Creating a Lasting Solution for BEAD
Commerce Secretary Lutnick is widely expected to stray from the current approach of using market forces to incentivize states and territories to determine the right technology mix most appropriate for their jurisdiction. The fear is that he will adopt a one-size-fits-all federal mandate and direct states and territories to cut corners using a “short-term bang for the buck” approach, basically the same approach that has failed for decades to deliver fast, reliable, and affordable internet service in the hardest-to-reach parts of the country. That would be a tragic mistake. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided once-in-a-generation funding, and we are very unlikely this level of funding will come around again in our lifetimes. To the extent the new Administration seeks to cut unnecessary red tape, remove unnecessary rules and mandates, and improve efficiency, more power to them. In that effort they should have everyone’s unwavering support. But to the extent the forthcoming changes have the effect of selling out the American people to steer an excess of money toward Elon Musk’s satellite company, it will be a travesty mostly rural red states will regret for decades.
[Tim Stelzig is a former Senior Policy Advisor and Regional Director of NTIA's BEAD program.]
Creating a Lasting Solution for BEAD