Appeals Court Sides With Fiber Provider in Railroad Crossing Dispute
Seventh Circuit says railroads can’t charge fiber providers for access without the property rights to do so
Seventh Circuit says railroads can’t charge fiber providers for access without the property rights to do so
WASHINGTON, August 12, 2026 – A federal appeals court has sided with a fiber provider in a dispute over whether a railroad can control, and charge for, access beneath its tracks.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled Friday that CSX Transportation could not use its Indiana railroad easements to block Zayo Group from running fiber optic cable beneath its corridor.
Fiber cuts are disrupting internet, emergency services and other critical communications
Unlike HC2 Broadcasting, XGN/X1 Mobile and Tyche Media promise to transmit at least one free over‑the‑air 720p program stream. Proposal would not be open to LPTV stations with cable must carry rights
It named NextNav’s proposal, which the security industry reiterated opposition to.
Once envisioned at $95 million, the buildout will now reach the same locations for a third that cost.