CT’s largest metro areas signed agreements with wireless Carriers. Here’s what low-income residents need to know.

HARTFORD—In September 2023, Mayor Luke Bronin, along with the Council, approved 5G ROWs (Right-of-Way agreements). As part of Governor Lamont’s aggressive push for more broadband in the state, wireless Carriers are eager to install an unknown number of small wireless facilities (SWFs), or, small cell antennae. However, many low-income residents are facing the health and privacy impacts of unfettered antennae deployment on city-owned utility poles.

Accelerated expansion of Affordable Housing, nearby antennae

Connecticut’s Affordable Housing efforts have ballooned across the state with over 40 programs and initiatives. However, new housing developments are now slated to be quickly surrounded by numerous SWFs, all but guaranteed from new right-of-way (ROW) and access agreements.

In a 2019 article from the Hartford Courant, Governor Lamont said, “Access to ultra-fast internet speeds is critical to our economic future. I want Connecticut to be ahead of the curve, and to do that we are moving quickly on deploying 5G access across our state.” Lamont’s push is part of a wider initiative called Internet For All from the federal government, and Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD).

Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport and Waterbury have submitted to the wireless carrier ROW agreements. Each city has close to 30,000 residents living below poverty level.

Health concerns haven’t disappeared

As low-income populations struggle to make ends meet, many remain unaware that the state’s housing initiatives are very close to 24/7 exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMF).

A growing body of scientific evidence links cell phone radiofrequency (RF) radiation to a broad range of harmful effects at at legally allowed levels including cancer, memory damage and impacts on brain development, the endocrine system, thyroid function, reproduction, and DNA/genetic damage. It should be noted that SWFs are designed to strengthen cell phone signals.

Wireless Carriers and municipalities are not currently obligated to notify CT’s low-income residents about the potential EMF harms from nearby antennae. Wireless carriers are assuming the liability risk in the ROW access agreement:

Privacy advocates raise alarm on data storage

A recent CT Post article highlighted deep concern from privacy rights advocates.

CT Post: “Police around the country have been using cellphone data for more than a decade. But the tower dumps raise red flags … they flood detectives with information from digital bystanders who have nothing to do with the investigations, civil rights advocates say. The FBI got a federal magistrate judge to approve four cell tower dumps in 2010 so agents could find two robbers dubbed the “High Country Bandits.” They had been robbing banks in the four corners region out West, stealing thousands of dollars, authorities said.” 

The feds made their arrests, but swept up 150,000 cellphone numbers of people who had nothing to do with the crimes. The FBI didn’t mention the cell tower dumps in its announcement of the arrest, nor what it did with the excess data.”

If low-income residents have their cell phone data regularly – however unintentionally – harvested by law enforcement, say advocates, nothing is preventing indefinite data storage by officials.

Stamford representatives rejected Lamont’s rush for 5G deployment

In spite of Lamont’s broadband push, Stamford has chosen to reject SWF deployment without more consideration for human health. In an article in the CT Examiner, key representatives voted against allowing Carriers to deploy 5G on city-owned utility poles, as the ROW template desired.

Excerpt:

“Twenty-one city representatives Wednesday decided against accepting the state’s template for applications by telecoms that seek to place antennas and other equipment on poles in public rights of way. 

Representatives said they were persuaded by research presented during an October meeting of the board’s Land Use Committee claiming to show that 5G technology can cause brain damage, headaches, memory loss, damage to reproductive organs and the nervous system, and genetic damage, as well as harm to trees, birds, insects and wildlife.

They rejected the state’s application template despite advice from Gov. Ned Lamont’s mediation panel and city attorneys who said they would lose in court if telecom companies are prevented from using public utility poles and they sue. Federal law prohibits local governments from legislating on the alleged health risks of radiofrequency radiation emitted by 5G antennas, the attorneys said.”