Broadband Program Rules A Step Forward to Connecting All Americans

Arlington, VA (May 13, 2022) – The Telecommunications Industry Association—the trusted ICT industry association—applauds the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) for releasing its Notice of Funding Opportunity for broadband projects under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“The Notice of Funding Opportunity from NTIA is a major step forward in ensuring all Americans have access to reliable, high-speed broadband services,” said TIA CEO, David Stehlin. “With these Notices, the states, territories, and tribal communities across America will have added clarity as they develop their plans for expanding access to reach all our underserved communities. We appreciate NTIA’s thoughtful consideration of these complicated issues as demonstrated in these Notices of Funding Opportunity for the BEAD, Middle Mile, and Digital Equity Programs, including their decision to exclude equipment from vendors that undermine national security.”

“We know there is more work to do, including how ‘Buy America’ sourcing provisions will be applied to complex broadband deployments,” added Mr. Stehlin. “We fully support growing U.S.-based technology development, manufacturing, and construction, but the reality is ICT supply chains have been globalizing over the last two decades and cannot be moved to the U.S. overnight. TIA supports a waiver from these requirements so as to not jeopardize the once in a lifetime investment in America’s digital infrastructure and the thousands of high paying jobs that broadband expansion will produce for several years to come. TIA looks forward to continuing to work with NTIA, the FCC, and other agencies to help make this program a great success.”