Local Permitting for Fiber Network Projects: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Permitting plays a critical role in the pace and cost of broadband deployment. While essential for protecting public safety, infrastructure, and the environment, local permitting often causes significant delays, added expenses, and in some cases, stalled projects. This white paper from the Fiber Broadband Association’s Deployment Specialists Committee examines permitting through “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” highlighting how well-structured processes can support responsible builds, while fragmented systems and outdated practices create major barriers to expanding fiber networks.

The paper also outlines five practical strategies to improve outcomes: adopting model ordinances, implementing digital permitting systems, organizing Dig Once policies, standardizing pole attachment protocols, and using escrow and mediation to resolve disputes. Drawing on case studies and economic data, it provides a roadmap for turning permitting from a bottleneck into a tool that accelerates deployment and expands access to reliable, high-speed connectivity.