Technology continues to evolve such that access and connectivity to our street lighting poles is in high demand. As the use of smartphones, live-streaming, and other communication devices increases, the demand for, and proliferation of, additional antennas and communication cabinets increases. The City took an innovative approach to reduce the installation of cabinets or additional antenna poles on our sidewalks and decided to combine the needed equipment with existing streetlight poles, hence Co-Location..
The Co-Location Program facilitates this effort through the installation of communication devices/ antennas to be attached to or placed within the City’s existing streetlight poles. This work includes the replacement of poles, installing larger, stronger foundations, and, when required, rewiring of circuits. Street Lighting coordinates with telecommunication companies, provides designs, coordinates with City crews, and performs administration duties. There are currently over 3500 CoLocation poles citywide. The Bureau’s rigorous engineering and design standards are resulting in more innovative streetlight designs, and sleeker integrated poles. These more advanced, aesthetically pleasing poles will strengthen the City’s cellular coverage for constituents, businesses, and visitors. In an effort to keep the community informed on small cell attachments, we developed a brochure detailing the function of 5G and integrated small cells, safety, and benefits.
If you wish to install telecommunication equipment on street lighting poles within the City of Los Angeles, please read the following policy and specifications document. Telecommunication equipment on street lighting poles - policy and specifications
Bridging the Digital Divide aims to improve equity, meet the needs of people to get online due to COVID-19, and systematically destroy the digital divide in Los Angeles. The digital divide keeps children from learning, the elderly from getting health care, and all Angelenos from equitable access to services and opportunities. The digital divide was exacerbated due to COVID-19. With more Angelenos remaining safer at home, the impact spreads across education, workforce, healthcare, business, and city services, impacting every demographic.
In partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP), the Bureau of Street Lighting is actively working to bridge the digital divide. Utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, the Bureau will develop the infrastructure needed to provide basic internet access. The project will focus on areas where the digital divide is high, and more than half of the population has low to moderate incomes. The project is currently in the planning phase and expects to launch its first pilot by June 2023.
- Provide 300 public Wi-Fi access points in the highest need communities;
- Provide connected innovation zones for residents and businesses to build on this access; and
- Improve equitable and affordable access from telecommunications companies for all residents and businesses.