Federal agency

Federal Communications Commission

Licenses wireless facilities — cell towers, antennas, microwave links. Local zoning can regulate placement but cannot ban service.

Official Source · Federal

What they handle

  • Wireless tower registration and licensing
  • Antenna structure approvals
  • RF emission compliance

What they don't handle

  • Local zoning of towers (city/county)
  • Health-effects determinations (covered by FCC limits)
  • Building permits for tower construction

Common permits

  • Antenna Structure Registration (ASR)

Common complaints

  • Tower not registered
  • RF emission concerns

Common documents

  • ASR filings
  • Tower environmental notifications

Questions to ask

  1. Is the tower registered (ASR number)?
  2. Was an environmental notification filed?