More than a dozen cities are challenging the FCC over how to deploy 5G cell sites

More than a dozen US cities are challenging federal regulators in court over a recent decision that could give telecommunication companies millions in financial and other breaks as they race to build a next-generation wireless network powered by 5G mobile data. On Oct 24, officials from Los Angeles (CA), Portland (OR), and Bellevue (WA), among others, asked the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to review the rule change by the Federal Communications Commission, which restricts cities' ability to charge for access to public utility poles. Under the FCC’s new policy, telecom carriers seeking permits to install their network equipment on public infrastructure must have their requests reviewed more quickly by city officials. Cities are also required to charge carriers no more than $270 per year per cell site in access fees. Before the new policy, carriers could expect to pay $500 per pole annually, on average, according to an agency study.