The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today formally released and requested comment on proposed rules to accelerate the expansion of wireless broadband services nationwide, which could limit local governments’ zoning authority and allow wireless-service providers to add facilities to existing buildings, towers and other structures in public rights-of-way and elsewhere. The FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published in today’s Federal Register, which set a February 3, 2014 deadline for comments. Reply comments are due March 5, 2014.

It will be important for cities, counties, special districts and other local government entities to participate in this proceeding. The wireless industry will likely push the FCC to adopt final rules allowing them to place and expand facilities with little or no oversight. For a BB&K presentation on the topic, click here.

BB&K is working with a coalition of local governments and other entities that will be filing comments. If you would like to join or learn more about the effort, please contact the authors.