Many Local, State Officials Support New 5G Rules, Carr Says

crafted by Carr. “More than several dozen mayors, local officials, and state lawmakers have called on the FCC to streamline the rules governing small cell buildout,” Carr said. “They want the FCC to build on the commonsense reforms adopted in state legislatures and town councils across the country so that every community -- from big city to small town -- gets a fair shot at next-generation connectivity.” Carr offered quotes from local officials endorsing the approach. Among filings posted Monday in docket 17-79, Murrieta, California, opposed the draft rules. “Cities can negotiate with providers to ensure appropriate compensation to taxpayers for private, profit-generating use of public property, and to incentivize development that benefits community residents,” the city said. “Action by the Commission would limit fees and rates that we could negotiate for use of public property and our ability to maximize public benefit.” Middleburg, Virginia, called the new collocation shot clock “too extreme” and said it needs to be able to protect its historic downtown and charm. Sprint said in meetings with aides to Carr and Commissioners Mike O’Rielly and Jessica Rosenworcel that the changes don’t go far enough. “The Commission’s draft order states that government application and recurring fees be cost-based,” the carrier said. “Costs charged by local governments must be ‘direct and actual’ so that local governments cannot increase its costs by incurring unnecessary expenses and passing them on to the wireless industry.” Carr penned a Pensacola News Journal commentary with Pensacola, Florida, Mayor Ashton Hayward (R) on the importance of 5G and infrastructure to that city.