NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS: October 17, 2014 Cecilia Sulhoff, 202-418-0587 Email: Cecilia.Sulhoff@fcc.gov FCC BOOSTS WIRELESS BROADBAND BY EASING INFRASTRUCTURE BURDENS New rules continue to protect the environment and historic properties, safeguard Tribal, State, and local priorities Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission adopted a Report and Order that takes critical steps to promote deployment of the wireless infrastructure necessary to provide the public with ubiquitous, advanced wireless broadband services. The Report and Order updates and tailors the manner in which the FCC evaluates the impact of proposed deployments on the environment and historic properties. It also adopts rules to clarify and implement statutory limitations on State and local government authority to review infrastructure siting applications— including a “deemed granted” remedy if a State or local government fails to act on an eligible facilities modification request under Section 6409(a) of the Spectrum Act. Finally, it adopts an exemption from the environmental public notification process for “temporary towers” that are in place only for short periods of time. Taken together, these steps lay the groundwork necessary for delivering more wireless capacity in more locations to consumers throughout the United States. At the same time, it adheres to statutory obligations to protect the environment and historic properties, and it safeguards Tribal, State, and local land-use priorities as well as safety and aesthetic interests. Action by the Commission October 17, 2014, by Report and Order (FCC 14-153). Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly. Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly issuing statements WT Docket No. 13-238 -FCC- News and information about the Federal Communications Commission is available at www.fcc.gov.