Utah is the latest state to adjust its wireless infrastructure regulations with regard to small cellular sites.
Gov. Gary Herbert on Tuesday signed 136 bills into law, including the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act, which unanimously passed the state’s House and Senate earlier this month.
Although numerous states adopted the uniform standards the industry argues are necessary to quickly deploy next-generation networks, debates in other states have festered amid opposition from environmental and local government advocates.
Wireless industry group CTIA said operators are expected to invest $157 million to deploy 5G in the Beehive State, which will create some 1,750 jobs and add $291 million to the state’s economy.
“This legislation will ensure residents of Utah receive the investment and benefits that 5G will bring to communities small and large,” CTIA External and State Affairs SVP Jamie Hastings said in a statement.
The measure will take effect on Sept. 1.
Filed Under: Industry regulations + certifications