A group of Bridgeport residents who live along Fairview Avenue Extension in the North End told News 12 Monday they will fight a plan to put "mini cells" on top of a new utility pole in their neighborhood.

"This company, Crown Castle LLC, told us we missed a deadline they set to oppose the plan - but we've tried and tried to reach them, to express our strong opposition to this proposal, but without success," said resident Janeth Edwards. "Even though experts say cellular infrastructure is safe for human health, the experts have been wrong before and the future effects of this technology are unknowable - and we just don't feel safe. We have emails and documentation that prove that we were opposed to this and they told us if we responded in adequate time that this would not be happening. Unfortunately, they did not keep their word."

Mayor Joe Ganim says he wrote a letter to Crown Castle LLC - a company whose website says provides "mini cells" to expand the reach of cellular technology amid growing demand - to express the city's opposition to a plan to put a "mini cell on top of a new utility pole in this neighborhood."

"These big companies roll in, they turn their back on residents, and that's where we stand together -- so whether it's with the Public Utilities Regulatory Agency, PURA, or we go to court, it's going to take a judge to say what happens next," Ganim said.

Crown Castle has worked closely with state of Connecticut to design the proposed small cells that will expand the cellular network in the area and bring better connectivity for residents and businesses as demand for these services continues to grow.

Reliable wireless infrastructure is critical for education, healthcare access, small business growth, and public safety. In many areas, more than 80% of 911 calls are placed from a wireless device. Our goal is to ensure that communities like Bridgeport are not left behind as technology evolves.

The wireless infrastructure project near Chamberlain Avenue and Fairview Avenue Extension is currently under construction and was approved through a multi-step, state-mandated process administered by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).

Prior notice was issued to adjacent property owners, and the process included opportunities for public input.

We would welcome the opportunity to meet with this group as we continue working to improve wireless service for Bridgeport residents and businesses.

Small cells are small, low-power antennas that enhance connectivity by increasing capacity of the wireless network in locations closer to consumers and their devices. Small cells are connected by fiber optic cable and may be attached to new or existing infrastructure in the public right of way like utility poles or streetlights. This allows the small cells to be placed where they need to be — close to users’ devices.

These small cells are smaller in stature and sit closer to the ground than a traditional cell tower. This makes them an effective way to meet growing wireless demand in a more precise manner. Similar to a tower, small cells communicate wirelessly over radio waves and connect signals to the internet or phone system. Because they’re connected with fiber, they are able to handle large amounts of data at fast speeds.

Crown Castle’s small cells can accommodate multiple mobile phone companies’ equipment at the same location, so fewer sites are needed in any given area, which minimizes the need for new infrastructure.