Vt. Seeks Comment on Draft BEAD Plan

Vermont expects “very few projects” won’t be able to deploy reliable broadband for average costs below the extremely high costs per location threshold, the Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCCB) said in volume two of its draft initial proposal. The board on Monday sought comments by Oct. 15 on the proposal required for NTIA’s broadband, equity, access and deployment (BEAD) program. What few projects have costs exceeding the threshold “will likely be projects focused on serving off-grid locations,” the VCCB said. “Should this circumstance arise, the VCBB will first consult with the prospective subgrantee to determine whether there might be changes or alternatives to the requirements for participation that could reduce costs to a point where the provider’s proposal is below the” threshold, it said. “The VCBB will consult with the local community that would be served by the provider to determine whether the less costly technology is viable to meet their needs or if other technologies may better serve the particular area.” NTIA allocated $229 million for BEAD.