United States Federal Legislation on 5G Small Cells
TAKE ACTION on Legislation stripping the community’s right to decision-making on wireless facilities
This page lists current federal legislation moving forward regarding 5G and the Internet of Things. Take action to protect your community by contacting your federal elected officials today. Set up meetings with your elected officials at the local state and federal levels calling on them to protect the public. These rules are moving forward at a rapid pace in Congress and the FCC. Letters and emails are not good enough. We recommend you organize your local community by educating citizens and getting email lists together so you can email out “Take Action” steps. Then set up meetings in person and have the group follow up with emails in support. Click here to see FACTSHEETS on 5G Small Cells. Please pick up the phone and contact your representatives now. Due to the enormous task of tracking the dozens of bills moving forward, we have changed this webpage into a blog-like form so you can see what is updated. As there are dozens of bills, you can tell your lawmaker you want them to vote against a bill that streamlines 5G and small cells in your neighborhood. Tell them that solutions exist and share this Report “Re-Inventing Wires: The Future of Landlines and Networks” with them.
FEDERAL LEVEL:
July 2018:
S. 3157: On June 29, Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the Streamlining The Rapid Evolution And Modernization of Leading-edge Infrastructure Necessary to Enhance (STREAMLINE) Small Cell Deployment Act (S. 3157). The bill is focused, much like the recent FCC rulemaking efforts, on limiting the actions local governments can take on small cell wireless facility siting to make deployments cheaper, faster, and more consistent across jurisdictions. Call your representatives today and halt this bill.
November 30, 201,7 Summary of Pending Federal Legislation Mandating 5G and other Wireless Infrastructure as of November 30, 2017, by Arthur FirstenbergNews articles about the S. 1988
S 19: The MOBILE NOW Act “Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless Act” S 19 lays the foundation for 5G Network that will require the build-out of millions of small cell transmitters in neighborhoods. These transmitters will be put in the public right ways exempt from environmental, health,h, or safety review. S 88: The DIGIT Act “This bill expresses the sense of Congress that policies governing the Internet of Things (IoT) should maximize the potential and development of the growing number of connected and interconnected devices to benefit businesses, governments, and consumers.” Federal legislation S 19 and S 88 would preempt local zoning rights and streamline the deployment of “small cells.” Both the S 19 and S 88 have passed the Senate and are on their way to the House. Please contact your elected representatives and ask that they halt these bills. Airwaves Act S.1682 The Airwaves Act has also been introduced into the senate. It releases additional spectrum for 5G, promotes complete broadband coverage, and proposes to use a portion of spectrum auction money to fund small cell transmitters in RURAL areas. Here is an article about the bill: Hassan, Gardner AIRWAVES Act Earns Praise Across Industries and Political Parties HR 3388 Self Drive Act This Act is in the Senate and will put 8 radar transmitters on every self-driving car using 70 GHz frequency. January 2018 Update H.R.4814 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)To amend the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to preserve and protect the ability of local governments to provide broadband capability and services.Sponsor: Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-18] (Introduced 01/17/2018) Cosponsors: (6) Committees: House – Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House – 01/17/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) H.R.4847 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Broadband Deployment Streamlining ActSponsor: Rep. Brooks, Susan W. [R-IN-5] (Introduced 01/19/2018) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House – Transportation and Infrastructure, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House – 01/19/2018 Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such… (All Actions) H.R.4842 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that the Federal Communications Commission is not required to perform any review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 or division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code, as a condition of permitting the placement and installation of a communications facility, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Shimkus, John [R-IL-15] (Introduced 01/18/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House – Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources Latest Action: House – 01/18/2018 Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee… (All Actions)—– RESOLUTION H.Res.689 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that any infrastructure legislation that provides Federal funds to wireless broadband providers to promote wireless broadband deployment should prioritize funds for wireless broadband providers in States that have enacted streamlined siting requirements for small cells.Sponsor: Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-8] (Introduced 01/11/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House – Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House – 01/11/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) H.R.4795 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Communications Facilities Deployment on Federal Property Act of 2018Sponsor: Rep. Walters, Mimi [R-CA-45] (Introduced 01/16/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House – Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House – 01/16/2018 Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of… (All Actions) H.R.4839 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)To provide for the establishment of an inventory of Federal assets to provide information to entities that construct or operate communications facilities or provide communications service.Sponsor: Rep. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM-3] (Introduced 01/18/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House – Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House – 01/18/2018 Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of… (All Actions) Tracker: H.R.4824 — 115th Congress (2017-2018) To allow certain State permitting authorities to encourage the expansion of broadband service to rural communities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Curtis, John R. [R-UT-3] (Introduced 01/18/2018) Cosponsors: (8) Committees: House – Natural Resources, Agriculture Latest Action: House – 01/18/2018 Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (All Actions) RESOLUTION H.Res.701 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that concerning any study required to be conducted by the Federal Communications Commission, or any entity regulated by the Commission under the Federal Communications Act of 1934, under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 or division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code (formerly known as the National Historic Preservation Act), for the provision o broadband infrastructure, the area to be studied should be limited to the area of impact.Sponsor: Rep. Flores, Bill [R-TX-17] (Introduced 01/18/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House – Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources Latest Action: House – 01/18/2018 Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee… (All Actions) Tracker: H.R.4817 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)To direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to make grants for the establishment or expansion of internet exchange facilities, and for other purposes.Sponsor: Rep. Long, Billy [R-MO-7] (Introduced 01/17/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House – Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House – 01/17/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) Tracker: H.R.4813 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study to evaluate the role of unlicensed spectrum in offloading broadband traffic, and for other purposes.Sponsor: Rep. Costello, Ryan A. [R-PA-6] (Introduced 01/17/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House – Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House – 01/17/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) Tracker: H.R.4810 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)To direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to carry out activities relating to the development and maintenance of a broadband inventory map through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and not through an agreement with any other agency.Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Bill [R-OH-6] (Introduced 01/17/2018) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House – Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House – 01/17/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) Tracker: H.R.4506 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Jobs for Tribes ActSponsor: Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35] (Introduced 11/30/2017) Cosponsors: (8) Committees: House – Natural Resources, Foreign Affairs, Education and the Workforce Latest Action: House – 01/17/2018 Subcommittee Hearings Held. (All Actions) Tracker: H.R.4800 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2018Sponsor: Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-18] (Introduced 01/16/2018) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House – Transportation and Infrastructure Latest Action: House – 01/16/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. (All Actions) Tracker: H.R.4798 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Inventory of Assets for Communications Facilities Act of 2018Sponsor: Rep. Collins, Chris [R-NY-27] (Introduced 01/16/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House – Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House – 01/16/2018 Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of… (All Actions) Tracker: H.R.4782 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Equitable Rebuild Act of 2018Sponsor: Rep. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large] (Introduced 01/11/2018) Cosponsors: (6) Committees: House – Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Agriculture, Ways and Means, Natural Resources, Education and the Workforce, Budget, Science, Space, and Technology Latest Action: House – 01/11/2018 Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Agriculture, Ways and Means, Natural Resources, Education and the Workforce, the Budget, and Science, Space, and… (All Actions) Tracker: RESOLUTION.Res.691 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that any infrastructure legislation to promote broadband internet access or communications facilities deployment should treat all broadband and communications facilities in a competitively and technologically neutral manner.Sponsor: Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5] (Introduced 01/11/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House – Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House – 01/11/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) Tracker: RESOLUTION
- H.Res.690 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that no Federal funds granted, awarded, or loaned under any legislation, infrastructure-specific or otherwise, should be used to fund the construction, improvement, or acquisition o broadband facilities or service in areas where there is an existing broadband provider that meets certain minimum standards. Sponsor: Rep. Lance, Leonard [R-NJ-7] (Introduced 01/11/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House – Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House – 01/11/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) Tracker:
RESOLUTION H.Res.687 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Federal, State, and local taxes, fees, regulations, and permitting policies should be coordinated and reconciled to maximize the benefits o broadband investment.Sponsor: Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12] (Introduced 01/11/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House – Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means Latest Action: House – 01/11/2018 Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee… (All Actions) Tracker: H.R. 4760 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Securing America’s Future Act of 2018Sponsor: Rep. Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA-6] (Introduced 01/10/2018) Cosponsors: (70) Committees: House – Judiciary, Education and the Workforce, Homeland Security, Foreign Affairs, Ways and Means, Armed Services, Oversight,t, and Government Reform, Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure, Natural Resources Latest Action: House – 01/11/2018 Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. (All Actions) H.R.4858 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)CLIMB ONCE ActSponsor: Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-18] (Introduced 01/19/2018) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House – Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House – 01/19/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) Tracker: BILL H.R.4832 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)RESTORED Act of 2018Sponsor: Rep. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND-At Large] (Introduced 01/18/2018) Cosponsors: (0) Committees: House – Energy and Commerce Latest Action: House – 01/18/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (All Actions) Tracker: H.R.4824 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Rural Broadband Permitting Efficiency Act of 2018Sponsor: Rep. Curtis, John R. [R-UT-3] (Introduced 01/18/2018) Cosponsors: (8) Committees: House – Natural Resources, Agriculture Latest Action: House – 01/18/2018 Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (All Actions) October 2017 Bills HR 3895 Smart Cities and Communities Act, was introduced in the House of Representatives on October 2nd, 2017 by Rep. Suzanne K. BelBene and Rep. Ben Ray Lujan. Purpose: “To promote the use of smart technologies and systems in communities and for other purposes.” HR 3901 Moving FIRST Act Representatives on October 2nd, 2017 by Rep. Mark DeSaulnier and is cosponsored by Rep. Lloyd Smucker. Purpose: To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Challenge Grant Program to promote technological innovation in our Nation’s cities. Public Relations Notice: https://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/cantwell-delbene-luj-n-introduce-smart-cities-bill Media coverage by State Scoop: http://statescoop.com/new-legislation-proposes-increased-support-for-smart-cities Scientists For Wired Technology maintains a full running list of federal legislation and we invite you to also go to their page for updates as there are dozens of bills moving forward and proposed. FCC Rules The FCC is rapidly putting forward new rules that would preempt local authority on the small cell buildout. As an example see Docket No. 17-79. However,r this is just one of many. FCC FACT SHEET* Replacement Utility Poles Report and Order WT Docket No. 17-79
- Eliminate the requirement for historic preservation review when utility poles are replaced with substantially identical poles that can support antennas or other wireless communications equipment.
- News Article: Fierce Wireless: FCC’s newest commissioner picked to lead small cell deployment reform
- Read REMARKS OF FCC COMMISSIONER BRENDAN CARR AT CCA’s 25TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
4/20/2017 FCC Press Release: FCC TAKES STEPS TO PROMOTE WIRELESS BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT Removing Barriers to Investment Needed for America’s 5G Future To take action on the FCC rules you can do four things
- Contact your federal elected officials and call for immediate action on this issue. Set up a meeting, follow u,p and ask that they are part of the solution. Ask them to file comments on these rules and to communicate that their constituents do not want cell antennas in their front yard. If you are told that “there is nothing they can do” do not accept this. They can make a difference and as elected officials that is their job. Follow up with staffers that you meet with and have in-person meetings.
- Contact the federal representatives on their FCC Congressional oversight committee with letters calls and meetings.
- File your comments on the Dockets that pertain to the small cell rollout.
- To all your elected officials communicate that the Telecom Act section that eliminates our right to halt cell towers based on environmental effects must be repealed.
Heading to Washington DC to talk with your elected officials?
Talking face-to-face with your elected officials in our State Capital is a great way to support protective policy. We recommend you schedule meetings at your elected official’s office. Sometimes representatives can talk with you in person on their way to votes and committee meetings. Find Your Senator at this link to get phone numbers and contact info. Find Your Representative at this link to get phone numbers and contact info. Senate Floor Schedule Senate Committee Meetings/Hearings Schedule
STATE LEVEL
“Handcuffing cities to help Telecom Giants; Carriers Are Pushing States and the FCC to Constrain Public Rights, They Say it’s for the Mythical “5g,” We Should Be Very Skeptical by Susan Crawford and John A. Reilly Clinical Professor of Law at Harvard.
