Massachusetts to Open Pole Attachment Rule Review, Streamlining Deployment
Utility pole attachment delays have been a key roadblock in broadband deployment.
WASHINGTON, March 23, 2026 – Massachusetts is opening up a regulatory review of utility pole attachments for the first time in 40 years.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and the state’s Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC) opened a joint rulemaking and inquiry review to revise regulations that govern utility pole attachments.
The agencies are seeking public comment on its proposed amendments for governing pole attachments. The departments said they will be modifying timelines for pole access, coordination between utilities and government authorities, make-ready procedures, utility cost limits and annual reporting requirements.
