The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) has expressed support for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) recent rules and guidance concerning the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The ITIF, a prominent think tank focused on science and technology policy, shared its perspective through a statement from Joe Kane, director of broadband and spectrum policy.
Kane emphasized the importance of NTIA's decision to maintain technology neutrality within the BEAD program while also limiting grants for excessively costly deployment projects. He stated, "Efficient deployment is essential to the long-term success of U.S. broadband policy. We should leverage new technologies that can serve remote areas economically, not fixate on exorbitantly expensive fiber builds."
Kane highlighted that saving money on deployment is just an initial step towards achieving a more rational broadband policy in the United States. He urged NTIA to expedite its promised guidance on "allowable non-deployment activities," noting that issues such as affordability and adoption contribute significantly to the digital divide.
According to Kane, "The greatest benefit of the BEAD bargain will come from using BEAD funds for targeted affordability and adoption efforts, and NTIA should explicitly permit them as soon as possible."
For further information or inquiries regarding this matter, Austin Slater can be contacted at [email protected]