Pole Attachments


Broadband providers that attempt to deploy networks in rural markets often find that the costs of attaching to existing telephone or electric poles are excessively high, making the region uneconomic to serve. The FCC has made progress by adopting policies to promote one-touch-make-ready for wireline and wireless networks, but has not yet adopted guidelines to govern pole replacement costs. Adopting SHLB’s proposed guidelines would reduce the costs and expedite the process of approving pole attachments or pole replacements to address this digital disparity. 

Because CAIs are both users and providers of wireless broadband services, SHLB will continue to promote rules that help CAIs take advantage of spectrum opportunities for both licensed (including both shared and exclusive) and unlicensed spectrum in 2023.


SHLB's Advocacy

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SHLB Comments on Poles FNPRM


February 14, 2024

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SHLB Response to EEI Petiiton 


February 13, 2024

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SHLB - Ex Parte FCC Staff - Draft Pole Attachments Order

December 5, 2023

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Ex parte to Commissioner Starks' Office regarding pole attachments proceeding

July 14, 2022

 

Among other things, SHLB proposed the idea of state pole attachment working groups to assist in expediting pole problems.

 

Download the Letter 

 

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Comments to the FCC regarding the pole attachments Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
June 27, 2022
 

SHLB made several recommendations to the FCC about how to ensure cost allocation disputes surrounding pole replacements do not delay broadband build-out

 

Download the Comments

 

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Ex parte letter to the FCC regarding the draft pole attachments Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

March 9, 2022

 

SHLB proposed several additional questions for the FCC to consider including in its upcoming Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, "Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment.

 

Download the Letter 

 

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Letter to the FCC asking for a rulemaking to address pole attachment issues
January 31, 2022
 

SHLB detailed many pole attachments and rights-of-way issues that are stalling broadband deployment, asking that the Commission begin a rulemaking proceeding to resolve these problems.

 

Download the Letter

 

 

View Archived Documents →


Key Documents

November 2021
CONNECT THE FUTURE RESEARCH
Advancing Pole Attachment Policies to Accelerate National Broadband Buildout

 

June 2021
SHLB PRIMER
Pole Attachment Principles to Expedite Broadband Deployment to Anchor Institutions and Their Communities