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SFPUC approves streetlight pole license program to host wireless antennas; program to yield about $1M a year
Summary
The commission approved a master license permitting wireless carriers to mount distributed antenna systems on SFPUC streetlight poles, establishing a $4,000-per-pole annual fee with 4% escalation, a 12-year term, and a requirement that carriers install city‑use fiber strands. Commissioners sought assurances on RF interference and liability protections.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission voted to approve terms of a proposed Master License Agreement allowing wireless carriers to mount distributed antenna systems on SFPUC-owned streetlight poles, a program staff estimates could generate about $1 million per year in revenue for the city.
Barbara Hale, Assistant General Manager for Power, said the program would permit carriers to sign one master license agreement and then select poles under that umbrella. The proposal sets a pole license fee of $4,000 per year with a 4% annual escalation and a 12‑year master license term to cover planning, permitting and operations. Hale said carriers would be required to install strands of fiber for city use as part of the agreement and that the program includes streamlined electrical and engineering review fees.
Commissioners questioned what happens at the end of the 12‑year term, whether renewals would be automatic, how radio‑frequency interference would be addressed and what protections the city would have for consequential damages. City Attorney’s Office counsel Maureen Nambra told the commission the Master License’s standard contract language includes a broad waiver of consequential or incidental damages and that the city would not accept open liability for such damages.
Hale said the license and pole agreements would not move forward without CEQA compliance and coordination with the planning department on aesthetics. On interference and utility conflicts, she said the agreements will prioritize PUC utility needs and permit staff to require removal of carrier equipment if it degrades city facilities or interferes with utility operations.
Commissioners moved and seconded the item; the motion passed by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will finalize the master license documents consistent with the commission’s direction, confirm CEQA compliance and return to the commission as necessary for implementation.
