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Committee advances amendment to speed pole-attachment agreements, citing FCC timelines and BEED deadlines
Summary
The Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee approved an amended version of Senate Bill 502 aimed at speeding pole‑attachment negotiations and clarifying timelines for broadband projects.
The Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee on an amendment to Senate Bill 502 moved a two-track framework designed to shorten delays in pole-attachment negotiations that committee members and industry witnesses said are slowing rural broadband construction.
The amendment requires the state broadband office to publish signed contracts for grants within five days, establishes a pre‑application meeting within 60 days for parties seeking pole attachments, adopts FCC-derived thresholds (including a 300-pole “business as usual” threshold and a 3,000-pole batching limit with 30‑day windows), and offers mediation with mandatory third‑party resolution if parties cannot agree.
The measure's supporters framed the change as a practical tool to…
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