Verizon, WIA Press for FCC Action on Wireless Siting

handful of early filers. The carrier invested tens of billions of dollars on its 4G network and is building hundreds of 5G sites “as the first step in our plans to spearhead the next generation of wireless service,” it said. “The Commission can and should use its statutory authority to relieve the burdens that local ordinances, restrictions on access to municipal and investor-owned utility poles, and historic preservation and tribal reviews impose on wireless carriers’ efforts to deploy wireless broadband technology,” Verizon said. “Delay is widespread and significant,” the Wireless Infrastructure Association commented, not posted at our deadline. “Local governments are adopting formal moratoria on the deployment of small wireless facilities, and many other local governments are creating de facto moratoria by refusing to meaningfully act on siting applications. Contrary to the suggestion of some local government commenters, delays are not driven by providers. Rather, lack of clarity or consistency in local requirements is a significant cause of delay.” WIA also complained about excessive regulation. “Companies deploying small wireless facilities report multi-year delays driven by cities micromanaging every element of the technology and deployment,” the group said. “Companies also experience delay where local governments constantly change their demands and requirements -- even after providers have worked with the local government over extended periods to develop a deployment that meets the local government’s desires.”