BBK Partner Gerard Lederer Quoted in Telecommunications Reports
Article Discusses FCC’s Proposal to Streamline Permitting and Overcome Barriers to Speed 5G and 6G Deployment
In an article shared by Telecommunications Reports on September 30, 2025, Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) Partner Gerard Lederer has been quoted raising concerns about whether the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has shown a strong enough reason to take new action on wireless infrastructure rules. The FCC recently announced plans to streamline the process for building and upgrading cell towers and related equipment, with the goal of reducing local barriers, speeding up permits, and helping roll out 5G and future networks more quickly.
Lederer emphasized that local governments have already worked closely with industry to expand wireless service, pointing to tens of thousands of small wireless facilities added and a 20% increase in larger cell towers during the past two years. He also urged the FCC to be clear about the difference between regulatory fees (which cover actual costs like engineering and safety reviews) and rent (payment for use of public land). Finally, Lederer called on the FCC to update its radiofrequency (RF) safety standards, the rules that govern exposure to energy from wireless equipment, due to the fact that outdated guidelines and residents’ concerns about RF emissions remain major obstacles when cities try to approve new wireless facilities.
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