The devices we rely on every day—from phones and tablets to “smart” home appliances—require ever increasing amounts of data. This places a huge burden on local wireless infrastructure and can cause coverage challenges, especially when it comes to public safety. More than 80 percent of 911 calls are placed from a mobile phone, and a reliable network is crucial to provide access to police officers, firefighters and other first responders.
Upgrading and enhancing wireless coverage and capacity is no longer a “nice to have” but a requirement to ensure safe and thriving communities. Small cell networks, or “small cells,” are a key component to achieving this level of connectivity. Small cells are often used to complement existing wireless infrastructure—such as towers—to add much-needed capacity in unserved or underserved areas, or as demand on existing infrastructure increases.
As the demand for data and technology increases and we continue to move toward enhanced connectivity, communities need more shared communications infrastructure, specifically small cell deployment. Our proposed small cell installations in the Hamptons will provide more coverage and capacity, which means more reliable cell phone coverage, faster downloads and better connectivity.
Why the Hamptons need more wireless infrastructure.
The Hamptons is made up of two towns—Southampton and East Hampton—in which there are numerous hamlets and villages. Though the area is best known for its picturesque beaches and quaint historic downtowns that attract thousands of summer residents and visitors annually, it is also home to vibrant, year-round communities.
The Hamptons have long struggled with connectivity due to a range of factors, including a lack of adequate infrastructure and the area’s rural nature. Historically, this is exacerbated by the seasonal surge in population, which strains the already challenged network.
There is an acute need for fast, reliable wireless connectivity in the Hamptons. Upgrading and enhancing wireless coverage in the Hamptons is needed to ensure the community’s long-term success and small cells are a key component to that effort.
Frequently asked questions.
Why does my community need small cell technology?
Communications infrastructure—towers, small cells and fiber—work in concert to provide users with reliable service. As the demand for data and technology increases and we continue to move toward the next generation of connectivity, known as 5G, we will need more communications infrastructure, specifically universal small cell deployment underpinned by a robust fiber foundation.
Will small cells replace macro towers?
No, because the tall macro towers that most think of as cell towers work in concert with small cells. While macro towers provide broad coverage, small cells complement them by enhancing localized capacity.
Small cell networks underpinned by fiber have become the preferred way of expanding coverage and network capacity. Fiber cable, which is attached to each small cell, moves data and voice at the speed of light. These technologies perfectly complement one another to provide the most resilient and reliable wireless networks to consumers.
How are small cells installed?
Our model is built on the concept that sharing a single asset among multiple users not only makes economic sense but is also a sustainable means of meeting the growing demand for connectivity.
Our goal is to use as much existing infrastructure as possible. Small cells are typically installed on existing right of way infrastructure. However, if no suitable utility poles are available, or if there are restrictions on the use of streetlights or traffic poles, we may need to install new poles. In such cases, we comply with state law and applicable local regulations governing such installations and work with the municipality to design a mutually acceptable installation.
With a shared model, our infrastructure can support multiple service providers at once. This allows for more consumers to reap the benefits of increased coverage and capacity, while simultaneously reducing the amount of infrastructure needed to support multiple carriers.
How do communication infrastructure companies get permission to install a small cell wireless facility?
Each community has its own permitting process for communications infrastructure deployment. We take a collaborative approach in working with jurisdictions to deliver solutions that meet the requirements of both the customer and the community. We work with municipal officials, utilities, wireless carriers and community members to plan, permit, build and maintain our infrastructure.
Are small cells safe?
Since small cells often are inconspicuously installed on right of way infrastructure like street signs, utility poles and streetlights, they blend into their surroundings and preserve the aesthetics of their environment. Working in partnership with local governments and community members, we plan to enable improved wireless carrier service while the city’s character intact.
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Where we're installing small cells.
Small cells are installed in the right of way, often on infrastructure like street signs, utility poles and streetlights. You may have walked by them before without noticing them. Working in partnership with city staff, we plan to enable improved wireless provider service while keeping the city's character intact.
The map above shows proposed areas of activity in the Hamptons, NY.
About Crown Castle
Crown Castle owns, operates and leases more than 40,000 cell towers and approximately 90,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions across every major US market. This nationwide portfolio of communications infrastructure connects cities and communities to essential data, technology and wireless service—bringing information, ideas and innovations to the people and businesses that need them.