States Eager to Move Forward With BEAD, After NTIA Funding Announcement

State broadband officials are eager to move forward on NTIA's broadband, equity, access and deployment program following the agency's announcement Monday of each state's funding totals (see 2306260007). Industry and advocates also emphasized the need for more participation in the FCC's affordable connectivity program so households can take advantage of new or upgraded infrastructure in their communities.

Some states received notably more -- or less -- than amounts estimated by industry groups (see 2303240003). Alaska received $1.02 billion, while ACA Connects and consultancy Cartesian estimated $586 million. Multiple states received amounts that differed by more than $100 million from ACA/Cartesian estimates, including Arkansas, with an estimate of $1.4 billion and a grant of $1.02 billion, and Kansas' $451.7 million award vs. $609 million estimate.

Oklahoma received $797.4 million vs. ACA's estimate of $875 million. The FCC's latest version of its broadband map shows more than 700,000 people in Oklahoma lack access to high-speed internet. The state plans to use BEAD funding to deploy fiber to unserved homes and businesses "through a competitive subgrantee process" as well as workforce training. ISPs participating in the subgrantee process will be required to offer an affordable high-speed option.

An Oklahoma Broadband Office spokesperson told us the state has "confidence the BEAD funding, along with other grant funds, will allow us to fulfill our mission" to "provide access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet service to at least 95 percent of Oklahomans." The state anticipates submitting their initial proposal "within the deadline set by NTIA," he said.

“Access to high-speed internet is essential to our quality of life and the overall strength of our communities,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase: “We will continue to serve as earnest partners in implementing the BEAD program and positioning our residents to be fully connected for the future.” The group noted counties are "urging" ISPs to "fully utilize" ACP so qualifying households "reap the benefits of a high-speed internet connection."

Several states have already begun to work on their five-year plans and initial proposals. Vermont, which received nearly $229 million, plans to make its five-year plan available next month for public comment. “Ensuring access to broadband is incredibly important to our work to revitalize communities in every corner of Vermont," said Gov. Phil Scott (R): "This significant funding boost builds on the historic investments and progress we’ve made over the last three years, which is very good news." Pennsylvania, which received nearly $1.2 billion, is working on its five-year plan and the state's Broadband Development Authority plans to award subgrants "before the end of 2024."

It's "critical that we get the details right as we now enter critical stages of implementation," said NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield. "As states step even more into the driver’s seat, we must aim high in our connectivity objectives and continue working to ensure that funding is distributed to areas where it is needed most, streamline permitting processes ... and find a path to a workable resolution on the Buy America provisions in the program," Bloomfield said. NTCA also urged Congress to address "taxation issues."

“Access to high-speed Internet is essential to our daily lives, but unfortunately, too many communities across our state lack basic Internet services," said Oregon Broadband Office Director Nick Batz: "I’m grateful to the Biden Administration and the NTIA for this $688.9 million grant to increase high-speed internet access in Oregon, but we know there’s more work to do to get everyone connected." The office will "analyze the allocation and review modeling scenarios in the coming months to better understand the options for obtaining universal access," a spokesperson told us.

Closing the digital divide through the BEAD program "is only truly achievable if all technology-related deployment options qualify" for funding, said NATE CEO Todd Schlekeway. The group will be "closely tracking the workforce-specific funding opportunities available in the state and territory BEAD funding criteria," Schlekeway said.

The BEAD awards won't be enough to provide universal connectivity, since the $42.5 billion in total BEAD spending is insufficient, said Institute for Local Self-Reliance Community Broadband Networks Director Chris Mitchell. Largely developed states like Rhode Island or New Jersey might be able to provide universal access, but big rural states will still have unserved areas after BEAD, especially since the improved FCC broadband mapping still isn't good enough, he said. The BEAD awards, however, are "a substantial step in the right direction," he said.

Some states received less than industry estimates, but that might not indicate a shortfall problem so much as an indication the unserved problems there aren't as big as previously thought, said NATOA Legislative Director Mike Lynch.