The Michigan Senate is considering a pair of bills that would limit fees, streamline permits, and generally make it easier
for private network providers to deploy both wireline broadband and 5G wireless
broadband.
Senate
Bill 636 would cap permit fees required for
a wireline telecommunications provider working within a county right-of-way and
set limits on bonding and insurance requirements for wireline telecommunications providers working within a county right-of-way. It is similar to the
package of HB 5096, HB 5097, and HB 5098 currently being
considered by the Michigan House of Representatives.
Senate
Bill 637 would provide similar regulatory relief for wireless providers. It
would limit fees charged by local government for attachments to utility
poles and access to other facilities; provide for use of rights-of-way; put
limits on certain permitting processes and zoning reviews; prohibit certain
commercially discriminatory actions by state or local authorities; and prohibit
certain indemnification or insurance requirements.
I had the
opportunity to appear before the Michigan Senate Energy and Technology
Committee on November 2, 2017. Senator
Mike Nofs chaired the hearing on the proposed
bills. My testimony before the committee is available here.
Posts
