Risks of Overhauling Rural Broadband Funding

A Deep Dive into Evan Feinman's Warning and the Future of the BEAD Program

Posted 1 month ago

Concerns Over Rural Broadband Funding: The Potential Impact of Administrative Changes

A recent departure from the Commerce Department has raised significant alarm regarding the state of rural broadband funding in the United States. Evan Feinman, who oversaw the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD), sent a pointed email to his former colleagues essentially warning that the impending changes under the Trump administration may unfairly benefit Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service. This is concerning news that needs careful attention and analysis.

Key Highlights from Feinman’s Email

Feinman described Starlink's technology as "inferior," raising concerns that rural Americans may be left with worsened internet service.
He criticized potential administrative changes that could unduly enrich Musk at the expense of more robust broadband solutions.
Feinman emphasized that the program must maintain quality standards that benefit rural communities, regardless of political affiliations.

Background on BEAD

Established under the 2021 infrastructure law, BEAD is intended to facilitate nationwide broadband access, especially in underserved and rural areas. However, it has become a focal point for partisan disagreements, with criticism of the Biden administration's pace in rolling out funding.

Potential Risks of Administrative Changes

Feinman expressed concern over the Trump administration's inclination to revise the program rules, which could result in faster internet connectivity being sacrificed for a model that delivers inferior service. He pointed out:

Issue	Feinman’s Perspective
Implementation Delays	States like Louisiana, Delaware, and Nevada are facing uncertainty, jeopardizing their ability to execute projects.
Quality of Service	The shift to satellite solutions could result in slower and costlier internet connections for rural residents.
Political Messaging	Feinman argued that prior requirements related to climate and labor should not detract from core broadband objectives.

A Call to Action

Feinman urges stakeholders across the political spectrum to advocate for preserving the program's essential qualities. In his words:

"Reach out to your congressional delegation and tell them to strip out the needless requirements, but not to strip away from states the flexibility to get the best connections for their people."

Looking Ahead

The future of broadband access under the BEAD program hinges on the decisions made by the current administration and the Senate's confirmation of Arielle Roth to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. As it stands, no projects have been initiated despite the allocation of funds, leaving many states in a state of limbo.

In conclusion, it’s imperative that we advocate for a rural broadband future that genuinely serves the needs of underserved communities rather than merely catering to the financial interests of wealthy entrepreneurs.