Publications for Telecommunications
If passed, Michigan Senate Bill 637 will create the Small Wireless Communications Facilities Deployment Act (the Act.)
Some businesses have begun offering “fixed wireless” cellular services-which allow a consumer to obtain high-speed Internet service via a fixed wireless antenna on their home or office. For townships, it means they will probably receive more and more requests involving wireless telecommunications equipment.
In our January 2012 Municipal Law News, we notified you of the then-pending fight between Comcast and the City of Detroit over the validity of Michigan’s 2006 Uniform Video Services Local Franchise Act. The parties argued their positions in December 2011, and the Court issued its decision on July 10, 2012.
The Michigan Legislature has moved forward on a new bill that would pre-empt local zoning when it comes to handling request to co-locate wireless telecommunications equipment on an existing tower.
On February 17, 2012, Congress passed the "Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012." Though most of the attention given the Act highlights its extension of unemployment benefits and tax cuts, the Act also impacts municipalities.
Verizon Wireless sued the Town of Irondequoit (New York) in federal court in Buffalo over alleged inaction and unreasonable delays in deciding a wireless facilities application.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) just set new rules that directly impact how a municipality can act on a request to locate wireless cellular facilities in the municipality.