4 Ways to Improve and Accelerate Broadband Expansion Nationwide

As states begin rolling out the federal program to expand high-speed broadband access, national policymakers need to keep the momentum going after three years of state-led outreach and planning with internet service providers (ISPs) and communities. Lawmakers intended the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, to take on an ambitious goal: ensuring that every American has access to internet speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload. Working in partnership with the states, the new administration can act swiftly and decisively to achieve a historic milestone: connecting every American to reliable, high-speed internet. National Telecommunications and Information Administration can help ensure that implementation unfolds with as few obstacles as possible by:

• Eliminating unnecessary and constricting mandates that could slow the process of expanding services. For example, states can be provided with options that align with the statute, including the ability to continue with plans that have already been approved.
• Improving transparency and consistency in decision-making. That can be done in part by making public all past waivers issued to states and ensuring that guidance and decisions are consistently shared and applied across all states.
• Expediting the issuance of any remaining guidance, including for compliance, so that states and service providers can work with a full understanding of the standards to which they will be held.
• Leveraging NTIA’s leadership role in federal broadband policy to resolve interagency issues that could delay deployment, including data discrepancies and permitting approvals.