Media Contact: 
Evan Swarztrauber, (202) 418-2261
Evan.Swarztrauber@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC Approves Carr’s 5G Order
 Positions U.S. to Win the Race to 5G, Accelerates Small Cell Build Out

WASHINGTON, September 26, 2018—The FCC reformed the permitting process for small cells, the physical building blocks of 5G, when it approved a major order led by Commissioner Brendan Carr, earlier today.  The Commission’s order limits the fees regulators can charge for reviewing small cells , sets shot clocks on those reviews, and affirms that they can apply reasonable aesthetic considerations. 
“In the global race to 5G, the stakes are high—it is about economic leadership for the next decade,” Carr said.  “The smart infrastructure policies we adopt today strengthen America’s role as a tech and economic leader, while ensuring that every community benefits from 5G.  Wireless providers are projected to spend $275 billion in the U.S. to build 5G, which represents a massive private sector investment in American infrastructure and jobs—without a penny of new taxes.  Today’s order streamlines the approval process for 5G small cells and helps ensure that our country will continue to be the innovation hub of the world.” 
Economists estimate that Carr’s order cuts $2 billion in red tape and stimulates $2.4 billion of additional small cell construction.  The new wireless infrastructure enabled by the order will provide coverage for nearly two million more homes and businesses—97% of which are concentrated in rural and suburban communities.
“Streamlining small cell rules will help close the digital divide by making it cost-effective for the private sector to provide coverage in more rural places,” said Carr.  “We win the race to 5G not when New York or San Francisco get 5G coverage, but when all Americans—regardless of where they live—have a fair shot at next-gen access.”
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Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr: (202) 418-2200
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @BrendanCarrFCC
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr

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. Cir. 1974).