Tech Groups Back Streamlining Small Cell Deployment Act; Thune Says Opposition Remains

by implementing a “reasonable process and timeframe guidelines” for state and local consideration of small-cell applications (see 1806290063). S-3157 “will modernize wireless infrastructure regulations for next-generation 5G wireless networks, unlocking significant consumer and economic benefits,” the groups said in a Wednesday letter to S-3157's lead sponsors, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Communications Subcommittee ranking member Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii. “We applaud [the bill] for updating decades-old rules to reflect this new technology by setting reasonable timeframes for localities to act on siting applications, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming litigation if an application has not been processed in that time frame, and clarifying that siting fees for access to public property are reasonable and based on actual costs.” Thune told us S-3157 still has “its share of detractors,” particularly among state and local governments, as has been the case since a draft of the bill first circulated last year (see 1712070075 and 1804130057). State and local governments have seen progress in negotiations but remain concerned about S-3157's language on timeline guidelines for state and local consideration of small-cell applications. They also say the bill doesn’t adequately address how it would affect existing deals (see 1808300052). “I'm still hopeful we can mark up” S-3157 this year if talks with the bill's critics progress, Thune said. But he also noted the FCC's recent infrastructure order aimed at speeding 5G deployments by targeting state and local small-cell rules (see 1809260029).