As the new administration settles into office, a pressing question looms over the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program: Will a shift towards technological neutrality in broadband deployment strategies? The BEAD program, aimed at expanding high-speed internet access across the United States, has been scrutinized for its perceived preference for fiber-optic technology. However, recent developments and industry pressure suggest a more technology-neutral approach may be on the horizon.
In late 2024, the NTIA released updated guidance on the use of alternative broadband technologies under BEAD. While this guidance was a step toward inclusivity, it maintained a cautious stance on non-fiber solutions. The International Center for Law and Economics (ICLE) characterized the revision as barely “a baby step toward technology neutrality.”
The debate over technological neutrality has been ongoing since the program’s inception. Advocates argue that a more flexible approach would allow states to choose the most cost-effective solutions for their unique geographical and demographic challenges. This could accelerate broadband deployment, foster competition, and provide Americans with faster, more affordable internet access. Critics of the NTIA’s current approach, including House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chair Bob Latta, have voiced concerns about the program’s fiber preference. In a hearing on the NTIA’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget, Latta stated, “Ignoring innovations in unlicensed fixed wireless and satellite technologies will make the BEAD program a ‘deploy as much fiber as possible’ program instead of the ‘connect every American’ program that Congress directed.”
The pressure for change is mounting from various quarters. In September 2024, numerous organizations, including the ICLE, the Digital Progress Institute, and WISPA, urged the NTIA to adopt a more technology-agnostic approach. They argued that alternative technologies, such as unlicensed fixed wireless and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, should be given equal consideration alongside fiber, especially in hard-to-reach areas where fiber deployment might be financially unfeasible. The NTIA has shown some willingness to adapt. In its January 2025 guidance, the agency reduced barriers for LEO satellite providers, addressing issues such as Letter of Credit obligations and consumer premises equipment requirements. However, many industry observers feel these changes don’t go far enough. As the new administration reviews the BEAD program, it faces a critical decision: maintain the status quo or pivot towards a more technology-neutral stance. The outcome of this decision could significantly impact the program’s effectiveness in bridging the digital divide.
Proponents of tech neutrality argue that it would allow for more efficient use of BEAD funds. By embracing a diverse range of technologies, the program could potentially connect more Americans faster and at a lower cost. This approach aligns with the ICLE’s recommendation to “maximize BEAD’s deployment ‘bang’ while minimizing taxpayer ‘bucks.'” However, supporters of the current fiber-first approach argue that it ensures long-term sustainability and scalability of broadband infrastructure. They contend that fiber provides the most future-proof solution, capable of meeting increasing bandwidth demands for decades.
As the debate continues, all eyes are on the new administration to see if it will heed the calls for greater technological flexibility in the BEAD program. The decision could have far-reaching implications for the future of broadband access in America, particularly in rural and underserved areas where alternative technologies might prove more viable. The coming months will be crucial as stakeholders await signals from the new administration on its stance regarding tech neutrality in the BEAD program. Whatever the outcome, the goal remains the same: to connect all Americans to high-speed, reliable internet as quickly and efficiently as possible.
