UPDATE Ten broadband associations, including WIA, NATE, CTIA and USTelecom, called on leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives to remove barriers to deployment by streamlining permitting. The associations, which also included CCA, NTCA, INCOMPAS, WISPA, NCTA and RWA, urged lawmakers to support H.R. 3557, the American Broadband Deployment Act.
Sponsored by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), the bill requires that application fees to review permitting approvals be based on actual costs, and that providers have a clear timeline for a response. It also simplifies the process for seeking upgrade approvals and ensures environmental and historic preservation reviews are proportional to the level of deployment.
“Removing barriers to broadband deployment is an essential step to ensure Congress’s historic investment to bridge the digital divide for all communities is successful,” said WIA President/CEO Patrick Halley. WIA led the group letter to House leaders. “As states prepare to release broadband funds, Congress has an opportunity to preserve and strengthen our nation’s broadband deployment position. Enacting the American Broadband Deployment Act will bring predictability and transparency to the permitting process for states, municipalities, and industry.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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