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Experts Give Guidance on ISP BEAD Plans

ISPs should use state broadband coverage maps and financial forecasting to create BEAD plans.

Taormina Falsitta

Jun 26, 2024 — 2 min read

From left: Jase Wilson, Co-Founder & CEO of Ready.net; Jon Wilkins, Co-Founder of Quadra Partners; Jake Lawrence, Co-Founder & CFO of Amperage; Mac Keers, Senior Vice President of TAP Advisors; Len Pitcock, Vice President of Cox Communications. Photo by Drew Clark

HOT SPRINGS, Ark., June 26, 2024 – Internet service providers should develop a detailed Broadband Equity, Access and Development plan that integrates financial forecasting, community engagement, and strategic expansion from existing networks, suggested experts at an Arkansas Broadband Summit on Tuesday.

BEAD plans should include forming a dedicated planning team, accurately assessing build costs, ensuring availability of working capital, studying other BEAD projects, and maintaining a long term view of business growth and sustainability.

Jon Wilkins, co-founder of Quadra Partners, brought up key questions for internet providers to ask themselves. “Ask, what are my build costs? What is my BEAD net build cost? How does that relate to my total project economics?”

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iija Arkansas Funding BEAD Jon Wilkins Quadra Partners Jack Lawrence NTIA