Published: May 2021

Utility pole access is barrier to widespread broadband deployment

Groups supportive of increased broadband deployment in underserved areas call on Congress to ensure a fast, fair process for privately owned utility pole access. Because poles are owned by private carriers, disputes often arise over their use by third parties and more equitable rights for access and dispute resolution could help deploy broadband more widely by using existing pole networks.

Groups interested in ensuring greater and more affordable broadband access, especially in rural areas, asked Congress to ensure a fast, fair process for utility pole access, replacements, and dispute resolution for broadband infrastructure. The groups point out that, since Congress is examining updates to the nation’s infrastructure, an opportunity exists to remove unnecessary barriers to utility pole access. “Utility poles form the backbone of America’s broadband infrastructure and are critically important for enabling connectivity across the nation, especially in rural areas,” wrote the groups.

The process of adding new broadband infrastructure to existing poles is complex, costly, time consuming and inconsistent, and often creates needless obstacles to bringing broadband to the communities that need it most. Unreasonable demands by pole owners lead to disputes that slow progress and shift resources away from deploying broadband, and can significantly delay or even derail projects entirely.

To download the letter, scroll down (Download PDF).

Lead Organization

Connect the Future

Other Organizations

See letter.

Download PDF

Utility pole access is barrier to widespread broadband deployment   (Connect The Future Coalition Letter_House_Senate_April_2021_FINAL.pdf)