The American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023 aims to speed up the rollout of wireless, cable, and broadband infrastructure by streamlining the permitting process across federal, state, and local governments. It sets strict deadlines—typically 60 to 150 days depending on the type of request—for local and state governments to approve or deny applications for building or modifying communications facilities like cell towers, small wireless equipment, and cable lines, and requests are automatically approved if these deadlines are missed. The bill also limits the fees governments can charge for reviewing these requests, prohibits moratoriums that could delay approvals, and exempts many broadband projects from certain federal environmental and historic preservation reviews under NEPA and the National Historic Preservation Act. Additionally, it changes cable franchise rules so franchises no longer expire and must be renewed, instead continuing indefinitely unless formally revoked, and it streamlines the process for cable operators to sell or transfer their systems. The law primarily affects telecommunications and cable companies, state and local governments, tribal governments, and federal agencies overseeing infrastructure permits, with several provisions taking effect either immediately or within 6 months to 1 year after enactment, including new FCC rulemaking deadlines.
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