Feds Streamline Approvals for 5G Infrastructure

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.