COVID-19 Permitting Issues Could Slow 5G Deployment, WIA Tells Carr

Wireless Infrastructure Association President Jonathan Adelstein told FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr about the problems his members are having getting proposed projects reviewed in a timely manner by local governments during COVID-19 (see 2003270060). “WIA hopes that telecom-related projects can be prioritized, so even in a shorthanded environment, local governments can meet their statutory obligations, and these applications can be received, reviewed, and process[ed] in a timely manner,” said a filing posted Tuesday in docket 17-79. “Disruption to normal permitting processes is starting to impact the construction of new towers and upgrading existing equipment” and could slow deployment of 5G, WIA warned.