Broadband expansion will require access to existing poles
Cable providers have long worked to help close the digital divide so that all can attend school, work, access health care, etc., no matter where they live. But we cannot achieve this goal alone.
The Texas Cable Association and Texas cable companies are committed to work with Gov. Abbott and legislators to expand broadband access across Texas. To do this, certain roadblocks must be removed to make deployment more efficient and affordable.
Gaining access to certain utility poles — the state’s communications infrastructure backbone in rural areas — is a huge obstacle we face in order to serve new areas. The process to attach broadband equipment to these poles can be complex and costly.
House Bill 1505 by Rep. Chris Paddie would streamline processes, reduce delays and rein in excessive costs. Passage would help achieve the ultimate goal — helping rural Texans who need and are waiting for broadband access.
Walt Baum
President, Texas Cable Association
