Internet providers need to attach cables to the utility poles that line our roads. The problem is that when a pole is outdated or out of code, Appalachian Power has been forcing providers to cover the lion’s share of replacement costs — even for pre-existing issues. The average replacement pole costs around $8,000, and according to one provider’s filing, APCo has been charging anywhere from 20% to 100% of that cost.
Rhena Hicks
Rhena Hicks is the co-executive director of Freedom Virginia.
