Governor Andrew Cuomo’s State-of-the-State address covered in Monday’s issue of Inside Towers outlined a proposal to improve cell service in the Empire State. The Governor’s plan includes appointing a project director from Empire State Development, the state’s economic development agency, who will begin by focusing on 1,950 miles of major roadways that need more robust wireless coverage.
New York will look to facilitate the launch of private cellular projects through “batch permitting,” or approving multiple projects under a single application.
“This proposal by Governor Cuomo is a clear example of how New York can leverage good public private partnerships to attract investment in wireless infrastructure, lead to better service for consumers and grow our state’s economy,” said New York State Wireless Association (NYSWA) President Thomas Marciano.
New York will also establish “shot clocks” on smaller cell service projects on state land, rights-of-way and high priority corridors. Lastly, the state will look to advance legislation to standardize permitting small cell installations on municipal infrastructure.
“We applaud the actions of Governor Cuomo and look forward to working with him and the State legislature on this important initiative,” said Christopher Fisher, Advisor on Governor Cuomo’s Upstate Cellular Coverage Task Force and NYSWA’s State and Local Government Affairs Advisor. “The industry is ready to help facilitate the deployment of cutting-edge wireless technologies to improve service for consumers and grow the state’s economy with the regulatory reforms suggested by the Governor.”
“WIA supports Gov. Cuomo’s goal of achieving widespread 5G deployment in New York,” said Arturo Chang, WIA Senior Counsel – State Government Affairs. “Many states across the nation have enacted legislation to modernize rules for small cell deployment, and the time is ripe for New York to do the same. WIA looks forward to working with stakeholders to carry out the governor’s vision for New York’s residents and businesses.”
Click here to read Gov. Cuomo’s 2020 State-of-the-State proposals.
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