Fiber Public-Private Partnerships in the BEAD Era: How Localities Can Attract Broadband Investment

The expansion of broadband in the United States is at a critical inflection point. Massive uncertainty about the federal government's investment in rural connectivity is grabbing headlines, as the new Administration openly ponders changes to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program that could favor satellite technology at the expense of robust terrestrial technology such as fiber. At the same time, many localities are still struggling to determine how best to use their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for broadband projects, even as the clock is set to run out on their ability to spend those funds. Given these uncertainties, local governments should be thinking about how to understand and navigate the coming federal policy changes—and private market forces—and developing strategies to attract broadband investment in their communities. This brief discussion provides insights and guidance for localities on why and how to initiate a competitive partner selection process to advance their broadband policy goals, to leverage both public and private investment.

[Wim Verdouw is a principal at Rebel’s Washington (DC) office, with 20 years of experience in financial analysis, project development and project implementation in broadband, transportation, renewable energy, water, and social infrastructure sectors. Zachary Karson is a manager at Rebel with over 7 years of experience advising both public and private sector clients on infrastructure projects in various sectors, including broadband, mass transit and mobility, renewable energy, water, and wastewater. Joanne Hovis is a broadband analyst and president of CTC Technology & Energy. For more than 25 years, she has advised state and local governments in development of collaborations with the private sector to address broadband and connectivity needs.]