Competition & Infrastructure Policy Division, WTB

Competition & Infrastructure Policy Division

• Policies Regarding Mobile Spectrum Holdings
• Roaming for Mobile Wireless Services
• Communications Marketplace Report
• Tower and Antenna Siting
• Antenna Painting & Lighting Specifications
• Broadband Data Collection

Wireless Telecommunications

• Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
• Wireless Rules and Regulations
• Wireless Services
• Wireless Support

In helping to carry out the Wireless Bureau’s mission, the Competition & Infrastructure Policy Division (CIPD) develops and implements competition and infrastructure policies to promote the rapid deployment of wireless communications services consistent with environmental and other statutory requirements and to encourage competition in the wireless marketplace for the benefit of U.S. consumers.

CIPD’s competition group reviews proposed mergers and spectrum transactions involving mobile wireless licensees and wireless competition issues. The group also establishes rules to promote competition in the wireless marketplace and addresses issues related to the classification of wireless services under the Communications Act. CIPD also manages several consumer-oriented policies. These policies include the promotion of wireless roaming, which allows consumers to automatically receive mobile service when outside of the provider’s coverage area; hearing aid compatibility for wireless handsets, which ensures providers and device manufacturers offer handsets that are compatible with hearing aids; universal service fund programs for mobile service, particularly programs that offer high cost support to mobile providers, such as the 5G Fund, Alaska Plan, and Alaska Connect Fund; and wireless issues related to protecting the openness of mobile broadband internet access service.

CIPD's infrastructure group manages environmental compliance for licensees and tower registrants so that the agency meets its obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. In doing so, it evaluates tower siting (including new tower constructions and antenna collocations), conducts rulemakings, and oversees antenna structure registration, marking, and lighting compliance. CIPD works closely with tribal governments and State historic preservation officers, as well as other federal agencies, to coordinate on tower siting.

CIPD coordinates with the Broadband Data Task Force on mobile broadband mapping and data collection efforts implementing the Broadband Data Act. In addition, CIPD coordinates with other Bureaus and Offices in preparing various reports, including the biennial Communications Marketplace Report.

You can contact the Competition & Infrastructure Policy Division at (202) 418-1310.