The WISPAPALOOZA panel outlined key BEAD rules for small providers and WISPs to be familiar with.
The $100 million plant was announced in June 2023 as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to America.
Experts said the waiver will make it more practical for BEAD projects to comply with Buy America rules.
Panel discussions will explore precursors to BEAD, private match funding, state broadband planning and more
Buy America provisions are seeping into state and provider policies.
Manufacturers can self-report products are Buy America compliant to be included on NTIA public list.
Manufacturer Nokia claimed its fiber-optic electronics equipment will meet Build America, Buy America rules.
A new wave of activity in the domestic manufacturing market for fiber and electronic materials is happening
Nokia will continue to invest in American manufacturing in the coming years, said CEO.
The manufacturing of the company’s fiber-optic broadband electronics products will start in 2024.
A crucial step would be for the NTIA to provide Buy America waivers for BEAD-funded projects, panelists said.
The middle mile waiver comes ahead of the awarding of grants from the $1B program.
How will domestic procurement requirements shape the future of U.S. infrastructure development?
The event will examine how domestic procurement requirements will impact a historic wave of federal funding for infrastructure.
Broadband Breakfast evaluated 14 submissions to the White House's proposal on Build America, Buy America rules.
President links longstanding provision of federal law, strengthened in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to 'fiber optic cables'
Will providers be required to use equipment that is not readily available within the United States?
Inflation and 'looming recession' blamed for drop to $485 billion in 2023, down $12 billion from 2022 and $27 billion from 2021.
Experts have warned that the BABA mandate raises the cost of broadband deployment.
Panelists sought streamlined permitting processes on federal lands and in local communities, and reasonably priced pole access.
Hurdles WISPs face include defining reliable service, regulatory burdens, and financial requirements, experts say.