The rules governing the timeline for access to pole attachments and the use of utility-approved, independent contractors by attaching cable and telecommunications providers are now effective. New pole attachment rules were adopted by the Commission on April 7, 2011, as part of its Pole Attachments Order.1 While a portion of the new rules took effect June 8, 2011, the remaining rules that related to a timeline for access and use of contractors could not take effect until they were approved by the Office of Budget and Management (OMB).

Timeline – 47 CFR §1.1420

The new timeline for access works in four parts: survey, estimate, acceptance and make-ready notification. The following table summarizes the various stages of the timeline.2