Is cellular service becoming a public utility?

As 5G sets to rollout nationally, state by state, governments are beginning to mandate small cell installations on various public utility poles (light poles, power lines, etc.) without needing approval of local municipalities.

Through these mandates, the rent for the small cells are drastically lower than current market rates, robbing local municipalities of higher rent. Half of the states in the US have mandates that are allowing this. Why? 5G expansion at the benefit of carriers (higher infrastructure costs vs. competitive pricing; lowering profits).