FAQs

What defines a small cell (frequency, operating power, or emitted power)?

According to the FCC, small cells are defined according to height and volume. A small cell (or “small wireless facility” as defined by the FCC) means an attachment to a structure 50 feet in height or less, 10% taller than the height of an existing structure, or 10% taller than adjacent structures, whichever is greater; 28 cubic feet of accessory equipment; and any number of antennas as long as each one is three cubic feet or less. Small cells are not specifically limited by frequency – current 4G small cells generally operate in sub-6 GHz frequencies and early deployments of 5G small cells have used millimeter wave frequencies above 20 GHz. However, 5G will eventually make use of a variety of spectrum bands, whether low, mid or high, and small cells generally operate at lower power levels with lower emitted power density.