West Virginia Broadband Council says delay in pole attachment biggest hinderance to broadband expansion

West Virginia is on the verge of a $1.2 billion federally funded broadband buildout but that expansion may be held up by a problem that’s been around for years. The state Broadband Enhancement Council is considering officially intervening in a case before the state Public Service Commission involving First Energy and Frontier Communications about pole attachments. State Broadband Office Director Kelly Workman told the council that pole agreements are “our biggest source of delay in (American Rescue Plan Act) funding projects so far.” “Costs have gone up exponentially the last three years compared to previous experience,” Director Workman said. “We’re fighting through this issue, company by company. The policies do not appear consistent, the pricing does not compare consistent.” Director Workman is concerned because the level of broadband expansion projects currently underway is small compared to what is coming in the recently announced $1.2 billion for West Virginia from the federal government.