FCC Proposes Rules Changes To Speed Deployment of Distributed Antennas, Small Cells
The FCC Wireless Bureau proposed amendments to its nationwide programmatic agreement (NPA) on collocated facilities to speed deployment of distributed antenna systems and small cells. The changes “account for the limited potential of small wireless antennas and associated equipment … to affect historic properties,” the Thursday notice said. Comments are due June 13. The agreement covers review of DAS and small cells under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Smaller systems have been a big FCC focus, including a daylong workshop last week (see 1605030056).
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The notice proposes an exclusion for small wireless antennas and associated equipment mounted on buildings or non-tower structures or in the interior of buildings that are more than 45 years old if they aren't historic properties and are outside of historic districts and not subject to concerns the collocation would otherwise affect an historic structure. The current exclusion requires reviews for all facilities on buildings more than 45 years old. The FCC released the initial collocation NPA 15 years ago.
“We propose these amendments in order to enable swift and responsible deployment of wireless broadband services -- including deployments that will support next generation ‘5G’ wireless service offerings -- while maintaining the vital role that States and Tribal Nations play in reviewing projects with potentially significant effects,” the bureau said. The FCC will start by taking comments. Eventually, the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers would have to sign off on any change, the bureau said.
Commissioner Mike O’Rielly released a statement urging quick action. “Having pushed to get this item done quickly and correctly, I salute the efforts of those in the Wireless Bureau to get us to this point,” O’Rielly said. “Next, we should conclude this issue by fall while turning to the next infrastructure challenges and barriers, including twilight towers.”
“We appreciate the leadership of the FCC and the historic preservation community for recognizing the importance and reduced impact of DAS and small cell systems for 5G deployment and IoT,” said Scott Bergmann, CTIA vice president-regulatory affairs. Bergmann urged quick completion of a revised agreement.
The NPA and collocation agreement "have been critical for the deployment and maintenance of mobile broadband," said Jonathan Adelstein, president of PCIA-The Wireless Infrastructure Association. "The FCC is rightfully mindful of the need to ensure that the policies within these agreements are not disrupted as we move to a 5G world."