The FCC has adopted a Declaratory Ruling and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) to facilitate the deployment of 5G networks across the United States.The FCC clarifies its 2014 rules regarding state and local government review of modifications to existing wireless infrastructure with regard to when the 60-day shot clock for local review begins. The ruling also clarifies how certain aspects of proposed modifications, including height increases and equipment changes, affect eligibility for streamlined review. In addition, the FCC clarifies that applicants do not need to submit environmental assessments based only on potential impacts to historic properties when parties have entered into a memorandum of agreement to mitigate effects on those properties. In the FNPRM, the FCC seeks comment on proposed rule changes regarding excavation or deployment outside the boundaries of an existing tower site and the effects of such activities on eligibility for streamlined review under section 6409(a) of the Spectrum Act of 2012.
