The Benefits of Wireless Broadband: WIA’s NTIA & Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Advocacy BEAD Principles Broadband access is an essential element of modern American life, yet still too many lack access today to basic connectivity. The federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program can change the lives of millions of unconnected Americans—but its success in connecting everyone will come down to the choices we make right now. The BEAD program, while shaped by federal guidelines, empowers states to make the best decisions on bringing broadband access to their citizens. WIA encourages states to consider the following high level principles when crafting rules for broadband expansion: The Right Technology in the Right Place It will take a blend of technologies to bridge the digital divide. Fixed wireless broadband is the fastest growing form of broadband among consumers. States should consider what the right blend of broadband technologies are for their state. Attention to key terms, like the Extremely High-Cost per Location Threshold, are an opportunity to ensure states preserve their flexibility to meet the broadband challenge. Ready to Work Broadband means jobs. And broadband jobs are not limited to remote working—broadband deployment means well-paying jobs for the workers setting the physical infrastructure. But today we face a shortage of broadband labor talent. The BEAD requirements recognize this critical need by including workforce objectives in “deployment costs.” States must consider their available workforce and seek ways to bolster it to deploy these funds in an expedient manner as they complete their plans. WIA has extensive expertise in this area and can help states with their broadband workforce solutions. Ready to Build State and local governments play a key role in determining how quickly broadband can be deployed. Those places with the right structures in place —like permitting and responsible siting policies—will get connected faster. Wireless Industry Urges States to Allow Maximum Flexibility in Choosing Broadband Technologies for BEAD Grants WIA leads wireless industry in urging states to allow for maximum flexibility in choosing the right mix of broadband technologies to meet their policy goals with BEAD grants. READ MORE Patrick Halley: States Must Be Smart When Defining ‘Extremely High-Cost Locations’ WIA President and CEO Patrick Halley pens an op-ed in Broadband Breakfast urging states to allow themselves the flexibility to fund the right mix of technologies with broadband grants. READ MORE Investing in the Broadband Workforce with BEAD WIA provides resources to facilitate federal and state investments in sector-based partnerships, Registered Apprenticeship, and training solutions for broadband with BEAD funding. READ MORE Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): A Competitive and Growing Broadband Technology Read about the benefits and strengths of FWA as a broadband technology and its market growth. READ MORE The Fixed Wireless Network Opportunity: A Market Report WIA publishes White Paper exploring how Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) offers a robust and reliable broadband alternative to fiber, cable, and DSL for both homes and businesses. READ MORE WIA Responds to Senator Thune Inquiry WIA details its vision for successful BEAD implementation. READ MORE