Let’s Give BEAD a Chance

Whether it’s the nature of the area to be served or specific rules that don’t fit well in a given state or for a given provider, there will be some situations in which the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program just doesn’t add up. But it’s important that we figure out where that’s happening on a case-by-case basis, rather than categorically shrugging shoulders and saying, “It’s just not for me or those potential customers,” without any further thought or review. So, this is to say: let’s give BEAD a chance. Take a serious look at the program in your state and the unserved or underserved areas that might be eligible for bidding and do some due diligence around what your participation might look like. If you don’t, someone else might (or will) and you could end up with a less experienced but well-funded competitor’s network on your doorstep. 

Shirley Bloomfield is the CEO of NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association.