Broadband Funding Challenges and Innovations Shape Future Connectivity Landscape

The article discusses the impact of $42.45 billion from the BEAD program on broadband expansion, regulatory challenges, and emerging technologies in connectivity.

As states gear up to distribute $42.45 billion from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which aims to strengthen connectivity in underserved areas, utility pole owners might face increased pressure from certain broadband providers.

These companies may push for overly rigid terms for pole attachments, and it’s crucial for pole owners to stand firm to protect their distribution networks.

BEAD Program and Broadband Rollout

In the first quarter of the year, states are poised to accelerate their selection process for BEAD broadband subrecipients.

This swift movement could heighten scrutiny over the accuracy and effectiveness of the challenge mechanisms that identify sections lacking federal or state broadband services.

At the same time, efforts by the FCC, Congress, and state agencies to remove perceived barriers to accessing utility poles and rights-of-way could pave the way for quicker broadband rollout.

We’re also seeing a resurgence of interest in sharing spectrum resources among federal entities and FCC licensees.

With the FCC recently revoking its auction authority, concerns have surfaced regarding the effectiveness of auctions in spectrum allocation.

As a result, the Commission is exploring alternative methods for utilizing spectrum in ways that prioritize public benefit.

Universal Service Fund and Future Reforms

The Supreme Court’s recent decision on the Universal Service Fund (USF) leaves the program in a state of ambiguity, preserving its structure but raising unresolved questions about its future.

The notion of taxing large content providers to support the USF has generated heated debate, largely due to aggressive lobbying from the content sector and challenges in identifying those responsible for such taxes.

As congressional appropriations appear to be the last viable option, discussions on the USF will likely continue into 2025, possibly igniting significant reforms within the Telecommunications Act.

Moreover, as the distribution of BEAD funding unfolds in the first quarter, a concerning trend may emerge: many areas could showcase a notable absence of solid broadband service proposals.

This unexpected gap suggests a lack of enthusiasm from service providers.

However, companies like Starlink and Amazon, which provide low Earth orbit satellite services, might offer viable solutions.

Meanwhile, it’s anticipated that the previously established 5G Fund will come to an end, coinciding with a wave of mergers and acquisitions among mid-sized broadband providers.

Investment into middle-mile and long-haul fiber networks is likely to continue, driven by rising demands for artificial intelligence capabilities and enhanced data center connectivity.

Future Prospects and Innovations

On a brighter note, there seems to be optimism regarding Congress reinstating the FCC’s auction authority.

Looking ahead, a portion of the proceeds from an upcoming auction, expected within the next couple of years, is likely to support the national transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911) services.

On the regulatory front, wireless licensees might face longer wait times for the FCC’s approval of transactional filings involving licenses, as dictated by Section 310(d) of the Communications Act.

Therefore, it’s wise for those involved in license assignments or transfers to submit their requests well in advance of anticipated closing dates.

With cybersecurity for critical infrastructure becoming increasingly important, the FCC is expected to broaden its Covered List.

This list highlights communications equipment and services deemed unacceptable due to national security concerns.

Finally, the FCC’s decision to open the 6 GHz band to very low power devices is set to trigger a wave of unlicensed innovations.

This decision will particularly benefit the education and healthcare sectors, as advancements in wearable technology and mixed reality devices become more affordable and widely accessible.

Source: Natlawreview