Why You’ll Be Seeing 30 Foot Cell Poles Pop Up Around Denver

You may have noticed large cell poles, about 30 feet tall, are popping up around the Denver Metro Area. At the top of these poles are antennas that boost signal strength in a one to two block radius. Why, you might ask, are these seemingly intrusive structures emerging in dozens of neighborhoods across Denver? The answer: so many people are using cell phones.
These poles are expecting to unclog data connections and help implement the next generation of cellular technology- the 5G Data Network. There is an increasing amount of high demand for wireless, and these new structures will remove some of the traffic from larger towers. This program is developing in order to better serve densely populated urban areas where wireless and cellular usage is high; large cell towers can’t be built in these areas.
Last year, Colorado passed a law that allows wireless providers to install these poles in the public right of way. There is concern among some neighborhoods and HOAs, where these poles are being constructed, that the neighborhood aesthetic is being disrupted. There are claims that there was no prior notice of the construction or implementation as well. However, the poles are not permitted on public property.
However, the purpose of creating these miniature green cell towers is to allow for better camouflage into urbanity. They are supposed to be less intrusive and noticeable than the large cell towers that are inundated with data consumption. Dozens of these cellular poles have been installed to date, and as many as 175 are under review or approved.
The City of Denver is reviewing the approved poles to make sure they aren’t a hindrance to pedestrians, vehicles, or public safety, while ensuring they deliver faster speeds for wireless connections and high-speed cell networks.