PCIA Poised to Comment on Programmatic
Agreement After Two-Year Industry Investment

Issue is Among PCIA’s Highest Priorities

Wednesday, June 11, Alexandria, Va. PCIA – The Wireless Infrastructure Association announced today it is set to quickly study, discuss and provide detailed comment on the FCC draft of the NPRM on a Nationwide Programmatic Agreement released earlier this week.

Specifically, the Programmatic Agreement addresses ways to streamline the Section 106 review process for the siting of communications towers near historic properties. PCIA has invested an enormous amount of time and resources in the form of participation on the Telecommunications Working Group and welcomes the opportunity to formally respond to the issues the association raised during those meetings.

PCIA’s members, made up largely of tower owners, operators and carriers with an interest in towers, have a lot at stake in the way the rules are written in the final agreement. Yesterday’s draft is a follow-up to earlier drafts proposed by the FCC, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), the National Council of State Historic Preservation Officers and members of the Telecom Working Group. A Nationwide Programmatic Agreement has been in development since November 2001.

“While we are pleased that the FCC has released its long awaited NPRM implementing a Nationwide Programmatic Draft Agreement, we are still concerned about some of the specific language requiring the degree to which tower companies, licensees and the FCC must consult with tribal groups in their normal course of doing business,” said PCIA President & CEO Jay Kitchen. “We’ve shared this concern with the Commission in the past and will continue to vigorously represent the interests of our members on streamlining this process.”

Kitchen said PCIA and its members will study the text and deliver extensive comment by the FCC’s August 8, 2003 deadline.

He emphasized that PCIA and its member companies have always worked with historic preservationists and tribal representatives to ensure that the siting of communications towers is done so in a manner that is compliant with all applicable rules and respects the rich historic properties and cultures of our nation. At the same time, PCIA continues to advocate for the expedient deployment of critical wireless infrastructure upon which consumers have become so reliant.

“This issue is vital to our members and to wireless customers throughout America,” said Kitchen. “It is and will continue to be a priority for the association in terms of member interest and association resources.”

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