PCIA Applauds FCC Order Streamlining Antenna Rules

August 8, 2014 / Alexandria, VA – Jonathan Adelstein, President & CEO of PCIA – The Wireless Infrastructure Association, issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimous approval of an order streamlining Part 17 regulations governing tower marking, lighting and registration:

“PCIA applauds the FCC for updating its Part 17 rules regarding tower marking and lighting. Today the Commission delivered real results on its process reform efforts by removing redundant regulatory requirements that increase compliance costs, which will allow investment to focus on broadband buildout. PCIA has encouraged the FCC for many years to revise these outdated regulations, and long ago demonstrated how technological advances in the wireless infrastructure industry are strengthening air navigation safety. The FCC’s Order will harmonize its regulations with the FAA to eliminate unnecessary rules, thereby encouraging the adoption of advanced technologies.

“Today’s Order will have a real impact on wireless broadband deployment. For example, PCIA’s members have spent tens of millions of dollars on lighting inspections since 2007, despite the adoption and availability of continuous monitoring technology. By reforming lighting inspection requirements, the FCC will encourage more wireless providers to re-channel unnecessary compliance expenditures to more beneficial uses, such as infrastructure upgrades and rural deployment.

“We thank the FCC for these common-sense updates that will bring Part 17 into the 21st century.”