Commissioner Carr Statement on Proposed Approach for Twilight Towers

The Federal Communications Commission is focused on streamlining the deployment of infrastructure needed to deliver next-generation wireless services. Last week, for instance, the Commission adopted an Order that eliminates the need for historic preservation review when providers replace utility poles for the purpose of adding antennas or other wireless equipment. Today, I can announce the Commission’s next step in our broader effort to promote and accelerate the deployment of wireless infrastructure. Specifically, the Chairman has circulated and theCommission will vote at its December 14 meeting on a definitive solution for so-called “Twilight Towers.” These are towers that were constructed between 2001 and 2005 that did not necessarily undergo review pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act because the FCC had yet to provide clear guidance regarding compliance with that provision. If approved, the FCC’s approach would culminate in the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation adopting a document known as a “Program Comment” that would exclude collocations on Twilight Towers from routine historic preservation review. This action would open up potentially thousands of existing towers for the deployment of new wireless facilities. As such, these towers would be treated similarly to older towers that are already excluded from the historic review process. The FCC’s approach would also make clear that the agency would not be taking enforcement action based on the good faith deployment of these Twilight Towers. For over a decade, the FCC and a range of stakeholders have debated the best approach for resolving the regulatory status of Twilight Towers. So I am glad that this Commission is moving forward with a concrete solution to open up these structures for additional wireless deployments.