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Joho2078

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
May 20, 2019
569
173
I was told by a lawyer that tower applications are open to the public finding it on FCC.GOV or by requesting it via the FOIA. I’ve been on their site and it’s quite confusing. I’m not sure what or how to look for it. I want to find the tower applications for AT&T’s 5g/5g+ towers in my city. Is it easy to find it on their site that I’m missing or should I just request it? Thanks
 
Do you think you can call the FCC and ask them for the info? No. You have to learn how to Query their online database.

Sorry, I can't provide lessons, I'd have to spend some time learning exactly how their system is setup before I could give advice.

What I suggest is to go to https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/ApplicationSearch/searchAppl.jsp - that'll take you to the FCC Universal Licensing System Search. You will find lots of Help/How-To documentation there.

But here's a hint for you, coming from someone who used to work in broadcasting... Don't search for "5G towers." It's unlikely many new towers will be erected for this purpose. Mostly, existing towers (and non-tower sites like building parapets) will have new 5G antennas affixed to them. So what you're looking for is license applications for sites. Use the Glossary in Help to find out what abbreviation(s) the FCC uses for the class(es) of radio service you're researching. Then, consider the possibility that AT&T will not necessarily be the licensee for all the sites AT&T will be using - carriers sell bandwidth to each other all the time.

I'm going to guess that you're just a plain old AT&T customer, jazzed to learn when they'll have 5G in your 'hood. If the info is sufficiently important to you, then have at it. But also consider that license applications don't necessarily tell you when those 5G cells will be going into service.
 
Do you think you can call the FCC and ask them for the info? No. You have to learn how to Query their online database.

Sorry, I can't provide lessons, I'd have to spend some time learning exactly how their system is setup before I could give advice.

What I suggest is to go to https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/ApplicationSearch/searchAppl.jsp - that'll take you to the FCC Universal Licensing System Search. You will find lots of Help/How-To documentation there.

But here's a hint for you, coming from someone who used to work in broadcasting... Don't search for "5G towers." It's unlikely many new towers will be erected for this purpose. Mostly, existing towers (and non-tower sites like building parapets) will have new 5G antennas affixed to them. So what you're looking for is license applications for sites. Use the Glossary in Help to find out what abbreviation(s) the FCC uses for the class(es) of radio service you're researching. Then, consider the possibility that AT&T will not necessarily be the licensee for all the sites AT&T will be using - carriers sell bandwidth to each other all the time.

I'm going to guess that you're just a plain old AT&T customer, jazzed to learn when they'll have 5G in your 'hood. If the info is sufficiently important to you, then have at it. But also consider that license applications don't necessarily tell you when those 5G cells will be going into service.

Thanks. I truly appreciate your very well insight. I’m going to try and learn as much as possible starting with what you’ve told me. I’ve also requested the information from the FCC which should take 6 to 13 days. And I know it may not show sites live but I just want to know where they are here.
 
The FCC doesn't regulate where a tower goes, that is up to the state government. The FCC only regulates the power on each site.
 
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