The telecommunications industry is pressuring Congress to add language to upcoming bill that would preempt local zoning authority if they 'take too long' to approve cell phone towers or sites.
"Given all the other moving targets out there, and the high priority issues we see grabbing headlines, we need to be careful that the CTIA doesn't sneak language into the pending Broadband Bill that will strip localities of their ability to control manner and placement of this infrastructure.
The way the CTIA's request stands, they would seek federal pre-emption if a locality took more than 75 days to issue and approval or denial for a proposed project.
CTIA's Largent also said the broadband stimulus will be impeded unless Congress takes steps to speed up antenna sting approvals. "A guarantee that siting requests would be acted upon quickly will ensure that grant funds can be spent quickly and assist carriers and tower construction companies in efforts to maximize activity during the rapidly approaching 2009 construction season," stated the CTIA president."
FULL STORY: CTIA pursues 'shot clock' again
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