GMA is monitoring several Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposals that could significantly limit local authority over cable, fiber, and wireless infrastructure in communities across Georgia.
These proposals could harm the ability of local governments to assess appropriate compensation for use of public rights-of-way and limit local leaders’ ability to negotiate community benefits with broadband and cable providers. The National League of Cities (NLC) is urging the FCC not to impose federal micromanagement of what should be local responsibility for the appropriate handling of city streets. NLC has also opposed legislation in Congress that would similarly hamstring local broadband infrastructure oversight.
More detailed information about these proposed changes are listed below. Please contact GMA Federal Relations Manager Molly McLoughlin to see how you can engage as comment deadlines have been impacted by the government shutdown.
FCC Regulatory Proceedings
Notice of Inquiry: Accelerating Wireline Infrastructure Buildout (WC Docket No. 25-253)
This FCC inquiry looks to examine whether state and local statutes, regulations, and legal requirements unlawfully prohibit broadband deployment. The focus is on whether local actions result in the imposition of excessive delays and fees that discourage investments in infrastructure deployment. The FCC is also potentially considering whether state or local laws which seek to govern or limit uses of AI are effectively prohibiting wireline telecommunications services.
Comment Date: November 17, 2025
Reply Comment Date: December 17, 2025
Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment (WC Docket No. 17-84)
This order would update the FCC’s pole attachment rules. The aim is to make it easier and faster to deploy broadband networks and seeks comments on ways to expedite pole attachments for broadband infrastructure.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Freeing Wireless Infrastructure from Unlawful Regulatory Burdens (WT Docket No. 25-276)
The proposed rule looks to accelerate the deployment and modernization of wireless infrastructure, including 5G and future 6G networks, by streamlining permitting, reducing regulatory barriers, and potentially preempting state and local restrictions.
Federal Government Shutdown
As the shutdown reaches one month, Democrat and Republican leaders continue to hold their ground while greater ramifications of the lapse in federal funding come to the forefront for communities across Georgia. SNAP recipients across the country are set to go without their benefits as states engage in legal battles with the White House to secure SNAP and other welfare funding. The lapse in SNAP benefits would be the first in U.S history.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune now says that "a lot more conversations" are happening between members and suggested that next week's state and local elections might provide the catalyst needed to end the stalemate.
The House remains in recess as the Senate leaves for the weekend with no scheduled vote on the House-passed continuing resolution to end the shutdown.
Please continue to let us know how your community has been impacted by the shutdown and see NLC’s latest resource, Real Stories, Real Needs: What Comes Next for Shutdown-Affected Communities, to help cities navigate the uncertainty.