FCC Approves 5G Tower Upgrade Plan That May Be Headed to Court

The Federal Communications Commission voted Tuesday to overrule U.S. cities and counties that want authority to stop cell tower upgrades, possibly sending the fight to the courts.

The ruing bars localities from blocking or delaying changes, such as antenna replacements, that maintain the underlying tower’s structure. Trade groups for companies including T-Mobile US Inc. sought the ruling to spur 5G investment and boost broadband capacity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Local governments may go to court to stop the FCC decision from being carried out, saying they need authority to block unsightly tower modifications. Litigation is “certainly under consideration,” said Michael ...