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HomeMy Public PortalAboutRF Report C Squared Systems,LLC 65 Dartmouth Drive Auburn,NH 03032 7,,,OiSystems Phone:(603)644 2800 sunnortncsouamd%ystrms.rnr RF Report Proposed Wireless Facility 124 Watertown Street Watertown, MA 02472 verI70nwireless June 22, 2015 Verizon Wireless Watertown 6 AIA TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Overview....................................................................................................................................................1 2. Introduction................................................................................................................................................1 3. The Proposed Facility................................................................................................................................3 4. Coverage and Capacity Objectives............................................................................................................3 5. Site Search and Selection Process..............................................................................................................4 6. Pertinent Site Data......................................................................................................................................4 7. Coverage Analysis and Propagation Plots.................................................................................................5 8. Certification of Non-Interference...............................................................................................................7 9. Summary............................................... ....................................................................................................7 10. Statement of Certification........................................................................................................................7 11. Attachments..............................................................................................................................................8 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Verizon Wireless Site Information Used in Coverage Analysis......................................................4 Table 2: Capacity Offload Summary..............................................................................................................6 ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Watertown 6—Existing 700 MHz LTE Coverage(Overloaded Sectors) Attachment B: Watertown 6—700 MHz LTE Coverage Offload with Proposed Site Attachment C: Watertown 6—Area Terrain Map C Squued Systems,LLC i June 22,2015 Verizon Wireless Watemwn 6 MA 1. Overview This RF Report has been prepared on behalf of Verizon Wireless in support of its application submitted to the City of Watertown for the installation and operation of a wireless facility on the building rooftop located at 124 Watertown Street in Watertown, ivlA. The proposed facility consists of ground based equipment cabinets and equipment mounted within stealth fiberglass enclosures on the building rooftop. This report concludes that the proposed site is needed to provide capacity relief to southern sections of Watertown in order to improve deficient service areas within Verizon Wheless'network. These gaps in service are mainly due to the limitations of the nearby existing Verizon Wireless facilities to support the growing demand for wireless service in the surrounding area. These areas include but are not limited to Watertown Street, California Street, Morse Street, Pleasant Street, and the surrounding roads, neighborhoods, businesses, and community areas located southwest of Watertown Square. Included in this report is:a brief summary of the site's objectives,maps showing Verizon Wireless'current network plan, and predicted Radio Frequency coverage of the subject site and the surrounding sites in Verizon Wireless' network. 2. Introduction Verizon Wireless provides digital communications voice and data services using 3rd Generation (3G) CDbIA/EVDO technology in the 800 MHz (Cellular) and 1900 MHz (PCS) frequency bands, and is in the midst of deploying advanced 4th Generation (4G) voice and data services over LTE technology in the 700 MHz, 1900 MHz,and 2100 MHz (AWS) frequency bands as allocated by the FCC. These networks are used by mobile devices for fast web browsing, media streaming, and other applications that require broadband connections. The mobile devices that benefit from these advanced networks are not limited to basic handheld phones, but also include devices such as smartphones,PDA's, tablets, and laptop air-cards. With the evolving rollout of 4G LTE services and devices, Verizon Wireless customers will have even faster connections to people, information, and entertainment. As explained within this report,Verizon Wireless has identified the need to add a new facility to its existing network of sites in the area to improve capacity and coverage to a significant gap in service that now exists in southern Watertown. This additional facility is necessary to support reliable communications and meet the growing demand in the area. To maintain a reliable and robust communications system for the individuals,businesses,public safety workers and others who use its network,Verizon Wireless deploys a network of cell sites (also called wireless communications facilities) throughout the areas in which it is licensed to provide service. These cell sites consist of antennas mounted on structures,such as buildings and towers,supported by radio and power equipment. The receivers and transmitters at each of these sites process signals within a limited geographic area known as a"cell." Mobile subscriber handsets and wireless devices operate by transmitting and receiving low power radio frequency signals to and from these cell sites. Handset signals that reach the cell site are transferred through land lines (or other means of backhaul transport)and routed to their destinations by sophisticated electronic equipment. In order for Verizon Wireless' network to function effectively, there must be adequate overlapping coverage between the C Squared Systems,LLC 1 June 22,2015 Vetiwn Wireless Watertown 6 D[A "serving cell"and adjoining cells. This not only allows a user to access the network initially,but also allows for the transfer or "hand-off' of calls and data transmissions from one cell to another, and prevents unintended disconnections or"dropped calls." Verizon Wireless' antennas must be located high enough above ground level to allow transmission (a.k.a. propagation) of the radio frequency signals above trees, buildings and other natural or man-made structures that may obstruct or diminish the signals. Areas without adequate radio frequency coverage have substandard service, characterized by dropped and blocked calls, slow data connections,or no wireless service at all,and are commonly referred to as coverage gaps. The size of the area potentially served by each cell site depends on several factors including the number of antennas used, the height at which the antennas are deployed, the topography of the surrounding land,vegetative cover,and natural or man-made obstructions in the area. The actual service area at any given time also depends on the number of customers who are on the network in range of that cell site. As customers move throughout the service area,the transmission from the phone or other device is automatically transferred to the Verizon Wireless facility with the best reception,without interruption in service,provided that there is overlapping coverage between the cells. Each cell site must be primarily designed to strike a balance between the overall geographic coverage area it will serve,and the site's capacity to support the usage within the coverage footprint. In rural areas,cell sites are generally designed to have broader coverage footprints because the potential traffic is sparser and distributed over a larger area. In more densely populated suburban and urban environments, the capacity to handle calls and data transmissions is of increasing concern,and cell sites must limit their coverage footprint to an area where the offered network traffic can be supported by the radio equipment and resources. Due to the aggressive historical and projected growth of mobile usage,particularly for mobile data(51%in 2014-2015,47%CAGR 2014-2019 in North America)',instances arise where the usage demand can no longer be supported by the site(s) serving an area, and new facilities must be integrated to provide capacity relief to the overloaded sites. We have concluded that by installing the proposed wireless communication facility at 124 Watertown Street at an antenna centerline height of 49.5', Verizon Wireless will be able to fill the substantial service gap that it now experiences, and provide improved capacity and coverage to residents, businesses, and traffic corridors within southern sections of Watertown that are currently located within deficient service areas of Verizon Wireless' network. '"Cisco Visual Networking Index:Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update,2014-2019",February 3,2015,Cisco Systems,Inc. httn:Hw%m.cisco.com/etVUS/solutions/wllateraUns341/ns525/ns537/ns705/ns827/white oaner cl1-520862.ndf C Squared Systems,LLC 2 June 22,2015 Venzon Wireless Watertown 6 MA 3. The Proposed Facility As shown on the plans submitted with the application, Verizon Wireless' proposal consists principally of the following elements: 1) Equipment cabinets on a 6' x 8' concrete pad, to be located within the proposed 8' 3" x 11' fenced lease area; 2) Sixteen (16) panel antennas (four per sector) mounted within four (4) stealth fiberglass enclosures at a centerline elevation of 49.5' above ground level (7'centerline above existing roof line); 3) Remote Radio Heads (RRH) with accessory junction boxes and surge suppressors mounted alongside the antennas within the proposed fiberglass enclosures; 4) Power and fiber cables running from the equipment cabinets at ground level, up a vertical cable tray, and along cable trays on the roof to the proposed antenna enclosures; 4. Coverage and Capacity Objectives As mentioned above,Verizon Wireless is in the process of rolling out its 4G LTE high-speed wireless broadband system in the 700 IvlI Iz,PCS,and AWS frequency bands,in accordance with its licenses from the FCC. In order to expand and enhance their wireless services throughout New England, Verizon Wireless must fill in existing coverage gaps and address capacity,interference,and high-speed broadband issues. As part of this effort, Verizon Wireless has determined that insufficient network capacity and coverage exist in and around the southern sections of the City of Watertown,MA,as described further below. Verizon Wireless currently operates wireless facilities, similar to the proposed facility, within Watertown and the surrounding cities/towns of Belmont,Boston, Cambridge, Newton,and Waltham, MA. Due in large part to the distances between the existing sites,the intervening topography,and volume of user traffic in the area,these existing facilities do not provide sufficient capacity and coverage to portions of Watertown. Specifically, Verizon Wireless determined that much of southern Watertown is without reliable service in the following areas and roads,including but not limited to: • The areas southwest of Watertown Square,including but not limited to the following: o Watertown Street, California Street, Pleasant Street, Morse Street, Union Street, and Jackson Road; o Businesses and residential neighborhoods in the vicinity of the above roads in southern Watertown; o Community areas such as the Casey Memorial Park, Boyd Park, and recreational paths along the Charles River Greemvay. 'Hie proposed site located at 124 Watertown Street("Watertown 6'D is needed to fill in these targeted capacity and coverage gaps, in order to improve network quality and reliability for Verizon Wireless subscribers traveling along these roads,as well as to the numerous residences,businesses,and visitors in this area. C Squared Systems,LLC 3 June 22,2015 Verizon Wireless Watertown 6 MA 5. Site Search and Selection Process To find a site that provides acceptable service, provides sufficient capacity relief, and fills the gaps in coverage, computer modeling software is used to defile a search area. The search ring identifies the area within which a site could be located (assuming that sufficient height is used) that would have a high probability of addressing the significant coverage gap and meeting the capacity objectives established by the Verizon Wireless RF (Radio Frequency)engineers. Once a search ring is determined,Verizon Wireless'real estate specialists search within the proximity of the defined area for existing buildings,towers and other structures of sufficient height that would meet the defined objectives. If none are found, then the focus shifts to "raw land"sites. A suitable site must satisfy the technical requirements identified by the RF engineers,must be available for lease,and must have access to a road and be otherwise suitable for constructing a cell site of the required size and height. Every effort is made to use existing structures before pursuing a"raw land"build to minimize the number of towers throughout the towns being serviced. After a search of the area had been completed, Verizon Wireless determined that collocating on the building rooftop located at 124 Watertown Street is the best solution to address the targeted capacity and coverage objectives. 6. Pertinent Site Data Table 1 below details the site-specific information for the existing and proposed Verizon Wireless sites used to perform the coverage analysis and generate the coverage plots provided herein. Location Antenna Site Name Address City/State Structure Height(ft Status Latitud Longitud Type AGL) c c Belmont 125'rmpclo Road Belmont,NIA 42,3813 -71.1757 Rooftop 60 On-Air Waverley 20 Church Street Belmont,NIA 42,3873 -71.1900 Rooftop 37/43 On-Au I Brighton Ctr 363-365 Washington Street Brighton,MA 42.3492 -71.1531 Rooftop 56 On-Air Brighton Oak Sq 106 Tremont Street Brighton,MA 42.3507 -71.1729 Rooftop 54.7 On-Air Cambridge West 7001-luron Avenue Cambridge,MA 42.3808 -71.1546 Rooftop 125 On-Air Boston College 219 Commonwealth Avenue Newton,MA 42,3378 -71.1749 Rooftop so On-Air Newton 186 Webster Street Newton,NIA 42.3478 -71.2350 Lattice 120 On-Air Ncwton2 288 Walnut Street Newton,,MA 42.3510 -71.2065 Steeple 58 On-Air 1000 Commonwealth Newton 5 Newton,Nh\ 42.3374 -71.2090 Caupla 95.8 On-Air Avenue Newton Ctr Rep 1320 Centre Street Newton,MA 42.3285 -71.1955 Rooftop 48 On-Air NewtonN 430 Centre Street Newton,MA 42.3555 -71.1858 Rooftop 71/79 On-Air Newton Silver 285 California Street Newton,NIA 42.3658 -71.1999 Flag Pole 68 On-Air Lake Waltham Bast 190 Willow Street Waltham,MA 42.3704 -71.2197 Rooftop 43.5/47 On-Air Waltham Se 699 Moody Street Waltham,NIA 42.3643 -71.2390 Rooftop 34.2 On-Air Watertown 615 Arsenal Street Watertown,NIA 42.3616 -71.1540 NfonaPale 62 On-Air Watertown 2 65 Main Street Watertown,NIA 42.3665 -71.1856 Rooftop 50 On-Air � Watertown Ft 76 Coolidge Hill Road Watertown,NIA 42.3679 -71.1520 Rooftop So On-Air Watertown 6 124 Watertown Street Watertown,NIA 42.3627 -71.1909 Rooftop 49.5 Proposed Table 1:Verizon Wireless Site Information Used in Coverage Analysis2 2 Some sites listed in this table are outside the plot view but are included for completeness of information. C Squared S)stems,LLC 4 June 22,2015 Verizon Wireless \Vateao=6 ATA 7. Coverage Analysis and Propagation Plots The signal propagation plots provided in this report show coverage for the 700 1biHz frequency range and were produced using deciBel PlannerTM, a Windows-based RF propagation computer modeling program and network planning tool. The software takes into account the geographical features of an area, land cover, antenna models, antenna heights, RF transmitting power and receiver thresholds to predict coverage and other related RF parameters used in site design and network expansion. The plots included as attachments depict best server coverage based on RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) for Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network. Attachments A- C are discussed below: o Attachment A titled "Watertown 6 - Existing 700 NIHz L'I'E Coverage (Overloaded Sectors)" depicts the areas primarily served by the sectors (a.k.a. signal "footprints") of the existing Verizon Wireless sites in the area, which are shown by the unique color for each particular sector of interest. For clarity,all other sectors of less interest with respect to the proposed site are shown in yellow. As demand for wireless voice and data services continues to grow, Verizon Wireless manages the footprint of each sector so that it can support the demand within the area it is primarily serving. In addition to improving coverage to the area, the proposed site is also needed to serve existing and anticipated demand in the vicinity and thereby offload some of the burden experienced by the surrounding sites. In that way, those sites will be able to more adequately serve the demand for service in the areas nearer to those surrounding sites. Please note that the outer parts of each sector footprint may include areas that presently have signal strength below the targeted value required for reliable service to Verizon Wireless' customers. The fact that low- level signal is capable of reaching these areas does not mean that these areas experience adequate coverage. These unreliable areas of low signal level may impose a significant capacity burden on the sites primarily serving the area. C Squared Systems,LLC 5 June 22,2015 Verizon Wireless Watertown 6 iMA o Attachment B titled "Watertown 6- 700 MHz LTE Coverage Offload with Proposed Site" shows the composite coverage with the overall footprint of the proposed facility in blue. As shown in this map, the proposed "Watertown 6" facility is an effective solution to provide capacity relief to the area, particularly to the overloaded `Newton Silver Lake" beta (red), "Newton N" gamma (orange), and the"Watertown 2" beta (green) sectors. The proposed facility is centrally located in the area of deficient service making it particularly suited to distribute the traffic load across multiple sectors, and provide a dominant server to this pocket of heavy usage. Table 2 details the capacity relief provided by the proposed facility based on the sector footprints shown in Attachments A and B. Current With Offload Summary Sector Watertown 6 Area Area Total Pops AreaOftloaded Pops mix Pops ix Offloaded mix % Newton N Gamma 3357 0.5 2679 0.45 Newton Silver Lake Beta 3878 0.5 2028 0.31 1 MIKE Watertown 2 Beta 1422 0.16 965 _0.13 Table 2:Capacity Offload Summary3 o Attachment C titled "Watertown 6 — Area Terrain Map" details the terrain features around the proposed "Watertown 6" site. These terrain features play a key role in dictating the unique coverage achieved from a given location, as well as the coverage gaps within the network. This map is included to provide a visual representation of the ridges and valleys that must be considered when determining the appropriate location and design of a proposed wireless facility. The purple, blue, and green shades correspond to lower elevations, whereas the yellow, red, and white shades indicate higher elevations. 3 Population counts are based upon 2010 U.S.Census residential data. Please note that this does not include any employee or visitor counts in the area. C Squared Systems,LLC 6 June 22,2015 Veuzon Wireless Watertown 6 CIA Ci-tififit-atinn of Non-Interference Verizon Wireless certifies that the proposed facility will not cause interference to any lawfully operating emergency communication system, television, telephone or radio, in the surrounding area. The FCC has licensed Verizon Wireless to transmit and receive in the Upper C-Block of the 700 MHz band,B Block of the Cellular (850 MHz) band, the F, C3,and C4 Blocks of the PCS (1900 MHz) band, and the A and B Blocks of the AWS (2100 MHz) band of the RF spectrum. As a condition of the FCC licenses, Verizon Wireless is prohibited from interfering with other licensed devices that are being operated in a lawful manner. Furthermore, no emergency communication system, television, telephone, or radio is licensed to operate on these frequencies,and therefore interference is highly unlikely. In undertaking its build-out of 4G LTE service in Middlesex County, Verizon Wireless has determined that an additional facility is needed to provide reliable service and adequate capacity in the southern areas of the City of Watertown, NIA. Verizon Wireless determined that collocating on the building rooftop located at 124 Watertown Street at an antenna centerline of 49.5 feet (AGL) Nvill provide additional capacity and coverage needed in the targeted coverage areas currently being served by existing sites, which will soon exhaust their capacity limits to serve the usage demand in the areas. These areas include but are not limited to Watertown Street, California Street, Pleasant Street, Morse Street, and the surrounding roads, neighborhoods, businesses, and community areas. Without the installation at the proposed site, Verizon Wireless Nvill be unable to improve and expand their existing 4G LTE wireless communication services in this area of Watertown; therefore Verizon Wireless respectfully requests that the City of Watertown act favorably upon the proposed facility. I. Statement of Centifientinm I certify to-thee best of my knowledge that the statements in this report are true and accurate. to Keith Vellante Tune 22.2015 RF Engineer Date C Squared Systems,LLC C Squared Systems,U C 7 June 22,2015 Vedzon Wueless Watertown G MA A� II Ila ' 11 C Squared Systems,LLC 8 June 22,2015 � q \q souamp J / m_m Q . / pj , \ . \ { �ƒ & ƒ � - . °+ m» . cn, # \may y 7 . . - ^ a ¥ U ca OD \ ¥e Z I \ \ > ± • 2 « ®° + f � ( aa& a uk � ~ ! /i CO \ � § / 2 CA \ \ � ) ) ) / \§ \ \ / d ! /d � _ ; t ► ❑ ■ ■ ■ > ■ mplau me LO \ ¥ � - �\� } . & J ~ULO �} , . a ■ \ @ • � # � \ ( � � tt $ \ . \ ~ ~ 2 « e ) k f ! wj ) ° . 2 N \ ) \ ® f ,R age@ _ § tea } / / ) / ) \ / ► t D ■ , � ; � . J ^ © q �� ~ at < N3 \ ® \& ) / - - \ � § - % ! � k - � \ » , ! max § } l � D ■ ■ qD � \ « > { \ f , ma - \■ ) I „ a u # f j j j j ■