Wireless Industry Continues Push for Access to Light Poles

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2024 – Utility pole disputes are an evergreen issue before the Federal Communications Commission. The wireless industry is continuing to push the agency to protect its access to light poles, and broadband providers are still quarreling with utilities over timelines for large pole attachment requests.

The FCC oversees the terms of pole attachment deals between utility companies and telecommunications providers looking to attach equipment. The agency can mandate reasonable access timelines and conditions, and set guardrails on when utilities can offload pole replacement costs onto attachers.

The framework covers many but not all ISPs, and excludes publicly owned utilities like electric cooperatives. At least 26 states have their own laws that preempt the agency.