A few weeks ago, I updated my analysis of how far the BEAD funding will go, saying under ideal circumstances $42 billion could bring fiber-to-the-home broadband to 86% of the un- and underserved. More generally, the point was given RDOF funding, private capital matches, and assuming grant processes can engender some competition between ISPs that keep costs in check, the BEAD funding can go a long way to closing the digital divide. Coincidentally, at the same time, a
Your numbers look more realistic, for sure. Variables I wonder about:
1. The FCC's new location-based reporting will still accept advertised speeds, which will allow (some) providers to overstate their coverage and block off (some) areas that still need service.
2. Awardees for RDOF and state-funded broadband grants can kick their respective cans down the road, potentially blocking providers who are ready to serve rural areas now. We've seen this movie before, with incumbents either delaying service to promised areas or just flat not serving them.
3. How long will the challenges to the new FCC maps take and will NTIA wait until they are complete - or as Mr. Davidson has said, just jump in at some point and say, "These are good enough." That alone could also disenfranchise some unserved/underserved locations that don't survive the challenge process.
Your numbers look more realistic, for sure. Variables I wonder about:
1. The FCC's new location-based reporting will still accept advertised speeds, which will allow (some) providers to overstate their coverage and block off (some) areas that still need service.
2. Awardees for RDOF and state-funded broadband grants can kick their respective cans down the road, potentially blocking providers who are ready to serve rural areas now. We've seen this movie before, with incumbents either delaying service to promised areas or just flat not serving them.
3. How long will the challenges to the new FCC maps take and will NTIA wait until they are complete - or as Mr. Davidson has said, just jump in at some point and say, "These are good enough." That alone could also disenfranchise some unserved/underserved locations that don't survive the challenge process.