Jade Piros de Carvalho’s Post

It's go time in Michigan to make sure all locations are accounted for before the state allocates their $1.6B of BEAD high-speed internet funding. A critical step in achieving #InternetForAll in Michigan is identifying which locations are currently unserved or underserved by high-speed internet. I'm pleased to congratulate the team at the Michigan High Speed Internet (MIHI) Office on the approval of their plan to accomplish this through a statewide challenge process. But they can only be successful with robust participation from eligible challengers in the state - including not only ISPs, but also local units of government, Tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations. The timeline is short, as challenges will only be accepted March 25 through April 23 - and the stakes are high, because this process will yield the final list of locations that are eligible to be funded under Michigan's $1.6B BEAD allocation. Preview the map, read the full process documents, and learn how to participate at the link below. Eric Frederick Jessica Randall Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

States are navigating a complex path with BEAD program approvals, mapping challenges, and the uncertain future of the ACP. Despite hurdles, the $42.5B initiative aims to bridge the digital divide. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gda47Qe8 #digitaldivide #BEADProgram

Where are we on Arizona's BEAD Program? Hello, Arizona community and fellow broadband enthusiasts! Working in the broadband industry right now is exciting and continuously developing. I thought those of you not in the industry would like an update on the latest developments on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program in Arizona. 🔍 Where We Stand: Arizona is making significant strides in the BEAD program, aiming to ensure that every community has access to reliable, high-speed internet. The map challenge process ended on May 14th, a crucial step in ensuring the accuracy of our broadband maps. The State Broadband Office is now finalizing these maps to reflect our community’s needs accurately. ⏳ What’s Next: With the maps soon to be completed, the next phase involves creating proposed project areas. This will pave the way for the selection of internet service providers (ISPs) who will undertake the buildout in various regions. This selection will be a major step towards beginning the physical deployment of broadband infrastructure, bringing us closer to our goal of statewide connectivity. 📅 Timeline: We anticipate moving from planning to action by the end of this year. Rest assured, every step is taken to maximize the program’s impact and efficiency. 🔗 Learn More: For those looking for more detailed information or who wish to track our progress, please visit the State Broadband Office’s page on the BEAD program: https://lnkd.in/gU23XFHp. Together, we're connecting Arizona to a brighter, more inclusive digital future. #BEADProgram #BroadbandAccess #DigitalDivide #ArizonaBroadband #ConnectivityForAll #LIPostingDay

Here is a great piece from Connected Nation, Inc. on where things stand on the BEAD rollout. As they note: "The BEAD rollout has been a bit slower in practice than anticipated at every stage, but in general, the inherent difficulty of joint federal-state planning for universal coverage is why, three years after the IIJA passed, BEAD hasn’t connected anyone to broadband yet. There was simply a lot of planning to do." Congrats to the hard-working folks at National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Alan Davidson for there work getting us to this point. Because of their efforts, the coordination between states and NTIA and NTIA and other federal agencies has reached a point where a number of states are starting their selection process and awarding the deployment funding with more states on deck to start their BEAD selection process. There are still plenty of challenges ahead but we are on our way to realizing the goal of universal access that was passed in the bipartisan Infrastructure Act.

1. Robust challenge process? ✅ Michigan received more than 482,000 challenges during the BEAD Challenge Process. 2. Small, customizable project areas? ✅ Michigan is using a creative 1.5-mile hexagonal grid approach to defining BEAD project areas. 3. Investing in connectivity for the future? ✅ Michigan is prioritizing fiber while still recognizing that it will take all technologies to reach our goal. 4. Not taxing broadband grants? ✅ The Michigan legislature advanced a bill recently to exempt broadband grants from corporate income tax. We're excited to implement BEAD and achieve our goal of universal high-speed internet availability. Shirley Bloomfield #NTCA #internetforall https://lnkd.in/g_V7iBK4

📢 BEAD Funding Update: Progress, Debates, and State Initiatives 📢 The BEAD program is heating up! 🔥 While 7 states and D.C. have received the green light to launch their grant programs, the debate over mandatory low-cost plan pricing is creating a stir. Virginia's resistance to a fixed price ceiling has sparked a broader conversation about balancing federal guidance with state flexibility in broadband deployment. Here are three key takeaways from the latest developments: 💰 Price Ceiling Controversy: The debate over whether states should set fixed prices for low-cost plans or allow for flexible pricing models highlights the tension between federal guidelines and local autonomy in broadband deployment. US State-led Initiatives: States like Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma are forging ahead with innovative strategies to expand broadband access, leveraging BEAD and other funding sources to overcome unique challenges. 🛜 The Path Forward: Collaboration, adaptability, and a deep understanding of local needs are essential to bridging the digital divide and creating a truly connected future for all. 🤔 A key question emerges: Should states be required to set fixed prices for low-cost plans, or should they have the autonomy to determine what's truly affordable for their communities? Several states, particularly in the Southeast, argue that a one-size-fits-all approach may not adequately address the unique economic realities of different regions. Meanwhile, states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma are forging ahead with their broadband initiatives. Kansas, an early recipient of Capital Project Funds, is launching its BEAD grant program with an emphasis on unserved areas and economically distressed communities. Nebraska has established a new Broadband Office to manage BEAD funds and continues to invest in its Broadband Bridge Program. Oklahoma, with ambitious goals to reach 95% broadband coverage by 2028, is leveraging ARPA funds and exploring innovative solutions to overcome its connectivity challenges. At Sonar Software, we are committed to empowering our ISP partners with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate this evolving landscape. We believe that by working together and embracing flexibility, we can achieve our shared goal of universal broadband access. #Broadband #BEAD #DigitalEquity #sonarsoftware #BroadbandForAll #DigitalDivide

Attention ISPs - the BEAD program is picking up speed. With most states receiving initial proposal approvals and some already launching grant applications, broadband providers need to understand the diverse landscape of state-defined project areas. From Michigan's "hexbin" system to Oregon's school district boundaries, each state is tailoring its approach to maximize impact. This impacts your strategic planning in a few key ways: Know your state's approach. Many states are opting to define their own project areas, using unique geographic units like census blocks, municipalities, or even school districts. Flexibility is key. Some states, like Texas, allow applicants to propose their own project areas, offering more flexibility but potentially requiring more detailed planning and justification. There is a lot of information out there regarding BEAD. What is most important for ISPs to know? #1 Prioritize Research and Planning: Understand State-Specific Requirements: Each state has unique guidelines for BEAD project areas, eligibility criteria, and application processes. ISPs must thoroughly research the specific requirements of the states they plan to target. This includes understanding the chosen geographic units (census blocks, hexbins, municipalities, etc.), any restrictions on project area design, and any prioritization criteria used by the state. #2 Develop a Strategic Approach: ISPs need to develop a clear and comprehensive strategy for their BEAD applications. This includes identifying target areas, assessing their eligibility, determining the appropriate technology and network design, and preparing strong proposals that align with state priorities. #3 Stay Informed and Adaptable: Monitor Program Updates: The BEAD program is evolving rapidly, with states continuously refining their programs and releasing new information. ISPs must stay informed about any changes in deadlines, guidelines, or funding allocations. Subscribe to state broadband office newsletters, attend webinars, and regularly check their websites for updates. #4 Be Flexible: Given the diversity in state approaches, ISPs need to be adaptable and adjust their strategies accordingly. This may involve modifying project areas, exploring different technologies, or partnering with other providers to meet specific state requirements. #5 Engage with Stakeholders: Collaborate with State Broadband Offices: Establish open communication with state broadband offices to clarify any questions, seek guidance, and understand their priorities. Building relationships with state officials can be beneficial throughout the application process. #6 Connect with Local Communities: Engage with local communities within target areas to understand their specific needs and challenges. This can help ISPs tailor their proposals to address local priorities and ensure community support for their projects. #BEAD #Broadband #FiberFuture #DigitalEquity #DigitalDivide

With over 1,000 days since the enactment of the BEAD program, not surprisingly, progress is still slow. We recently had several conversations about this BEAD program and its possible impact on cellular work. Even if the money starts to flow, there is a worry around project timelines and possible misunderstandings of fund allocations. On top of this, there is a feeling that due to the anticipation of BEAD and fiber, there is a lack of interest and funding for cellular. Which then is driving the lack of investment and work. Please let me know what your thoughts are. I would love to hear from others on this topic. https://lnkd.in/evhpYJTP

In a new analysis from Summer Boucher-Robinson and myself, we examine how the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program has dramatically altered the plans states and the federal government had for addressing the #digitaldivide. From how ACP was embedded in planned network deployments funded under BEAD, CPF, and ReConnect, to the adoption programs that were going to leverage ACP to pair digital skill training with an affordable connection. There are seemingly countless lost opportunities to mourn for in the end of a program that was helping 23 million households afford an internet connection. But the lapse in federal funding has also spurred states into action. We take a look at some of the early tactics state lawmakers have been considering as they attempt to fill the void ACP has left behind. If Congress doesn't refund ACP before the end of the year, it will be interesting to see how these tactics evolve in next year's state legislative sessions. https://lnkd.in/eR4XEcPF

Ohio is moving one step closer to digital equity by accepting BEAD challenges as of 6/14, a critical step in this federally subsidized initiative🌐 Take a moment to check out the article. It’s a great insight into the dynamics of our industry. https://lnkd.in/gXDtBFHX #Broadband #BEADChallenges #Innovation