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What is the Mobile Telecom Franchise? |
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 The Mobile Telecom Franchise project has been developed by the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) in conjunction with other City agencies to promote the use of city property by private companies for wireless, cellular and communication services. This project will place antennae and telecom equipment on City-owned light poles and privately-owned utility poles located on City-owned property throughout the five boroughs of New York City. [Back to Top] |
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What does the Franchise Allow? |
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The franchise allows the companies to install and use telecommunications equipment and facilities – including telecom boxes and antennae – on City street light poles, traffic light poles and utility poles as well as install and use related facilities in connection with the provision of mobile telecommunications services. It also allows these companies to use this equipment to enhance existing services or to provide new wireless services including mobile phone, internet access and other wireless services. The franchise allows the companies to sell access to this system and equipment to other companies interested in these or other wireless services. [Back to Top] |
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What companies are involved? |
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The seven franchisees are: Lexent Metro Connect, LLC; Mobilitie, LLC; NextG Networks of NY, Inc.; Crown Castle Solutions Corp.; Dianet Communications, LLC; IDT Business Services, LLC; ExteNet Systems, Inc. [Back to Top] |
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Can companies other than those listed receive a franchise? |
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Yes, from time to time the City will allow interested companies to submit applications to obtain a franchise. [Back to Top] |
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Why is the equipment being put on street poles? |
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Mobile telecommunications equipment has primarily been installed on private property. Street pole access is an opportunity to generate municipal revenue and allows the companies to provide their services where private property is not available. [Back to Top] |
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What is the benefit to the City? |
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The project will improve the networks of the telecom companies. It will improve cell phone and other wireless services and raise revenue for the City that will help pay for other functions. [Back to Top] |
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Will only users of cell phones benefit from this project? |
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No. Though cellular telephone service is the primary industry that will be served by these franchises, other possible applications include voice over internet, Wi-Fi, internet radio, video streaming and wireless broadband. [Back to Top] |
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How will wireless users benefit from the mobile telecom franchises? |
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Wireless users will benefit through: improved cellular coverage throughout the build out areas, fewer dropped calls, especially during peak times of the day or on peak days (e.g. New Year’s Eve)--carriers will be able to fill in areas of weak coverage, improved capacity and service in previously underserved areas of the city, alternatives to traditional land-line telephone service, and increased safety and access to emergency services through their mobile phone or other wireless services [Back to Top] |
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Will this project only be in Manhattan? |
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No. The franchisees will be installing equipment in all 5 boroughs. [Back to Top] |
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Does the City have any input in the design and placement of the equipment? |
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Yes, working with DoITT and the franchisees, the New York City Public Design Commission has given final approval on the design and placement. All installations must be colored the same as the pole on which it is placed and otherwise must be as discrete as possible. The Public Design Commission has also determined the location of the equipment on the poles. [Back to Top] |
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What will the installation actually look like? |
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The equipment will include a box-like structure that will contain the telecom equipment and an antenna. [Back to Top] |
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How many installations will be allowed per pole? |
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Only one installation will be allowed per pole. [Back to Top] |
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[Back to Top] |
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