FCC Settles Verizon, PEPCO Pole Attachment Fight

By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief

Verizon Maryland and electric utility Potomac Edison Company (PEPCO) asked the FCC to review certain aspects of a November 2020 ruling. Back then, the Commission granted part of a complaint that Verizon filed concerning a Joint Use Agreement containing rates, terms and conditions for each party’s use of the other’s utility poles. Under the JUA, PEPCO charges Verizon rates that are “significantly higher” than the rates PEPCO charges competitive local exchange carriers and cable providers to attach to the same poles, according to the FCC. The carrier alleged the pole attachment rates it pays to PEPCO are unjust and unreasonable. The Commission agreed and prescribed a maximum rate PEPCO can charge Verizon in Maryland. It also said Verizon was due for a refund for a three-year period and told both to negotiate that. Verizon sought clarification on two points and PEPCO filed a Petition for Reconsideration. The agency granted part of what Verizon wanted but denied other portions of Verizon and all of PEPCO’s requests. Continue Reading