The FCC has adopted a Notice of Inquiry seeking comment on ways that local and state governments prohibit the deployment of wireline infrastructure in a timely manner. Pursuant to section 253 of the Communications Act, no state or local entity may prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the ability of any entity to provide any interstate or intrastate telecommunications service. The Commission has opened this inquiry to collect data and information on the barriers that providers face from state and local governments prohibiting wireline deployment and how it can use its preemption authority to streamline and speed up wireline deployment nationwide. Comments are due November 17, 2025, and reply comments are due December 17, 2025.
