Leaders asked that providers share fiber routes for cost modeling.
Buy America provisions are seeping into state and provider policies.
How will prior broadband programs impact BEAD Implementation?
Coalitions can give small players more influence in the telecom space, said panelists at Fiber Connect.
The model allows states to test various inputs and visualize the implication of different cost thresholds.
Maine is one of the first states to submit its plan to the NTIA, following Delaware.
States must overcome numerous hurdles before BEAD will be able to succeed.
Counties can alleviate match requirement through ARPA funds.
Infrastructure should be built to accommodate future scalability and not merely current demands.
Companies have announced over $166 billion in semiconductor investments since the CHIPS Act was passed.
ISPs can’t be expected to understand all program rules and processes, event hears.
Internet traffic points will create a 'better ecosystem for interconnection.'
In keynote luncheon fireside chat, Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., raised concerns about some BEAD requirements.
Concerns include minimum cost per location thresholds and Build America requirements.
'A data-driven approach will encourage states to be more transparent, open and honest.’
Proposed changes to regulations would lift program revenue restrictions for recipients of BEAD funds.
The group attributes surging costs to unforeseen post-COVID challenges
The benefit would go beyond tribes to other high cost locations.
A strong fiber bias in broadband funding means that underserved communities remain at risk of being left behind.
Legislation to help close the rip and replace funding gap still awaits votes in Congress.
Preference will be given to applications that are cost effective.
States can customize the definition to fit specific needs.
AT&T expects fixed-wireless to be key player in BEAD funding.
Updates increase speed requirements and facilitate coordination with BEAD and ACP programs.
Christine Hallquist, head of the Vermont Community Broadband Board, was previously CEO of Vermont Electric Cooperative.
The groups are raising $25 million for connectivity in underserved areas along Appalachia.
Virginia is waiting for data on the number of unserved and underserved locations in the state.
Bead will connect over 90 percent of all locations, both unserved and underserved, to high-speed internet.
Cartesian predictions follow closely with BEAD allocation announcements on Monday.
Challenge processes include timeline, transparency and mapping requirements, with changes impacting community anchors and individuals.
The Digital Equity and Opportunity Initiative will support state coalitions that work to support digital equity projects.
Prior announcement date of BEAD allocation funds now set for White House ceremony on Monday, June 26.
Now available for material and manufacturing equipment facility projects.
BEAD program awards are expected to have a smaller matching funds total than the middle mile awards.
$930 million in federal funding will leverage a total of nearly $1.8 billion in middle mile broadband infrastructure.
The remaining RDOF budget of approximately $14 billion may never be awarded.
The state’s unique fiber sharing model makes all the difference for middle mile builds, say Utahns.
Lack of assurance regarding the ACP funding discourages local governments and providers from investing into the program.
The state is focused on community partnerships as it waits for federal broadband funds later this month.
The program instructs applicants on best practices to write winning grant applications.