Joint Use Workshop 2009

Utilities are facing an entirely new pole attachment world than they did just six months ago. The economy is in the tank, but at the same time there is a wave of new attachments for smart grid and broadband that could be a pole tsunami. So utilities need to do more with less at a time when there is increasing concern about critical infrastructure. How do utilities improve their business processes to keep up with demand while at same time improving the bottom line? How can they capitalize on these business trends? How do they improve public policies that have subsidized rates, forced access and encouraged unauthorized attachments? This conference will assess the current state of pole attachments, examine the business and technology changes ahead, and suggest policies that will help restore balance to pole attachment regulation.