FCC Fixes Loophole, Approves 5-0 Rule Change Sought by Wireless ISPs
Commissioners approved 5-0 an NPRM that seeks to update FCC rule for over-the-air reception devices with an eye on spurring 5G deployment. The NPRM OK'd at Friday's commissioners' meeting hasn’t been controversial (see 1904110060).
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“Hubs are especially important in the architecture of modern rural networks where they are attached to tall structures, like grain elevators, to deliver service to individuals,” the Wireless ISP Association said. “Though OTARD added ‘fixed wireless’ antennas when it was last updated in 2000, a loophole left hubs and similar infrastructure out of OTARD’s broad preemption powers.” The omission “exposes hubs to added permitting requirements, making construction of broadband networks which depend on them more costly and slower to deploy.”
Unlike the other wireless items, there were no quibbles. “Finding space on which to attach equipment is among the greatest challenges a WISP faces,” said Commissioner Brendan Carr. “The challenge can be compounded by rules that restrict placement even when a property owner wants the equipment and service there.” The notice would clear impediments to siting WISP equipment, he said: “I am interested in the feedback we will get, including on the scope of our legal authority to expand our OTARD rules in the ways we seek comment on here.”
The change could help spur deployment of telehealth, said Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. “Without a sufficiently robust broadband connection these lifesaving technological advances will be out of reach to the many living in rural America.”
“We’ve undertaken a comprehensive review of our rules over the past two years,” said Chairman Ajit Pai. “We’ve sought to modify or eliminate outdated regulations that either no longer make sense or don’t address the needs of next-generation wireless networks, That’s where this notice comes in.”
“We simply cannot accept unnecessary and indefensible barriers to infrastructure deployment, especially when so many Americans are without adequate service options and need us to act quickly,” said Commissioner Mike O’Rielly.
Revising the regulatory framework for the devices “would allow fixed wireless providers to deploy hub and relay antennas more quickly and efficiently and help spur investment in and deployment of needed infrastructure in a manner that is consistent with the public interest,” the FCC said.