Senator Pushes Fiber Broadband as Nebraska Debates BEAD Strategy

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R) is urging Nebraska to prioritize fiber broadband expansion, challenging Gov. Jim Pillen’s view that newer technologies like fixed wireless and satellite can adequately serve rural areas, according to Nebraska Public Media. During a broadband roundtable with FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty and state telecommunications leaders, several participants argued fiber remains the most reliable long-term solution for rural internet access.

Nebraska originally received $405 million through the federal BEAD broadband program, but recent federal restructuring reduced available funding to about $44 million. State officials recently celebrated Nebraska’s first BEAD-funded connection in Ogallala using fixed wireless technology. 

Public Service Commissioner Tim Schram said fiber has “no substitute,” while industry leaders warned Nebraska is falling behind nationally in fiber deployment. According to federal data, only about 9 percent of Nebraska’s BEAD funding is directed toward fiber projects, compared with a national average of 62 percent.

Pillen, however, said the idea that fiber is the only top-tier broadband option is outdated, citing improvements in wireless and satellite internet technology.