Bill > A06179

This bill modifies the New York public service law to streamline the process for broadband internet providers to attach equipment to utility poles. Specifically, the bill prevents pole owners from requiring broadband internet providers that do not also provide regulated telephone service to obtain a "certificate of public convenience and necessity" before making attachments to utility poles that are solely or jointly owned by the pole owner. A certificate of public convenience and necessity is typically a regulatory document that demonstrates a company's need and ability to provide a specific service. While the bill removes this administrative requirement for broadband providers, it explicitly states that the change does not grant these providers any additional rights to use state or local public rights-of-way. The purpose of the bill appears to be reducing bureaucratic barriers that might slow down the expansion of broadband internet infrastructure by making it easier for providers to access and attach equipment to existing utility poles.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6179