Responding to a request for comment on NTIA's BEAD guidance on alternative technologies, ACA Connects and NTCA said low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites should be used 'in very limited circumstances,' and fiber should be the priority.
Two industry trade groups are urging the NTIA to ensure states fund fiber for as many locations as possible through the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The groups, ACA Connects and NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, further said that low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, like Starlink, should be funded as "a last resort."
The commentary was filed in response to the NTIA's request for comment on its guidance issued last month on when and how BEAD funds can be used for "alternative" technologies, including LEO satellite and unlicensed fixed wireless access (FWA) services. While the NTIA's guidance was issued to address ongoing pushback from the wireless industry and some states on the BEAD program's fiber focus, both ACA and NTCA urged the agency to continue to prioritize fiber when reviewing state BEAD proposals. Read more here.
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