FCC Pole Attachments Order and Impact on Municipals

:The Federal Communications Commission recently released an Order and Report on pole attachments that may have an impact on municipal electric and telecommunications utilities.  Included in the order were "One Touch Make Ready" rules designed to allow quicker deployment of new telecommunications cables on existing poles.

The second action taken by the FCC is a Declatory Order to prohibit express and de facto moratoria imposed by state and local governments on applications and permits to deploy wireless or wireline telecommunications services and/or facilities.  According to Jim Baller with Baller Stokes & Lide, PC, 

"The wireless industry has mounted a major campaign in Congress, at the FCC, in state legislatures, and at the local level to clamp down on traditional state and local management of public rights of way and facilities.  We’re doing our best to push back in each of these arenas, and we’ll keep you informed of significant developments. "

Baller Stokes & Lide, PC has prepared a detailed memo on the FCC's recent actions. If you'd like to read the complete order, CLICK HERE.