Today, NTIA released guidance to clarify how states can use broadband funding to deploy technologies like Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite and unlicensed fixed wireless. The final Alternative Broadband Technology Policy Notice provides states and territories with additional guidance on issuing subgrants to these “alternative technology” providers. This notice gives states and territories additional flexibility and simplified processes for determining where Alternative Technologies can be funded, all while ensuring that states and territories may select the most robust technology for each BEAD funded location, including those locations in the most remote and difficult to reach areas.
NTIA has also taken steps to significantly reduce barriers to participation by LEO satellite providers. The Policy Notice gives states the flexibility to reimburse LEO providers based upon either subscriber milestones or the number of locations in a project area. Letter of Credit obligations, Federal interest requirements, and consumer premises equipment obligations have all been addressed in a manner that will better facilitate participation by LEO providers while preserving taxpayer and consumer protections across the BEAD program.
On August 26, 2024, NTIA released draft guidance on the use of Alternative Broadband Technology under BEAD. In response, NTIA received 138 comments from state broadband offices, network providers, industry associations, manufacturers, and consumers. Many commenters supported adoption of the draft guidance as written, and others proposed modifications and clarifications to the draft language.
Many commenters urged NTIA to continue its focus on fiber to the home deployments. NTIA reiterates through this Public Notice the importance of these Priority Broadband Projects, which the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law required NTIA to define. NTIA has long recognized, however, that the cost of deployment for some locations may require the use of Alternative Technologies. This Public Notice will help ensure that BEAD funding is directed to those areas that most need it and ensure that states and territories may select the best available technology to deploy to be deployed to each location.
Through the release of this Public Notice, states are now further equipped to implement their award processes and ensure that every person in America has access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet, regardless of where they live.
The final guidance and copies of the 138 comments received by NTIA can be found at this link.