DALTON, Ga. — So-called 5G wireless technology promises connection speeds 10 times greater than current cellphone technology.

But to roll out 5G, telephone companies will have to use an entirely new type of antenna, smaller and spaced more closely together, than traditional cellphone towers. The Dalton City Council is trying to stay ahead of this new technology.

Council members on Monday had the first reading of an ordinance that would govern how 5G antennas are installed on public rights-of-way in the city. The ordinance would implement locally a law that passed the state legislature earlier this year that set standards and fees for when those antennas are installed on public property. That law takes effect Oct. 1.

“This local ordinance provides the city, as outlined in the (state) law, to guide the installation of poles and antennas, and encourages various providers to collocate their equipment instead of all of them installing separate facilities,” said City Administrator Jason Parker. “There is some protection for historic districts and residential areas. We are simply trying to work with providers so that we do not suddenly see an uncoordinated proliferation of antennas and poles along our streets.”

The state law allows cities to limit heights of poles in historic districts and residential areas and to set standards for their designs in those areas.

“This technology is coming,” said council member Annalee Harlan. “This law will give us as much control as possible over placement and esthetics.”

The council is expected to vote on the measure at its Oct. 7 meeting.