Utilizing BEAD funds for state broadband expansion

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of reliable internet connectivity. But many individuals across America continue to have limited access to broadband connectivity, and low-income households and communities are less likely to have internet access at home.

State broadband offices are on the front line of the digital divide—the gap between individuals and communities who have access to the internet and technology and those who do not. Limited opportunities for education, reduced access to healthcare, social isolation, and economic inequality are only a few of the resulting consequences of this disparity.

To ensure that all individuals can participate in the digital economy and society, state broadband offices should design digital equity and deployment programs that effectively reach unserved and underserved locations.

Understanding Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 authorized $42.45 billion for funding of the BEAD Program for every state, tribe, and territory. These critical funds provide an opportunity to deploy critical broadband infrastructure to every location.

BEAD is intended to build broadband networks in unserved and underserved areas in states and U.S. territories, also known as Eligible Entities. Eligible Entities will be required to deliver download/upload network speeds of 100/20 Mbps that are scalable to 100/100 Mbps in the future. These services will provide high-speed internet access to millions of people.

Many Eligible Entities will be given in excess of $1 billion in funding, which is both a significant opportunity and an enormous challenge. Delivering programs at this scale will be no easy task, and Eligible Entities should carefully consider many factors, including their relationships with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), involvement of experts in the process, and areas that are unserved and underserved.

Additionally, this type of opportunity may never be available again, so it is critical that Eligible Entities disburse every dollar effectively. 

Support Internet Service Provider (ISPs)

In addition to managing digital equity funding, state broadband offices should also support ISPs to ensure that they are providing reliable and affordable internet service to all qualifying locations. As this is a new program, it will be a learning experience for both the ISPs and Eligible Entities. State broadband offices should focus on successful interaction throughout the project by:

• Regular monitoring of all BEAD awards.
• Additional training for ISPs as necessary.
• Regularly scheduled meetings and hosted events.
• Conflict resolution assistance for ISPs with states and communities in the deployment process.
• Resolution of right-of-way and permitting challenges.
• Dynamic website support.
• Effective and timely responses to ISPs questions or requests.

Involve experts throughout the process

Eligible Entities need competent and tested partners who are leaders in grants management, closeout, program design, program start-up, monitoring, and geospatial analytics to deliver a successful and efficient program. They should look for expertise to support the delivery of technology, engineering, device management, literacy, and effective engagement of unserved and underserved communities.

Finding a partner with significant broadband and federal grants management experience will help maximize this unprecedented investment. To provide the best program engagement and delivery, Eligible Entities should choose a partner with the following expertise:

• Managing large project feasibility, permitting, and NEPA requirements.
• Leading a closeout program from start to finish.
• Delivering federal grant funding projects of more than $1 billion.
• Dealing with Capital Projects Fund (CPF), Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, and Connect America funds.
• Providing adjunct staffing and project support.
• Managing federal funds compliance.
• Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Focus on adoption and prioritize those most in need

An important aspect of managing digital equity funding is to ensure that the equipment and services provided are affordable and sustainable. This can be achieved by providing qualifying low-cost or free internet access and digital devices, and the appropriate training as needed.

Finally, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to reduce the digital divide. State broadband offices should work with local communities to gain knowledge of their unique circumstances and individual needs. Next, use that understanding to target funding dollars for programming and technology solutions that are specific to the needs and challenges of your local communities.