FCC Cuts Fees For Wireless Providers

The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday approved a new rule that would limit what fees local authorities can charge wireless providers as the industry builds out its next-generation networks, known as 5G.

The Hill reports all four commissioners offered support for the rule, with Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel dissenting over only part of the proposal.

Companies like Verizon and AT&T are competing to bring new 5G service in the years to come, an endeavor that will require a massive deployment of hardware across the country. Unlike 4G signals, which can be transmitted for miles by large cell towers, the next generation's waves can only travel short distances and will require small cell stations every few city blocks.

In order to install these refrigerator-size stations, wireless providers will need to negotiate access to utility poles and other public assets. The order approved on Wednesday would cap what municipalities can charge for rights of way and limit the amount of time that local authorities can take to review businesses proposal for deploying wireless infrastructure.

When the new rules take effect, local officials will have 60 to 90 days to review installation requests.

Expect a court fight: Republicans on the commission say that limiting what they see as exorbitant fees in major cities will free up capital for companies like Verizon and AT&T to invest in building out their networks in underserved rural areas. The commission estimated that the rule will save wireless providers $2 billion.

But some critics think that the rush is leading to careless deregulation that will exacerbate the "digital divide" between those who have access to fast internet and wireless capabilities and those who don't.

The proposal generated significant opposition from mayors and other local officials around the country, who accused the FCC of overriding their authority to regulate the rollout of the new technology.