Connect The Future

Connect the Future is here to help deliver on the vast promise of technology to create opportunities for all Americans – now and in the future.

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

NTIA has approved the final initial proposals for the #BEAD program. While this marks a significant milestone toward universal broadband access, key obstacles to deployment like #pole attachments still threaten to impede progress. More on this milestone and what’s next: ⤵️

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

#BroadbandOhio's chief pointed to pole permitting as a major roadblock to #broadband deployment: "We had a single company that was working on broadband projects that had 155,000 outstanding pole replacement permits that were over two years old." https://t.co/5d1aqQhtMF

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

Here’s the truth: meaningful action on pole replacement costs, which @USTelecom opposes, will bring more equity to the marketplace and speed the delivery of broadband access to unserved communities across the nation.

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

CTF and rural broadband supporters nationwide are urging the FCC to bring its Third FNPRM to a close by issuing an order that standardizes large order timelines and facilitates self-help & the use of contractors. Read more here ⤵️

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

Nearly two-thirds of Virginia’s recently funded #broadband expansion projects are behind schedule – and pole access delays are a big reason why. Read more from @CardinalNewsVA ⤵️

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

KY’s broadband director Meghan Sandfoss cites “permitting struggles, pole attachments, and environmental review” as key challenges to speedy #ruralbroadband deployment. Listen to the full @marketplace episode here ⤵️
https://t.co/pRIr2wUqIQ

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

🚧One major obstacle to #BEAD success? Pole challenges. As former bureau chief Deborah Lathen notes, @FCC should set defined timelines for pole owners to respond to large-scale pole attachment requests that will be commonplace as BEAD ramps up.
https://t.co/1hkknP4tZS

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

We must streamline efforts around pole access to bring more equity to the process and accelerate the delivery of broadband to communities who have been without access for far too long. (2/2)

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

🚨 Thanks to #pole-related issues, 10,000 homes and businesses in Fauquier County, Virginia are still awaiting access to high-speed internet and phone service. https://t.co/Em2FDfhgQ9 (1/1)

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

“It’s actually cheaper and easier to build your own rocket ships and shoot them into outer space than it is to hang wires on utility poles,” said WV @DelegateDaniel at @SHLBCoalition’s #polesymposium. Watch the full event for a solutions-based discussion.
https://t.co/xy1ua3AQFg

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

States can demonstrate leadership on pole attachment issues by:
-Reminding pole owners that broadband deployment is a public priority
-Updating current rules to apply to all pole owners
-Accelerating deadlines for attachment applications
-Expediting complaint resolution processes

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

Thank you @NatlGovsAssoc for recognizing #pole attachments as both a unique challenge and opportunity associated with #broadband deployment.
https://t.co/a5Nny2eABK

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

“Each added [pole-related] delay leaves #rural communities cut off unnecessarily from the digital opportunities…that Biden and Congress promised us in the infrastructure bill.” Read more from the chair of the Michigan Rural Action Alliance @JaimeBrants. https://t.co/cvIv7K8DFv

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

Pole owners continue to push back against common-sense reforms that would equitably & more quickly bring #broadband to unserved rural Americans. CTF corrects the record on a recent @NRECANews “fact sheet” calling on leaders to reject new pole regulations.
https://t.co/U5x4mFwYM5

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

The @FCC has received robust feedback on #pole-related reform proposals – now is the time for action as #BEAD funding is on the cusp of being distributed. See what broadband leaders across the country are saying here.
https://t.co/JJMod2zzgk

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

Without #broadband stakeholders at all levels working to facilitate the #pole attachments process, even the best laid #BEAD deployment plans could be delayed or altogether halted. Read @SHLBCoalition's @JohnWindhausen's new @BroadbandCensus op-ed here ⤵️
https://t.co/5BEJjA34Kd

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

📬 @SHLBCoalition-led letter submitted to @FCC:
"stakeholders at all levels have a role to play in facilitating the resolution [of poles issues]...and the FCC can and should exercise a leadership role in fostering solutions." Read the full letter here ⤵️
https://t.co/DxA6x4KLyW

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

Groups that represent pole owner stakeholders purposely mischaracterize efforts to streamline and address pole-related barriers as somehow unreasonable cost shifting or unduly burdensome.

CTF is correcting the record against these misleading claims ⤵️
https://t.co/Ds7XDEG9jl

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

.@NTIAgov can speed rural deployment by offering clear direction re expectations for timely, reasonable, and efficient #poles access. Read CTF's recommendations by clicking below. #BEAD #ruralbroadband

https://t.co/393hWLMiu8

[Connect The Future @CTF_National]

Thank you, Congressman @SanfordBishop for urging the @FCC to move quickly on additional #pole attachment reforms so we can ensure that #BEAD investments are maximized to expand rural #connectivity, and that unserved Americans get access to high-speed #internet quickly.