What's Happening in Alexandria, VA…

At a public hearing, the Alexandria city council agreed to sign contracts with two telecommunication businesses.

AT&T and Verizon have permission through a license agreement to build small wireless facilities on city approved light and telephone poles around the city within five years. The facilities will supply 4G data and wireless internet in the smaller areas that are highly developed. It also puts infrastructure in place for when 5G data is available.

Verizon manager of real estate Jeff Ott expressed the company's excitement to devote funds to small cell facilities to increase the quantity of wireless service and match the mobile data need. Residents, commuters, businesses, and visitors rely on quality connections and service for daily communication. It is especially important for emergencies and contacting the appropriate authorities.

The contract with Verizon and AT&T is the result of new requirements from the Federal Communications Commission last year. They superseded state and local requirements on small cell facilities in January.

The requirements restrict how much an area can charge a business and when that area can evaluate small cell facilities. Multiple communities in the United States have agreed to similar terms to be prepared for 5G. After the council agreed to the contract, councilperson Del Pepper asked Verizon and AT&T to work with Alexandria extensively throughout the 5G evolution.

Flyer printing can help residents learn about the changes in data and internet occurring in their communities and when 5G will be available.