The clock is ticking for wireless broadband stakeholders and municipalities that want to have their voices heard in the critical FCC rulemaking wherein the Commission proposes the removal of regulatory roadblocks in order to streamline the deployment of wireless infrastructure for 5G services. With the scheduled publication of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry in the Federal Register scheduled for May 10, 2017, the deadline for submitting comments will be June 9, 2017. Reply comments will be due no later than July 10, 2017.
As discussed in our previous release on April 24, there are a number of controversial aspects of this proceeding, including federal preemption, local and municipal authority over wireless infrastructure, as well as the use of public rights-of-ways for infrastructure deployment.
The rules that will result from this proceeding will go a long way toward defining the wireless broadband regulatory landscape for years to come. Hence, this proceeding is of vital importance to municipalities, Tribal Nations, historical organizations, environmentalists, tower owners, telecom service providers, small cell and distributed antenna service (“DAS”) suppliers, and virtually any stakeholder in the Internet of Things (“IoT”) industry.
Specifically, the FCC seeks comment on numerous issues pertaining to:
- How local, State, and Commission rules affect the speed and cost of infrastructure deployment.
- What time limits should apply to local review, and a proposal to “deem granted” applications.
- The use and impact of State and local moratoria.
- A review of FCC rules and procedures for historic preservation and environmental reviews.
- How Sections 253 and 332(c)(7) of the Communications Act apply to wireless facilities.
If you have any questions concerning this FCC proceeding, please contact
Ron Quirk at req@commlawgroup.com, or 703-714-1305.
