Evan Feinman, NTIA’s BEAD Director, made headlines last week for comments that pointed out states can do their own challenge processes. That isn’t breaking news since states are guaranteed that right in the Infrastructure Bill. Still, there appears to be a narrative developing that displeasure with the FCC and the Map will be rectified once the process is in the hands of the states. To the states: careful what you wish for. I think there’s an easier way: states could choose to award grants in an technology-aware manner, adding 3.1 million locations currently Served or Underserved by DSL or 25/3 fixed wireless, which would have the same — or an even better — effect.
Another interesting approach - the Public Service Commission in South Carolina has declared that DSL is no longer considered to be broadband.