Small Wireless Facilities

We live in a technological age where the way we source information and much of our daily lives rely on the use of wireless technology networks. In September 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) entered a Declaratory Ruling that mandates local governments allow the installation of small wireless facilities (“small cells”) to allow for deployment of fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology.

The FCC ruling has dramatically preempted local governments’ ability to regulate the deployment of small cell infrastructure. As such, the County, with input from the community, industry stakeholders and the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission, has put forth a regulatory framework that will allow the County to adhere to federal regulations, while protecting the public health, safety and welfare of County residents. It is the Government’s objective to also ensure that our residents and business community benefit from all of the economic development opportunities that technological advances may offer.

The Master License Agreement for Small Wireless Facilities is available online.

Other Resources

• Telecommunications Transmission Facility Coordinating Committee (TTFCC) — See Related Publications at the bottom page.