Battle to Bypass Wireless Permitting Continues
New CTIA study reveals efficient wireless development without environmental and historic preservation requirements.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2026 – A new study by NERA Economic Consulting and submitted to the Federal Communications Commission found that permitting requirements for federal environmental and historic preservation pose unnecessary costs and delays for wireless infrastructure development.
The study, commissioned by wireless industry trade group CTIA, found an average $15,500 environmental assessment cost per installation, an approximate six-month delay and resulting $1.3 billion consumer cost and global competition risk with countries that have faster timelines.
It’s the latest of wireless industry trade group CTIA’s pleas for a FCC rule change that would streamline the infrastructure permitting process by loosening compliance with two federal policies: the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
Member discussion