Photo credit: www.theverge.com
Delays in broadband deployment continue to affect various states across the country, with some nearing completion while others lag behind. Currently, certain states are poised to make significant progress—marked as being on the “1 yard line”—while others are only just beginning their journey, referenced as being on the “5 yard line.” These anticipated changes to broadband initiatives may introduce further postponements. However, the administration has the capacity to address these challenges through waivers that could mitigate these slowdowns. If changes to project selection criteria were not proposed, work could already be underway in three states, with the potential for significant advancements across half the nation by the upcoming summer.
The shift in broadband strategy could lead to a surge in the uptake of satellite internet services, such as Starlink and Kuiper, while diminishing the emphasis on fiber connections. The extent of this transition will largely depend on where the administration chooses to set the threshold limits for state awards. Furthermore, the rules around project selection could dictate whether states are allowed to consider the value offered by a proposal or if they must opt for the lowest bidder, even at the cost of service quality.
In the meantime, three states that have submitted Final Proposals are currently awaiting resolution as their budgets undergo review by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This situation creates a paradox, as these states are fully prepared to advance their plans, having adhered to timelines and budgets, all aimed at achieving comprehensive coverage. If the administration is genuinely committed to accelerating broadband rollout, it should expedite progress for these states with approved proposals.
West Virginia, along with additional states, is facing a similar predicament. These states have completed their necessary groundwork but lack approval for their Final Proposals. They possess well-structured plans designed to deliver outstanding internet service to all homes and businesses. Just as with the three states that have received approval, it is the current administrative bottleneck that prevents them from commencing work. To facilitate progress, it is essential for the administration to permit these states to implement their Final Proposals under the previous guidelines in the forthcoming months.
Additionally, there is currently no clarity on how much of the existing progress made by the 30 states engaged in subgrantee selection will be retained. This uncertainty raises concerns about whether the investments of time, taxpayer funds, and private capital in those processes could be rendered ineffective, and what the implications will be for states having to initiate work anew.
Lastly, the wireless sector appears to be significantly sidelined within the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. It is likely that very few locations meeting any new cost limitations will find it economically feasible to provide service through fixed wireless options as compared to low Earth orbit satellites, narrowing the competitive landscape.
Source
www.theverge.com