BROADBAND Leadership Act

This bill aims to speed up building and upgrading internet and phone networks by limiting state and local rules that block or slow permits. It says cities and states can’t favor one company or technology over another, and they can’t treat telecom sites worse than other kinds of projects. Requests must be decided within clear deadlines: 90 days if the work is on existing structures, and 150 days for other projects. If no decision is made in time, the request counts as approved after the company sends notice. If a request is denied, the reasons must be written and shared the same day. Local governments can charge fees, but only if they’re publicly posted, fair, and based on actual costs for reviewing applications and maintaining public property or rights-of-way used by the equipment.

The bill blocks blanket permit freezes and only allows short pauses if the application is incomplete and the government quickly explains what’s missing; the timeline can also be paused by mutual agreement. People can take disputes to court for a fast decision, and the FCC can overrule local rules that break these standards, with a set timeline to act on petitions. States still keep power to manage streets and sidewalks fairly, protect public safety, maintain service quality, support universal service, and safeguard consumers. There are special rules for rural phone areas, where states may require certain approvals before a company starts service.

Key points

• Who is affected: Internet and phone providers; city and county permitting offices; neighborhoods where equipment is installed; customers who need better service.
• What changes: No discrimination among providers or technologies; clear 90/150-day permit timelines; “deemed approved” if deadlines are missed; written, public denials; cost-based, transparent fees; quick court review; FCC can overrule conflicting local rules; states keep fair management and safety powers .
• Timing within the process: Decisions due in 90 days on existing structures and 150 days for other projects; no blanket moratoriums on applications .