ACA Connects Summit focuses on factors that raise the cost of business

"The message that we will carry to [Capitol Hill] is one of affordability, and it's not only affordability for customers. It's a need to keep the cost of providing broadband and video affordable. We spend a lot of time talking about permitting - right-of-way access barriers - and for good reason. Those are the types of pain points that can really kill the momentum for broadband deployment in your communities."

"What we need is for the federal government to, sort of wave its finger at states and municipalities and say, we can't block people getting into this business. In September 2025, the Commission opened a Notice of Inquiry to seek possible federal preemption of state and local barriers to wireline broadband construction. Possible future rules could resemble preemption rules already in place to promote 5G and 6G wireless networks."

ACA Connects, representing small and medium-sized rural broadband operators, convened a summit in Washington to address escalating costs impacting both providers and consumers. The organization's legislative priorities center on permitting reform and right-of-way access barriers that obstruct broadband deployment. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's Build America agenda includes permitting reform provisions, with a Notice of Inquiry opened in September 2025 to explore federal preemption of state and local construction barriers, potentially mirroring existing 5G and 6G wireless preemption rules. Industry advocates seek federal intervention to prevent states and municipalities from blocking broadband business entry. Additionally, the NTIA's distribution of $21 billion in non-deployment funds represents a critical focus area for the industry.

Read at Telecompetitor