The FCC should adopt a PCIA-submitted “consensus” definition...

The FCC should adopt a PCIA-submitted “consensus” definition of wireless facility installations that should qualify for exclusion from review under the National Environmental Policy Act and National Historic Preservation Act, PCIA and HetNet Forum representatives told Wireless Bureau officials during a meeting last week. Industry officials want an exemption for “minimally invasive wireless infrastructure designed to provide service in a limited geographic area,” said Zachary Champ, PCIA government affairs counsel, in an FCC filing. “These installations can consist of relatively inconspicuous, small form-factor installations consisting of one or more radio transceivers, antennas, interconnecting cables, power supply, and other associated electronics. The wireless facilities referred to are generally made up of an equipment enclosure, antenna and associated equipment.” Installations should qualify for exemption if the equipment enclosure is no larger than 17 cubic feet in volume, PCIA said. Antennas connected with the installation should be no more than 3 cubic feet in volume, with antennas that have exposed elements fitting within an “imaginary enclosure” of no more than 3 cubic feet in volume, said the group. Associated infrastructure, including all electrical equipment, should not be included in the FCC’s volume calculations, said the association. The industry-driven definition “accommodates current DAS and small cell deployments and anticipates foreseeable technological development,” but may require future flexibility to accommodate unanticipated future tech developments, PCIA said. The FCC should “develop an accelerated waiver process for wireless facilities that conform to the intention of the exemption but do not fit within the stated dimensions,” PCIA said. The groups’ representatives also urged the FCC to not view its work with the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors to develop voluntary best practices on wireless facility siting “as a substitute for a rulemaking proceeding in which all parties have an opportunity to comment on the legal framework governing wireless facilities siting” (http://bit.ly/14EaSrM).