Wireless News, Updates, and Resources#
NEW: Report Poor Wireless Service in Fort Collins
The FCC is currently accepting challenges to its wireless service map. Residents can submit data from their own devices to improve or correct coverage.
Apply for a Wireless Communications Facility#
If you would like to build a new Wireless Communications Facility in Fort Collins, please visit our how-to page for more information.
Wireless Master Plan
The Wireless Master Plan establishes policies and recommendations to improve Fort Collins' wireless infrastructure for future needs while minimizing visual impact.
The City is now actively implementing the plan to address community concerns about poor wireless service.
To view the archived public engagement and information about the creation of the Plan, visit the project's Our City page.
Challenge your wireless provier
Fort Collins residents are encouraged to report inadequate wireless service to the FCC to help improve the accuracy of the national wireless service map.
By using the FCC Speed Test App and reporting areas of weak signal, residents can trigger challenges to providers, ultimately leading to better service and infrastructure investment.
Wireless Facility Map
View our interactive wireless map for a comprehensive look at existing and proposed wireless facilities within the community.
Wireless Master Plan Implementation#
|
Recommendation/Policy |
Responsible Department |
Status |
Timeline |
Notes |
|
Further incentivize roof or wall mounted installations. |
Planning Services |
Completed |
2/7/2023 |
As part of the update review type for roof or wall mounted installations was reduced to Basic Development Review in all zone districts except Downtown.
|
|
Create a ‘conditional use' process for reviewing wireless proposals in residential zone district. |
Planning Services |
Monitor |
Monitor |
Staff continues to monitor this recommendation. |
|
Consider the use of certain city-owned properties. |
Planning Services, Parks, City Manager's Office |
Completed |
Q3 2022 |
Worked with stakeholders to update City policy to only allow wireless infrastructure within public parks and golf courses with existing vertical infrastructure such as ballfield lights or net poles. Context appropriate design is required. Buildings and City Natural Areas are not eligible. |
|
Update the City’s Land Use Code to comply with Federal and State timing requirements. |
Planning Services |
In Progress |
Target completion: Q2 2024 |
After the adoption of Ordinance No. 11 2023, staff is now creating three new wireless application types which is intended to streamline internal review of wireless proposals. |
|
Amend zoning standards to match federal definitions |
Planning Services |
Monitor |
Last revision: 2/7/2023 |
|
|
Require wireless providers to demonstrate RF emission compliance for new and existing facilities |
Planning Services |
Completed |
2/7/2023 |
As part of the 2023 revision to the City's Land Use Code, wireless applications will require a RF emission compliance report for new and existing facilities. |
|
Explore a City RF monitoring program |
Planning Services |
Monitor |
Monitor |
During the 2023/2024 Budget Cycle, staff created a budget offer that was not funded. Staff will continue to monitor need for program. |
|
Publish and update a wireless inventory map for the City. |
Planning Services, City of Fort Collins GIS |
In Progress |
Target completion: Q2 2024 |
Version 1.0 has been published and is linked above. Staff anticipates additional features such as images and links to the approved plans. We are also collecting feedback to better understand what would be useful information to include within the dataset. |
|
Develop design standards for expectations for wireless facilities |
Planning Services |
In Progress |
Target completion: Q4 2024 |
During the 2023/2024 Budget Cycle, staff created a budget offer that was not funded to create a wireless telecommunication design manual. Staff is working internally with limited resources to complete a Design Manual. |