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Last week INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering published a blog explaining why it's critical that the Broadband Expansion Access and Deployment (BEAD) program is reformed for a more competitive and efficient broadband future.
Pickering noted that "As our nation strives to expand high-speed internet to every corner of the United States, the Broadband Expansion Access and Deployment (BEAD) program has emerged as a critical component of this effort. The BEAD Program is part of a once-in-a-generation federal investment in broadband infrastructure intended to connect all Americans to scalable, next generation networks. But as we work toward expanding access, we must ensure that the program is adequately structured to achieve its goals, promote competition, streamline deployment, and avoid unintended financial and administrative burdens.
Recently, Secretary Lutnick took a notable step in signaling a major overhaul of the program. Coupled with Congressman Hudson’s new Speed for BEAD bill, I am hopeful that these commonsense reforms will speed deployment and achieve the telecommunications industry’s goal of bridging the digital divide.
To achieve universal connectivity, we urge Congress and the Administration to focus on four key principles:
- Ensure all resources allocated go directly to deployment of networks
- Embrace a competitive tech-neutral approach that delivers the highest quality broadband to the unserved
- Remove barriers to deployment
- Ensure that BEAD and other deployment grants are not taxed
Pickering concluded, "The BEAD program is a monumental opportunity to expand broadband access, but its full potential will only be realized if we take steps to reform it in ways that promote competition, streamline deployment, and ensure that grant money is not taxed. By bolstering AI corridors, permitting the use of alternative technologies for those hard-to-reach areas in every state, removing regulatory hurdles, and protecting the tax-exempt status of these funds, we can build a broadband infrastructure that meets the needs of all Americans, creates jobs, and supports economic growth for decades to come.
As we continue to work toward closing the digital divide, it is crucial that we remain focused on solutions that allow innovation and competition to flourish. Let’s ensure that BEAD works for the American people by making these reforms a priority. The future of our nation’s broadband infrastructure depends on it."
Read the full blog here.
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