Maryland ISP, State Agencies Spar Over FCC Preemption

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2026 – A Maryland-based provider is asking federal regulators to preempt state rules it says prohibit the deployment of telecom services. State agencies say their policies are valid.

The dispute stems from Talkie Communication’s effort to deploy a utility pole with fixed wireless equipment in a right-of-way controlled by the Maryland State Highway Administration. Talkie argued in a Jan. 28 petition to the Federal Communications Commission that it should be exempt from county zoning rules and annual fees charged by the state’s Department of Information Technology.

“The County’s actions are blatantly impeding Talkie’s deployment of new and high quality services that would be provided to the County’s residents and businesses,” Talkie wrote.