Companies wanting to erect a new construction tower must apply to the FCC's Media Bureau with details of the proposed tower. The application must include details on the community to be served by the tower, operating power and geographical information of the tower placement.
The guidelines on communications towers administered by the FCC include the allowance of space for an additional two antennas for future use, to attempt to reduce the number of future towers being built. Geographical considerations include the placement of towers away from areas with large numbers of migrating birds and away from meteorological conditions such as low clouds and mist.
Under the terms of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the FCC is required to monitor the effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields. By tracking these emissions the FCC can monitor the health effects of RF electromagnetic fields on humans and animals emitted from communication towers.