FCC Sets Filing Date in Utility Pole Access Proceeding

In this Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) originally released May 20, the Federal Communications Commission proposes rules to expedite access by telecommunications carriers and cable operators to utility poles. Proposed measures include adoption of a specific timeline for poles survey and make-ready work, use of outside contractors, and improving the availability of data. The FNPRM also proposes to improve the pole attachments enforcement process, and proposes ways to make attachment rates as low and uniform as possible consistent with section 224 of the Communications Act. Proposed measures include adoption of a specific timeline for poles survey and make-ready work, use of outside contractors, and improving the availability of data. These steps should lower both the cost of gaining access to utility poles and pole attachment rates. These actions are intended to remove impediments to the deployment of facilities and to increase delivery of broadband services. Comments are due on or before August 16, 2010 and reply comments are due on or before September 13, 2010.

[WC Docket No. 07­245, GN Docket No. 09­51; FCC 10­84]