BEAD

Utility Pole Costs a Major Expense for BEAD Broadband Projects

Researchers say make-ready expenses could cost up to $4.63 billion nationwide

Mira Bhakta

May 14, 2026 — 2 min read

Photo of linemen working on poles by Rick Bowmer/AP.

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2026 – A new study warns that utility pole expenses tied to the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program could cost up to $4.63 billion nationwide, potentially straining broadband deployment budgets and delaying projects.

The report from the Advanced Communications Law & Policy Institute estimates BEAD-funded broadband construction will involve approximately 3.9 million utility-owned poles across 2,053 electric utility service territories, as providers build nearly 188,287 miles of aerial fiber infrastructure.

Researchers said pole-related costs remain one of the largest uncertainties facing the $42.5 billion BEAD program, which was designed to expand broadband access to millions of unserved and underserved locations across the country.

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