So, you think you know your FCC Section 106, do you? Ok, tell me this--- When does a carrier's or tower owner's Section 106 issue become a Section 110(k) problem? Well? Not so easy, huh? Maybe all you need is a little brushing up on the tower rules, since it’s been four years since the commission implemented the National Programmatic Agreement. That’s why CTIA thought the the time was right for a  tutorial on the ins and outs of tower siting, and put together this week’s Section 106 Refresher Course at the CTIA offices. 

The day-and-a-half program hosted last Thursday and Friday, and focused on making Section 106 as efficient as possible while preserving historic sites around the country. As the number of US wireless subscribers continues to grow and the demand for services increases,  there’s never been a greater need for superior coverage. Tower siting is obviously a central piece of that puzzle, and the role consultants play in the process is vital. That was a point of emphasis during the session, as attendees were also reminded of the varied levels of consultants’ training and expertise, and the key part they play in Section 106 implementation.

I think the beauty of the standing-room only sessions was the participation of the primary stakeholders: government, tribal, and industry representatives collaborated on presenting information integral to understanding the process and making it work as well as possible. Attendees were reminded of the crucial interaction between tower owners, consultants, SHPOs, THPOs, the FCC, and the AHCP, and were able to test drive the FCC’s new electronic Section 106 system. The information is extremely useful for those on the front line of tower siting, as they received practical guidance and advice on how to work within the system, while making the system work for them. 

Those were just some of the highlights, and we believe this session was a valuable step toward extending coverage, and reinforces the need for all of the stakeholders to communicate so that nearly 260 million US wireless subscribers can do the same.  Oh… that question about the Section 110 (k) problem… well, that happens when one of the stakeholders, i.e., SHPO/THPO, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), a potentially affected Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian Organization, or member of the public files a Section 110(k) petition with the FCC against the Applicant. But, of course, you knew that already.