Washington — As the demand for mobile data skyrockets, the FCC is considering how to remove barriers for high speed internet access from cell phone towers to smaller cells to improve mobile coverage. The Computer & Communications Industry Association told the FCC in comments filed today that providers need flexibility in how they build out their networks, and streamlined state and local regulations would help.
The following can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“It is imperative that the FCC remove these barriers so the U.S. will have fewer hurdles in the global race to 5G. Boosting high speed internet service will mean deploying more mobile transmission devices, and those will vary in size from more macro cell towers to smaller devices the size of a pizza box or fire extinguisher. Just as a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work for internet buildout, it won’t work if every time a company needs to boost its service with a small cell, states and localities try to apply existing requirements and rights-of-way rules that were written for large cell towers.
“A streamlined local and state permitting process would benefit industry, and local governments would benefit from the economic development that comes with better and faster internet access. Studies have shown how increased connectivity and data usage boosts GDP. Faster, more reliable networks will assure that telecommunications networks continue to be catalysts for innovation, economic growth, and jobs.”
For news inquiries, please contact:
Heather Greenfield, hgreenfield@ccianet.org
