Accelerating Wireless and Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission ("Commission" or "FCC") clarifies its rules implementing portions of the Spectrum Act of 2012 that streamline State and local review of applications to modify existing wireless infrastructure. The Declaratory Ruling clarifies the following: When the 60-day shot clock starts for local governments to review and approve an eligible modification; what constitutes a "substantial change" when a modification would increase the height of an existing structure, would require the addition of equipment cabinets, or would change the visual profile of a structure; and whether, within the context of the Commission's environmental review rules, an environmental assessment is required when an impact to historic properties has already been mitigated in the Commission's historic preservation review process.