The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
(PUC) passed a measure that some commissioners say will make it easier
for rural residents to get broadband; however one commissioner
disagreed. The PUC voted 4-1 last week to take over pole attachment
jurisdiction from the FCC. The vote means Pennsylvania would create a
statewide forum to establish rates, terms for using utility poles, and
obtaining rights-of-way, reports the Center Square.
The measure also establishes a group to advise the PUC on problems with
state and federal pole attachments. The PUC Pole Attachment Working
Group will consist of members of the PUC’s technical and legal staff,
pole owners, pole attachers, telecommunication/broadband interest
groups, consumer and small business advocates. The group will handle
complaints and resolve disputes.
Giving the PUC a dispute resolution group will expedite broadband to the
state’s rural areas, said Commissioner Norman Kennard. “Providing a
dispute forum for pole attachments at the commission will allow for
prompt resolution of fiber and wireless deployment, and result in more
efficient and better priced broadband expansion for the benefit of our
rural residents,” he said, according to The Center Square. Continue Reading
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