WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 19, 2025 – INCOMPAS, the internet and competitive networks association, filed comprehensive comments in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeking comment on barriers to wireline deployment. In its comments, INCOMPAS implored the FCC to exercise its authority under Section 253 of the Communications Act to eliminate state and local barriers that are inhibiting the deployment of wireline telecommunications infrastructure across the nation.
The following statement can be attributed to Staci L. Pies, senior vice president, Government Relations and Policy, INCOMPAS:
“INCOMPAS members are ready to invest billions in next-generation networks that will connect unserved communities and enable AI-driven innovation. However, they cannot do so profitably or sustainably if state and local governments continue to treat broadband deployment as revenue generators or bury projects in delays and unrelated requirements. Excessive fees, unpredictable permitting, and arbitrary conditions are shutting down deployments and keeping communities offline.
Despite clear legal precedent that fees must be cost-based, many localities impose fees that go well beyond their administrative overhead. INCOMPAS members have seen examples like some cities charging 3-6% of a provider’s gross revenues or exorbitant fees per linear foot of fiber. Others impose street restoration fees averaging $126 per foot. Elsewhere, providers routinely experience excessive and unpredictable delays, with protracted approval processes stretching months or even years, often causing providers to abandon projects entirely. Additionally, jurisdictions impose burdensome non-monetary conditions unrelated to the actual deployment that raise costs, reduce competition, and delay or prevent communities from receiving broadband service.
The FCC must act—adopt 30-day shot clocks, set cost-based fee caps, ban unrelated permit conditions, reaffirm Section 253 coverage for broadband and dark fiber, and prevent AI rules from becoming new barriers.
This proceeding will determine whether America’s wireline infrastructure can be deployed at the speed necessary to meet national needs. Our members stand ready to make the investments, we just need a level playing field to do so.”
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