FCC Seeks to Erode State and Local Zoning Control Over Cell Tower Siting

The FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("NPRM") (WT Docket No. 25-276) on September 30, 2025. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 1, 2025. Comments to the NPRM due on December 31, 2025. Reply comments are due on January 15, 2025. Comments can be submitted through the FCC's electronic comment filing system.

The purpose of 25-276 is to severely erode local control over the siting of wireless telecommunications equipment buildouts, particularly macro cell towers. Sadly, the FCC views local governments as burdensome impediments to wireless infrastructure deployment. Meanwhile, the vast majority of populated areas in the United States already have 100% wireless coverage and are inundated with cell towers and wireless antennas (as evidenced by the FCC's National Broadband Map). So, clearly, local governments can't be much of an impediment!