The West Virginia Public Service Commission did something regulators rarely do: It stood up to powerful utility companies.

In a move that could reshape broadband expansion across the country, the PSC ruled that pole owners can’t stick broadband providers with the full cost of replacing old utility poles — a common tactic that’s slowed internet access in rural America for years.

For too long, utilities have treated broadband deployment like a shakedown, using outdated poles as leverage to squeeze competitors and preserve their monopolies. The fight over who pays for pole replacements has tied up regulators nationwide, but West Virginia’s decision finally injects some fairness— and common sense — into the process.

The PSC said in its order that pole owners have a duty to provide nondiscri

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