The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released definitive guidance on incorporating alternative broadband technologies within the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This initiative aims to provide states and territories with enhanced flexibility to utilize technologies such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services and unlicensed fixed wireless (ULFW) solutions, particularly in remote and challenging areas where traditional fiber-optic deployments may be impractical or cost-prohibitive.
Background and Context
The BEAD Program, established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, allocates $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access across the United States. While the program prioritizes end-to-end fiber-optic connections due to their reliability and scalability, the NTIA acknowledges that achieving universal coverage necessitates a diverse technological approach. In August 2024, the NTIA released draft guidance on using alternative broadband technologies, receiving 138 comments from stakeholders, including state broadband offices, network providers, industry associations, manufacturers, and consumers. The final guidance, issued on January 2, 2025, reflects this feedback and provides a framework for integrating alternative technologies into the BEAD Program.
Key Provisions of the Guidance
The NTIA’s final Alternative Broadband Technology Policy Notice outlines several critical aspects:
- Eligibility of Alternative Technologies: Under the NTIA’s BEAD Program guidelines, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is eligible as an alternative broadband technology if it meets specific performance standards. To qualify, FWA solutions must consistently deliver speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, with latency below 100 milliseconds to ensure a reliable and robust user experience. This makes FWA particularly viable for deployment in rural and hard-to-reach areas where fiber installation may be logistically or economically challenging. Providers utilizing FWA must also demonstrate the capability to scale and sustain these performance levels as demand increases, ensuring long-term connectivity solutions for underserved communities. By allowing FWA as an alternative, the NTIA aims to foster innovation and flexibility, accelerating efforts to close the digital divide with cost-effective and scalable broadband technologies.
- Deployment Flexibility: States and territories are granted the discretion to deploy these alternative technologies in areas where traditional fiber-optic solutions are not feasible due to high costs or logistical challenges. This flexibility ensures that even the most remote locations can receive high-speed internet access.
- Simplified Processes for LEO Providers: The guidance reduces barriers for LEO satellite providers by allowing reimbursement based on subscriber milestones or the number of locations served. Additionally, obligations related to letters of credit, federal interest requirements, and consumer premises equipment have been addressed to facilitate participation by LEO providers while maintaining taxpayer and consumer protections.
- Avoidance of Overbuilding: The NTIA emphasizes that BEAD funds should not be allocated to areas already served by ULFW or LEO services that meet the program’s speed and latency requirements, thereby preventing unnecessary duplication of services.
The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) has expressed support for the NTIA’s clarification, viewing it as a positive step toward flexibility in the BEAD Program and addressing concerns about overbuilding in areas already served.
The NTIA’s guidance signifies a strategic shift towards a more inclusive approach to broadband deployment, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all model may not be practical for achieving nationwide connectivity. By accommodating alternative technologies, the BEAD Program can more effectively address the unique challenges of diverse geographic regions, ensuring that efforts to bridge the digital divide are comprehensive and equitable.
States and territories are encouraged to integrate this guidance into their broadband deployment strategies, tailoring their approaches to the specific needs and circumstances of their unserved and underserved communities. The NTIA remains committed to providing ongoing support and resources to implement the BEAD Program successfully.
Final Guidance for BEAD Funding of Alternative Broadband Technology
