WIA Files Comments with FCC Asking for Agency to Uphold Long-Standing Rules Promoting Competition

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) filed formal written comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in its “Streamlining Deployment of Small Cell Infrastructure By Improving Wireless Facilities Siting Policies” proceeding (WT Docket No. 16-421).

In its filing (available here), WIA stressed the importance of maintaining a fair and competitive marketplace to promote the widespread deployment of wireless infrastructure in communities across the United States.

“While the Commission has made important strides toward lowering barriers to wireless infrastructure deployment, WIA’s members continue to face significant obstacles that effectively thwart the deployment of small wireless facilities and equipment in public rights-of-way,” writes WIA in the filing. “Members increasingly experience significant delays, unclear and inconsistently applied local processes, burdensome requirements and limitations, moratoria, and arbitrary and exorbitant fees when attempting to site these facilities.”

WIA urged the FCC to clarify and bolster previous orders interpreting Sections 253 and 332 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and to guide local governments to act in a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory manner to foster enhanced competition, realizing the purpose of the 1996 Act.