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ARTICLE · 12 APRIL 2011

FCC Adopts Comprehensive Pole Attachment Reform To Spur Broadband Deployment

On 7 April 2011 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) unanimously adopted an Order that significantly revamps its regulations governing the rates, terms, and conditions on which wireless and wireline communications providers attach their facilities to utility poles.

United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment

On 7 April 2011 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) unanimously adopted an Order that significantly revamps its regulations governing the rates, terms, and conditions on which wireless and wireline communications providers attach their facilities to utility poles. The Commission has not comprehensively overhauled its pole attachment regulations since the 1990s, and it recognized that drastic changes in the marketplace have occurred and the need for changes to expand the reach and reduce the cost of broadband deployment. As Chairman Julius Genachowski noted, pole attachments are the "blood and guts" of promoting broadband deployment.

While the Commission has not released the text of its order, it announced the following key rule changes:

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