The San José City Council has approved a pilot allowing the Philips Corporation to install 50 SmartPoles on a trial basis. For every SmartPole installed, Philips is upgrading 15 streetlights in the surrounding neighborhood to modern LED streetlights. There are four phases to the installation project.

• Philips Community Outreach Presentation
• Interactive Map of SmartPole Locations

What is a SmartPole?

SmartPoles are streetlights with energy-efficient, white LED lights and poles containing wireless telecommunications equipment.

In 2007, San José began replacing its 1970s-era amber streetlights with modern LED lights. These lights save energy, save money over the long-term, and enhance neighborhood safety. This new era of streetlights include a wireless system to notify the city when lights go out, or when someone damages or tampers with them.

SmartPoles have an LED lighthead, and they contain microcell equipment that can be used by wireless carriers. This adds to mobile connectivity in the area where the SmartPole is located.

Why SmartPoles?

Mobile data traffic is projected to grow tenfold over the next five years. In the past, telecom providers would build cell towers to carry cellphone calls, texts, and broadband traffic. With the growth in smart phones and tablets, data needs have increased exponentially in recent years. To meet the demand for coverage and capacity, mobile operators need to improve, densify and add many more radio cell sites in dense areas.

This SmartPole pilot is an opportunity to test emerging small-cell technology and see if it is a viable alternative to installing cell towers and poles in our neighborhoods.

How SmartPoles Work

The SmartPole is designed to house cutting edge small cell products. Mobile operators will be able to rent space in the poles. In this way, mobile network operators will be able to improve data coverage and capacity, resulting in enhanced mobile broadband services.

Where Will the SmartPoles Be Located?

SmartPole locations are noted by phase on this interactive map.

How do I get a SmartPole in my neighborhood?

Right now, the SmartPole project is a pilot and limited to the locations outlined on this map. In the future, should the pilot be successful or should another similar opportunity become available, additional neighborhoods may get SmartPoles or similar technology. (It’s important to note that the agreement with Philips is not intended to be an exclusive agreement, and any vendor who is developing or deploying similar technology may propose an unsolicited offer to the City for consideration.)

Who can I talk to about the SmartPole project?

If you have questions, please contact:

• Philips Corporation: Catherine Tompkison at (408) 261-2866 or cmtompkison@thetompkisongroup.com.
• City of San José: Kevin O’Connor, Department of Transportation, (408) 794-1987 or Kevin.O'Connor@sanjoseca.gov.

You may also read the report to the City Council regarding the Philips SmartPole Agreement.