Utility Broadband Deployment

Overview

Utilities support broadband deployment and they are deploying both middle-mile and last mile broadband infrastructure.  They are providing dark fiber capacity for use by third party ISPs and some are providing open access to their last mile infrastructure.  These networks are predominantly deployed in unserved and underserved areas, and they promote affordable access to broadband by reducing the cost of transport and providing gigabit broadband access that consumers need now and into the future.  Utilities recognize the benefits that broadband provides to the communities they serve, which is why they deploy future-proof networks that are capable of attracting new businesses and creating new and better-paying jobs, as well as improving the overall quality of life in these communities.  Utilities also recognize that broadband provides benefits to their internal operations, including grid modernization and enhanced security.  Utilities are enablers of broadband access, and policymakers are recognizing the important role they are serving in bridging the digital divide.

Background

UTC spearheaded utilities’ ability to participate in the FCC’s broadband funding programs which provided them with the ability to successfully compete in the Connect America Fund and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auctions.  Utilities were awarded over $2 billion in federal funding in those programs, and they would have been even more successful if the auction process wasn’t subverted by fraudulent bidders, resulting in over 30% of the winning bidders defaulting on their performance requirements in the RDOF auction.  In addition, there are still states that prevent utilities from offering broadband on either a wholesale or retail basis, which not only thwarts their ability to help reduce the digital divide and access funding for broadband deployment but saddles those communities with higher costs and high barriers to participate in the digital economy.

UTC’s Broadband Advocacy Activities

UTC advocates for policies that support the ability of utilities to deploy broadband infrastructure and provide broadband services in areas that are currently unserved or underserved.  With massive additional federal and state funding broadband deployment coming online, UTC is advocating for equitable opportunities so utilities can access these funds and for avoiding past mistakes that prevented utilities from accessing federal funding that left deserving communities without robust, reliable and affordable broadband.  UTC also is advocating for ways to combine funding from other federal and state programs to facilitate broadband deployment. This promotes more efficient use of federal funds for both energy and broadband infrastructure.  UTC is also advocating to remove barriers that prevent utilities from offering broadband or deploying broadband infrastructure.