New guidelines for 5G towers in Tucson

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TUCSON, Arizona (KOLD News 13) – Small cell towers – 5G towers – have appeared across the country and here in Tucson. It’s a wireless mast that offers faster internet and better cellular reception.

However, the towers have been an ongoing battle between residents, the city of Tucson, AT&T, and Verizon. But some new updates will hopefully break some barriers.

A newly published handbook by the city of Tucson now serves as the set of rules. Ward 6 Alderman Steve Kozachik says the manual explains the terms where these masts can be installed.

“For example, you can no longer drag yourself through the landscape of people,” said Kozachik. “You must not be within 50 feet of any other vertical element, which means that this will force a conversation about collocation.”

Prior to this guide, Tucson residents and the city of Tucson had no say in where those 5G towers were going, with the exception of AT&T and Verizon.

“So instead of someone hanging a door hanger on Allie Potter’s house 10 days before the excavator shows up. We need to contact Allie Potter and have a chat about what we’re considering, ”Kozachik said. “Does yours work? Maybe there are other options in your area. ”

Still, some residents don’t want them.

“I don’t see that we need more. We’re doing well with what we have, ”said Stuart Moody.

Moody lives in the Sam Hughes neighborhood. He said the 5G towers were unnecessary, an eyesore and a health risk.

“A source of damage to physiology, cognition, health, etc.,” said Moody.

“There will always be a group of people who believe the technology is dangerous,” Kozachik said. “This group of people just doesn’t understand that the City of Tucson has no legal authority to take part in this conversation.”

KOLD News 13 reached out to the cell phone companies, below are their answers.

Toni M. Broberg – President of AT&T Arizona and New Mexico

“As we continue to improve our network, we’re helping Arizona businesses grow and helping our customers and communities across the country stay connected. We will continue to work closely with local Tucson executives to minimize the impact on the community while providing additional wireless broadband connectivity. “

Heidi Flato – Verizon spokeswoman

“Our small cell operation in Tucson benefits all Verizon customers in the region. You can find more information on how it improves the service of everyone here. “

Copyright 2021 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.

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