Former Rural Utilities Service admin Rupe talks what states can learn from ReConnect program

All across the country, state governments are scrambling to beef up their broadband offices and stand up new grant programs in anticipation of millions in funding from the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Chad Rupe, the former administrator of the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service, has advice for states looking to make their broadband programs a success. According to Rupe, there are a few lessons states can take from the success of the ReConnect program as they navigate the path ahead. Among other things, he urged states to prioritize future-proof solutions despite potential sticker shock, allow for a robust challenge process of eligible locations early in the award process, and carefully weigh issues operators might face in terms of construction timelines and financing requirements. Rupe added an early challenge mechanism is key for broadband programs looking to implement a fair process. Allowing operators to challenge locations deemed eligible for funding can help avoid overbuilding and wasteful spending, he said. And running this process before awards are made avoids confusion after the fact.