The FCC confined its new One-Touch, Make-Ready rules to simple pole attachment work. Utilities and attachers told the Commission this will apply to most of the upcoming pole work. The agency also updated its other pole attachment rules in the Report and Order. (See more about what the new OTMR rules entail further down.)
Like the BDAC, it defines complex make-ready as: “transfers and work within the communications space that would be reasonably likely to cause a service outage(s) or facility damage, including work such as splicing of any communication attachment or relocation of existing wireless attachments.” Complex work is not part of OTMR “at this time,” says the agency in the order.
The FCC interprets all pole replacements as complex, agreeing with commenters such work is not usually routine and more likely to cause service outages or facilities damage. The Commission also recognizes that wireless attachments involve unique physical and safety complications that existing attachers must consider because wireless configurations cover multiple areas on a pole, considerably more equipment is involved, and RF impacts must be analyzed.
The Commission also considered how pole space is used. Historically, communications equipment attachers used only the communications space on a pole for fiber, coax or copper wiring. However now, mobile wireless providers are increasingly seeking access to areas above that, like the electrical space, to attach pole-top wireless equipment.
But the new OTMR process won’t include work above the communications space, including the electrical space. Utilities argued wireless attachments frequently impact electrical facilities; they believe that work should fall to utilities to manage and complete. Verizon asked the FCC to allow OTMR for complex make-ready and work above the communications space. The agency declined, saying work above the communications space can be dangerous and raise continuity of service concerns.
“We recognize that by not providing an OTMR option above the communications space for the time being, we are not permitting OTMR as an option for small cell pole-top attachments necessary for 5G deployment,” stated the agency. The Commission believes once companies have more experience with OTMR they will remedy this “by contract” or the FCC will rule to expand OTMR.
Crown Castle wanted the FCC to prohibit blanket bans by utilities on attachments in the unusable space on a pole; it told the agency it’s running into this from “a growing number of pole owners” despite the fact that this is a “well-established and longstanding practice.” Two utilities said their bans are based on safety and engineering considerations, such as fall hazards and climbing obstructions. The Commission feels it just doesn’t have enough information on such bans right now, but is open to considering this aspect for OTMR in the future.
August 15, 2018
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