New York Assembly Bill A06179

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Relates to attachments to utility poles for broadband service; provides that for a broadband internet provider that does not provide regulated telephone service, a pole owner shall not require such broadband internet provider to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity as a condition to making attachments to utility poles solely owned or jointly-owned by the pole owner.

Summary

This bill amends the New York Public Service Law to limit what a utility pole owner may require from a broadband internet provider when the provider seeks to attach equipment to utility poles. Specifically, if the broadband provider does not also provide regulated telephone service, the pole owner could not insist that the provider first obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity under section 99 of the Public Service Law as a condition of making pole attachments. The bill is narrowly focused on broadband deployment and pole access. It does not create any new authority for broadband providers to use state or local public rights-of-way, and it expressly preserves existing limits on such access. The measure would take effect immediately if enacted.

Impact

The bill would amend section 119-a of the Public Service Law by adding a new subdivision that removes a regulatory hurdle for certain broadband-only providers seeking access to utility poles. In practical terms, it would affect pole owners, broadband internet providers, and the regulatory framework governing infrastructure attachments, while leaving intact other permitting and right-of-way requirements. The change is intended to streamline broadband infrastructure deployment without altering broader franchise or public-right-of-way authority.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears neutral to supportive of broadband expansion and reduced regulatory barriers. The sponsor list suggests interest from members likely supportive of telecommunications access and infrastructure buildout. No opposing arguments or recorded vote history are available in the provided context.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the balance between easing broadband deployment and preserving the authority of pole owners and existing regulators. Supporters would likely view the bill as removing an unnecessary certification requirement for broadband-only providers, while opponents or cautious stakeholders might argue that the certificate requirement serves as an important oversight mechanism. Another possible issue is that the bill distinguishes between broadband providers that do and do not provide regulated telephone service, which could raise questions about competitive fairness and regulatory consistency.