Washington - May 3, 2010 - The Federal Communications Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks comment on revisions to the Commission's Part 17 rules governing the construction, marking and lighting of antenna structures. The FCC says it initiated this proceeding to update and modernize the Part 17 rules. The proposed revisions are intended to improve compliance with FCC rules and allow the agency to enforce them more effectively. These proposed revisions would also remove outdated and burdensome requirements without compromising the FCC's responsibility to prevent antenna structures from being hazards or menaces to air navigation.

The Commission typically requires tower owners to register their towers and be primarily responsible to maintain their painting and lighting. The requirements are put in place with cooperation of the Federal Aviation Administration. A petition filed by the PCIA - The Wireless Infrastructure Association on Sept. 12, 2006, requested several changes in the rules, which are reflected in the NPRM. Some of the proposed changes: