11-26-1997 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City of Little Canada Ordinance Change Proposal 29 September, 1997 Overview This letter is designed to comply with the application process for a change in the ordinance to reflect NSP towers being used as existing structures for the attachment of cellular antenna. US WEST Communications Wireless has been licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and is scheduled to deploy a wireless Personal Communications System (PCS) for the Little Canada along with the Twin City area in the first quarter of 1998. To fulfill our mandate from the Federal Communications Commission, US WEST Wireless is developing a grid of antennae throughout its service area. These antennae must be spaced, depending on certain locations and geographical variables, at intervals approximately two (2) miles from each other and at a height of approximately seventy - five (75) to one hundred twenty (120) feet above the ground. The intent of the deployed system will be to provide seamless wireless services to all Twin City area communities. Since US WEST Wireless Communications intends to utilize PSC as an affordable Wireless Local Loop service, coverage at the neighborhood level is essential. Local Loop is that connection between the telephone Central Office (the local exchange) and its customers. With the introduction of wireless technology, these customers do not have to depend on the hard wired connections to their local exchange to communicate telephonically. It is, therefore, critical that US WEST Communications Wireless have good coverage in all areas of each jurisdiction PCS is a new wireless telecommunication service that is personalized to the individual. PCS technology will allow a variety of telecommunication services, including local and long distance telephone services, portable telephone and facsimile transmission capability, caller identification, voice mail services and telephone number mobility to name just a few features. The types and features of services that each subscriber desires will be customized to his and her individual needs. Telephone numbers in use in PCS handsets will be assigned specifically to an individual user with a Personal Communications Number (PCN). A PCN will allow the network to track the individual at all times thereby allowing easy accessibility and minimizing voice mail `telephone tag." We have enclosed two articles for your edification that relate to general current explanation of the PCS system operation (see "Sensible Land Use Coalition - Wireless Telecommunication Facilities" Exhibit 1). PCS utilizes the latest digital technology. This will facilitate improved call clarity, but more importantly, clean data communication when using a fax or modem. A PCS customer will be able to communicate through voice and data simultaneously using the same handset without interference to either activity. In addition, computer users will be able to run applications and retrieve data faster from remote locations using their handset. PCS technology also assures less static and fading than current cellular technology and results in fewer dropped calls. As US WEST Communication Wireless designs and builds its grid for coverage and capacity reasons and given the size and anticipated magnitude of use, there could be several locations within a community's borders that would require antennae to fulfill its FCC mandate to provide service throughout the residential and business community, not Page 43 Page3 of 16