FCC Pushes Broadband Infrastructure Deployments

 

Multiple actions were taken by the FCC this week to accelerate Broadband infrastructure deployments by removing barriers to buildout and streamline certain deployments, such as towers, distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cells.

In a public notice, the Chairman Julius Genachowski announced action to define and clarify a provision in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 which discusses local review of requests to modify existing wireless towers or base stations. 

The FCC also initiated a proceeding to expedite placement of temporary cell towers (cells on wheels, or COWS; and cells on light trucks, or COLTs).  These technologies would improve short-term capacity during large scale events, which are notorious for stretching cell infrastructure to the brim of its capacity. 

Chairman Genachowski also announced coming actions to streamline DAS and small cell deployment even further, as well as examine the level of clarity to industry and municipalities regarding current application of the tower siting shot clock.