BEAD Passes Important Milestone

The following statement may be attributed to David Zumwalt, President and CEO of WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries:

Washington, DC, June 26, 2023 – Today’s announcement marks an important milestone for the States and NTIA in their roll-out of the BEAD program.  Much work has been accomplished to get the $42.5 billion plan to this point.  Yet much work lies ahead.  Getting all Americans online with this funding remains the primary objective of the program.  It is not easy work.  But it must be done to close the gaps that separate millions of Americans from prosperity, their self-governance, equality, their friends and families, and the world.

Because WISPs can quickly and cost-effectively reach isolated, hard-to-serve areas, bringing connectivity across rivers, over mountains, through dense forests and desolate deserts, as well as other geographically challenging areas; and because they are reliably serving similar types of areas envisioned by the IIJA and its BEAD program – we are encouraged to see the program move forward.  WISPs will actively engage and participate with the States and NTIA to shepherd the plan’s effective roll-out and complex deployment process.

Important details remain, however, which require ironing out for BEAD to quickly and efficiently realize its goals.  All solutions should be on the table.  Pernicious and wasteful overbuilding must be strenuously avoided.  Access to the state grant process should work to truly invite small players so more answers can be brought to bear on this national challenge.  Clarifying these and other matters will improve the program for all involved, especially those who lack broadband.

WISPA pledges to work with all stakeholders to ensure BEAD’s success.  All Americans deserve access to reliable broadband.  WISPs stand ready to help make that happen in BEAD, other Federal and state programs, and through their own private investment and marketplace competition.

About WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries
WISPA’s approximately 1000 members provide fixed broadband connectivity, and include equipment suppliers, support services, and other industry partners and stakeholders. Our members provide broadband access to millions of residential and business customers in rural, urban, and Tribal areas across America.

Contact
Mike Wendy
WISPA
202-763-5257
mwendy@wispa.org