HARRISBURG – The Broadband Communications Association of Pennsylvania (BCAP) issued the following statement after the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released updated guidance for the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program:
The statement can be attributed to BCAP President Todd Eachus:
“The updated guidance released today addresses many of the serious concerns providers have expressed to efficiently deploy broadband in unserved and undeserved areas. We are most satisfied to see that the Trump Administration has rightfully withdrawn language that would regulate rates for service – which is already against federal law – and to remove the mandate for ambiguous and unreasonable middle-class affordability plans, but to keep a low-cost plan for subgrantees. The new rules are technically neutral, meaning that whatever technology best suits a location will be considered.
“Most importantly, we are pleased to see that despite the delay in the application process and ultimate funding, NTIA has seen fit to give more weight to subgrantee applications that will expedite broadband projects. This is welcome news to the rural communities across Pennsylvania in need of connectivity.
“While these changes necessitate a new application period in Pennsylvania, we are optimistic that the updates will encourage more of our established providers to submit applications. These are the men and women who have worked hard for decades in our communities who have decades of demonstrated abilities and understand what it takes to build a robust and secure network to serve our residents for years to come.
“We look forward to working with the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority to ensure the new changes are the best fit for our Commonwealth and that we can get shovels in the ground and lines on the poles as expeditiously as possible.”
The Broadband Communications Association of Pennsylvania, a member-driven organization based in Harrisburg, actively promotes broadband cable and telecommunications industry issues in Pennsylvania. BCAP – the nation’s first state cable association – represents cable operators, programmers and equipment suppliers that collectively provide service to nearly 3 million Pennsylvania households and businesses.
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Broadband Communications Association of Pennsylvania
127 State St., Harrisburg PA 17101
717.214.2000 * www.BCAPA.com * @BCAPisBroadband