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PUC seeks master license agreement for wireless gear on concrete poles; supervisors press to prevent pole clutter
Summary
The Public Utilities Commission asked the committee to approve master licenses allowing wireless carriers to place equipment on concrete streetlight poles. Supervisors raised concerns about 'cluttering' and asked for contractual language requiring removal of older equipment; PUC agreed to include such amendments and revenue from licenses will go to the streetlight program.
The Public Utilities Commission presented a resolution authorizing master license agreements that would let wireless carriers install micro‑radio units and shrouded antennas on concrete streetlight poles under a 12‑year license. Mary Tinkin of the PUC described one carrier’s simulated installation and said the agreements mirror prior licenses for steel poles; licensees are responsible for installation, must seek PUC approval for each site, and would install city‑use fiber as part of some deals.
Supervisor Farrell and others expressed constituent concern about pole 'cluttering' if multiple carriers' equipment accumulated. Tinkin said the license would allow one carrier per pole and that license amendments could require replacement of old equipment on a one‑for‑one basis; supervisors asked the PUC to bake that obligation into the license or as an amendment. The PUC agreed to include clearer removal and replacement language in the amendment.
The Budget Analyst estimated first‑year PUC revenues at roughly $400,000–$473,000 depending on the number of licensed poles and projected total PUC revenue over 12 years between $4.0M and $5.1M. The Budget Analyst recommended an amendment to ensure revenues go to the PUC streetlight program, consistent with prior steel‑pole agreements; the committee adopted the amendment and forwarded the item to the full Board with positive recommendation.
Timeline and permitting: After Board approval and mayoral signature, agreement signing is expected followed by carrier permit applications; PUC estimated internal processing and public permit time could make earliest construction activity likely in February 2017.
Next steps: PUC will include language in the license or amendment to require removal of obsolete equipment and the committee forwarded the amended resolution to the full Board for approval.
