Two top House Republicans want answers from the...

Two top House Republicans want answers from the FCC on the streamlining the deployment of wireless facilities. House Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., and Communications Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., sent a letter to the FCC Thursday. “We urge you to take swift action to clarify the terms of Section 6409(a) [of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act] consistent with the intent of the statute to deliver the benefits of wireless broadband access to all Americans,” they said (http://1.usa.gov/1kqhps1). “To ensure that 6409(a) achieves its goal of streamlining the approval of eligible facilities requests the commission should adopt rules that provide consistency for applicants and reviewing authorities alike.” They also encouraged the FCC to facilitate the deployment of small cells and the use of temporary towers. PCIA President Jonathan Adelstein praised the Republicans for sending the letter. “Removing red tape and clarifying the rules of the road are crucial for expanding wireless broadband -- and to the many thousands of high-wage jobs such deployment spurs throughout the country,” he said.