WTA Recommends DOI Streamline Permitting Processes for Broadband

On July 21, WTA submitted comments to the U.S. Department of the Interior focusing on right-of-way and permitting regulations, processes and requirements that needlessly delay and significantly increase the costs incurred by its member companies when they seek to deploy broadband service in rural areas. The comments were in response to a DOI request for information seeking suggestions for regulations and practices that can be modified or repealed to achieve significant reductions in regulatory burdens without compromising the DOI’s statutory obligations.

In its comments, WTA noted that permitting delays often add years to the length of time it takes to complete a broadband project and cited examples of seemingly needless delays due to minor changes in project plans and needing to receive written, as opposed to electronic, approval to begin work. In environments with short construction seasons, delays can often mean waiting six to eight months to begin work. Lack of coordination between federal and state agencies also looms large as a cause of delay.

WTA recommended that DOI make better use of electronic filing systems, “permitting dashboards” to ensure applicants know where their paperwork is in the process, categorical exclusions for projects in previous disturbed ground, and a “deemed granted” system for applications that take longer than the 270-day shot clock.