Mountain Ltd

Scott D. Demming is a telecom professional with 25+ years in engineering, operations and strategy. A Navy Submarine veteran and Portland State honors graduate, he’s led fiber expansion and process improvement at Mountain Ltd, Ziply Fiber, Track Utilities and CenturyLink, focusing on practical solutions, collaboration and strong team leadership.

As the U.S. pushes toward universal broadband access, the spotlight has turned to a less glamorous but critical piece of infrastructure: utility poles. While fiber optic cables promise lightning-fast internet, getting them into the air safely, affordably and efficiently is proving to be one of the industry’s most persistent challenges.

Aerial deployment via pole attachments is often faster and more cost-effective than underground construction. But the process is anything but simple. Across the country, broadband providers are running into a tangle of aging infrastructure, bureaucratic delays and coordination breakdowns that threaten to slow the pace of digital expansion.

The Infrastructure Gap

In many regions, utility poles are decades old and were never designed to carry the weight of modern communications equipment. Before new fiber can be attached, poles must be inspected, analyzed and often replaced. This alone can delay projects by weeks or even months, especially in rural areas where access is limited and replacement schedules are already backlogged.

Permitting Gridlock

Even when poles are structurally sound, the permitting process can be a major bottleneck. Pole owners, typically electric utilities are inundated with attachment requests. With limited staff and growing demand, application reviews can stall. Inconsistent documentation from applicants only adds to the delays, creating a feedback loop of inefficiency.

Some jurisdictions have begun adopting electronic permitting systems to streamline the process. These platforms allow for faster submission, tracking and approval of applications. But adoption is uneven and many regions still rely on manual workflows that are ill-suited to the scale of today’s broadband buildouts.

Having a team that knows how to speak the language of utilities, anticipate regulatory hurdles and manage expectations across multiple jurisdictions can mean the difference between a stalled project and a successful rollout.

The Role of Accurate Data

One of the most overlooked but essential components of successful pole attachment is accurate, up-to-date data. Knowing the precise location, condition and load capacity of each pole is critical not just for planning, but for safety, compliance and coordination. But it’s not just about the pole itself. It’s also about understanding what’s already on it, who owns it and what that owner requires for third-party attachments.

Each pole owner, whether a utility, municipality or public utility district has its own set of engineering standards, documentation requirements and approval workflows. Failing to meet those expectations can result in rejected applications, costly redesigns or even legal disputes. That’s why it’s essential for attachers to know, in detail, what the pole owner expects before submitting any request.

Equally important is having a clear, current picture of the pole’s existing attachments. This includes high-resolution photos, GPS coordinates, structural assessments and a record of all equipment already mounted. Outdated or incomplete data can lead to incorrect assumptions about available space or load capacity, which in turn can delay projects or compromise safety.

Modern data collection tools such as pole inspection apps, drone imaging and digital mapping platforms make it easier than ever to gather this information. But the key is ensuring that the data is recent, reliable and aligned with the pole owner’s standards. When done right, accurate data collection becomes the foundation for faster approvals, safer installations and more predictable project timelines.

One-Touch Make-Ready: A Promising but Complex Fix

One policy gaining traction is One-Touch Make-Ready (OTMR), which allows a single, qualified contractor to perform all necessary work to prepare a pole for new attachments. This eliminates the need for multiple crews from different companies to coordinate their schedules, a common source of delay.

However, OTMR is not a silver bullet. One of the more complicated aspects of this approach is the need to reach agreement with all existing attachers on a pole before any work can begin. This can be particularly challenging when those attachers are direct competitors in the broadband market. Negotiating terms, ensuring transparency and maintaining trust among all parties requires careful coordination and, often, experienced intermediaries who understand the sensitivities involved.

The Value of Trusted Partners

Navigating the pole attachment process isn’t just about tools and policies, it’s about people. Providers that succeed in this space often rely on experienced partners who understand the nuances of permitting, engineering and stakeholder engagement. These partners bring more than technical expertise; they bring relationships—with pole owners, public utility districts, municipalities and regulators.

Having a team that knows how to speak the language of utilities, anticipate regulatory hurdles and manage expectations across multiple jurisdictions can mean the difference between a stalled project and a successful rollout. In an environment where time-to-market is everything, that kind of institutional knowledge is invaluable.

Safety and Accountability

Safety is a non-negotiable part of the equation. Improper attachments can pose serious risks to workers and the public. That’s why pole loading analysis—using tools that simulate the structural impact of new equipment—is becoming standard practice. Ensuring that poles can safely support new loads is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a public safety imperative.

Equally important is resisting the temptation to build too fast or without proper authorization. In some cases, providers may feel pressure to “hang now and ask questions later,” especially when facing tight deadlines or competitive pressure. But unauthorized attachments can lead to serious consequences such as legal, financial and most importantly, physical. The safety of utility workers, network technicians and the general public must always come first. Cutting corners may save time in the short term, but it almost always ends in disaster.

Managing the Data

Once fiber is in the air, the work isn’t over. Keeping accurate records of what’s attached to each pole, when it was installed and what maintenance has been performed is essential for longterm network health. Modern asset management platforms are helping utilities and providers stay organized, but data quality and consistency remain an ongoing challenge.

Looking Ahead

The race to close the digital divide is on, but the path forward runs through a forest of wooden poles. Streamlining the pole attachment process through better data, smarter permitting and stronger collaboration will be essential if the industry hopes to meet its ambitious goals.

The stakes are high. For millions of Americans still waiting for reliable internet, every delay is a missed opportunity. And for the broadband industry, solving the pole problem may be the key to unlocking the next wave of connectivity.