Broadband Deployment
3rd Tuesday 2pm ET Join the Group
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.
May Meeting Summary
This month we talked about pole attachment delays in Massachusetts, increasing infrastructure demand, and efforts to streamline make-ready work through regulatory reform and stakeholder collaboration. Participants also reviewed updates to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration BEAD program, including concerns about unclear federal guidance, supply shortages tied to large data center demand, and restrictions on overlapping federal funding support. Additionally, speakers highlighted broadband investment progress in Utah, ongoing Universal Service Fund affordability programs, and the importance of continued federal and state support for rural and underserved communities.
Full meeting notes for this and prior meetings are only available to SHLB members, and can be accessed here.
- Gregory Bathrick and Kevin Sievert, Calix
- Jessica Dine, Policy Analyst with the Open Technology Institute and Wireless Future Project New America, who recapped New America and ICLE's LEO Policy Symposium event, specifically addressing how states can effectively incorporate LEO as it is now a part of the connectivity toolkit.
- Drew Garner, Director of Policy Engagement with the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society
- Roy Hoover, Consultant, Hoover Technology Consulting
