The FCBA State and Local Practice Committee will sponsor a CLE on Tuesday, October 29, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET entitled Fast-Tracking Broadband Deployment: How Can States Streamline Pole Attachments. The program will be held virtually via the Zoom platform.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel recently called pole attachments “an essential part of our effort to ensure that high-speed service reaches everyone, everywhere across the country.” While most states follow the FCC’s pole attachment rules, 24 (including DC) have opted to regulate access to utility poles on their own. And amid the largest federal investment in broadband, many of those “certified states” are issuing new or amended rules for pole attachment rates, terms, and conditions in order to balance the needs of communications attachers and pole owners in the communal effort to ensure a competitive, communications landscape.
Featuring expert panelists from state utility commissions across the country and industry representatives of both communications attachers and pole owners, this CLE will examine different state-level approaches to pole attachment regulations as well as current challenges faced in ensuring aerial deployment of communications equipment on utility poles.
The FCBA will apply for 2.0 hours of MCLE credit from the VA Bar. This program has not yet been approved.
If you have any issues, please contact Elina Gross at elina@fcba.org.
AGENDA
2:00 – 2:05 p.m. Welcome and Introductions
Andy Klein, Managing Attorney, Klein Law Group PLLC
2:05 – 3:05 p.m. State Utility Commissions and Pole Attachments
State commissioners and staff will discuss the current landscape of pole attachment regulation in the states. Topics will include state pre-emption of FCC pole attachment jurisdiction, steps states are taking to streamline deployment, and how state commissions are positioned to serve as a point of communication – and dispute resolution – between owners and attachers.
Moderator:
Brad Ramsay, General Counsel and Senior Director, Policy, NARUC
Panelists:
Commissioner Mary Pat Regan, Kentucky Public Service Commission
Jody McColman, Director, Telephone and Water Utility Industries, Maine Public Utilities Commission
More panelists to be announced
3:05 – 4:00 p.m. Pole Attachments and the Telecom Industry
Pole owners and attachers will discuss current issues relevant to industry as it pertains to pole attachments. Topics will include challenges faced by both owners and attachers, benefits and challenges of one-touch make-ready, and the impact of pole attachment policy on broadband deployment.
Moderator:
Abram Shanedling, Associate, SheppardMullin
Panelists:
Amy Averill, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Comcast
More panelists to be announced