The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is the largest broadband funding project to date and aims to tackle the expansive digital divide in America. With over $42 billion on the line and nearly 21 million Americans without access to fast and reliable internet, efficiency is key in investing these funds. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has the opportunity to maximize BEAD’s potential by remaining “tech neutral” and making sure that each area receives the internet technology best suited to its needs.

The guidelines established by the NTIA favor using fiber internet over other alternative technologies, like fixed wireless or satellite services. If an area does wish to pursue alternative technologies, the NTIA places the burden upon them to prove why fiber is not suitable.  While in-ground fiber makes sense for heavily populated urban areas, where the cost of installation and maintenance is justified by the density of the inhabitants, it is impractical for rural or mountainous regions.

Bringing fiber to a single home in a rural area can cost thousands because the households are so spread out. Installing fiber in mountainous regions presents several practical topographical challenges. Spare money and time are two things that those fighting to close the digital divide do not have.

Perhaps anticipating the pitfalls in their fiber-first approach, the NTIA invited comments on their proposed guidance. Several of the comments centered on the benefits of remaining tech neutral, or not favoring fiber over other internet technologies. Many echoed the sentiments of Brendan Carr, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, who has been an outspoken advocate for maximizing the efficiency of BEAD funds. He references the restrictions placed on certain broadband services, like Starlink, as a roadblock to closing the digital divide.

Tech neutrality is a free market approach to the challenges of connectivity. The International Center for Law and Economics examined the success of Starlink and the speed of 5G fixed wireless, both alternative internet technologies. They concluded, “these developments underscore a crucial point: technology-neutral policies can foster innovation and competition. By allowing different solutions to compete on their merits, we drive providers to improve their offerings, leading to better service and lower prices for consumers.” Notably, Louisiana’s broadband office,ConnectLA, committed early on to remain tech neutral.

The NTIA should crunch the numbers and recognize that the success of BEAD hinges on ensuring that areas of need are served with the appropriate technologies. When valuable tax dollars are on the line, ignoring innovation that makes a project more affordable is not an option.