By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
By
a quarrelsome 3-to-2 vote, the FCC yesterday approved an order to
modernize wireless infrastructure. Specifically, the Declaratory Ruling
specifies when a 60-day shot clock for local approval begins and
clarifies Section 6409 of the Spectrum Act to enable upgrades on
existing macro towers.
The ruling also clarifies how certain aspects of proposed modifications –
height increases, equipment cabinet additions, and impact on
concealment elements and aesthetic conditions – affect eligibility for
streamlined review under Section 6409(a). In addition, the action
clarifies that, under the Commission’s rules on environmental and
historic preservation review, FCC applicants do not need to submit
environmental assessments based only on potential impacts to historic
properties when parties have entered into a memorandum of agreement to
mitigate effects on those properties.
The so-called “5G Upgrade Order” also says which new equipment qualifies
for streamlined approval. It ensures localities can’t misuse
concealment and aesthetic conditions to limit the ability to quickly
upgrade concealed infrastructure, according to the agency. Continue Reading
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