Congressional Hearing Highlights Workforce Shortage in Advance of BEAD
Bridging the Digital Divide: The BEAD Program
It’s been over 1,000 days since the Infrastructure, Investments and Jobs Act was signed into law on November 15, 2021. This landmark legislation created the $42.45 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, aimed at connecting all Americans to fast, reliable broadband networks. Despite the ambitious goals and aggressive plans put forth by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), progress has been slow. As we approach the third anniversary of the BEAD program and projects are expected to begin next year, concerns are mounting about a looming workforce shortage that could hinder deployment efforts.
Expert Testimony Highlights Broadband Workforce Challenges
The expected workforce shortage was a key topic during a recent House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled “From Introduction to Implementation: A BEAD Program Progress Report.” Testifying before the committee were several key figures, including Misty Ann Giles, Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Montana Department of Administration; Basil Alwan, CEO of Tarana Wireless; Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of The Rural Broadband Association (NTCA); and Blair Levin, Policy Analyst at New Street Research and Non-Resident Fellow at the Brookings Institution.
Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) sought insights into the efforts of NTCA members in bringing networks to rural areas. Bloomfield noted that while many members are expanding beyond their traditional territories, they are facing significant workforce shortages in these communities. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) asked about the difficulties of deploying broadband in small communities that lack the necessary personnel. Bloomfield stressed the importance of a flexible workforce adept at navigating new regulations.
Turning to the state of Montana witness, Rep. Walberg inquired about the broadband workforce situation in that state. Giles highlighted that the state is experiencing a shortage of approximately 3,000 workers, further complicated by housing shortages. Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) raised questions about how states are handling rising labor costs. Giles pointed out that Montana has made the prevailing wage optional to encourage more bids, though this approach has introduced concerns about the broader impact of multiple requirements.
Blair Levin pointed out in his testimony that beyond geography, workforce and supply chain issues are major challenges for the BEAD program as validated by Wall Street research. Furthermore, his conversations with state broadband offices confirmed that these concerns are widespread.
Broadband Nation: Addressing the Workforce Challenge
The BEAD program holds great promise for bridging the digital divide in the United States. However, the success of this initiative hinges on addressing the critical workforce shortages that threaten to delay progress.
Broadband Nation is stepping up to tackle this challenge head-on. The program, which was launched just 4 months ago, through a collaboration between Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and Questex, aims to attract, train and deliver the next wave of broadband talent. By attracting a younger and more diverse generation of employees, the program seeks to fill the workforce gap. This initiative will connect job seekers with training opportunities at community colleges and technical institutes across the country, subsequently linking them to career opportunities within the industry.
By addressing the workforce challenge through innovative programs like Broadband Nation, high-speed internet access can be rolled out to every American within the timeframe allotted by the federal funding programs. This will not only bridge the digital divide but also help the industry replenish and diversify its employee base, ensuring that the US remains competitive in the global economy.
