Build a BEAD Buffer

Build a buffer is Shelby Pardy’s advice to operators thinking of participating in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. Pardy, an analyst for Vantage Point Solutions, points out this is more than budgeting extra dollars for inflationary pressures. It means dealing with new rules such as workforce diversity/training, climate resiliency, and sourcing requirements (Build/Buy America). Pardy recommends starting the planning process early. As part of this effort, it is important to collaborate with community leaders who will support an operator’s application. These leaders may reside outside the community that will be directly served. That is, remote work opportunities, as well as school and other government districts often overlap served, underserved, and unserved areas.