C_TEC Statement on FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr’s Proposal to Reduce Small Cell Regulatory Burdens

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce Technology Engagement Center Senior Vice President Tim Day issued the following statement today regarding FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr’s proposal to reduce regulatory burdens for small wireless facility deployment:

“The. U.S. Chamber of Commerce applauds the work by Commissioner Carr to reduce regulatory barriers to the deployment of small wireless facilities. 5G, which will be powered in large part by small cells, has the ability to dramatically improve the lives of Americans through faster internet, autonomous vehicles, manufacturing, and telemedicine. 5G, in part through enhancing smart cities, also has the capability to add three million jobs to the U.S. economy and $500 billion in GDP.

“The Chamber strongly supports the Commissioner’s plan to require localities to charge reasonable fees to site small wireless facilities on public rights of way that are proportional to the costs of applications and managing deployments, as opposed to fees designed to generate revenue. As the Chamber has noted previously, unreasonable local fees inhibit the deployment of wireless technology.

“While reducing regulatory barriers for 5G and small wireless facilities is critical to American leadership in technology, Congress and the FCC should also expand regulatory relief to other forms of communications and information technology, such as wireline service.

“Today’s regulatory relief is a positive step forward that will help spur further innovation and help connect all Americans.”

C_TEC promotes the role of technology in our economy and advocates for rational policy solutions that drive economic growth, spur innovation, and create jobs.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.