Rep. Eshoo introduces legislation to restore local control over small cells

Reps. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) and Jackie Speier (D-CA) have filed a bill that would restore the ability of local governments to regulate deployment of small cells in order to meet the needs of their communities. In 2018, the FCC limited local governments’ authority  to set access fees and other criteria for wireless providers’ deployment of small cell equipment in public rights of way.   

“Having served in local government for a decade on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, I understand and respect the important role that state and local governments play in protecting the welfare of their residents,” said Rep. Eshoo. “5G is essential for our country’s communications network and economy, but it must be deployed responsibly and equitably. The FCC let industry write these regulations without sufficient input from local leaders. This has led to regulations that restrict cities from requiring carriers to meet the needs of communities in which they want to operate.”

More than a dozen municipalities have challenged the 2018 FCC small cell order in court. Last year, CWA sent a letter to the FCC criticizing the Commission’s draft small cell order as an example of federal overreach, going far beyond recommendations of the FCC’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee.

Links:

H.R.530 - To provide that certain actions by the Federal Communications Commission shall have no force or effect. (Library of Congress, Jan. 2019)

Eshoo introduces legislation to restore local control in deployment of 5G (US House, Jan. 15, 2019)

More than a dozen cities sue FCC over small cell order (Speed Matters, Nov. 9, 2018)

CWA to FCC on draft small cell order (FCC, Sept. 18, 2018)