The FCC has taken a number of steps to encourage investment and more rapid deployment of next generation networks. One set of changes approved govern access to utility poles and conduits where the FCC has barred pole owners from charging for make-ready fees
they have already recovered from prior attachers. The Commission has also imposed a 180-day shot clock to speed resolution of pole attachment disputes by the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau and has given all local providers equal access to each others’ poles. The FCC is also acting to streamline the process for network change notifications and copper plant retirements and make it easier for carriers to upgrade their facilities and to phase out legacy services.
