USTelecom CEO Jonathan Spalter predicts midterm elections may bring broadband permitting progress

USTelecom–The Broadband Association CEO Jonathan Spalter predicted that swifter progress will be made on federal policy regarding broadband deployment—particularly permitting—if the upcoming midterm elections see one of the houses of Congress (the Senate or the House of Representatives) switch to Democratic control. Joking that Congress has an “Olympian level of excellence in terms of getting nothing done—a gold medal,” Spalter argued that a change in control of one chamber of Congress will result in a change in tone. “Right now, the dynamic is basically one party fighting against the other party, even on things where there is unbelievable bedrock agreement, like permitting reform.” Spalter said permitting reform is critical not just to providers, but also to people who are waiting for service. Spalter said USTelecom is “betting on three horses.” First, the association is drawing on its relationships with the White House to get the same permitting exclusions applied to broadband deployment that are currently enjoyed by certain large landowning agencies. Second, despite his earlier jokes, Spalter said USTelecom is “betting on Congress to get stuff done.” Third, Spalter said USTelecom is focusing on the FCC, where permitting is already one of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s priorities.