ACLP Submits Comments to NTIA Regarding How to Use BEAD Savings
funding
BEAD
The ACLP at New York Law School has submitted comments to NTIA in response to its request for input regarding how to use the $21 billion in BEAD funds that will remain after the Benefit of the Bargain round.
The ACLP at New York Law School has submitted comments to NTIA in response to its request for input regarding how to use the $21 billion in BEAD funds that will remain after the Benefit of the Bargain round.
These comments build on spoke comments that the ACLP offered during NTIA’s first listening session on this topic, which was held on February 11. In our spoken and written comments, the ACLP recommended that NTIA use leftover funds to:
- Establish a BEAD Reserve Fund, the proceeds of which could be used to address the 1.1 million unserved and underserved locations that will remain unfunded post-BEAD. These funds could also be used to address any defaults that will inevitably arise over the next year.
- Enhance network resiliency by underwriting projects focused on replacing antiquated utility poles, modernizing public safety and emergency responder networks, and hardening systems in areas prone to outages.
- Fund proven demand-side programs to increase broadband adoption rates and deliver digital literacy training to users of all ages and skill levels.
The ACLP eagerly awaits NTIA’s release of its proposals for what to do with these funds, which is expected by March 11.