CTF Submits Comments on the FCC’s FNPRM
Connect the Future (CTF) filed official comments in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM).
“CTF – a diverse, national coalition of supporters committed to bringing reliable broadband to the millions of still-unserved rural Americans – thanks the Commission, under Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s leadership, for recognizing the importance of addressing utility pole barriers that have impeded efforts to close our nation’s digital divide. FCC actions taken this past December were critical first steps toward addressing some of these barriers, but the reforms needed to meet this urgent challenge remain incomplete. Achieving the reality of a fully connected America will require additional pole-related reforms that maximize infrastructure investments and speed broadband deployment to unserved, rural communities.
As such, CTF supports the FCC’s proposals around large pole attachment orders, self-help, and use of contractors. CTF also urges the Commission to swiftly enact clearly defined and equitable standards for how the costs of pole replacement investments should be shared by pole owners and attachers. Without prompt Commission action on these items, we risk falling short of our nation’s Internet for All goals.”
Read the full comments HERE.