5G UPGRADE Act of 2025
The 5G UPGRADE Act of 2025 would amend the 2012 Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act to speed up the handling of requests to modify existing wireless facilities (like cell towers) at the state and local level. The bill adds a hard 60-day clock for approval or a written determination that a request is not an eligible facilities request, with a process for tolling if information is incomplete. It also clarifies submission timing, limits the documentation that qualifies as necessary, prohibits pre-application prerequisites, and allows expedited federal court review to enforce compliance. The Federal Communications Commission would issue implementing rules within 180 days, and the changes would apply to requests submitted after the bill’s enactment. In short, the bill aims to accelerate 5G deployment by reducing review delays at the local level, while outlining specific steps and documentation requirements to keep the process transparent and enforceable.
Key Points
- 160-day deemed-approval clock for eligible facilities requests for modifications to existing wireless facilities, with a similar framework applying to state or local government instruments thereof.
- 2Written determination process for when a request is not an eligible facilities request, including a written notice citing specific provisions and reasons.
- 3Tolling provisions: the 60-day period can be paused if the application is incomplete (initial and supplemental submissions), with defined rules for when tolling ends and how additional submissions affect timing.
- 4Protections to limit what information is required: local authorities may require only information reasonably related to determining eligibility and must align with publicly available rules; no pre-application steps are required to trigger consideration.
- 5Enforcement and implementation: applicants may sue in federal court to enforce the timeframe, with expedited review, and the FCC must issue final implementing rules within 180 days of enactment; the amendments apply to eligible facilities requests submitted on or after enactment.