Comcast Statement on Continuing Pole Access Dispute with Appalachian Power Company

Comcast is committed to bringing affordable, reliable broadband to unserved residents in Virginia and throughout our footprint. The Federal Communications Commission reconfirmed in its February order that Appalachian Power’s (APCo) policy of charging new attachers to its poles exorbitant fees was inconsistent with the FCC’s rules. APCo has refused to comply with this order and other FCC rules, instead demanding that Comcast pay to fix preexisting violations on poles caused by other parties. These unreasonable fees threaten to delay or derail broadband deployments to many Americans. "We are disappointed to be forced to come back to the FCC on a matter all parties believed was concluded. We urge the Commission to move quickly to ensure APCo—and all pole owners—comply with the rules so that we and other broadband providers can continue to deploy internet service to all Americans.