Bill > H3450

This bill establishes new provisions for municipal access to utility poles located in municipal rights-of-way by defining two key terms and creating a new framework for pole attachments. The bill defines "make-ready work" as the process of rearranging existing facilities, replacing poles, or making space for additional attachments, and "unserved or underserved area" as a location determined by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute based on the percentage of households with broadband access. The key provision allows municipalities to attach facilities to shared-use poles for governmental purposes or to provide broadband service in underserved areas, with the unique stipulation that each pole owner and attaching entity is responsible for their own expenses related to the make-ready work. This means municipalities can more easily expand infrastructure without bearing the full cost of pole modifications, potentially improving public services and broadband access in areas that currently lack adequate connectivity. The bill broadly defines "shared-use pole" to include various types of utility poles and associated structures, ensuring comprehensive application of the new access provisions.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3450