FBA
Fiber Broadband Association Announces High Cost Area Planning Tool for BEAD Projects
The model allows states to test various inputs and visualize the implication of different cost thresholds.
BEAD
The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program is a $42.45 billion initiative administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department. Established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, BEAD aims to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs.
Infrastructure
Permitting Council Asks for Broadband Industry Coordination
The permitting council is working to streamline more broadband projects.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 – Permitting Reforms and Pole Attachments
While policymakers work to lift barriers such as permitting reform, others remain sidelined, such as pole access.
Funding
Maine Submitted its BEAD 5-Year Action Plan to the NTIA
Maine is one of the first states to submit its plan to the NTIA, following Delaware.
Expert Opinion
Kristian Stout: Red Tape and Headaches Plague BEAD Rollout
States must overcome numerous hurdles before BEAD will be able to succeed.
Funding
Co-Ops Can Look to Counties for BEAD Match Requirement
Counties can alleviate match requirement through ARPA funds.
Infrastructure
White House Releases ‘Buy America’ Guidance, Does Not Budge on Fiber as ‘Construction Material’
Possible BEAD waivers are expected to be announced by end of summer, an official told Broadband Breakfast.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 – Build America, Buy America
A new wave of activity in the domestic manufacturing market for fiber and electronic materials is happening
Funding
Future-Focused Network Design Key to Boost Approval Chance for BEAD Grants: Experts
Infrastructure should be built to accommodate future scalability and not merely current demands.
Infrastructure
BEAD Implementation Summit on September 21 at Clyde’s of Gallery Place in Washington
Tickets for the day-long BEAD Implementation Summit are available for $145 until August 21.
Funding
State BEAD Challenge Process Requires Outreach Coordination
ISPs can’t be expected to understand all program rules and processes, event hears.
Infrastructure
Electric Co-Ops Could Face Legal Challenges for Broadband Builds
Communication technology may go beyond the scope of easements, lawyer warns.
Infrastructure
Texas Working with NTIA to Address Legislation that Limits Municipal Broadband, as States Tout P3s
Public-private partnerships have seen success in several states, officials said.
Funding
States Should Use BEAD Funds to Finance Internet Exchange Points
Internet traffic points will create a ‘better ecosystem for interconnection.’
Infrastructure
Experts Suggest Immediate Action on Permitting in Preparation for BEAD Spending
Experts suggested hiring consultancies and engaging in practice applications for projects.
Funding
Colorado Broadband Officer Lays out BEAD Hurdles
In keynote luncheon fireside chat, Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., raised concerns about some BEAD requirements.
