INCOMPAS: Deployment Barriers Hurting Effort to Close the Digital Divide
Telecommunications companies describe barriers preventing faster deployment of broadband networks

Telecommunications companies describe barriers preventing faster deployment of broadband networks
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2024 - Federal officials need to know that broadband internet providers continue to face deployment barriers standing in the way of closing the digital divide, especially with billions in financial support in the works.
The trade group INCOMPAS raised this issue last week in detailed comments with the Federal Communications Commission to help the agency prepare its annual State of Competition report for lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Fiber deployment emerges as a common thread despite vastly different market conditions.
Permitting delays, transmission backlogs, siting fights, and supply chain gaps top the list.
The agency is investigating the company, along with Comcast and Verizon, over diversity practices.
Outdated permitting systems could stymie nuclear projects needed for tomorrow’s data centers, panelists said.