The FCC has announced the initiation of a proceeding to remove regulatory barriers to wireline broadband infrastructure deployment to promote the availability and affordability of next-generation networks. The FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seek comment on reforms to accelerate deployment of next-generation networks by removing federal, state and local barriers to infrastructure investment. The NPRM seeks comment on pole attachment reforms to make it easier for broadband providers to attach wires. Specifically, the FCC seeks input on adopting a streamlined timeframe for gaining access to utility poles, reducing charges paid to attach to utilities to make poles ready for new attachments, ensuring that pole attachers are not charged multiple times for certain capital costs, establishing a shot clock for the FCC to consider pole attachment complaints, adopting a formula to compute the maximum pole attachment rate for incumbent local exchange carriers, and adopting rules that would allow for all local carriers (local exchange carriers, or LECs) to demand reciprocal access on other LEC-owned poles. To facilitate the ability of LECs to transition to IP networks, the FCC seeks comment on streamlining and/or eliminating provisions of network change notification rules, eliminating rules that require carriers to spend money to maintain outdated equipment, and streamlining the discontinuance process for legacy services. The NOI seeks comment on the FCC’s use of its preemption authority to prospectively prohibit the enforcement of state and local laws that pose barriers to broadband deployment.
