
Pole Attachments
High Pole Costs Harm Broadband Deployment
Overview
Deploying broadband networks to rural and remote areas is a massive undertaking, and often relies on the availability and costs of access to utility poles. Internet service providers usually must work with utility pole owners that provide electric or telephone service in order to extend their broadband networks. The rates these pole owners charge to access the poles is often excessive and can stop a broadband provider from being able to provide service to an area that lacks it. To bring broadband to unserved areas we need transparent and reasonable processes that ensure a fair distribution of costs between pole owners and entities seeking to use the poles.
Runaway Pole Costs
Regulated:
$6.84 per pole
X 18 poles per mile
$123.12 poles per mile
Co-Op Owned:
$15.39 per pole
X 18 poles per mile
$277.02 poles per mile
Muni Owned:
$14.86 per pole
X 18 poles per mile
$267.48 poles per mile