County plans FCC challenge after competing claims slow fiber buildout

County staff told the commission that a planned Charter Spectrum fiber build in Ramburn/Ramer is blocked because another provider has claimed coverage on federal or state broadband maps despite not delivering the stated service. Staff said the county will pursue an FCC challenge to correct the map entries so Charter or another fiber provider can proceed.

"We are going to file an FCC challenge to try to get them off of the map and release those households, so Charter can come in and do the development," a staff member said. Commissioners discussed whether the county should pass a resolution authorizing the challenge; staff said the city of Ramer has been informed and could join the challenge.

Staff also reviewed that a different company, identified in the session as Point Broadband, previously received RDOF funding for buildout obligations in multiple counties and must complete coverage by 2027; Point’s award can limit other providers unless a challenge succeeds or the mapped claims are adjusted. Staff urged the commission to remain in regular contact with Point and other providers and to explore partnership opportunities tied to utility projects such as Alabama Power’s planned underground work, which may improve the economics for buried fiber lines.

Commissioners asked staff to prepare a resolution to appear on a future agenda authorizing an FCC challenge and to coordinate with municipal partners. The next steps include drafting proposed resolution language, confirming technical evidence for the FCC filing and identifying municipal partners willing to join the challenge.