TROY BALDERSON WASHINGTON OFFICE: 12™ D:$TRICT, OH:P 2429 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20515-3515 COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION F'HDHE: (202) 225-5355 AND INFRASTRUCTURE �ongrcssof tbt �ntttb �tatts WORTHINGTON OFFICE: COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE 250 EAST Wl'lSON BRIDGE ROAD Su.re 100 J!,outt of l\tprtStntatibtf WORTHINGTON, OH 43085 PHOI-IE: (614) 523-2555 11ta9'1,Jingtont jj)QC20515 September 20, 2022 679 The Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel Chairwoman Federal Communications Commission 45 L Street NE Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairwoman Rosenworcel, The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need foraccess to high-speed broadband for many Americans when their ability to communicate with friends, family, doctors, teachers, and coworkers shifted online overnight.A high-speed broadband connection became a lifeline for many Ohioans. Yet, formany and especially those in rural communities, broadband access was not available. Over the past two years, Congress has provided fundingto help close access gaps, particularly in unserved rural communities. As we are starting to see this funding allocated to communities and providers across the country, we need to ensure that funds are used efficiently, and networks are built out in a timely manner. Access to utility poles will be a critical aspect of network buildouts across Ohio and the nation. I appreciate the Commission's focuson connecting unserved populations across the country and its consideration of reformsthat make it easier and fasterto build broadband infrastructure. Access to poles is critical to expanding connectivity, especially in rural communities where it can require many poles to reach a single home or small business. The Commission understands the urgent need forchange and released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) earlier this year that considers reformsfor poles access. Often,network buildouts can be delayed, and costs can be increased when there are disputes over access to utility poles, which ultimately prevent access to broadband fortoo many of my constituents. Changes should ensure more timely access to poles through standardized permitting timelines and prioritized pole attachment disputes, and guarantee more equitable distribution of costs between broadband providers and pole owners. I strongly encourage the Commission to bring swiftaction on its FNPRM to quickly expand broadband to unserved Americans across the country. Ohioans without access deserve the same opportunities forsuccess as their neighbors with a broadband connection. PRINTEO ON RCCYCLCO P,l.PCR