In a previous post, I estimated how far the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program broadband funding might go in closing the digital divide. With this updated model, the national story is the same: after you factor in existing funding programs and private capital matches, there is plenty of money in BEAD to reach all of the unserved and reach far into the underserved. Maybe more interesting are the state-level stories. Due to dramatic differences in cost per location to bring new broadband, some states like Kansas will only be able to reach 10 percent of their un- and underserved, while many states with lower costs will be able to reach all their unserved and all their underserved. While the imbalance between expensive states and less expensive states is hard to solve — the allocation formula is written into the law — there are actions we can take on managing costs. A “back-end” process where the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) evaluates and rejects grants based on costs would be unpopular and probably unworkable. However, a process on the front-end might work. I’d suggest a transparent cost model available to all states and potential grantees as a yardstick against which to measure proposals. In my view, a public cost model could make a significant impact in making this once-in-a-generation funding go as far as possible—possibly bringing broadband all of the unserved, and a lot more.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced his agency has selected data company LightBox to develop the state’s broadband availability map. The map will help the Comptroller’s Broadband Development Office (BDO) determine where to invest public funding in areas most in need of broadband connectivity as it implements the Texas Broadband Plan. LightBox, which provides a geospatial mapping service, also has been employed by state officials in Georgia, Alabama and Montana to help create detailed broadband coverage maps. LightBox will soon start collecting data from internet service providers throughout Texas in an effort to develop a comprehensive broadband availability map, which the company is expected to complete by January 2023. The map will feature addresses of all types, including homes, businesses, public schools, charter schools, governmental entities, community anchor institutions, military bases, community colleges and Tribal areas. The Texas Legislature created the BDO in 2021 to award grants, low-interest loans and other financial incentives to internet service providers who expand access to broadband service in underserved areas. The Comptroller’s office released the Texas Broadband Plan in June 2022.

Gov Mike Dunleavy (R-AK) signed House Bill 363 establishing the Office of Broadband, creating the broadband parity adjustment fund, and establishing the Statewide Broadband Advisory Board. The bill, introduced by State Representative Bryce Edgmon, carries out recommendations made by Governor Dunleavy’s Task Force on Broadband which was established under Administrative Order No. 322. The legislation allows Alaska to capture federal funds by establishing the State Office of Broadband within the Department of Commerce, which will prioritize broadband service expansion in the following priority order: unserved areas, underserved areas, and anchor institutions. The bill creates the Broadband Parity Adjustment Fund to be a repository of federal funds and may be utilized to offset costs of broadband for eligible Alaskans. Lastly, House Bill 363 created the Statewide Broadband Advisory Board to advise the Office of Broadband and facilitate stakeholder engagement. The bill signing ceremony took place at the Alaska Broadband Summit + Workshop hosted by Sen Dan Sullivan (R-AK), the State of Alaska, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Alaska Municipal League (AML), and the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN).