Council tables Ubiquia small‑cell master license after large public opposition; asks staff for workshop and legal, health and procurement review

The City Council on Oct. 15 tabled consideration of a proposed master license agreement that would have allowed Ubiquia to attach small wireless devices to city street lights across Encinitas.

Jared Elmore, senior management analyst, summarized negotiations with the company and a draft master license that would set fees and a permit process for attachments to city‑owned poles. He said the company had approached the city and the draft terms were intended to balance fee structures and stakeholder interests.

Public comment was extensive and largely opposed the proposal. Dozens of speakers asked the council to reject or delay any agreement because of health, privacy and surveillance concerns, and because of what several speakers described as Ubiquia’s prior conduct in other jurisdictions. Typical testimony included concerns that “small‑cell” infrastructure increases local radio‑frequency exposure and can be used for broad data collection and surveillance. Speakers included community activists, business owners and filmmakers who urged a public workshop before any contract action.

Councilmembers responded to the volume of public concern by asking for a broader briefing: staff should return with legal guidance on local authorities and FCC preemption, a technical briefing on network architecture and how many devices could be deployed, an accounting of current attachments and vendors in the city, and a public education and workshop plan. Council also asked for the city to examine contracts used by other cities and the San Diego experience referenced by speakers.

The council then voted unanimously to table the matter and directed staff to prepare a more fulsome report and a public workshop. Jared Elmore said Ubiquia representatives were not present at the meeting. Several council members said they preferred to get detailed answers and hold a public workshop rather than approve a long‑term 25‑year authorization without additional study.