The deployment of broadband from coast to coast gets mixed reviews at a U.S. House subcommittee hearing

More rural states like Montana have struggled with
broadband deployment rules. (Adobe Stock photo)

Part of the bipartisan infrastructure law aims to expand access to high-speed internet for all Americans. The rollout and the millions of dollars attached are overseen by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment, or BEAD, program.

NTIA was under the scope last week during a House subcommittee hearing on how BEAD was faring, reports Chris Teale of Route Fifty. The hearing included testimony about positive progress alongside criticisms. "The program said it has approved initial plans for 48 of the states and territories that are eligible to receive funding. . . . GOP subcommittee members argued that the program is too complex, not technology neutral, and has onerous pricing and workforce mandates" that make it harder for states to succeed.

Even though NTIA announced the approval of Montana’s plan in early August, Misty Giles, the state's chief operating officer and director of the state Department of Administration "said in her written testimony that NTIA’s requests and shifts in its guidance to states 'are akin to building a plane while flying it without having the necessary instructions to be successful,'" Teale writes. "She said the 'litany' of requirements place an undue burden on states looking to implement BEAD.'"

U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Republican from Washington state and the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, "said the 'burdensome red tape' from NTIA has created continued delays in the approval process," Teale reports. "NTIA rejected the House subcommittee’s criticism. According to a fact sheet the agency shared, the federal government has made more than $20 billion available in funding and met or exceeded all deadlines imposed by the infrastructure law to keep the program on track."

The hearing hashed out other issues, including technology-neutral needs for some states, and low-cost requirements on internet service providers, which some committee members felt was government overreach. Still, many praised the program's planning and acknowledged its broad challenge. “Subcommittee members gave NTIA credit for recently announcing it would seek comment on the use of alternative technologies in BEAD," Teale reports. "Giles said, 'I understand that trying to have all states and territories swimming in the same direction in the same lane is no small task.'"