a randomly selected research survey, an online survey, an online poll, and through interviews.

    A public engagement summary and appendices summarizing and responding to feedback are now available. The feedback collected has been reviewed by the City’s internal working group and stakeholder advisory group as they continue to discuss cellular provider’s upcoming small cell trials. As the City explores our role with regards to guidance around small cell location, design, and consultation with the community, this feedback will assist in how the trials are structured and evaluated.

    The City continues to seek to better understand the opportunities, issues, and value of small cell technology and the implementation of 5G service. Part of that work requires engaging with telecommunication providers operating in Manitoba. A report recommending that authority be delegated to the Chief Administrative Officer to negotiate and approve confidentiality agreements and non-disclosure agreements will be provided for Standing Policy Committee consideration on February 22, 2021. If you would like to appear as a delegation, please contact City Clerk’s.

  • Updates

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    November 9, 2020 - close of phase 1 engagement

    Thank you to everyone who provided feedback through the telephone survey, and online survey (254 responses) and poll (247 responses). The feedback is being analyzed and a public engagement summary will be posted on this website once analysis is complete.


    Fall 2020 – Launch of small cell technology review

    Beginning in 2020, the City expects that cellular providers will be conducting independent trials of small cell and 5G infrastructure in Winnipeg. The City will be coordinating with wireless service providers during their trials to see how our existing policies, processes, and procedures regarding cellular infrastructure apply to 5G and small cells, and determine what, if any, amendments need to be made.

    We are asking for your feedback before the trials begin. We will be reaching out to key stakeholders for interviews and asking questions to a random sample of Winnipeggers through a telephone survey.

    Learn more:

    1. The government of Canada is responsible for regulating small cell technology. Read more here.
    2. Read about the City’s role here.

    Have your say:

    1. Respond to a poll question (less than a minute)
    2. Respond to a survey (about ten minutes)