FCC Seeks Comment on Removing Regulatory Barriers to Broadband

As part of its effort to expand the availability and affordability of next-generation networks, the Federal Communications Commission began seeking public comment on a series of steps to remove regulatory barriers to wireline broadband infrastructure deployment. In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Notice of Inquiry and Request for Comment adopted April 20, the FCC seeks comment on reforms that will help accelerate deployment of nextgeneration
networks and services by removing barriers to infrastructure investment at the federal, state, and local level. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would seek comment on the following:
Pole attachment reforms to make it easier for broadband providers to attach the wires necessary for next-generation networks
Expediting the process for local exchange carriers to retire copper networks and provide notice of network changes

The Notice of Inquiry seeks comment on using the FCC’s preemption authority to prospectively prohibit the enforcement of state and local laws that pose barriers to broadband deployment.

The Request for Comment seeks input on when carriers must obtain FCC permission to alter or discontinue a service.