March 18, 2024—ACA Connects submitted two filings to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) encouraging it to keep up the momentum on efforts to improve the pole attachment process.
“Our Members are racing to upgrade and expand their broadband networks,” said ACA Connects President and CEO Grant Spellmeyer. “As they have explained to the FCC and highlighted during our Summit, to do so they need expeditious and reasonably priced access to utility poles. That is why ACA Connects is continuing our advocacy to the FCC to keep improving the pole attachment process by establishing clearer timelines, enhancing communication between attachers and pole owners, and facilitating self-help when pole owners cannot act on time.”
The comments ACA Connects submitted to the FCC include:
FCC Reply Comments re Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment By Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment
Published March 13, 2024
Key Excerpt: “[H]aving prompt and reasonably priced access to poles is critical if they are to continue to deploy competitive, high-performance fixed broadband service across the country. The FNPRM identifies discrete problems that often stand in the way of timely and cost-effective access to poles. The initial comments from ACA Connects and others offer solutions to resolve many of the extant problems, and we urge the Commission to adopt them promptly.”
Opposition of ACA Connects to the Petition for Reconsideration of the Coalition of Concerned Utilities
Published March 15, 2024
Key Excerpt: “[T]he [FCC’s requirement that utilities share their pole inspection reports with communications providers that apply to attach to their poles] will facilitate attachments, require minimal efforts from utilities, and reduce disputes between attachers and utilities. Accordingly, the Commission should dismiss the Coalition Petition and reaffirm [its ruling].”
About ACA Connects: America’s Communications Association –America’s Communications Association – ACA Connects is a trade organization representing more than 500 smaller and medium-sized, independent companies that provide broadband, video, and phone services covering 31.9 million households, 7.3 million of which are located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. ACA Connects Members operate in every state, providing advanced communications to connect homes, companies, main street, schools, hospitals and more. America’s economic prosperity in smaller communities and rural areas depends on the growth and success of ACA Connects Members, who believe a connected nation is a prosperous nation.