Vernonburg Group pitches use for BEAD non-deployment funds

"The Vernonburg Group suggests that there is a "growing chorus" of participants in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program that would like the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to make creative use of the program's remaining non-deployment funds. It's a lot of money - estimates put the total at about $21 billion - that the 56 eligible entities (the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories) could put to a great number of uses."

"Connect community anchor institutions Undertake data collection, broadband mapping, and planning Install internet and Wi-Fi infrastructure or provide reduced-cost broadband within multi-family residential buildings, with priority to unserved or lower-income buildings Promote broadband adoption, including programs to provide affordable internet-capable devices Undertake any use determined necessary by the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury to facilitate the goals of the Program"

"Beyond these "statutorily permitted uses," the Vernonburg Group commentary also points to "NTIA-designated uses" of the BEAD non-deployment funds that are not enumerated by the IIJA, but fall within the power of the NTIA to authorize. These include workforce development, permitting reform, network resiliency, and next-generation 911 services. The piece points to the benefits of wider broadband adoption, which include economic advancements, health savings, improved education outcomes, and transition of in-person to online activities."

Approximately $21 billion in BEAD non-deployment funds are available for use by 56 eligible entities (50 states, DC, and five territories). Statutorily permitted uses include connecting community anchor institutions; conducting data collection, broadband mapping, and planning; installing internet and Wi‑Fi or providing reduced-cost broadband in multi-family residential buildings with priority for unserved or lower-income units; promoting broadband adoption including affordable devices; and any Treasury-determined uses to meet program goals. NTIA-authorized uses can extend to workforce development, permitting reform, network resiliency, and next-generation 911. A proposed rainy-day fund would reserve money for last-mile projects in unserved areas, and wider adoption yields economic, health, and education benefits.

Read at Telecompetitor