The FCC is giving all licensees and applicants in Florida more time to file paperwork with the Commission. “To alleviate any additional burden that may be caused by our filing requirements and regulatory deadlines,” the agency says it’s extending certain deadlines from September 24 to October 24 in Florida.
It defines “affected” licensees and applicants as those that operate facilities, or, “in a significant manner essential to the business or public safety operation, rely on personnel, records, or financial institutions located in the affected area to provide services or to conduct substantial business activities with the Commission.” The extension applies to commercial, private, or public safety Wireless Radio Service applications, notifications, and reports and includes minor license modifications, license renewals and construction notifications.
How Emergency Tower Work is Impacted
During emergencies, the FCC reminds applicants for Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) that facilities meeting the criteria for the replacement tower exception or temporary tower exception under the Commission’s National Environmental Policy Act rules don’t have to complete the environmental notification process before completing their ASR applications. For facilities not subject to an exception, the Commission may waive or postpone the environmental notification process if the applicant asks.
Requests to waive or postpone the environmental notification process may be submitted with ASR applications by completing the waiver question in the ASR system, and attaching a waiver request that includes showing that the proposed tower will be used to restore service in an area affected by Hurricane Ian.
To facilitate the rapid restoration of communications infrastructure and services, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau will give priority reviewing waiver filings by affected licensees and applicants related to Hurricane Ian.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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