FCC clears the roadblocks to greater investment in fiber and 5G

We’re very pleased that the FCC continues moving forward on policies that will encourage investment and deployment of next-generation broadband networks. Verizon is a leader in deploying advanced networks to serve our customers, and several of the orders adopted by the FCC today will bring the benefits of these networks and services to more Americans more quickly. 

First, the FCC is right to recognize the need to revamp policies at all levels to clear the roadblocks to infrastructure investment. We’re pleased that it has adopted two orders today as the first of a series of steps that it plans to take to streamline infrastructure deployment. Today’s wireline order removes legacy barriers to infrastructure deployment, enabling providers to hasten customers’ transition from legacy copper networks to faster and more reliable technologies, such as fiber. And today’s wireless order will eliminate time-consuming and expensive reviews of some replacement poles without compromising the protection of historic properties, thus facilitating the wireless attachments that are essential for 5G networks. These orders are helpful, and we encourage the Commission to continue to move forward quickly on other needed reforms to infrastructure policy.

Further, the FCC continues to take steps to encourage the development and rollout of 5G technology. Today’s Spectrum Frontiers decision expands the amount of high frequency spectrum available for 5G wireless services, while largely preserving the helpful aspects of the FCC’s groundbreaking July 2016 order. These actions will help ensure that the U.S. maintains its leadership position in 5G. 5G promises to fundamentally shift how American consumers and businesses connect to each other and to the world around them.

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