Updates
(Continued from page 1)
“Our goal with the East Arlington Innovation Zone is to
improve access to technology and technology-centered
programming to help bridge our community’s digital
divide and ensure Arlington is a place where people of
all ages and backgrounds can achieve their American
Dream.”
Telecom Companies
Preparing for Next
Generation Wireless Service
in Arlington
Telecommunication companies continue
working to enhance Arlington’s wireless
infrastructure and service through the
installation of small cell facilities within the
City’s rights-of-way.
These small cells, which are designed
to bring the next generation of wireless
service and high-speed internet access to
Arlington’s homes, schools and businesses,
may be installed on their own stand-alone
poles, known as node support poles, or on
the City’s existing street light poles, utility
poles or traffic signal poles. In some cases,
the companies are replacing the City’s street
light poles with what are known as Dual-
Purpose Poles that feature both a street
light and the small cell technology.
The City of Arlington expects to receive an
estimated 1,000 permit applications for the
placement of small cells in its rights-of-way
by the end of this year.
Under state and federal law, network
providers have a right of access to install
small cells in the public right-of-way.
Except in very limited circumstances,
cities may not prohibit or regulate the
presence or placement of small cells in
these areas. Small cell facilities are installed
in compliance with the City’s Wireless
Services Design Manual, which was
originally adopted in 2017 and updated
this past March to successfully facilitate the
deployment of 5G technology.
Additionally, the grant money will be used to add
charging stations, a laptop dispenser with computers
that residents may check out, internet hotspots for
checkout, and will give residents the ability to interact
with a robotic agriculture system to learn about
gardening.
State Representative Chris Turner, whose district includes
major portions of Arlington and Grand Prairie, added
the grant as a rider to House Bill 1, the two-year state
budget.
“The new East Arlington Recreation Center and Library is
in the heart of one of the most economically challenged
areas of our community, where it’s difficult for many
residents to access reliable internet and up-to-date
technology,” Turner said. “If you don’t have internet
access, it can be virtually impossible to apply for a job,
complete assignments for school or any number of other
tasks. By providing internet service, laptops and other
technology to the community, East Arlington residents
will be better able to access medical care, employment
resources, educational tools, and much more. I am glad I
was able to obtain this crucial funding, which will make a
real difference for many District 101 residents.”
Our goal with the East
Arlington Innovation Zone is to
improve access to technology
and technology-centered
programming to help bridge
our community’s digital divide
and ensure Arlington is a place
where people of all ages and
backgrounds can achieve their
American Dream.
- Mayor Jeff Williams, City of Arlington