The Regular Meeting of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) on August 27, 2025, addressed several key agenda items, with a significant focus on the application from Crown Castle Fiber LLC for the installation of a small cell wireless telecommunications facility.

The meeting commenced with the presentation of docket number 24 12 0 7, concerning Crown Castle's request to construct and attach a small cell facility to a replacement utility pole located at 79 Sunshine Circle in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Authority staff attorney Josh Coker outlined the details of the application, which was submitted on December 18, 2024. The proposal faced opposition from local residents, Jose and Veronica Ortiz, who expressed concerns regarding the facility's safety and potential health impacts.

Coker explained that the application met the necessary threshold requirements, which included the facility's specific location, a detailed description, its intended use, and safety measures for construction and operation. The authority holds exclusive jurisdiction over such installations in public rights of way, as stipulated by state law. However, the authority's regulatory powers are limited by federal law, which restricts state regulation based on environmental effects related to radio frequency emissions, provided the facilities comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards.

Despite the opposition citing safety concerns, Crown Castle provided evidence indicating that the radio frequency emissions from the proposed facility would be well below FCC limits. After reviewing the application and the evidence presented, the authority concluded that the application was complete and compliant with state regulations. The authority determined that public convenience and necessity justified the approval of the construction, subject to specific conditions outlined in their decision.

In summary, the meeting highlighted the balance between local concerns and regulatory frameworks governing telecommunications infrastructure, ultimately leading to the approval of Crown Castle's application for the small cell facility in Bridgeport.