Missouri Towns Dispute Bluebird Networks' Petition Over ROW

The FCC should clarify carriers can "sign and sue" when localities show imbalance of power in right-of-way franchise and permitting, CenturyLink said in comments posted through Tuesday in docket 20-46 as the Wireline Bureau reviews a petition from Bluebird Network and Uniti Leasing in a dispute with three Missouri cities (see 2003190056). Cameron, Maryville and St. Joseph said Bluebird sold assets and facilities on public land to a third party not lawfully authorized to do business in Missouri when the transaction was initiated. The petition "represents the proverbial tip of the iceberg" of ROW disputes, Incompas said: "For every dispute that makes it to the FCC," members "routinely encounter other delays and demands from municipalities that never see the light of day." Replies are due April 7.