NE Washington News

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) delivered opening remarks at a hearing titled “From Introduction to Implementation: A BEAD Program Progress Report.”

Latta addressed the challenges facing the implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which was funded with $42.5 billion through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). He expressed concerns about how the program was established and managed.

“Almost three years have passed since the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) became law,” Latta stated. “This legislation appropriated $42.5 billion to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to deploy broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved homes and businesses.”

While acknowledging the importance of investing in rural broadband infrastructure, Latta raised several issues regarding BEAD’s execution. “First, this program was created outside of regular order, and therefore lacks appropriate provisions to safeguard these taxpayer dollars,” he noted.

He criticized the absence of discussions on whether $42 billion was an appropriate amount for connecting every American or how the program should be administered. Latta also pointed out that meaningful permitting reform was missed in the infrastructure bill.

“I am further concerned with how the Biden-Harris Administration is running the program,” Latta added.

Latta highlighted what he described as NTIA’s confusing requirements that hindered BEAD’s effectiveness. “NTIA continues to add requirements that are contrary to Congressional intent and make this program less attractive and more expensive to the broadband providers needed to deploy to unserved and underserved communities,” he said.

Specific actions by NTIA were mentioned, including price controls for certain broadband plans, preferences for specific technologies, and additional workforce and climate requirements. Latta emphasized that these measures could delay state initial proposals’ approval and jeopardize grant success.

“I am also concerned about impending workforce and supply chain shortages,” Latta continued. He warned that simultaneous demand from 56 states and territories would lead to shortages and higher prices for necessary materials like workers and bucket trucks.

Despite his criticisms, Latta acknowledged some positive changes from NTIA based on feedback received. “Two weeks ago, NTIA sought comment on how states can use alternative technologies such as unlicensed fixed wireless and low-earth orbit satellites to serve our most remote areas,” he remarked.

Although advocating for these technologies from the beginning would have been preferable, Latta expressed satisfaction with NTIA’s shift in policy. He urged further adjustments addressing other raised concerns.

In his concluding remarks, Latta touched upon efforts related to broadband affordability through programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). “I am committed to finding a long-term solution to address broadband affordability,” he asserted while calling for ACP reforms targeting those truly in need with sustainable funding sources.

Latta indicated ongoing bipartisan efforts within Congress towards closing the digital divide. “Today’s hearing is an opportunity to discuss NTIA’s administration of the BEAD program from those on-the-ground—the states and broadband providers that will do the work of deploying broadband in our unserved and underserved communities,” he concluded.

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