PCIA Encouraged by FCC Action Plan to Review
Agency’s Environmental & Historic Preservation Rules

STATEMENT FROM JAY KITCHEN, PCIA PRESIDENT & CEO

May 1, 2003, Alexandria, Va. – On behalf of the wireless infrastructure industry, PCIA is encouraged by FCC Chairman Michael Powell's approach to addressing the environmental and historic preservation review issues that arise in the course of deploying critical wireless infrastructure.

PCIA strongly believes that a collaborative government and industry effort will yield meaningful and sound policies, procedures and guidelines. Furthermore, we are gratified to know that the FCC will address environmental and historic preservation issues in a responsible manner that fully and equally weighs the impact that federal policy has on the environment and historic preservation as well as the deployment of the nation’s wireless communications infrastructure.

Specifically, PCIA supports efforts to streamline the rules for the Section 106 Review process for historic preservation and all applicable NEPA rules. As evidenced by the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for the Collocation of Antennas, which was adopted in March 2001, industry and government can save crucial resources by adopting efficient, streamlined review practices that enable preservation of the nation’s valuable historic resources and ensure timely wireless network deployment.

The wireless infrastructure network is critical to the quality, reach and reliability of the wireless services upon which public safety, businesses and citizens have come to rely. PCIA and our members look forward to continuing to work with the Commission to devise effective policies that do not unnecessarily hinder the deployment of these critical wireless networks.

About PCIA
PCIA is an association of companies that seek the advancement of the wireless communications industry through advocacy, technical and marketplace initiatives. PCIA supports programs and policies that expand the growth of the wireless network infrastructure and deployment industry. PCIA’s goal is to create a better financial and business environment in which its members can grow and succeed. For more information, please go to www.pcia.com.

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Media Contact: Rick Harris - 703-535-7433 or harrisr@pcia.com