WTA Files Comments on NTIA’s BEAD and MMBI Program

Today, WTA responded to NTIA’s Notice and Request for Comment on implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure (MMBI) Program.

In order to take advantage of this historic opportunity, WTA challenged NTIA to craft careful and specific procedures and mechanisms that will ensure that BEAD funds be used effectively and efficiently.  These include accurate identification of the actual “unserved” and “underserved” areas eligible for grants; determination of the specific broadband network features to be funded; and careful evaluation of the capabilities and reliability of the entities seeking to be entrusted with BEAD funds and service responsibilities. When selecting subgrantees, WTA recommends NTIA and the states focus on applicants that have experience building high-speed broadband networks, are locally-based and managed, and have existing facilities already in the area.

In regards to the MMBI, WTA recommends NTIA build on the success of existing consortia of small broadband providers that have joined together to construct fiber rings by encouraging and funding private industry consortia of small and mid-sized broadband service providers in states that do not currently have shared statewide or regional middle mile transport networks.