Local Governments Pressure Carr on Wireless Infrastructure
The FCC should steer clear of a “preemptive approach” to siting, local government representatives said in a meeting with Commissioner Brendan Carr. He told us Thursday he has nothing new on the timing of an FCC item addressing local siting…
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issues. “We discussed the great desire of local governments to close the digital divide,” the representatives said in docket 17-79. “American communities want the latest broadband infrastructure to attract businesses and retain residents. Many cities and counties are already actively engaged with neighboring jurisdictions and their wireless industry partners to plan for the safe, efficient, and appropriate deployment of small cell infrastructure.” Fees are complicated, the local governments said. “We delineated for Commissioner Carr the important difference between the various fees that may be charged by local governments when they are exercising their police power versus authorizing private use of public property.” Among those at the meeting were Montgomery County, Maryland, Council President Hans Riemer, NATOA and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The Smart Communities and Special Districts Coalition said Sprint's recent comments on its success in deploying small cells show local governments aren’t an impediment. “This announcement stands in stark contrast to generic industry arguments and Sprint filings to the Commission that deployment is being inhibited by local governments and public agencies,” the coalition said.