Chairman Pai's Response to Members of Congress Regarding the 5G Upgrade Order

On June 1, 2020, Republican Members of the House Commerce Committee wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai in support of the "5G Upgrade Order" which the FCC considered at the June 9, 2020 meeting. "Reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens to promote broadband deployment is a top priority for Congress, and we urge the Commission to approve this Order at your June Open Meeting," the Reps wrote.

On July 24, 2020, Chairman Pai wrote that the FCC adopted the Declaratory Ruling on June 9. "Our action should expedite equipment upgrades to support next-generation networks, which are critical to wireless innovation, investment, jobs, and economic growth." He added that the FCC also adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on proposed rule changes regarding excavation or deployment outside the boundaries of an existing tower site and the effects of such activities on eligibility for streamline review.