At the Fiber Connect 2024 conference in Nashville, TN, telecom industry leaders gathered to discuss the implementation of the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The panel, featuring executives from AT&T, Lumen Technologies, Altice USA, and C Spire, highlighted both the opportunities and challenges presented by this unprecedented federal investment in broadband infrastructure.
Participants
Rhonda Johnson, Executive Vice President of Federal Regulatory Relations, AT&T
Melissa Mann, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs, Lumen Technologies
Christina Chou, Vice President of Federal Affairs, Altice USA
Chris Champion, Vice President of Government Relations, C Spire
Moderator: Marissa Mitrovich, Vice President of Public Policy, Fiber Broadband Association
Key takeaways from the discussion include:
Economic Challenges: Panelists emphasized that BEAD-targeted areas are inherently difficult to serve economically. They stressed the importance of ensuring that program requirements and pricing structures are grounded in the actual costs of serving these communities.
Regulatory Complexity: Each state has different criteria for BEAD implementation, creating a complex landscape for providers operating across multiple states. Companies are dedicating significant resources to evaluating each state's program.
Compliance Burden: The BEAD program introduces new compliance requirements, including procurement rules and long-term reporting obligations. This creates additional operational complexity for providers.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Concerns: With the recent end of the ACP, providers expressed concern about maintaining affordable access for low-income customers. They called for a long-term, sustainable funding solution for broadband affordability programs.
Legacy Network Challenges: Panelists highlighted the need to align BEAD goals with existing regulations on legacy copper networks. They argued that requirements to maintain older technologies divert resources from fiber deployments.
Fiber First Strategy: While acknowledging the role of other technologies, most panelists emphasized a fiber-first approach in their deployment strategies, citing its superior performance and future-proof nature.
Coordination with State and Local Authorities: Executives stressed the importance of early and frequent communication with state broadband offices and local authorities to address permitting, right-of-way, and other deployment challenges.
Education on Fiber Benefits: While progress has been made, panelists noted the ongoing need to educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of fiber broadband across various sectors, including healthcare and education.
The panel concluded by urging state broadband offices to maintain flexibility, transparency, and a long-term view as BEAD funding begins to flow. They emphasized that while securing funding is a milestone, the real work of expanding broadband access is just beginning.
Special thanks to Doug Mohney for gathering material for this summary.
