CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Public Service Commission issued a final order clarifying how utility pole replacement costs must be divided between pole owners and companies seeking to attach broadband infrastructure — a decision aimed at ending long-running disputes that have slowed high-speed internet deployment across the state.

The order provides definitive guidance on cost-sharing for compromised poles and clarifies when up-front payments for make-ready work are allowed.

The clarification comes just after Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced federal approval of the state’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program application — a milestone he called one of the largest economic development initiatives in West Virginia history. The approved plan includes $546 million

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