Media Contact:  
Jamie Susskind, (202) 418-2200 
Jamie.Susskind@fcc.gov 
 
For Immediate Release 
 
STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER BRENDAN CARR 
On the FCC’s Proposed Approach for “Twilight Towers” 
 
 WASHINGTON, November 21, 2017—The FCC is focused on streamlining the deployment of 
infrastructure needed to deliver next-generation wireless services.  Last week, for instance, the 
Commission adopted an Order that eliminates the need for historic preservation review when providers 
replace utility poles for the purpose of adding antennas or other wireless equipment. 
 
 Today, I can announce the Commission’s next step in our broader effort to promote and 
accelerate the deployment of wireless infrastructure.  Specifically, the Chairman has circulated and the 
Commission will vote at its December 14 meeting on a definitive solution for so-called “Twilight 
Towers.”  These are towers that were constructed between 2001 and 2005 that did not necessarily 
undergo review pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act because the FCC had 
yet to provide clear guidance regarding compliance with that provision. 
 
 If approved, the FCC’s approach would culminate in the Advisory Council on Historic 
Preservation adopting a document known as a “Program Comment” that would exclude collocations on 
Twilight Towers from routine historic preservation review.  This action would open up potentially 
thousands of existing towers for the deployment of new wireless facilities.  As such, these towers would 
be treated similarly to older towers that are already excluded from the historic review process.  The FCC’s 
approach would also make clear that the agency would not be taking enforcement action based on the 
good faith deployment of these Twilight Towers.  
 
 For over a decade, the FCC and a range of stakeholders have debated the best approach for 
resolving the regulatory status of Twilight Towers.  So I am glad that this Commission is moving forward 
with a concrete solution to open up these structures for additional wireless deployments.   
 
 
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Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr: (202) 418-2200 
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275 
TTY: (888) 835-5322 
Twitter: @BrendanCarrFCC 
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr 
 
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official 
action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).