Shirley Bloomfield voiced NTCA members' frustrations regarding the BEAD Program, emphasizing its significance in broadband capital infusion while calling for smoother, faster implementation for rural connectivity.
Highlighting the vital role of BEAD in overcoming broadband deployment barriers, Bloomfield urged the program to ensure enduring usefulness of services enabled by these networks for consumers.
As she testified, Bloomfield pointed out that despite the challenges with BEAD, NTCA members have progressed in improving existing networks and expanding services in rural areas.
Bloomfield warned that unresolved concerns surrounding the BEAD Program's accuracy, particularly regarding the National Broadband Map, could discourage small, community-based providers from participating.
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