Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist
will.wiquist@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC SEEKS TO MAKE POLE ATTACHMENT PROCESS FASTER, MORE TRANSPARENT, AND MORE COST-EFFECTIVE
Adopts a Fourth Report and Order, Declaratory Ruling, and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
  -- 
WASHINGTON, December 13, 2023—The Federal Communications Commission today voted to further reform its pole attachment rules and policies to promote faster and more cost-effective broadband deployment.  These new rules will allow for faster resolution of pole attachment disputes and provide pole attachers with more detailed information about the poles they plan to use as part of their broadband buildouts.  Utility poles are key to the Commission’s efforts to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure as those poles support the wires and equipment that carry broadband to American homes and businesses. 

The new rules will speed the pole attachment dispute resolution process by establishing a new intra-agency rapid response team and providing the team with specific criteria to apply when considering complaints.  The Commission’s rules also will increase transparency for new broadband buildouts by allowing attachers to obtain pole inspection reports from utilities.  In addition, the Declaratory Ruling provides important clarifications regarding: 
1. What constitutes “red tagging” and when pole replacements are not “necessitated solely” by a new attachment.
2. The obligation to share easement information.
3. The applicable timelines for the processing of attachment requests for 3,000 or more poles.

In addition to the new rules, the Commission proposes to set defined timelines for large pole attachment applications and seeks additional comment on ways to further facilitate the approval process for pole attachment applications and make ready to enable quicker broadband deployment.  

Action by the Commission December 13, 2023 by Fourth Report and Order, Declaratory Ruling, and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 23-109).  Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr, Starks, Simington, and Gomez approving.  Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr and Gomez issuing separate statements.

WC Docket No. 17-84

###

Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).