IAMU Informer
Follow IAMU!
  • Informer News Feed
  • IAMU Website

ALERT: Wireless Providers May Be Sending Misleading Letter to Cities to Sign

7/10/2018

0 Comments

 
The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU) wants to let members know that some wireless providers may be asking city officials to “sign on” to a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). IAMU and the National League of Cities, strongly urge city officials not to sign on to the letter.
 
According to the National League of Cities, at least two wireless providers have been reaching out to local leaders asking that they sign on to/send a letter to the FCC urging federal rulemaking on small cell wireless facilities siting. The letter is being pitched to city officials as a way to show support for the growth and potential of 5G technology. However, the wireless industry is using the letter to demonstrate city support for FCC rulemaking that would harm cities. The FCC can and likely may use the letters to justify preemption. Initially, the rulemaking may sound reasonable, particularly to those unfamiliar with small cell preemption issues, but the rulemaking likely would be used to undercut local authority.
 
“IAMU strongly urges you or your local leaders to decline any requests to sign any letter from a wireless provider regarding FCC federal rulemaking on small cell wireless facilities siting,” said Tim Whipple, IAMU General Counsel. “If you have any questions, please reach out to us. IAMU is here to support your community’s best interests.”
 
See below for an example of the language in this sample letter. Several cities across the country have already filed versions of these letters with the FCC. Again, IAMU strongly urges you to decline any requests to sign this letter. If you or your city is interested in filing something with the FCC in support of local authority, please contact IAMU.
 
An excerpt from the misleading letter:
 
“As mayor of (city), I know that technology fosters ingenuity and economic growth in our cities and towns. That is why it’s critical we work together to bring small cells and, ultimately, 5G to cities across the nation. Your efforts to create model infrastructure rules that expedite small cell deployment while retaining reasonable protections for city rights-of-way should be applauded.
 
Expediting small wireless facility deployment is critical to delivering wireless access to advanced technology, broadband, and 911 services to residences, businesses, and schools. At the same time, cities should establish a fair and predictable process that retains protections for rights-of-way. A smart small cell policy should include:

  • Comprehensive but transparent guidelines;
  • Reasonable compensation; and
  • Expedited yet thorough review timeline.
 
Through a thoughtful approach to small cells, some cities are working diligently to pave the way for the future while protecting the needs of the city. While some cities have moved quickly, others may benefit form a model policy that accelerates small cell deployments while retaining fair and reasonable protections for cities.
 
Working together we can provide a smart policy that fosters the technology needs of tomorrow and protecting the rights of cities throughout the country.
 
Thank you for your efforts to help ensure our cities remain competitive and encourage ongoing investment in our future.”
 
Questions about the letter or what you should do? Contact Tim Whipple, IAMU General Counsel, at 515.289.1999 or [email protected].
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Subscribe to The Informer!

    * indicates required

    Archives

    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014

    RSS Feed

Picture

Copyright 2025 Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities