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

For Immediate Release

D.C. Circuit Affirms Significant 5G Infrastructure Reforms

WASHINGTON, August 9, 2019—Commissioner Brendan Carr issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit’s ruling to affirm in part and vacate in part the FCC’s March 2018 infrastructure decision:
“This FCC has been focused on cutting red tape so that all Americans, regardless of where they live, can have access to fast, affordable connections, including through our world-leading 5G.  Combined, the FCC’s actions have enabled the U.S. to leapfrog our global competitors and secure the largest 5G build in the world.
“I am pleased that the court upheld key provisions of last March’s infrastructure decision.  Most importantly, the court affirmed our decision that parties cannot demand upfront fees before reviewing any cell sites, large or small.  These fees, which had grown exponentially in the last few years, created incentives for frivolous reviews unrelated to any potential impact on historic sites.  Those financial incentives are gone, and we expect our fee restrictions to continue greatly diminishing unnecessary and costly delays.  I’m also pleased that the court affirmed our accelerated timelines for reviews.  Already, these reforms have resulted in significant new builds.
“We are reviewing the portion of last March’s decision that the D.C. Circuit did not affirm and look forward to next steps, as appropriate.” 
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Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr: (202) 418-2200
Twitter: @BrendanCarrFCC
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr