Comcast Wins in FCC’s First Accelerated Pole Dispute Order

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2026 – The Federal Communications Commission resolved a pole attachment dispute in Virginia Thursday, its first using a new accelerated docket system.

The agency found Appalachian Power Company couldn’t charge the cable giant the full replacement cost of poles that already weren’t up to code before Comcast sought to attach extra equipment. Instead, Comcast would have to cover the proportion of APCO’s replacement bill required solely because of its new gear.

The FCC stood up its Rapid Broadband Assessment Team in 2023 to mediate disputes between pole owners and attackers, an effort to avoid disagreements stalling broadband expansion projects. If that mediation doesn’t work, like in this case, the companies can have their dispute considered on a 60-day accelerated docket.

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