Podcast
Two Lumen representatives joined Beyond the Cable to discuss challenges that make California’s middle-mile build unique and how the state is doing their part assist with timely network builds.
Large-scale infrastructure projects can be challenging but, according to Scott Pohlman, of Lumen Technologies, the state of California has worked hard to help providers build networks in a timely fashion.
Pohlman, who joined his colleague Michelle Watson, also of Lumen, on a recent episode of the BBCMag.com podcast Beyond the Cable, discussed some of the ways California has changed the game for broadband infrastructure builds.
“It’s very difficult to do things in the state of California,” Pohlman said.
He added that sometimes up to seven different agencies, at the local, federal, and state level, are involved in permitting processes for broadband builds.
“One of the nice things the state did was they sort of greased the skid,” he said. “I wouldn’t call them concessions but getting understanding from all these different regulatory agencies about the speed with which the network has to proceed.”
As a result, Pohlman said permits were issued faster and priority was placed on broadband builds.
‘Everyone has a voice’
“California has done a phenomenal job ensuring that everyone has a voice,” Watson added.
Watson said Lumen is there to provide the technology and share lessons learned, which has earned Lumen the status of a trusted business partner with the state.
Pohlman and Watson also discussed the prospect of proposed cuts to middle-mile broadband in California’s state budget.
“There may be hiccups along the way,” Pohlman said, but he said the scale of California’s broadband buildout signifies a massive investment from the state and a belief in broadband.
Pohlman said he feels confident that state, local, and federal initiatives will continue to support broadband builds.
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