How permitting problems delay broadband builds

Fixing problems with broadband permitting has long been a goal of the telecom industry. But the need for broad reforms has been highlighted in recent years, particularly with the creation of the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, which will soon inject roughly $21 billion into broadband deployment, giving providers four years to complete their builds. Nicole Ferraro hears from three internet service provider leaders—Pamela Sherwood, VP of the regulatory, compliance and broadband office at Brightspeed; Jessica Epley, VP of regulatory and external affairs, Ziply Fiber; and Brad Welch, COO, CentraCom, and mayor of Fairview (UT)—about the biggest barriers to obtaining permits for fiber broadband deployment projects and what can be done about it.