Cable Interests Counter USTelecom Pole Attachment Arguments

NCTA representatives downplayed USTelecom's objections to new rules on pole attachments in a meeting with FCC Wireline Bureau staff (see 2504220015). USTelecom's claims are “either factually inaccurate and/or incorrect,” cablers said. Representatives of NCTA, Comcast, Charter Communications and Cox Enterprises attended the meeting.

“NCTA’s proposal for an additional 45-day timeline for performance of surveys and make-ready on pole attachment orders … would not require utilities to perform make-ready work on up to 3,000 additional poles in 45 days as USTelecom claims,” said a filing posted Monday in docket 17-84. “Rather, the 45 days NCTA proposes would be added to the 75 days already provided for in the Commission’s rules, allowing 105 days for surveys and 120 days for make-ready to be completed.”