FCC Removes Barriers to Speed Up Wireline Broadband Expansion
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Rule
Summary
The FCC is making it easier and faster for companies to put up wires on utility poles, helping more people get better internet sooner. These new rules affect utility companies and internet providers by setting clear deadlines and speeding up approvals. The changes officially start on May 7, 2026, paving the way for quicker broadband expansion without extra costs for most folks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Faster Utility Response Deadlines
If you are a company that wants to attach wires to utility poles, utilities must now decide whether to grant access within 45 days for typical applications, 60 days for Mid-Sized Orders, and 90 days for Large Orders. Utilities also must complete pole surveys within 45 days (60 days for Mid-Sized Orders, 90 days for Large Orders) and must notify you within 15 days if they know they cannot meet survey or make-ready deadlines.
New Self-Help Remedies for Delays
If a utility misses required deadlines, a new attacher can (a) conduct the pole survey after receiving the utility's notice it cannot meet the deadline, (b) prepare an estimate if the utility fails to present one (but must wait until the 14-day estimate deadline or 29 days for Large Orders and use an approved contractor), and (c) perform make-ready work if the utility does not finish by the make-ready completion date.
30-Day Contractor Approval Deadline
Utilities must respond within 30 days to requests to add contractors to their approved lists for surveys, estimates, and make-ready. If the utility does not respond within 30 days, the proposed contractor is deemed approved to perform self-help work.
Advance Notice and Meet-and-Confer Rules
New attachers must give written advance notice at least 15 days before submitting a Mid-Sized Order and at least 60 days before submitting a Large Order. For Large Orders, the notice must include a request to meet and confer within 30 days and detailed deployment information (contact, routes, schedule).
Clear Mid‑Sized and Large Order Thresholds
The rule defines 'Mid-Sized Order' as orders greater than the lesser of 300 poles or 0.5% of a utility's poles in a state up to the lesser of 3,000 poles or 5% of poles; and 'Large Order' as greater than the lesser of 3,000 poles or 5% up to the lesser of 6,000 poles or 10% of poles in a state.
Annual Reporting Burden and Low Cost Estimate
The Commission estimates 1,359 respondents and 185,584 responses annually for the approved information collection (OMB Control No. 3060-1151), with total annual burden of 146,264 hours and total annual cost of $1,800. The OMB approval is dated April 17, 2026 and expires April 30, 2029.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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