The digital divide remains a pressing issue in the United States, with millions lacking access to reliable, high-speed internet. Efforts to bridge this gap have encountered numerous obstacles, chief among them being the complex and time-consuming permitting procedures required for infrastructure deployment. According to a report by The Pew Charitable Trusts in April 2024, state broadband offices have identified permitting delays as a critical impediment to broadband expansion initiatives.
Deploying broadband infrastructure requires navigating a complex web of federal, state, and local regulations. Each jurisdiction may have its own set of requirements, leading to a fragmented and often protracted approval process. These delays not only hinder timely project completion but also escalate costs, discouraging investment from internet service providers (ISPs).
Jake Varn, an associate manager with The Pew Charitable Trusts’ broadband access initiative, emphasizes the ubiquity of this issue:
“Stakeholders in a majority of states repeatedly raised the same key issues… One issue, however, was mentioned in virtually every plan: cumbersome permitting processes.”
Recognizing the detrimental impact of permitting delays, several states have undertaken measures to streamline processes:
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Broadband-Ready Community Programs: States such as Indiana and Georgia have implemented programs that certify communities as “broadband-ready” if they adopt policies that minimize barriers to broadband infrastructure investment.
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Centralized Permitting Systems: Some states are developing centralized online platforms to process permit applications, aiming to reduce redundancy and streamline the approval process.
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Standardized Regulations: Efforts are underway in various jurisdictions to standardize permitting requirements across municipalities, reducing the complexity for ISPs operating in multiple areas.
An often-overlooked aspect of broadband deployment involves attaching new lines to existing utility poles. The process, known as pole attachment, is fraught with challenges, including negotiating access rights and determining cost responsibilities. A March 2025 issue brief from The Pew Charitable Trusts highlights that inefficient pole attachment procedures can significantly delay broadband projects:
“Broadband expansion may hinge on states’ processes for attaching lines to utility poles.”
At the federal level, initiatives such as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program aim to provide funding and guidance to states for expanding broadband access. However, the effectiveness of such programs is contingent upon states’ abilities to address permitting challenges. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also advocated for “dig once” policies, encouraging the inclusion of broadband conduits during road construction projects to minimize future excavation needs.
