Permitting Delays Remain Top Broadband Deployment Obstacle: Industry Leaders

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2026 — Permitting delays represent the biggest barrier to expanding fiber broadband access across the United States, with railroad crossings and pole attachment issues creating months-long bottlenecks that threaten to derail deployment timelines, industry executives said during a livestream of Broadband Breakfast Live Online at the INCOMPAS Policy Summit on Wednesday.

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"Permitting is a significant challenge still today to get broadband to all unserved and underserved locations," said David Avery of Uniti, which provides fiber service to approximately 2 million locations in 18 states. "It's the biggest hurdle that we face in trying to deploy fiber broadband."

The panel discussion highlighted how antiquated railroad regulations dating to the 1800s and inconsistent municipal requirements create costly delays for companies racing to meet federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program deadlines.

Broadband Breakfast on February 4, 2026 - Live From INCOMPAS Policy SummitIndustry experts discuss how to overcome permitting bottlenecks that are stalling critical broadband infrastructure projects and keeping communities offline.Broadband BreakfastAriane Schaffer

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