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Providers say AEP make‑ready permits are the principal bottleneck as county broadband builds advance
Summary
Shentel, Appalachian Power, River Street and Zytel representatives told Franklin County officials that delays in Appalachian Power make‑ready and pole permits are the primary constraint slowing several broadband builds, and providers said AEP expects to finish the queued permits by July but warned crews continue to be pulled for storm restoration.
Shentel, Appalachian Power, River Street and Zytel representatives told Franklin County officials that delays in Appalachian Power (AEP) make‑ready and pole‑permit work are the primary constraint slowing construction on several broadband projects funded through VADI and other programs.
Shentel project representative Jesse said Shentel’s 2022 project covers about 3,508 subsidized homes and remains substantially behind because many make‑ready permits are still outstanding. “We’ve submitted almost 11,000 pole permits,” Jesse said, and described a mix of cabinets already in service and clusters of locations that can’t be completed until AEP finishes clustered permits. He told the authority the build is 57% serviceable to date and that completing pending permits is the gating item for finishing by the October substantial‑completion deadline.
Appalachian Power’s…
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