'Small Cell' Antenna Legislation Opposed By Suburban Mayors

AURORA, IL – The Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act isn’t exactly what some suburban leaders had in mind when it comes to boosting mobile internet speed. Mayor Richard Irvin, of Aurora, and Mayor Steve Chirico, of Naperville, took part in a meeting Monday to share with the public the downfalls of SB1451. According to a joint press release from both cities, the bill would limit local authority's regulating powers for a network of tens of thousands of antennas. It also says the new law would impose artificially low fees for reviewing permit applications and using municipal equipment. The meeting, held in the City of Aurora Call Center, also covered the potential for the antennas to interfere with the next generation of public safety equipment.

The Small Wireless Facilities Act limits what a local government can do with regulations and arrangement and of small wireless facilities. But the wireless facilities are anything but small, according to a statement from Mayor Irvin in the Daily Herald. He said small cells on public utility poles would be an "eyesore for the community." Mayor Chirico told the Herald that they want to be thoughtful about how a 5G communication is introduced in Naperville.

Other people in attendance were: Mayors of Willowbrook, Addison, West Chicago, Warrenville, Oswego, Bolingbrook and North Aurora, according to the Herald. Chairmen of Dupage, Kane and Kendall county boards were also present.

The bill went through a Public Utilities Committee Hearing Tuesday morning in Springfield.

Update: Bill passed through the State House Tuesday night and now heads back to the Senate.

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