CLIC Reiterates Its Support for Local Choice and the Principle of ‘One Touch’

Recently, the Coalition for Local Internet Choice noted our support for local decision making with respect to the “one touch” make ready processes as a way to mitigate the following common problem:

“One of the most costly, risky, and time-consuming parts of fiber optic construction is preparing utility poles for new attachments. Specifically, in order to meet safety and other codes, existing attachments (the gear that connects fiber, copper, or other plant to the pole itself, so as to hold it in place) may need to be moved up or down to make sufficient space for attachment of the new fiber. This process, known as “make-ready,” can sometimes take many months, as each attaching entity sends out a crew independently and at different times from the others to move its own attachment. Existing attachers often exacerbate these costly delays by dragging their heels in moving their facilities, as they have no desire to help new competitors enter the market rapidly.”

Now, as other cities are considering “One Touch” ordinances, CLIC reaffirms its support for local decision making and choice with regard to streamlining the make ready process, including One Touch Make Ready procedures. We hope that all affected entities will cooperate to work out the details in ways that will serve the interests of all concerned. We at CLIC support the principle of One Touch Make Ready as an exercise of local Internet choice and the core principle that local communities and their stakeholders should control their own broadband futures.