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Fixed Wireless Equipment

Our ever-more wireless world has a love-hate relationship with broadcast towers. Sure, they're a must for good RF reception, but everyone considers them an eyesore. So, what are the rules governing the erection of towers?

[August 26, 2003]

Perhaps looking to the future of a budding WISP operation, RS wondered to the members of ISP-Wireless last month:

"What is the procedure for putting up a tower in the States? Are there any applications to be made, or do you just put one up—if it's under a certain height? Or do you need permission for all installations?

RH delivered the majority view most succinctly:

"Start with your local city and/or county offices. "

[BM echoed this advice] "There is no fixed answer to this question. It varies from 'Do whatever you want' to 'Don't even consider putting up a tower here.'

You need to check with the local authorities."

[TD expanded on this] "Many counties require that you go through a 'special exceptions' process. This can vary drastically in price—anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $17,000. (This is obviously meant to discourage the installation of towers.) There are no FCC provisions that give ISPs or homeowners the right to install towers for the purpose of providing or receiving Internet access. This will strictly be a county deal."

[SB observed] "We have run into issue that many communities will require that the tower be built for multiple tenants, as they do want to keep number of towers down but quality of services (Internet, cell, etc.) up, so plan accordingly on the type of tower. Our next tower is in a community that is going to require monopole construction, so it adds to cost."

[DR offered additional details] "As you have already heard here . . . check with the locals first.

As to federal rules and regs, if you are not close to an airport, you are generally allowed to go up to 199 feet. Federal rules dictate that if any part of the structure rises 200 feet or more above ground level, you must get approval from the FCC and FAA—and have the approved lighting. Towers close to an airport, even though they may not be close to the 200 foot mark, still may have to have FCC/FAA authorization and lighting. Start at the local level and then work your way up."

TH ended the thread with a contrary procedural view:

"Having built six towers in the last three years, I would have slightly different advice.

The FAA approval process is free and easy, but it takes a while. Once you have a pretty good idea where you want a tower—and how high—submit the FAA form 7460-1 and let them start looking at it. That will give you time to work the local issues. If you can't make that particular spot work on a local basis, you are only out about an hour of prep time for the FAA form."

—End