Senate mulls granting towns say-so on siting of telecommunication towers

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Legislature is considering a bill that would give municipalities the power to approve or block the construction of telecommunications towers, shifting significant siting authority from the central government to local jurisdictions.

The Senate Committee on Planning, Permits, Infrastructure and Urbanism, chaired by Sen. Héctor “Gaby” González López, held a public hearing this week to evaluate Senate Bill 764, a proposal that would amend Puerto Rico’s Law 89‑2000 to require mandatory municipal endorsement for the construction, installation, and placement of telecommunications towers.

The bill, authored by Sen. Josian Santiago Rivera, seeks to give municipalities binding authority over whether such infrastructure can be built within their jurisdictions.

Municipalities often object to new telecommunications towers due to concerns about visual impact on communities, potential depreciation of nearby property values, land‑use conflicts, and fears -- often unfounded -- about health effects associated with tower radiation. On the other hand, towns may support tower projects when they align with local zoning plans, improve wireless coverage for residents, enhance emergency communication capabilities, or bring economic benefits such as leasing revenue or improved infrastructure planning.

During the hearing, several key stakeholders -- including the Puerto Rico Telecommunications Bureau (PRTB), the Office of Permit Management under the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, the Puerto Rico Planning Board, the Puerto Rico Telecommunications Alliance, and Claro -- testified against the measure. They argued that telecommunications siting is an area pre‑empted by federal statutes and regulations, particularly those of the Federal Communications Commission. They also noted that most municipalities lack the technical expertise required to assess or oppose such projects, and warned that granting them veto power could hinder the development and expansion of critical telecommunications infrastructure.

The PRTB highlighted the importance of reliable telecommunications by noting that, as of July 2025, Puerto Rico had 4,032,057 wireless lines, a number exceeding the island’s population.

In contrast, the Puerto Rico Mayors Association and the Puerto Rico Mayors Federation expressed support for the bill. They argued that municipalities have established land‑use and territorial plans that should be considered when identifying suitable locations for towers. Local leaders emphasized their direct connection with communities and their responsibility to ensure orderly development and harmonious coexistence.