Small Cell Antennas in Northern California
Generating Support in a Diverse Community
Ever wonder why cell phone service suddenly cuts out while you’re on a call, or you find yourself in a dead spot with no reception at all? You guessed it, the forces of NIMBYism may be at work.
Everyone enjoys the luxuries of cellular phone connectivity and relies on a strong network for safety in emergencies, yet when an installation is proposed, oppositional voices from some neighbors can be loud and strong. With next generation 5G cellular technology requiring additional network improvements – and FCC plans to reduce municipal roadblocks sidetracked in the courts – the controversy continues in communities nationwide. City officials are often tempted to pander to NIMBYs, misguided health advocates and other squeaky wheels rather than approve adding small cells equipment to existing telephone poles and streetlights.
When organized opposition threatened to derail plans for new small cells infrastructure in a diverse East Bay city, GCA Strategies made sure decision makers heard from the rest of the community.
Results: At dozens of public hearings, we organized community residents representing all ethnicities and ages – including students, businesses, young tech workers, gig workers, senior citizens and the disabled – to rally in support of improved cell phone infrastructure. More than 120 cell sites were approved in swatches over a three-year period.
GCA projects are successful projects.