The devices we rely on every day require large amounts of data. This places a huge burden on the local wireless infrastructure, especially with regard to public safety—in many areas, 80 percent of 911 calls are placed from a mobile phone, and a reliable network is critical in providing access to police officers, firefighters and other first responders. Upgrading and enhancing wireless coverage and capacity is a critical element for public safety and for a thriving community—and small cell networks, or “small cells,” are a key component. Small cells are often used to complement existing wireless infrastructure, such as towers, to add much-needed capacity.
As the demand for data and technology increases and we continue to move toward enhanced connectivity, communities need more shared communications infrastructure, specifically small cell deployment. Our proposed small cell installations in Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Western Springs will provide more coverage and capacity, which means more reliable cell phone coverage, faster downloads, and better connectivity.
To build the communications infrastructure needed for enhanced connectivity, we have submitted applications and provided a preliminary map of small cell locations. We look forward to working with the municipalities to design mutually acceptable small cells that comply with state law and local regulations.
To learn more about this project and how small cell technology works, please see our frequently asked questions section below.
Frequently asked questions.
Why does my community need small cell technology?
Communications infrastructure—towers, small cells and fiber—work in concert to provide users with reliable service. As the demand for data and technology increases and we continue to move toward the next generation of connectivity, known as 5G, we will need more communications infrastructure, specifically universal small cell deployment underpinned by a robust fiber foundation.
Will small cells replace macro towers?
No, because the tall macro towers that people think of as cell towers work in concert with small cells. While macro towers provide broad coverage, small cells complement them by enhancing localized capacity.
Small cell networks underpinned by fiber have become the preferred way of expanding coverage and network capacity—and it’s easy to see why. Small cells are smaller than traditional towers or rooftop installations. In fact, small cells are often inconspicuously installed on existing right of way infrastructure like utility poles or streetlights. Fiber cable, which is attached to each small cell, moves data and voice at the speed of light. These technologies perfectly complement one another to provide the most resilient and reliable wireless networks to consumers.
How are small cells installed?
Our model is built on the concept that sharing a single asset among multiple users not only makes economic sense but is also a sustainable means of meeting the growing demand for connectivity.
Our goal is to use as much existing infrastructure as possible. Small cells are typically installed on existing right of way infrastructure, such as streetlights or utility poles. However, if no suitable utility poles are available, or if there are restrictions on the use of streetlights or traffic poles, we may need to install new poles. In such cases, we comply with state law and applicable local regulations governing such installations and work with the municipality to design a mutually acceptable installation.
With a shared model, our infrastructure can support multiple service providers at once. This allows for more consumers to reap the benefits of increased coverage and capacity, while simultaneously reducing the amount of infrastructure needed to support multiple carriers.
How do communication infrastructure companies get permission to install a small cell wireless facility?
Each city has its own permitting process for communications infrastructure deployment. We take a collaborative approach in working with jurisdictions to deliver solutions that meet the requirements of both the customer and the community. We work with municipal officials, utilities, wireless carriers and community members to plan, permit, build and maintain our infrastructure.
How many small cells are going to be installed? Where will they be?
This new network infrastructure is necessary to power 5G technology that residential and business customers increasingly rely on, so we plan to install the number of small cells needed to meet the demand. The current project in Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Western Springs calls for approximately 200 small cells to be deployed across the three municipalities to meet the demand for connectivity. However, the final number and location of small cells is dependent on a number of technical and design factors that are still under consideration.
Are small cells safe?
The safety of radio frequency emissions like those generated by small cells has been studied for more than 60 years. The scientific and health communities have all come to the same general conclusion—there are no known health hazards from exposure to RF emissions within the established FCC guidelines. The research is subject to constant review by government health agencies and standard setting organizations, like the FCC and FDA. You can read more about the safety of 5G here.
Discover more about small cells and the benefits they'll bring to your community.
Working with the community.
At Crown Castle, we do more than just connect communities with our infrastructure; we connect with our communities. Our Connected by Good program is one way we give and volunteer in the communities where we live and work.
Where we're installing small cells.
Small cells are installed in the right of way, often on infrastructure like street signs, utility poles and streetlights. You may have walked by them before without noticing them. Working in partnership with city staff, we plan to enable improved wireless provider service while keeping the city's character intact.
The map above shows proposed areas of activity in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, IL.
About Crown Castle
Crown Castle owns, operates and leases more than 40,000 cell towers and approximately 90,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions across every major US market. This nationwide portfolio of communications infrastructure connects cities and communities to essential data, technology and wireless service—bringing information, ideas and innovations to the people and businesses that need them.