Broadband Investment Issues Include Pole Attachments, Tower Siting, Says GOP Memo

investment. “The issue of pole attachments continues to be the subject of considerable dispute between attachers and pole owners,” the GOP memo said. “Critics claims that the terms and conditions set by utilities are onerous or obscure; that pole owners often have little incentive to provide speedy access to attachers; and that pole owners drag out the application process. Finally, the rate formulas are complicated and prone to litigation and controversy, all of which leads to delays in the deployment of networks.” An eight-page Democratic memo included sections on federal grant programs, such as the broadband stimulus grants given through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Obama administration’s efforts to allow broadband deployment on federal land and the creation of the Broadband Opportunity Council. “Broadband networks that are wholly or partially...owned by local governments also can help increase access and competition, as well as provide additional consumer choice,” the Democratic memo said, acknowledging the Republican pushback against municipally owned networks. “Many towns and cities have attempted to build out such services, but 20 states have imposed prohibitions or restrictions on public entities providing communications services.” The hearing will be at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in 2322 Rayburn.