ACA: Higher Pole Fees = Less Broadband

The American Cable Association warned that untethered pole attachment rates could drive the cost of broadband beyond the reach of rural customers.

In comments filed August 16 with the Federal Communications Commission, the ACA, which represents about 900 mostly rural cable operators with a combined 7.6 million subscribers, applauded the FCC's' efforts to promote broadband deployment through revised pole attachment regulations. But the organization said that new proposed pole attachment formulas could increase fees five-fold for some operators, which in turn would cause consumer broadband rates to rise. ACA said that pole attachment fees heavily influence broadband deployment schedules in rural markets. By allowing those fees to rise, the ACA claims the economic case for driving broadband facilities deeper into rural areas is harmed. One of the main initiatives of the Obama Administration has been to make broadband service available to all Americans.