Residents in Burnaby could soon be better connected to their phones and tablets as they roam around the city.
The city is considering zoning amendments would allow for the installation of small cell wireless communication stations.
While the issue was on the council agenda Monday, it was deferred to allow the mayor more time to review the staff report.
The need to review the bylaw came after a proposal from Telus to provide for the installation of the devices on city street infrastructure.
A staff report explained small cell stations are antenna installations that provide additional wireless capacity in high use areas and coverage in areas where obstructions such as trees may block signals.
The small cells consist of a one-foot squared by five-inch deep antenna unit and breaker box.
The units are typically placed five to six metres from ground level.
The staff report noted that small cell installations are a relatively unobtrusive way to improve wireless service and are less intrusive than free standing antennas or roof top antennas.
“Given their design and the minimal energy output from antennas, these installations are suitable for all areas of the city, including residential areas,” the report stated.
However, the city said it needs to control the proliferation of small cell installations to ensure they are designed and located in a manner that minimizes visual impacts.
Some of the city recommendations include keeping them at a specific size, a minimum six metres off the ground and no less than 250 metres from any other traffic light pole mounted antennas on the same street.
The proposal would still need to go through a public hearing process if approved.
