A coalition of six industry groups led by WIA is urging the state of Wisconsin to keep all technology options open when distributing BEAD funding for broadband infrastructure deployment.
“We urge you to reject recent calls to exclude qualified broadband solutions from state funding; particularly wireless-based solutions,” say WIA, NATE, CTIA, the Competitive Carriers Association, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, and the Rural Wireless Association in a letter to the state Senate Committee on Utilities and Technology. The industry groups oppose SB 325, which would effectively limit future state broadband funding to fiber-only projects.
“While fiber will be a critical component of every state broadband program, it is not the only technology capable of bridging the digital divide and comes with its own set of tradeoffs,” state the groups. “We encourage states to adopt flexible rules that will allow the greatest number of applicants to apply for these funds to increase competition and give states the maximum number of tools at their disposal.”
They note that projects to fund a single technology to achieve universal service will add unnecessary delays and increased costs to meet this goal. They encourage states to allow all technologies to compete for these funds to minimize government outlay and increase speed to deployment.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
Reader Interactions