The Montgomery County Council quietly introduced a bill on Tuesday that would renew debate over small cellular antennas in residential areas.
Council Member Hans Riemer is sponsoring the legislation, which revisits an issue the council discussed — and tabled — last year. The bill proposes another zoning change that would allow telecommunications companies to install 5G antennas on pre-existing utility and streetlight poles.
In most cases, the sponsor of a new bill offers a few remarks when the legislation is first introduced to the council. But in this case, the zoning change was offered with no comment and little fanfare — an unceremonious reintroduction of an issue that’s spanned two executive administrations.
The technology has long been a source of consternation for Montgomery County residents and legislators, who discussed it for months before tabling the original bill last year. 5G antennas — also known as small cell towers — are touted as the gateway to next-generation cellular technology, allowing faster internet speeds and greater connectivity.
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Kate Masters over at Bethesda Magazine