Support and grow your network
The distribution mid pole wireless attachment program allows you to install wireless facilities within the mid pole space of our distribution poles at a height of approximately 20 to 25 feet from the ground. This can include installing two antennas via a single mount with connection to your nearby control equipment. The entire installation will be powered through our electrical service.
One key advantage of using our distribution poles is that you can carry out your own installation and maintenance activities.
How it works
Here's the complete process for attaching your mid pole wireless device to our distribution poles:
1. Initial consultation
Before submitting your application, we recommend contacting us to discuss the overall project and your proposed attachment plans. Please email us at attachments@bchydro.com with the location of interest (latitude and longitude) and a high-level scope summary.
2. Master Services Agreement and Program Schedule
If you don’t have a Master Services Agreement, follow our instructions for new customers.
3. Attachment application step 1: Wireless devices
To start your mid pole wireless attachment request, submit the following to attachments@bchydro.com:
A completed conceptual viability review form [PDF, 91 KB].
Mid Pole Wireless Attachment – Data Collection Summary Template - Step 1 [XLSX, 36 KB]
Mid Pole Wireless Attachment – Data Collection Instructions [PDF, 309 KB]
Mid Pole Wireless Attachment – Photo Guidelines and Tagging [PDF, 39 KB]
All required documents as outlined in the application, including the application fee.
4. Attachment application step 2: Wireline (if applicable)
After receiving approval from us, start step 2 of your application by submitting the following to attachments@bchydro.com:
A completed technical identification review form [PDF, 104 KB].
Mid Pole Wireless Attachment – Data Collection Summary Template - Step 2 [XLSX, 1.5 MB]
All required documents as outlined in the form.
If wireline is required, payment of the step 2 application fee.
5. Design phase
Once we receive the design deposit and all required documentation, we’ll analyze the proposed attachments. This analysis determines if any BC Hydro make-ready work is needed to allow for safe attachment to our distribution poles.
BC Hydro make-ready work may involve:
- Moving existing hydro or telecom lines for proper spacing
- Adding and/or replacing anchors
- Installing secondary power for mid pole wireless devices
- Replacing poles
Once our analysis is complete, we’ll proceed with the make-ready design and issue a construction cost letter detailing the costs associated with any required work along with applicable BC Hydro standards.
In most cases, it takes us approximately one year to issue the construction cost letter after we receive the design deposit, depending on the number of requested attachments, permitting requirements, and how many other applications we’re processing at the same time.
6. Construction phase
Upon receiving construction funding, we’ll complete the make‑ready work identified during the design phase.
In most cases, it takes us approximately three to six months to complete our construction work, depending on the extent of the make-ready work required, construction resource availability, seasonal restrictions, and outage requirements.
Once the make-ready work is complete, we’ll issue a Specific Permit of Occupation (SPO) that authorizes attaching your mid‑pole wireless device to our distribution poles. You’re responsible for securing all necessary permits (such as municipal and environmental) before installing your equipment.
7. Close-out phase
Upon project completion, we’ll reconcile the actual costs and issue reconciliation cost letters accordingly. You’ll be required to submit As-Built drawings for our records that meet the mid pole wireless As-Built requirements [PDF, 363 KB].
Contact us
If you have questions or need support with the application process for the distribution mid pole wireless attachment program, email us at attachments@bchydro.com.
Applicable BC Hydro Standards
Design drawings for submission must align with applicable BC Hydro standards. These standards form the basis of our structural and electrical review during the definition phase and must be adhered to for all third-party attachments to our distribution poles. Refer to ES43 Section C4-01 for applicable mid pole standards.