Local authorities will have to accept modifications that do not substantially change the dimensions of a mobile site.
Streamlining permits for wireless infrastructure: On 3 November 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced new rules to reduce barriers to 5G deployment. A Report and Order adopted on 27 October 2020 requires local authorities to streamline the review for changes to existing wireless infrastructure that involve excavation and deployment beyond existing site boundaries.
What the rules say: State and local governments may not deny requests for modifications that do not ‘substantially change’ the physical dimensions of the structures. Excavating or deploying transmission equipment in an area no more than 30 feet (9.1 metres) beyond existing site boundaries shall be permitted.
The FCC has worked to remove barriers in recent years: The FCC chairman, Ajit Pai, noted that the FCC’s work to reduce barriers to deployment in recent years has paid off. Fewer than 7k cells were deployed in the US between 2013 and 2016, rising to 46k in 2019 alone. Two FCC commissioners dissented with the decision, noting that it creates friction with state and local authorities, which told the FCC that the ruling diminishes their powers.
