Colorado PUC Interpretation of Telecom Legislation Blocks Competitive Broadband Deployment, PCIA Says
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission’s “flawed interpretation” of 2014 telecom legislation resulted in inequitable treatment of new market entrants in wholesale communications services, effectively blocking competitive broadband deployment, said PCIA in comments it publicized Friday. The main issues involve eligibility…
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and validity of certificates of public convenience (CPCN) and necessity and letters of registration (LOR) for recently deregulated services, PCIA said. CPCNs and LORs ensure that communications providers can access poles at fair rates, promoting competitive broadband deployment, it said. Without an outward and obvious indication of authorization, many communications providers find that pole owners are unwilling to negotiate, which creates a barrier to entry and impedes deployment of broadband and its services, PCIA said. It urged the PUC to recognize these providers and remedy any potential market harm. CenturyLink also filed reply comments in the docket, saying the commission should initiate a rulemaking to consider some process so competitors can appropriately document and prove status to other providers and governments. The Colorado Telecommunications Association said the path forward is clear, and the commission should allow, but not require, voluntary registration by new carriers interested in obtaining commission certification before entering the Colorado market to provide deregulated telecom services or products.