Associations Urge NTIA to Prioritize Fiber for Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) should prioritize funding for fiber broadband in rules for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, said NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association and the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) in a letter to Alan Davidson, head of NTIA, which will be administering the BEAD program in conjunction with individual states. NTCA and FBA recommendations for the BEAD program include:

• The program should fund all unserved locations first before approving any funding for underserved locations
• The program should not favor a certain type of provider, a comment apparently aimed at preventing NTIA from prioritizing projects involving public entities
• Preference should be given to service providers that commit to obtaining a substantial take rate within a reasonable time after service is launched and providers should be required to reach out in their communities to “assist in-need consumers in understanding the value of and uses for broadband service – and in helping them subscribe.”
• Competent providers and platforms with proven track records should be selected