Prohibit Pole Owners From Charging Full Replacement Costs to Attacher: Otelco

Don't let pole owners charge the full cost of a pole replacement to attachers when there is "some measurable benefit to the pole owner," Otelco said in a meeting with the FCC Wireline Bureau. "It is not enough that complaint procedures are enacted to redress unreasonable, unjust and discriminatory rates, terms and conditions," Otelco said, per an ex parte filing posted Wednesday in docket 17-84: "Otherwise attachers will be forced to either endure the unreasonable access requirements, or litigate to force reasonable access." The company also asked the FCC to "codify its directives on boxing poles, use of pre-make-ready attachments and self-help remedies." Otelco specifically sought confirmation that National Electrical Safety Code-compliant boxing of poles is "presumptively allowed."