Kate Bergen, who lives near this wireless communication equipment in South Bend's Harter Heights neighborhood, said noise generated by its cooling mechanism keeps her awake at night. Staff photo by Jeff Parrott
Kate Bergen, who lives near this wireless communication equipment in South Bend's Harter Heights neighborhood, said noise generated by its cooling mechanism keeps her awake at night. Staff photo by Jeff Parrott
Jeff Parrott and Joseph Dits, South Bend Tribune

The cities of South Bend and Mishawaka, reacting to a new state law, are rushing to maintain local control of where telecommunications companies can place new wireless equipment.

As people demand faster wireless data service, for everything from high-speed internet and email access to social media, photo sharing, music and video streaming, carriers want to install so-called “small cell” networks to augment coverage by existing cell towers. A bill enacted in the recently concluded Indiana General Assembly eases the path for these “micro-wireless facilities,” allowing them to be erected in public rights-of-way – such as being suspended by cables strung between existing utility poles – without the need for permits from local governments.

South Bend and Mishawaka officials say they support the technology. South Bend is even teaming with the University of Notre Dame to seek a federal grant to become a testbed for the next generation of wireless technology, 5G.

But citing safety and aesthetics concerns, cities want some control over where the equipment is placed. The new law, awaiting Gov. Eric Holcomb’s signature, gives them that chance if they hurry. It lets local governments regulate the placement of the structures in areas they’ve designated strictly for underground utilities by Monday.

Both cities have scheduled special meetings of their public works boards Friday – Mishawaka at 2:30 p.m. and South Bend at 3 p.m. – where they will consider resolutions designating underground utility areas. The measures would force companies to first seek permission from the public works boards before erecting the equipment.

By preventing local ordinances from imposing “excessive fees and limitations” on small cell technology, the bill will encourage investment by telecommunication companies in communities throughout Indiana as 5G develops, said its author, Sen. Brandt Hershman, R-Buck Creek.

But 5G can roll out just as smoothly with local government regulation, said Rep. Ryan Dvorak, D-South Bend, who voted against the bill when it passed the House 67-29.