New York State Public Service Commission Adopts Modified Pole Attachment Rules

New rules are aimed at accelerating deployment, improving dispute resolution, and increasing accountability through reporting, but do not include self-help remedies or other important changes

After a lengthy rulemaking process conducted pursuant to a legislative directive from the New York State Assembly, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) entered an Order adopting modified pole attachment rules to help facilitate the deployment of high-speed broadband and wireless cellular services. The revised rules take several important steps that the PSC says help advance deployment of broadband infrastructure by making it easier and faster for telecommunication and cable systems to gain access to utility-owned infrastructure while simultaneously ensuring safe, adequate, and reliable electric utility service at just and reasonable rates.