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Dublin staff and consultants present wireless‑coverage study and recommend strategic plan to address gaps
Summary
City staff and Telogistix presented independent RF analysis showing low‑band and mid‑band coverage gaps in parts of Dublin, recommended pursuing collocation on existing towers, evaluating mid‑cell and stealth macro solutions, updating zoning/code, and building a prioritized city‑owned site inventory and RFP templates; council asked for public engagement and next‑step costs.
An independent wireless infrastructure review presented June 22 outlined coverage gaps for major carriers and recommended a city‑led strategic framework to improve connectivity for residents, businesses and public safety.
"Blue means you can't make a phone call," consultant Brett Sworls summarized when showing low‑band coverage maps that highlighted areas where voice and text can fail. Staff presented two frequency bands of interest: low band (long range, better building/tree penetration) and mid band (higher data capacity and the workhorse for contemporary 5G deployments). The consultants identified a limited set of potential collocation sites and city‑owned parcels where targeted deployment could yield material improvements.
Brandon Brown said Dublin has been approached repeatedly by carriers and tower companies and that an independent assessment was needed because carrier maps can differ. The study recommended three near‑term avenues: encourage carrier collocation on structurally suitable existing towers, evaluate mid‑cell and stealth macro solutions that blend into the environment, and create a prioritized inventory of city assets for potential sites. The presentation also emphasized code and zoning work to avoid delays seen elsewhere and proposed a repeatable RFP and public‑engagement playbook.
Council members raised questions about alternative solutions. "Starlink's good in rural applications," Sworls said in response to a council question, noting the satellite service’s limitations in denser, tree‑filled areas. Members also asked about revenue potential from leasing city poles or fiber connectivity; presenters said revenue models differ by technology and site type and would be part of the next‑phase analysis.
Staff concluded by asking whether council supports developing a strategic plan; members generally signaled interest in continuing the work and asked that staff return with a more detailed scope, zoning/code review, site‑specific cost estimates, and a proposed public‑engagement approach.
