ICSC submits reply comments to FCC on telecommunications access

Last week, ICSC joined the National Multifamily Housing Council and other real estate group in submitting the second round of comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on access for telecommunications providers in a multi-tenant environment (MTE). At the request of certain providers, the FCC is looking into whether it should mandate increased access to ICSC members’ properties to increase competition for telecommunications services.

Some providers have expressed concerns about preferred service agreements and other perceived barriers to entry, such as access agreements. It is ICSC’s position that a commercial multi-tenant property owner should have the right to know who is accessing their buildings and control areas and have a responsibility to protect customers and tenants. There are significant concerns that have been brought to our attention such as the cost to property owners (e.g. energy, impact on existing fiber and infrastructure), physical safety, cyber safety and the impact on relevant environmental protection practices. 

The real estate associations respectfully urged the FCC to refrain from any regulation of agreements between property owners and broadband providers.