Pew's study highlights the complexities of pole line attachment amidst the rollout of programs like the Capital Projects Fund (CPF) and the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The report emphasizes that obtaining pole attachment permits can take a considerable amount of time, with potential extensions based on costs and pole conditions, complicating compliance with federally mandated schedules. Different states manage the process variably, with some following FCC guidelines, leading to concerns about states meeting deadlines and potential financial shortfalls for projects requiring additional funding after initial allocations are used up.
Approvals for pole attachment permits can take months or even years, significantly affecting schedules mandated by federal grants.
BEAD gives states 365 days to select projects and another four years to complete construction, creating tight timelines for states.
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