2024-05-26-ITIF-BEAD报告_对各州联邦宽带基金的初步提案进行分级（英）_14页_193kb

BEAD Program State Proposals Analysis Summary

Key Takeaways

• The success of the $42.5 billion BEAD program depends on states' effective use of allocated funds.
• Current 2024 is a critical phase for state applications receiving National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) feedback and approval.
• States should adhere to three primary criteria to maximize BEAD funding benefit: tech neutrality, regulatory efficiency, and digital inclusion.

Evaluation Criteria (Summarized)

States' proposals are reviewed based on three main areas:

1. Tech Neutrality

   • Use diverse technologies: States should use a mix of technologies (fiber, LEO satellite, fixed wireless) for maximum coverage, allowing for cheaper solutions like LEO where necessary.
   • Prioritize 100/20 Mbps: Ensure coverage reaches at least 100/20 Mbps down/up.
   • Subgrantee selection: Avoid preferences for specific provider types (e.g., municipal) beyond neutrality requirements. Ensure cost-per-location thresholds (EHCPLT) maximize overall coverage using cost-effective technologies, not just fiber.

2. Streamlined Regulatory Environment

   • Prevent slanted provider access: Ensure an open application process without unjust preferences or prohibitions for any provider type (large ISPs, rural, municipal).
   • Waive restrictive state laws: Eliminate state laws that unfairly advantage or disadvantage municipalities providing broadband.
   • Efficiency measures: Streamline permitting, pole attachments, and promote shared infrastructure ("dig-once"). Establish proactive programs (e.g., Colorado's Broadband Ready Communities) to encourage local readiness.
   • Challenge process flexibility: Allow modifications like "area challenges" and "multiple dwelling unit (MDU) challenges" to improve map accuracy and process efficiency.

3. Digital Inclusion

   • Plan inclusion activities: States must articulate plans for using leftover funds in non-deployment activities like affordability programs, digital literacy, and navigation services.
   • Community input: Incorporate evidence of local support in subgrantee selection processes, accounting for community needs.
   • Collaboration: Integrate digital equity considerations into BEAD plans through interagency collaboration and task forces, directly embedding programs (e.g., digital adoption initiatives) into subgrantee rubrics.
   • Accessibility: Implement programs at local levels to encourage diverse participation and trust, providing necessary resources.

This analysis is based on the report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), which grades state proposals against these criteria.