STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER BRENDAN CARR
Re:  Accelerating Wireless Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure 
Investment, WT Docket No. 17-79
Streamlining the deployment of wireless infrastructure is one of my top priorities at the 
Commission.  As I have said before, the current regulatory regime is not going to work when it 
comes to the deployment of next-generation networks.  It takes too long and it costs too much.  
So the FCC is looking at a number of areas for potential reform—the environmental and historic 
review procedures, the state and local process, the tribal review mechanisms, and federal 
regulations.  I welcome the chance to help lead the Commission’s efforts on these fronts, and 
today’s Order is a first step in what is our broader effort to accelerate wireless infrastructure 
deployment.
In this Order, the Commission reaches the reasonable determination that swapping out 
utility poles for the purpose of adding antennas or other wireless equipment can be done without 
any impact on historic properties. This determination provides substantial relief by eliminating 
what would otherwise have been an unnecessary and time-consuming review process for each 
and every pole replacement.
Moreover, I am glad that my colleagues and I were able to work together and reach 
consensus on a number of changes to the item.  For instance, the Order now allows a replacement 
pole to be sited up to 10 feet away from the original pole, provided that there is no new ground 
disturbance.  Similarly, a replacement pole can now be up to 5 feet taller than the original pole, 
rather than being limited to a 10 percent increase.  At the same time, we agreed to add language 
to the Order that emphasizes the important and long-standing requirement that parties must cease 
work if they discover any historical artifacts and immediately commence the notification and 
consultation process.  Combined, these changes will expand the practical utility of today’s 
decision while continuing to ensure that there will be no impact on historic properties.  
I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues as well as all stakeholders as the 
Commission takes additional steps to streamline the rules governing wireless infrastructure 
deployment.