Communications Use Authorizations on Federal Lands

Current understanding

Federal agencies including the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management issue communications use authorizations (leases, easements, and permits) allowing wireless carriers, broadcasters, and broadband providers to site towers and equipment on public lands and National Forest System land. Review timelines and staffing capacity have been raised as barriers to broadband deployment in rural areas. HR5419 (Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act) would require Interior and the Forest Service to study and report on those barriers and staffing needs.

Evidence log

• 2025-01-04 — EXPLORE Act: cross-connection with explore-act-outdoor-recreation: Both concern access and infrastructure authorizations on federal lands managed by the Forest Service and Interior; the EXPLORE Act’s recreation-infrastructure focus intersects with permitting frameworks used for communications facilities. (novelty: 3)
• 2026-03-04 — Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act: cross-connection with usda-broadband-technical-assistance: Both address federal levers for expanding rural broadband: USDA technical assistance funds provider capacity to apply for programs, while HR5419 targets the federal-lands permitting bottleneck for siting communications infrastructure. (novelty: 2)

Open questions

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