6. Pole-Top Antennas
Pole-top antennas are not addressed by the settlement agreement discussed below. The GO 95/128 Rules Committee is currently evaluating proposed rules governing pole top installations. We do not currently have a proposed rule before us on this issue.6
ClearLinx urges the Commission to mandate that wireless antennas may be placed at the top of utility poles.7 The Wireless Group does not advocate that the Commission adopt a specific rule now, but is concerned that the Rules Committee may not bring a consensus rule to the Commission. The Wireless Group requests that the Commission establish an appropriate procedural mechanism so that a pole-top antenna rule is considered in a timely manner, whether or not the Rules Committee develops a consensus rule.8 CPSD, IBEW, PG&E, and SDG&E disagree with both ClearLinx and the Wireless Group. Instead these parties recommend that the Commission defer taking action until the issue has been thoroughly reviewed by the Rules Committee.9
In the absence of a specific proposed rule, we will not adopt a construction rule for pole-top antennas at this time. We encourage the members of the Rules Committee to make a good faith effort to achieve a statewide consensus on a proposed rule addressing pole-top antenna installations.
6 The provision suggested by intervenor Adams has been withdrawn.
7 ClearLinx Opening Brief, at 16.
8 Wireless Group Reply Brief, at 17.
9 CPSD, IBEW, PG&E, and SDG&E Reply Brief, at 25.
