Speeding Broadband Deployment by Balancing Rights of Way Interests. May 30, 2002
Overview | Video | Panelist Biographies| One Pagers
This event is the second in a three-part Broadband Policy Series, "Supply, Demand and the Role of Regulatory Policy," hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee. The panel, which included state and municipal officials as well as industry representatives, explored issues related to the management of rights of way.
The expert panel included, the Honorable Marilyn J. Praisner, Montgomery County Council Member and vice-chair of the FCC Local and State Government Advisory Committee; Commissioner Robert B. Nelson, Michigan Public Service Commission; Martin Stern, I-ROW (Telecommunications Industry Rights-of-Way Working Group); and Sandy Wilson, Cox Enterprises, Inc.
Marilyn Praisner explained there should not be a "one-size-fits-all solution" to the rights of way debate. Martin Stern argued that the local governments can, in some cases, hinder broadband rollout through unreasonable requirements and fees. Robert Nelson gave an overview of the current Michigan bill for rights of way. Nelson expressed hope that the Michigan bill would serve as an example for upcoming state plans. Sandy Wilson discussed how rights of way rules affect cable providers now that the cable industry is starting to provide services other than traditional video programming.
The series is hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee in conjunction with the Internet Caucus and its Co-Chairs, Senators Leahy and Burns and Congressman Goodlatte and Boucher. The Broadband Task Force of the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee is chaired by Larry Clinton, Wallman & Associates and Rick Cimmerman, National Cable & Telecommunications Association.