USTelecom seeks uniform timelines, cost-based fees to reform permitting

The trade association USTelecom will file comments with the Federal Communications Commission urging the Commission to use its authority to "return America's permitting to the realm of common sense" via actions on timelines, fees, and coordinated practices. The telecommunications group's comments are being filed in response to the FCC's notice of inquiry on "Eliminating Barriers to Wireline Deployment," which seeks input on ways the Commission can use its authority under section 253 of the Communications Act to preempt state and local laws that "have a prohibitive effect on wireline telecommunications deployments and services." Initial comments are due this week, with reply comments due in mid-December.