States Seek Comment on BEAD Draft Plans

Kansas will consider non-fiber broadband networks “where economically and technically required,” the state said in a draft of volume two of its initial proposal for the NTIA broadband, equity, access and deployment (BEAD) program. Comments are due Nov. 12 on the draft, which includes information on objectives, subgrantee selection, eligibility, workforce and strategies for overcoming cost-related barriers to deployment, said Gov. Laura Kelly (D) Thursday. Kansas must prioritize fiber to meet its goal “to be among the top 10 states by 2030 in terms of the percentage of households able to access 100/20 Mbps service,” the draft said. To reduce deployment costs and barriers, Kansas “must incorporate, map, and leverage all existing infrastructure, including the reuse of middle mile facilities, where available,” it said. A review of permitting processes found “local and state [right of way] access permits are simple and fees are reasonable,” but time to secure state permits “can be excessive and efforts must be made to reduce permit approvals,” the draft said. The FCC regulates telecom pole attachment rates in Kansas, but most of the state’s pole owners are electric companies, “thereby leaving pole attachment rates unregulated for broadband use,” it said. “This lack of regulation can lead to excessive costs for broadband providers and cause delays in project deployment,” so the state broadband office “will work with electric distribution companies and electric co-ops to encourage reasonable rates for broadband provider use.” The office will also work with electric entities to smooth out make-ready processes, the draft said. Mississippi's broadband office released a draft volume one of its initial proposal Thursday. It includes details on the state's challenge process that starts Nov. 20. Comments are due Nov. 13.