Oct. 26 (UPI) — At least 20 U.S. municipalities are challenging a Federal Communications Commission rule limiting their autonomy in the roll out of 5G wireless networks.
Separate lawsuits were filed this week in Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Bellevue, Wash., Portland, Ore., and several other cities and counties. They ask the 9th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals to review FCC rule changes which include restrictions on municipalities in charging access to public utility poles by wireless companies.
The improved 5G networks, an upgrade over the current 4G system, require small “cell sites” every several hundred feet to broadcast short-range signals. The 5G system will deliver faster download speeds to cellphones and other mobile devices, and are expected to bring new products and services, including self-driving cars and improvements in telemedicine.
The new networks’ hardware calls for more cell sites, closer to homes and clustered on streetlights and utility poles. Most 1990s-era zoning laws are more concerned with the erection of large cellphone towers.
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Pai: FCC’s use of flawed broadband data not ‘good enough’
WASHINGTON — Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai said closing the digital divide is his top priority, but lawmakers at the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing Thursday worried that inaccurate maps of broadband Internet coverage will stymie the FCC’s efforts.
Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., the top Democrat on the committee, said about 24 million Americans lack easy and affordable access to the Internet.
FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said the agency will correct the flawed maps by adding its own tests run by Universal Services Administrative Co.
Commerce Committee Chairman Sen. John Thune, R-S.D said the United States must outcompete China and South Korea, and become the global leader in the 5G race. The roll out of 5G technology is expected to bring $275 billion in new investment, $500 billion in economic growth and 3 million jobs, he has said at past hearings.
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