Expert Opinion
Kristian Stout: Red Tape and Headaches Plague BEAD Rollout
States must overcome numerous hurdles before BEAD will be able to succeed.
NTIA
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department Commerce, is responsible for implementing the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, including managing federal broadband funding programs to expand high-speed internet access.
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.’
Funding
BEAD Requirements Complicate State Planning, Could Result in Different Buildout Timelines: Experts
Concerns include minimum cost per location thresholds and Build America requirements.
FCC
Office of National Intelligence Adopting AI for Data Processing
Terrorist and bad actor threats are spurring government adoption of AI.
Funding
Commenters Say BEAD Rules that Restrict Program Revenue and Letter of Credit Should Be Changed
Proposed changes to regulations would lift program revenue restrictions for recipients of BEAD funds.
Funding
Defining Community Anchor Institutions to Be Focal Point for BEAD Deployment: Observers
States can customize the definition to fit specific needs.
FCC
Experts Call for New Approach to Spectrum Coordination
Experts suggest partitioned spectrum and receiver innovation.
FCC
National Spectrum Strategy to be Complete by End of Year: NTIA Head
NTIA is conducting research on improving efficiency of available spectrum.
Community Broadband
After BEAD Allocation, Gigi Sohn Advocates Municipal Broadband to Close Coverage Gaps
It’s unclear how BEAD funds will interact with state laws restricting municipal broadband projects.
FCC
Virginia Set to Submit Initial Proposal for Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment
Virginia is waiting for data on the number of unserved and underserved locations in the state.
Broadband's Impact
Commerce Subcommittee Advances Bills on NTIA Spectrum, AI Oversight Reauthorization
The bills go to the full committee for votes.
FCC
Commercial Access to Spectrum Necessary for National Security: Former NTIA Heads
‘If you take economic security out of the national security equation, you damage national security.’
Funding
As the BEAD Money Awards are Announced, Commerce Department Updates State Challenge Process
Challenge processes include timeline, transparency and mapping requirements, with changes impacting community anchors and individuals.
FCC
President Biden Plans to Announce BEAD Program Allocations at White House on Monday
Prior announcement date of BEAD allocation funds now set for White House ceremony on Monday, June 26.
Fiber
Utah Releases Its State Broadband Plan for BEAD Funds, With Middle Mile Prioritization
The state’s unique fiber sharing model makes all the difference for middle mile builds, say Utahns.
