Broadband Deployment  

2024 Co-chairs 

Jenny Miller

EducationSuperHighway

Justin Fazzari

The Sanborn Mapping Company, AppGeo Division 

Dianne Lindstrom

Los Lobos Consulting

SHLB Staff Contact: John Windhausen 

The Broadband Deployment Policy Group discusses federal and state broadband programs to promote the deployment of open, high-quality broadband infrastructure across the country.  The Group advocates for policies that expand broadband investment for anchor institutions and unserved and underserved communities by the private sector and by non-profit providers such as research and education networks and municipalities. 

August Meeting Summary

August 20, 2024: On August 20, the Broadband Deployment group had an engaging discussion about the differences between the Capital Projects Fund, which is largely exempt from historical preservation rules, and the BEAD program, which requires awardees to comply with historic preservation and permitting policies.

They also highlighted a potential issue: BEAD awardees will need to negotiate individual contracts with state broadband offices after receiving their awards, potentially delaying network deployment plans. State broadband officials are currently awaiting further guidance from the NTIA regarding these state contracts.

Full meeting notes for this and prior meetings are available to members here.

The Group will focus primarily on federal programs, such as the BEAD, CPF and RDOF programs run by NTIA, Treasury Department and the FCC respectively.  The Group will also review state broadband maps and other state broadband initiatives to drive broadband investment that benefit anchor institutions.  The Group will also discuss and support regulatory changes that can drive greater broadband deployment, such as pole attachments, open access, tax relief and other policies to promote broadband investment to solve the digital divide.  

Join the Group