North Carolina Broadband Director Gets Set for a “Big Lift” on BEAD Changes

When the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced changes to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, the state of North Carolina had not yet begun accepting applications for funding. According to Angie Bailey, North Carolina director of broadband infrastructure, it will be challenging to meet the new deadlines that NTIA has imposed. “It’s a big lift with the timing window,” she said. The deadline for states to submit final BEAD proposals, including their selection of funding awardees, is early September. That means the state only expects to be able to do one funding round. And as Bailey said, “The big question is: What if we don’t get to 100%? What about areas where there is no bid?” Bailey said another question is: “Will providers be able to participate and develop projects and submit bids, especially if they’re juggling similar timing in other states?” She added, though, that the application process will be a bit easier because NTIA eliminated certain requirements.