PCIA, the Wireless Infrastructure Association, along with a number of other agencies and groups, sent an open letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction asking the committee to ensure “the streamlined deployment of wireless facilities as part of any spectrum policy recommendations” that might be adopted as the committee seeks to reduce the budget.
The letter highlights the importance of both spectrum and infrastructure and notes the need for strategic network deployment, including the elimination of redundant zoning regulations for more rapid deployment of wireless networks.
“Significant progress in accelerating the deployment of broadband and next-generation wireless services can be achieved through narrow legislation streamlining redundant zoning re-review that wireless providers must currently endure to simply attach or swap antennas on wireless infrastructure that has already passed an extensive local zoning and permitting process,” the letter states.
PCIA argues that current zoning and approval regulations for new wireless networks can in some cases delay deployments by up to 18 months or longer.
“Such a redundant review process is analogous to requiring an office building to undergo full discretionary zoning review every time the owner seeks to lease available office space to a new tenant,” the letter states.
In addition to PCIA, the letter was signed by TechAmerica, the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE), Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), MobileFuture and the Wireless Communications Association (WCA).
