FCC still hasn’t ruled on pole attachments, presenting a hiccup to aerial fiber

It’s been more than a year since the Federal Communications Commission sought comments regarding pole attachment rules. The FCC wanted to hear from telecoms and utility companies about how the cost of pole replacements should be allocated between the pole owner and the attachers, and what would be the best process to add more attachments to existing poles, among other issues. The FCC definitely got an earful. It’s received 4,180 comments to date. But the FCC has yet to issue new rules on pole attachments. An FCC spokesperson said, “Right now, FCC staff is reviewing the record that’s developed on our pole attachment rulemaking in order to strike a balance between the local authority of pole owners and internet service providers. Currently, 23 states already have pole attachment rules and policies, and we are working to provide clarity for the remainder.”