Tool Helps States Set BEAD Extremely High-Cost Thresholds

States can calculate their extremely high cost per location threshold (EHCT) for the broadband, equity, access and deployment (BEAD) program with an economic modeling tool released Monday by the Fiber Broadband Association. The Cartesian tool uses geospatial analysis to build a financial model states can use to develop cost thresholds for fiber deployments, they said. The BEAD notice of funding opportunity directed states to deploy fiber except in the highest cost areas. States must set up an EHCT to determine where alternative technologies may be used. “The NTIA has just allocated $40 billion to the states, and now it is the states’ turn to use this funding to maximize fiber deployments by setting the correct EHCT,” said FBA President Gary Bolton. “Everyone recognizes this task is critical, but also challenging.”