Make-Ready for Broadband: Are Poles Getting in the Way?

Support for federal broadband funding to connect rural America has never been stronger, but pole attachment rules and other rights-of-way issues are impeding deployment of both wired and wireless networks. Accessing utility poles and obtaining rights-of-way permitting can create significant delays and sometimes make up a third of the total cost to build, making these areas uneconomic to serve. How can policymakers and broadband stakeholders reduce these costs and streamline approvals while respecting the rights of owners? Join SHLB’s next webinar for different perspectives on how to address these challenges. Panelists include: 

• Greg Guice, director of government affairs, Public Knowledge; 
• Rebecca Hussey, managing counsel, utility relations, Crown Castle; 
• Bob Stovall, vice president for strategy & research, Merit Network; and 
• Corian Zacher, policy counsel, state & local initiatives, Next Century Cities.