In an attempt to streamline the application process for cell site upgrades, California signed Assembly Bill 57 into law, setting a “shot clock” for applications to be accepted.
The new law follows rules laid out in the Federal Communications Commission’s 2009 Shot Clock Order, which set timelines for decisions on new cell sites or for a collocation on an existing site.
“We do this by eliminating unnecessary reviews, thus reducing the costs and delays associated with facility siting and construction,” the order states. “In particular, we update and tailor the manner in which we evaluate the impact of proposed deployments on the environment and historic properties. We also adopt rules to clarify and implement statutory requirements related to state and local government review of infrastructure siting applications.”
The law specified new cell site builds must be approved or rejected within 150 days and decisions on collocations must be made within 90 days. California joins other states in enacting time limits to speed up the construction process for wireless infrastructure to keep up with increasing demands for wireless coverage.
The California Wireless Association said the move is an important step toward the next generation of wireless technology. The organization sees the law as “a critical tool to facilitate widespread construction of much-needed wireless facilities throughout the state of California,” Robert Jystad, president of CalWA, said. “Existing gaps in coverage and demands on saturated networks make the expansion of wireless networks a critical next step, both in the improvement of existing services and in the development of exciting new technologies such as driverless cars.”
The federal government has enacted multiple bills addressing time frames for network upgrades including the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 and the FCC Wireless Siting Order of 2015.
“As more and more people each year give up their landlines and rely solely on their wireless phones, the need for streamlined approval processes and common-sense requirements for wireless network improvements are critical,” Jystad added. “CalWA will continue to be at the forefront advocating for and supporting legislative efforts that respond to the needs of our members, the wireless community and the wireless consumer.”
The law is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2016.
