Next Century Cities Responds to the NTIA’s Request for Comment on Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Programs

The Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) tasks the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) with developing rules for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Next Century Cities (NCC) submitted comments to the NTIA encouraging the agency to work closely with local governments and community-based organizations that support new collaborations and build public awareness. Further, the comments reflect direct feedback from local officials who see the need to embrace both traditional and non-traditional partnerships, including those in collaboration with municipally-owned, nonprofit, and cooperative networks. These organizations should be able to compete for deployment opportunities in their communities. NCC also urged the NTIA to collect information on broadband speeds actually delivered by BEAD-funded programs. Subscription data in areas previously classified as unserved and the number of consumers who have enrolled in a BEAD sponsored low-cost program will be critical for assessing whether the BEAD program is meeting the broadband goals outlined in the IIJA. Finally, local leaders recommended that BEAD funding should be used to support digital literacy and digital skills training. Too many households lack the tools to fully utilize an Internet connection; a connected device and skills training are essential complements to digital infrastructure.