Feds Streamline Approvals for 5G Infrastructure

Most deployment of 5G "small cells" won't get any resistance from federal regulations.

2 minute read

March 26, 2018, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Cellular Network

kriang phromphim / Shutterstock

Jeremy Horwitz reports that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission has taken steps to ease the way for the implementation of 5G cellular networks.

In effect, the decision, approved by a 3-2 vote, will streamline the approvals process for small cells by exempting most planned deployments from review under both the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Small cells are advanced radio hardware essential to next generation cellular networks.

Horwitz explains the case made by companies rushing into the 5G market:

According to [FCC Commissioner Brendan] Carr, though only 0.33 percent of the federal reviews actually resulted in changes to planned deployments, they consumed tens of millions of dollars each year and caused significant deployment delays. Nearly 30 percent of the cost of deploying each small cell came from NEPA and NHPA reviews, which if eliminated would save “at least $1.56 billion” during the 5G rollout process.

Horwitz notes that the decision wasn't particularly controversial, but state and local officials, along with tribal governments, raised concerns about local control. Carr also "noted that the order doesn’t restrict localities’ rights to review and approve small cell deployments." The issue of local control over 5G infrastructure deployment is complicated by the placement of small cells on public poles and streetlights. The state of California already devoted a contentious legislative session to the matter, only to have Governor Jerry Brown veto a bill approved by the State Legislature.

Thursday, March 22, 2018 in VentureBeat

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Regeneration of contaminated industrial land used for waste dumping, West Midlands, UK, 2006 .

EPA Awards $267 Million to Clean Up and Reuse Contaminated Sites

The EPA is investing the funds to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites nationwide, supporting economic growth, community revitalization, and environmental restoration.

May 18 - Environmental Protection

Archway made of bikes in Knoxville, Tennessee over Tennessee River.

Knoxville Dedicates $1M to New Greenway

The proposed greenway would run along North Broadway and connect to 125 miles of existing trails.

May 18 - WATE

25mph speed limit sign with digital "Your Speed" sign below it.

Philadelphia Launches ‘Speed Slots’ Traffic Calming Pilot

The project focuses on a 1.4-mile stretch of Lincoln Drive where cars frequently drive above the posted speed limit.

May 18 - WHYY