House legislation would dismantle controversial FCC 5G order

-
BlogOn January 14, Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) introduced the Accelerating Wireless Broadband Development by Empowering Local Communities Act of 2019 (H.R.House legislation would dismantle controversial FCC 5G orderJanuary 15, 2019January 15, 2019, 4:45 pm
-
Blog
House legislation would dismantle controversial FCC 5G order
On January 14, Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) introduced the Accelerating Wireless Broadband Development by Empowering Local Communities Act of 2019 (H.R. 530), which would effectively dismantle the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) controversial ruling on 5G broadband. The ruling, which also went into effect on January 14, curtails local authority over public rights-of-ways for 5G wireless broadband deployment.
In a press statement released by Rep. Eshoo’s office, NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase said, “Counties are committed to ensuring that all residents have access to affordable broadband while timely 5G facilities and services are deployed. As we achieve these goals, we must also fulfill our responsibilities as trustees of public property and rights-of-way, without adding unnecessary red tape.”
Last fall, the FCC approved the Streamlining Deployment of Next Generation Wireless Infrastructure Declaratory Ruling and Third Report and Order. The order limits the ability of local governments to properly preserve and protect public rights-of-ways by narrowing the review process and limiting fees local governments can charge providers for the placement, construction or collation of new wireless service facilities.
In response to the proposed order, NACo and National League of Cities (NLC) released a joint statement in September highlighting concerns with the new regulations. Citing over 100 local governments from 22 states who filed comments prior to the FCC’s decision, NACo and NLC stated, “The FCC’s impractical actions will significantly impede local governments’ ability to serve as trustees of public property, safety and well-being. The decision will transfer significant local public resources to private companies, without securing any guarantee of public benefit in return.”
In response to the ruling, several lawsuits were filed in federal appeals courts questioning the legality of the FCC rule. Following these filings, NACo joined a letter with over 40 local governments and associations requesting the FCC issue a stay on the 5G order until the courts reach a decision. The FCC ultimately declined to issue a stay on the order.
For more information on 5G and what it means for counties, view NACo’s 5G 101 presentation.
On January 14, Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) introduced the Accelerating Wireless Broadband Development by Empowering Local Communities Act of 2019 (H.R.2019-01-15Blog2022-08-16
On January 14, Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) introduced the Accelerating Wireless Broadband Development by Empowering Local Communities Act of 2019 (H.R. 530), which would effectively dismantle the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) controversial ruling on 5G broadband. The ruling, which also went into effect on January 14, curtails local authority over public rights-of-ways for 5G wireless broadband deployment.
In a press statement released by Rep. Eshoo’s office, NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase said, “Counties are committed to ensuring that all residents have access to affordable broadband while timely 5G facilities and services are deployed. As we achieve these goals, we must also fulfill our responsibilities as trustees of public property and rights-of-way, without adding unnecessary red tape.”
Last fall, the FCC approved the Streamlining Deployment of Next Generation Wireless Infrastructure Declaratory Ruling and Third Report and Order. The order limits the ability of local governments to properly preserve and protect public rights-of-ways by narrowing the review process and limiting fees local governments can charge providers for the placement, construction or collation of new wireless service facilities.
In response to the proposed order, NACo and National League of Cities (NLC) released a joint statement in September highlighting concerns with the new regulations. Citing over 100 local governments from 22 states who filed comments prior to the FCC’s decision, NACo and NLC stated, “The FCC’s impractical actions will significantly impede local governments’ ability to serve as trustees of public property, safety and well-being. The decision will transfer significant local public resources to private companies, without securing any guarantee of public benefit in return.”
In response to the ruling, several lawsuits were filed in federal appeals courts questioning the legality of the FCC rule. Following these filings, NACo joined a letter with over 40 local governments and associations requesting the FCC issue a stay on the 5G order until the courts reach a decision. The FCC ultimately declined to issue a stay on the order.
For more information on 5G and what it means for counties, view NACo’s 5G 101 presentation.

-
County News
TikTok: It’s hip, it’s fun and it’s a security risk
What threat does TikTok pose to data security, and how should counties regulate its use on government-issued devices? -
Webinar
OnBase as the Enabler to Integrate All Lines of Business
Jan. 12, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmSee how Horry County has successfully integrated multiple lines of business using OnBase as the foundation. From sharing documents across different lines of business, to automating workflows between departments and using RPA as a tool to increase efficiencies. -
Webinar
Exploring Digital Transformation as a Key Driver to Modernizing Voting Infrastructure – The Los Angeles County Experience
Jan. 4, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmDigital transformation represents a wealth of potential for governments to change how they create value for society and modernize for the future. Taking a project from ideation to reality requires not only leadership and vision, but dedication and resources. -
Blog
Data sharing paramount in modern county operations
Everyone wants data. Everyone needs authoritative data. GIS is the underlying infrastructure for sharing data instantly in your county. -
Webinar
Ring in the New Year with a Strong Records Management Strategy – A Fireside Chat
Dec. 14, 2022 , 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmUnable to attend? Watch the recording here. As we near the start of a new year, many of us are already thinking about our New Year’s resolutions. What if one of your resolutions was better records management? -
Webinar
In Whole-of-State Cybersecurity, Counties are Not Only One Piece of the Pie
Dec. 12, 2022 , 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmUnable to attend? Watch the recording here.
Related Posts
-
BlogBipartisan legislation reintroduced to fund Next Generation 911 systemsMar. 28, 2023
-
BlogUSDA announces open funding round for the Community Connect ProgramMar. 23, 2023
-
County News‘When we’re not connected, we’re not safe,’ because buildings block radioFeb. 11, 2023
Related Resources
-
VideoCIO Forum: RISE to the FutureFeb. 10, 2023
-
Reports & ToolkitsNACo Technology Guide for County Leaders: WorkforceFeb. 2, 2023
-
Policy BriefSupport the Extension of the Emergency Connectivity FundFeb. 1, 2023
Related Events
More From
-
Implementing Infrastructure Investments at the County Level: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58)
As intergovernmental partners, counties play a key role in ensuring the successful interpretation and implementation of the BIL
Learn More