Connect the Future Statement on BEAD Proposal Approvals
WASHINGTON, D.C. November 19, 2024 – Today, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved the final set of initial proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program from Texas. With these approvals, every state and territory can now request access to BEAD funding and begin implementation of the program – a critical step toward delivering reliable high-speed internet to people who don’t have it.
Connect the Future (CTF) released the following statement:
“Today’s announcement from NTIA marks a significant milestone in the journey toward universal broadband access. These historic BEAD investments bring us closer to delivering high-speed internet to people who don’t have it, but if we are serious about achieving Internet for All, we must immediately address the barriers to efficient broadband deployment that persist. Chief among them are pole attachments.
Both federal and state policymakers can take further action right now to address pole access issues before BEAD funds start flowing into the states. For example, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can move forward on its proposals governing large deployment projects, and also define equitable standards for pole replacement costs. Congress can streamline pole access by closing outdated loopholes that allow certain pole owners to impede progress and slow down building broadband networks. State policymakers can update rules to prevent delays and cost allocation disputes.
Let’s make sure we don’t waste this enormous opportunity to connect every American.”