Unlocking Kentucky's Broadband Potential: Quad State Internet Advocates for Fair Pole Attachment Rules

At Quad State Internet, we're committed to expanding high-speed internet access throughout Western Kentucky. However, achieving this critical mission often depends on fair and transparent rules regarding access to utility poles—an essential infrastructure for broadband deployment.

Recently, we submitted detailed comments to the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) in response to their emergency regulation, 807 KAR 5:015E, governing pole attachments. Our goal was simple: highlight practical issues impacting broadband expansion and suggest constructive solutions.

Bridging the Municipal Regulatory Gap

One major issue we highlighted is the regulatory ambiguity surrounding municipal utility pole attachments. Unlike investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities such as Paducah Power System operate largely outside PSC oversight. This has led to inconsistent and often anti-competitive practices—especially when municipalities themselves enter the broadband market.

For instance, since Paducah Power System started its own broadband service, we've faced arbitrary rule changes and significantly higher attachment rates—around $31 per pole annually, compared to typical rates of $5–$11 by investor-owned utilities. This practice not only disrupts broadband deployment but also creates unfair competitive advantages.

To ensure fairness, we urged the PSC to recommend legislative action clearly placing municipal pole attachments under state oversight or ensuring adherence to consistent, baseline standards.

Transparency is Key

Transparency in standards and practices can prevent costly delays. Our experience in Paducah underscores the necessity for publicly available and clearly documented pole attachment standards. Without published guidelines, broadband providers face unpredictable rule changes, jeopardizing network expansion plans.

We praised the PSC’s move towards transparency and encouraged reinforcing these requirements, ensuring all utilities—municipal and private—publish clear attachment specifications to avoid disputes.

Addressing Burdensome Franchise Fees

Local franchise fees represent another critical barrier. In Paducah, exorbitant fees—sometimes effectively reaching 50% of our facilities based in-city revenue—hindering our ability to reinvest in network growth. These punitive fees disproportionately impact small and emerging broadband providers.

We suggested that the PSC advocate for standardized and reasonable franchise fees to support Kentucky’s broader broadband expansion goals. This action could significantly enhance competitive viability and service affordability.

Ongoing Oversight and Collaboration

Finally, we emphasized the importance of continued PSC oversight. The current collaborative regulatory process, including public workshops and dialogues, is invaluable. Given the rapid pace of broadband infrastructure developments and new grant funding, ongoing review and responsive regulatory adjustments are essential.

We recommended the PSC maintain an active role—through ongoing reviews, technical workshops, or advisory panels—to swiftly address emerging issues and ensure regulations remain effective and relevant.

At Quad State Internet, we’re dedicated to collaborating with the PSC, policymakers, and other stakeholders to create equitable, transparent infrastructure rules that foster competitive broadband growth. Together, we can achieve a connected Kentucky, unlocking opportunities for every community.

Quad State Internet thanks the PSC for their leadership and openness in addressing these crucial issues. We look forward to continued collaboration and positive progress.

---

View the full written comments:

Quad State Internet's April 2025 Comments to the PSC (PDF)

---

Find more posts