With the changing political landscape in Washington, infrastructure companies, responsible for building the necessary towers and installing equipment to expand wireless services, see an opportunity for progress. While permitting reform has enjoyed bipartisan support, some proposals, particularly those advanced by Republicans in the House, have faced challenges in securing Democratic backing—an obstacle that could hinder passage in the Senate.
In the last Congress, a sweeping bill aiming to curtail municipal review rights advanced in a GOP-led House panel but failed to gain significant support from Democrats. Municipal leaders have voiced concerns about the legislation, particularly provisions like the “deemed granted” requirement, which sets project approval deadlines and could limit local governments’ review power.
The WIA’s policy roadmap stresses the need for a visionary, mission-driven approach to wireless infrastructure development, suggesting that reforms should focus on strengthening existing rules while introducing common-sense changes. Patrick Halley, the WIA’s president and CEO, highlighted the economic benefits of these reforms, noting that infrastructure investments would drive immediate job growth and contribute to broader economic development in communities across the nation.
