Utilities, Cable Still at Odds on Draft Pole Order
Groups are continuing to meet with staff ahead of Thursday's vote.
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2025 – Utility companies and broadband providers are still dueling over the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed update to its pole attachment rules.
A major remaining sticking point ahead of Thursday’s FCC vote is the ability of broadband ISPs to quickly hire new contractors to mount wires and other gear to poles.
“The record before the Commission unambiguously demonstrates that the Draft Contractor Rule is unlawful and imprudent,” Dominion Energy wrote in a July 17 filing. “While the current lack of contractors that are both qualified and readily available to perform work above the communications space that may be needed to install broadband facilities seems to be a source of continued frustration for attachers, the solution cannot simply be to require the approval of unqualified contractors for self-help work on or in the vicinity of electric power facilities.”
Member discussion