Verizon Wireless defends 5G permit at public hearing in California

The San Francisco City Council convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the approval of a new 5G wireless facility proposed by Verizon Wireless. The meeting highlighted significant concerns raised by community members regarding safety and the procedural integrity of the approval process.

Melanie Sengupta, representing Verizon, addressed the council alongside her colleagues, including independent radio frequency engineer Bill Hammett. Sengupta emphasized that all necessary procedures had been followed and that the facility's compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations was assured. She noted that the city’s inquiry into radio frequency emissions concluded once it confirmed that emissions fell within FCC exposure limits.

Hammett presented findings from his report, stating that the maximum exposure level from the proposed facility would be 2.1% of the applicable public limit set by the FCC, significantly below the threshold required for federal preemption. He reassured the council that similar facilities in San Francisco consistently measured lower than predicted exposure levels, reinforcing the safety of the proposed site.

The discussion also included procedural concerns raised by community members, particularly regarding the lack of timely communication about an 11-page letter that had been referenced but not received by the council. This led to questions about the transparency of the approval process and the need for public hearings on such significant installations.

Commissioner Swig sought further clarification from Verizon's team, indicating a desire for continuity in discussions about the facility's safety and regulatory compliance. The council's deliberations underscored the importance of balancing technological advancement with community safety and transparency.

As the meeting concluded, the council's decisions on the 5G facility will have lasting implications for San Francisco's wireless infrastructure and community trust in regulatory processes. The outcome of this discussion will be pivotal as the city navigates the complexities of modern telecommunications while addressing public concerns.