For BEAD success, broadband providers should engage with states now

The clock is ticking for state broadband offices to submit their initial proposals to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) describing how each state will carry out its competitive Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) grant process. The vast majority of states are still drafting their proposals and seeking stakeholder input, but that input works both ways. In addition to assisting resource-strapped broadband offices, service providers that get involved in the process early and make themselves known to the community will likely have a leg up when it comes to applying for grants later. Evann Freeman, Fiber Broadband Association's (FBA) Conference Committee Chair said, "There's a fear out there that, you know, the big carriers are gonna get all the money," noting that FBA's membership also includes smaller providers, municipalities and co-ops. However, Freeman said "...the advice would be to make sure that [smaller providers are] commenting on the process. So as BEAD plans are coming out, [make] sure that they're engaged in making comments. And then once the program rolls out, that they're involved in challenging areas that they may be serving or applications that may not pass the smell test."