Louisiana Pushes for BEAD Program Reforms in Letter to Commerce Secretary

January 22, 2025

Baton Rouge, LA — Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to implement Broadband Equity Access Deployment (BEAD) Program reforms. In a formal letter to Acting Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Landry emphasized Louisiana’s successful broadband initiatives while proposing changes to accelerate national broadband deployment and enhance program efficiency.

Governor Landry highlighted Louisiana’s progress in bridging the digital divide through its Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity (ConnectLA). The state’s strategy has achieved federally approved coverage for approximately 140,000 broadband serviceable locations. Landry praised Louisiana’s efficient, free-market approach, which has earned recognition from the American Enterprise Institute and congressional leaders.

“Our state has demonstrated that a balanced approach between industry needs and public interest can yield outstanding results,” Landry noted in his letter. “With shovels ready to break ground, Louisiana serves as a model of excellence for national broadband efforts.”

Key Proposed Reforms

Governor Landry’s recommendations aim to streamline the implementation of the BEAD program and ensure equitable access to funding. The proposals include:

  1. Technology Neutrality:

    • Reclassify Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite and unlicensed wireless services as “Reliable Broadband Services.”

    • Eliminate policies that prioritize fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology over cost-effective alternatives.

  2. Administrative Simplifications:

    • Remove federal requirements for Letters of Credit, allowing states to manage financial oversight independently.

    • Reduce reporting mandates, such as workforce impact assessments and interconnection agreement disclosures.

  3. Flexibility in Low-Cost Broadband Standards:

    • Permit states to adopt tailored definitions for low-cost broadband services, including inflation adjustments and safe harbor provisions for existing low-income plans.

  4. Efficient Federal Oversight:

    • Introduce time-bound review periods for federal approvals, with transparent progress tracking for states.

    • Commit to streamlined cost reviews and early payment milestones for subgrantees to enhance project financing.

Broadband Beyond Deployment

Landry also noted Louisiana’s ability to channel broadband investments into broader societal benefits, such as improved healthcare, education, and small business support. This holistic approach underscores the potential for broadband infrastructure to drive long-term community development.

“It is time we eliminate regulatory barriers and streamline permitting to make universal broadband a reality,” Landry stated. He urged the NTIA to implement reforms prioritizing deployment speed and funding efficiency, ensuring taxpayer dollars are maximized for community benefit. As the first state to meet every major BEAD milestone, Louisiana’s experience offers valuable lessons for other states. The proposed reforms, if adopted, could serve as a blueprint for accelerating broadband projects nationwide while maintaining cost-effectiveness and inclusivity. Governor Landry concluded by offering Louisiana as a “thought partner” for federal policymakers and reaffirming the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide.

For more information, contact Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director for the Louisiana State Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity, at Veneeth.iyengar@la.gov.

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Charles Thomas

Charles Thomas is an accomplished leader in the telecommunications industry, serving as the Chief Strategy Officer at Rural Broadband Partners, LLC (RBP). With a mission to expand connectivity in underserved areas, Charles specializes in helping Internet Service Providers (ISPs) grow their businesses through innovative strategies and partnerships.

As the Editor-in-Chief of AGL Information and Technology, Charles leverages his industry expertise to provide in-depth analysis and insights on broadband, infrastructure, technology, AI, and machine learning. His work aims to educate and inspire stakeholders in the digital ecosystem.

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