CTF Commends Senator Thune for Highlighting Pole Access Issues in Nationwide Broadband Oversight Effort

December 8, 2022

Connect the Future (CTF) applauded Senator John Thune (R-SD), ranking member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband and longstanding rural broadband access champion, on launching a nationwide broadband oversight effort to ensure every federal broadband dollar goes toward bringing connectivity to truly unserved, often rural areas. The Senator is currently seeking input on the current broadband regulatory structure to identify potential reforms and action needed to remove barriers impeding efficient broadband deployment, including pole attachment and pole access regulations.

“Senator Thune understands that effective rules and regulations on issues like pole access are needed to ensure that unserved Americans see swift, meaningful results from federal investments,” said CTF executive director Zach Cikanek. “We thank Senator Thune for his ongoing efforts to close our nation’s digital divide and maximize this once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

Read the Senator’s full press release and letter to stakeholders HERE.