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NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth has hinted at a potential use for unspent BEAD funds, also referred to as non-deployment funds.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Non-deployment funds associated with the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program have been a hot topic of discussion in recent months, with several varying uses for the money having been proposed.
While no concrete decision has been made regarding the future of the money, Arielle Roth did hint at a potential use for the funds in recent remarks she gave last week, at The Hudson Institute.
She said the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is considering potential uses for the funds, which recent reporting has revealed will likely exceed $20 billion.
According to Roth, NTIA is considering how non-deployment funds could be used to advance “key outcomes like permitting reform.”
“No final decisions have been made, but this could be a powerful way to advance BEAD’s goals,” Roth added.
However, according to Roth, federal streamlining is only part of the BEAD equation.
She said states need to match the federal government’s urgency.
“That’s why we are requiring in our award agreements firm commitments from states to expedite permitting, including commitments to streamline processing, minimize permitting-related costs, and to the extent permitted by law, follow FCC rules on access to poles and conduit, including rules on ‘one-touch make-ready’ and ‘self-help.'”
Roth outlines new requirement for BEAD providers
Roth’s remarks came shortly after she outlined a new requirement for providers that take BEAD dollars.
Roth, who also serves as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, said NTIA will now require states to obtain written statements from providers pledging they won’t seek additional federal dollars for projects.
“Those unwilling to make that commitment will not get an award,” she said. “Their proposed service areas will instead go to entities that can and will deliver.”
Roth said the aforementioned written certifications from providers will be required because “providers that are banking on future subsidies to stay afloat, are setting themselves, and their communities, up to fail.”
