Small Cell Technology

In Winnipeg, mobile devices like cell phones traditionally get service from large (“macro”) cell phone towers and antennas so we can access internet, phone, and texting services.

Small cells are smaller versions of those towers that can complement larger radio installations to improve coverage, add capacity, and support new services and user experiences. About the size of a home Wi-Fi router, they are small enough to be installed atop poles, lampposts, on the sides of buildings, or on traffic signals. Their weaker signal only covers a small geographic area, so multiple small cells are necessary to equal the coverage of a macro tower.

Small cells are required for 5G service, the fifth generation of wireless technology. 4G service has been available in Winnipeg for several years, and is currently deployed on the traditional (macro) cell phone tower system. While existing 4G service would benefit from a shift to small cells, 5G service is dependent on small cells to support better coverage, substantially increased speeds, and other features.

The City of Winnipeg is not responsible for the regulation of radio communications. Canada’s Radiofrequency Exposure Guidelines (known as Safety Code 6) are developed at the federal level by Health Canada and regulated by Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). Any company operating 5G or Small Cell technologies in Winnipeg would be required to adhere to these guidelines.

Questions or concerns about the guidelines represented in Safety Code 6 should be directed to Health Canada (info@hc-sc.gc.ca or 1-866-225-0709). Questions or concerns about the placement of a specific installation in your area and its adherence to Safety Code 6 should be directed to the specific wireless carrier if known, or otherwise to the ISED Manitoba District Office (ic.spectrumwinnipeg-winnipegspectre.ic@canada.ca or 1-800-665-3421).

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