Broadband Deployment  

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. 

September Meeting Summary

The meeting covered updates on BEAD implementation, highlighting West Virginia’s nearly $900 million under-budget fiber-focused proposal and challenges with reporting data for Community Anchor Institutions under shifting NTIA definitions. Concerns were raised about the exclusion of Tribal and remote communities, growing reliance on LEO satellite proposals, and uncertainty surrounding use of non-deployment funds. The group also discussed the ongoing USF legal battle, now remanded to the 5th Circuit, where debates center on the FCC’s authority to support advanced services for schools, libraries, and healthcare providers.

Full meeting notes for this and prior meetings are only available to SHLB  members, and can be accessed here.